Week ending 1st November 2009
Fish week 240 (season 17,563) returns 127 (5,422) rod average 1.8(3.2)
Boat fishing for trout has been unsettled with the weather. Fish are coming to minkies and tubes on the rudder or drifting out of the back of the boat. There are still fry feeders near the dam and around the weedbeds along the Narrows.
Pike fishing is producing some good fish on the washing line technique with a small white booby on the point with corixas and cruncher on the droppers, fished above the weedbeds and in the gaps. Paul Barnes caught a Pike last week and says “It was absolutely fin perfect and fought like hell! Thank you once again to all the staff at Pitsford for being so helpful as usual.”
Best methods Boats - main bowl – fast sinking lines, boobies or lures.
Best boat areas Main bowl
Best bank areas Stone Barn, Gravells
Mid week boat winner John Bird
Forthcoming events
Beginners course 7 November.
Fur and Feather (boat) 8 November
Pike fishing
Boat fishing with lures and dead sea fish over 18cm (excluding lamprey)
1 October to 22 November
Bank fishing 1 November to 31 December
Just in case anyone is in my neck of the woods this weekend I thought I'd pass on the following..
Rutland:-
Boat
East Creek,Sailing Club, Normanton, Blue Pipes, Fantasy Island....Fast Glass - Di-3 up to 20 seconds down with Minkies, Hummungus and Hummungus Boobies pulled back at a steady pace.
Bank fishing in the same area's, and Carrot Creek - Barnhill Creek with Minkies and Floating Fry
Grafham:-
Boat
Savages, Valley Creek, Lodge, Nature Reserve, Gaynes to Dam
Floating line and dries, or crunchers
Intermediate and Minkie boobies and hummungus slow figure of 8 retrieve
Bank
Perry Point, Seat, Gaynes, Corner of Dam(gaynes end) same methods as above
Pitsford:-
Boat
Dam to Sailing Club,Pines, Narrows, Pitsford Creek, Gravels
DI-3 or DI-5 with Hummungus boobies best
Bank
Gravels, Stilton Point, Cliffs, Pines
Floating line with minkie booby (or suspender minkie) top dropper and hummungus or minkie on the point with a figure of 8 retrieve.
All reservoirs are fishing very well, Grafham and Pitsford especially with a lot of 2.5lb - 4lb fish. The fish are on Fry, Corixa and buzzers when the weather is warm and very close to the weed-beds and bank.
Rutland is fishing OK...the bigger fish 3lb+ just don't seem to be showing now (like they were...it's just the odd nice fish about now)..i think it'll take a really good cold snap now to get the big fish at Rutland close to the bank again and on the 3" roach fry - which will probably be the end of November now at the earliest !
Rob Edmunds
Week ending 25th October 2009
Fish week 303 (season 17,323) returns 118 (5,295) rod average 2.5(3.2)
On Saturday Pitsford Water hosted the Tom Bilson Memorial Trophy. Tom was the founder of the England Youth Fly fishing team. “This is a new match that will hopefully become a fixture on the annual match calendar at Pitsford”, commented Bobbie Worker, secretary of the EYFA. Bobbie, who organised the event made sure that anglers started the day with bacon sandwiches and tea in the comfort of the Hector Woolnough room. 30 anglers of all ages fished to reservoir rules (with the exception of no anchoring) on what was a hard day at Pitsford. They were back in for a barbeque lunch followed by the afternoon session which ended at 5pm. Star of the show was Carl Malpass of Northumberland who caught six fish for 15lb 13oz, including the best fish of the match a 4lb 10oz Rainbow.
Carl's best fish of the match a 4lb 10oz Rainbow.
John Mackintosh was second with 3 fish for 9lb 11oz including a Rainbow of 4lb. Dom Sheratte took the second biggest fish of the day a brown trout of 4lb 4oz. David Moore, now retired from his role as Anglian Water’s Recreation Manager, supported the event by fishing but sadly failed to bring anything to the scales!
Boat angler Rob Layton, current Brown trout record holder, caught the best Rainbow this week (since May in fact). Rob rudder fished the main basin with 30 yards of lead core line to bag a stunning mint condition 9lb 2oz Rainbow.
Best methods See report
Best Rainbow 9lb 2oz taken by Rob Layton of Holcott, Northampton.
Best Brown 4lb 3oz
Best boat areas Main bowl, narrows
Best bank areas Gravells, Stone Barn Bay
Mid week boat winner E Morgan of Rugby
Forthcoming events
Beginners course 7 November.
Fur and Feather (boat) 8 November
Pike fishing
Boat fishing with lures and dead sea fish over 18cm (excluding lamprey)
1 October to 22 November
Bank fishing 1 November to 31 December
Week ending 18th October 2009
Fish week 368 (season 17,020) returns 160 (5,177) rod average 2.3 (3.3)
The highlight at Pitsford Water this week was the Anglian Water versus the Environment Agency match. 40 Anglers fished this event with Anglian Water winning. This annual match has been running for over 30 years. It fished well with some excellent quality fish coming to the scales. The Anglian Water team weighed in 83lb against the EA with 63lb.
