Fish 464 (Season 11,978) Returns 66 (2,729) Rod average 7.03 (4.38)
Grafham switched on in earnest this week, particularly for the bank anglers. Culminating in the Hinckley Shield fished on Sunday to a six fish limit 54 anglers caught 254 fish.
The north shore has come to life with shrimp feeders close in to the shore. Notable hot areas have been the Willows, G marker, Coves Bay and Deep Water Point. The ‘Grafham shuffle’ is working well to stir up the shrimp. Best methods have been GRHE’s and small fry patterns.
Boat anglers have been copying the bank anglers, close in with shrimp and fry patterns. Depending on the wind direction drift in to, or along the shore close in as the shrimp feeders are only 15-30 feet from the bank. Look to fish the clear water on the edge of any cloudy mud washed areas as the trout are patrolling the edge of the coloured water mopping up the shrimp. Don’t forget to give the bank anglers 50 metres when fishing these areas.
Competition news
Hinckley Shield results
Nine teams of six anglers fished this annual match with all the anglers fishing the north shore. Out of 54 anglers, 31 caught their six fish limit. Invicta A narrowly pipped Elinor to take the top spot by just a few ounces, giving them victory for the second consecutive year. Keith Gilchrist, fishing for the winning team, was top rod weighing in for 15lb 11oz including the best fish of the match at 5lb 10oz.
We are delighted to announce the return of the Shrimpmasters! Join us for this sociable bank league on six Sundays, starting in November and finishing in January. Be sure to practice your shrimp shuffle for this one!
Fishing Stats
Best boat areas: Rainbow Point, Stumps, Sanctuary Bay, G marker, Pylon Point, Deep Water Point, Hill Farm, Hedge End, Willows, Dam, the Seat, Sludge Point.
Best bank areas: G bank, Hill Farm, Deep Water Point, Hedge End, Pylon, the Stumps, the Seat, the Dam.
Midweek boat winner: Mr Wicks of Essex.
Forthcoming events
Fly fishing for Pike 16 May to 31 January 2019
Grafham Water Fur & Feather (bank) 25 November
Shrimpmasters bank league: Sundays 11 and 25 November; 2 and 16 December; 6 and 20 January.