Latest News and Information from Anglian Water Fishing

Week ending 4 December 2016

www.anglianwater.co.uk/leisure
Rutland Water 01780 686441; Grafham Water 01480 810531;
Pitsford, Ravensthorpe & Hollowell 01604 781350,
Taverham Mills Fishery 01603 861014; Alton Water 01473 589105
Recreation Dept Anglian Water 01572 653021
Rutland Water
Anglers have enjoyed an excellent week at Rutland Water despite some severe frost. In settled conditions fish continue to come out in many areas off the bank. Oakham’s Roger Marshall recorded ten fish, with the now customary Browns amongst the bag.

The harbour wall has been heavily fished this week with good numbers of fish (mainly Browns) caught. We would suggest that if anglers are coming across a heavy concentration of Browns it would be best to move on to fish another spot, leaving these fish for next season.

We have seen a few boat anglers. Ken Salmon fished last Tuesday following a severe overnight frost and enjoyed a great day’s fishing, netting 12 fish. Five of these were Rainbows and seven were Browns (safely returned). Fish are feeding on snails.

There was an excellent turnout on Sunday for Rutland’s popular Fur and Feather with 48 anglers lining the banks. Top rod was Leicester angler Nigel Keeber, who had a cracking brace of rainbows early on, and he followed these up with three more rainbows for a total bag weight of 14lb 4½oz.
Keith Jones took second place with four fish for 8lb 9½oz and Iain Barr was third with four fish for 8lb 6¼oz. The best fish of the match weighed 3lb 15½oz and was caught by Grafham Ranger Mark Haycock. Mark put in a few hours of practice on Saturday and caught and returned a few Browns up to 8lb. Mark was 6th on the day with two fish weighing 6lb 11oz. 48 rainbows were taken in this match, but good numbers of browns, (possibly more than rainbows) were seen on the day.

Predator fishing
Steady numbers of Zander are being caught up to 6-7lb. Some Perch and Pike are also being reported.

Forthcoming events
Great price reductions on Predator ranges at our tackle shops
Pike fishing with lure and dead sea bait 6 October to 31 January 2017
Please remember that Browns are now out of season and winter restrictions are also in place.

Grafham Water
Rod average 5.12
Another fantastic week of fishing has come to a close at Grafham, with bank and boat anglers enjoying some great results, giving us an excellent 5.12 rod average. Although the conditions have primarily been bright, the fish are still being taken from the top four feet of water.

We have had numerous reports of good catches this week. These include Messrs Harris, Bowley and Spall who all managed 4lb plus fish this week. Mr Spall had 21 fish in his bag. Mr Keeber managed a fantastic 21 fish off the bank.

Boat fishing can be challenging at this time of year and a good haul can depend on the conditions. Therefore, we suggest bringing a good variety of lures, lines and flies along with you so that you can change style often to find the fish. When fishing in bright sunshine it is worth changing to darker patterns to help silhouette the lure.

Good areas include Hill Farm, Rectory Bay, Farm Bay, the Dam, the Willows, G Buoy, Gaynes Cove, Sludge Point, the Seat and Deep Water Point. Although when the wind picks up back drifting with Di7’s and snakes or tubes will produce fish.

Bank fishing has been prolific along the north shore this week with specimens over 4lb being reported most days. Much of the fishing on the north shore is with shrimp patterns or hares ears, however the right lure will help you catch your bag too. The fish do seem to be retreating from the shorelines as angling pressure increases so it may be worth fishing those harder to reach less pressured areas around the reservoir.

After another cold week the predator fish have started to appear again. A few Pike in double figures have been landed, along with a few very good Zander. Lures and dead baits are paying off so make sure you have all the necessities for your trip.

Please note that the shop is now closed on Monday and Tuesday – permits are available to buy from the Harbour View Café adjacent to the tackle shop.

Competition news
Army/RAF versus Grafham locals
25 anglers fished this match for a rod average of 3. Matt Willatt took the biggest fish at 4lb 1oz. Chris McLeod was top rod weighing in for 17lb 3oz. The Army/RAF came out on top weighing in at 124lb 5oz with the locals weighing in at 76lb 1¼oz.

Best boat areas Perry Point, South Dam, Gaynes Cove, the Seat, Sailing Club Bay, G Buoy, the Willows, Deep Water Point, Hill Farm.
Best bank areas North and South Dam, Plummers, Mander Car Park, Deep Water Point, Hill Farm, Pylon Point, Harbour Arms, Perry Point, the Seat.
Winter sale
Don’t miss our fantastic Winter Sale at Grafham and Rutland Tackle shops. The sale includes selected rods, reels, fly lines, waders and boots all reduced to clear – items up to 50% off, subject to availability. We also have a great offer on Airflo, Comfort Deluxe boat seats at Rutland and Grafham – these are reduced from £179 to £99. This is a special offer ending on 9 December (while stocks last).

We also have reductions of up to 40% on Predator tackle.

Forthcoming events
Fly fishing for Pike to 31 January 2017 (subject to boat availability)
Pike fishing with lure & dead sea bait 1 October to 31 January 2017