Week ending 8 March
Rod average 5.8
The strong winds of opening week didn’t deter bank anglers and it was good to see so many braving the conditions. These anglers were rewarded with some fantastic sport and an amazing number of clearly grown on overwintered fish. In addition to some fine Rainbows we also saw plenty of Browns (these are out of season until the start of April).
One bank angler recorded Rainbows of 6lb 8oz, 5lb,4lb 10oz and 4lb during the first week of the season. All of these specimens were taken using shrimp and hares ear.
The Sailing Club bank was a successful spot for one of our lady anglers who enjoyed two sessions catching 8 and 11 fish with a small black snake on a fast glass line. One angler had a great morning with 9 fish caught and returned; the best going to 6lb and the rest weighing 3lb plus.
The Cliffs were a good spot last Friday when buzzer were hatching off. Black buzzer patterns were effective with one angler taking 6 fish on Friday and another 8 fish on Saturday (all returned).
Boat anglers have put the strong winds and high water levels of opening week behind them and this weekend we saw anglers out on the water catching fish. One angler enjoying an early season holiday boat package fished for two days at Pitsford and caught 22 Rainbows up to 4lb and 4 Browns to 6lb.
One boat pair fished for half a day on Saturday catching 19 fish in Stone Barn Bay on bloodworm patterns and reported that the fish were stuffed with bloodworm. Water clarity in the main lake is currently good all round with a minimum visibility of 5-6 feet.
Pitsford’s Open House on 22 February was well supported. Steve Baines was the lucky winner of the annual draw from the 2019 season ticket returns. Steve won a Premium season ticket for the 2020 season.
Important information for boat anglers
Until further notice boats will not be allowed on the water if the BBC forecast for wind speed is above 12mph average. This is due to high water levels and boat access through the ‘tunnel’.
Fishing stats
Best Rainbow: 6lb 8oz
Best Brown: 9lb (safely returned)
Fish stocked: 5,000.
Forthcoming events
Beginners courses: 14,22 & 28 March; 1,14 & 19 April; 9,16,24 & 30 May and other dates throughout the season.
Boat handling courses: 29 April;20 May; 9 & 30 June and other dates throughout the season.