Top individual was Paul Frapwell from Tunstead in Norfolk. He was the only angler in the match to catch the 8 fish limit (perhaps this was because his boat partner was Pitsford Senior Warden Nathan Clayton!). Paul used a slime line with a brown minky booby to catch four fish in the main bowl then moved to the Narrows to catch his last four fish on daddy long legs. Darren Smith also from Norfolk was second, catching 5 fish for 14lb 3oz. Third was Mark Benstead, Pitsford part time warden, also with five fish for 13lb 13oz. This match is used as a qualifier for the WIGFIC bank match next year those that qualified were Paul Frapwell, Darren Smith, Adam Moxon and Richard Slaughter.
Pitsford warden Stuart East was Pike fishing on Wednesday, catching a brown trout of 11lb 2oz. Stuart photographed this fine fish and returned it to the water.
It was caught very deep in the main bowl using a silver lure. “It’s been a long time since catching a fish gave me such a rush of Adrenalin!”
Some good bags recorded for the week included M Tinald with 8 fish for 18lb and Stan King who bagged up 8 fish for 16lb 12oz. With Autumn well under way the trout are feeding heavily on the fry. The main bowl is the place to head for. Look out for the Seagulls giving away the location of fry feeders. The Narrows is also worth a go with some good fish caught on nymphs and dries drifting using floating lines.
Best methods See report
Best Rainbow 5lb 8oz
Best Brown 11lb 2oz taken by Stuart East
Best boat areas Narrows, main bowl
Best bank areas Narrows
Mid week boat winner R Timothy of Ampthill
Forthcoming events
Beginners course 7 November.
Fur and Feather (boat) 8 November
Pike fishing
Boat fishing with lures and dead sea fish over 18cm (excluding lamprey)
1 October to 22 November
Bank fishing 1 November to 31 December
Week ending 11th October 2009
Due to technical problems with our IT we have been unable to produce this week’s issue of Fishery News.
I apologise for this – next week’s report will have the latest news from all of our fisheries including the results from the very successful Anglian Water Airflo International at Rutland Water.
Regards
Sally
Week ending 4thOctober 2009
Fish week 438 (season 16,251) returns 210 (4,879) rod average 2.1 (3.3)
Boat fishing at Pitsford Water is providing some excellent bags of fish. John Mahoney from Berkshire caught 7 fish up to 3lb and released a further 7 fish. Neil Butler from Coventry took Rainbows of 5lb 4oz, two at 4lb and another at 3lb 10oz, topped off with two browns at 4lb and 4lb 2oz. Colin James from Glen Parva, Leicester, took Rainbows up to 4lb and a Brown trout of 4lb 8oz. Peter Hill of Kingham, Oxon, caught 6 fish with the smallest at 2lb 6oz and the best at 3lb 9oz.
The brown trout are well on the feed at present and have realised that autumn is upon us. The fry feeding in the main bowl is something to be witnessed even if you don’t catch! The gulls give the game away as the trout push up the fry. But you will be struggling to take a fish if you see it rise as the fish are chasing back down as quick as they come up! The trick is to fish either a suspended minky or a minky fished on an intermediate line with a slow figure of eight retrieve.
There are some lovely quality Rainbows being taken at the moment but patience is the key.
Bank fishing is possible in area like the Gravells but be careful when wading out. As the water level drops the weed will be high and dry but this causes silt which will make wading tricky.
Best methods See report
Best Rainbow 6lb 1oz taken by S Tinkler of Bulwell, Notts
Best Brown 5½lb
Pitsford Water continued
Best boat areas Main bowl - Narrows
Best bank areas Stilton and Bog Bay
Mid week boat winner Mr A Karn of Hertford
Forthcoming events
Beginners courses 11 October and 7 November.
Environment Agency versus Anglian Water pairs match 13 October. Call Pitsford Fishing Lodge on 01604 781350 to book
Pike fishing
Boat fishing with lures and dead sea fish over 18cm (excluding lamprey)
1 October to 22 November
Bank fishing 1 November to 31 December
Week ending 27th September 2009
Fish week 678 (season 15,813) returns 183 (4,669) rod average 3.7 (3.3)
Season ticket holders Doug Whibley and Graham Hutchins have both recorded good bags of fish with rainbows of 4,5 and 6lb.
The fish at Pitsford are now fry feeding. Fish are being taken on suspender minkies and the usual fry patterns, blobs and other small lures are also worth a try. Fish are around the weedbeds and bank anglers are catching with floating fry and dries fished just over the weed. Boat anglers might also like to try the main bowl following the gulls.
Best methods See report
Best Brown 3lb 4oz
Best boat areas Main bowl, narrows
Best bank areas Gravells, Stone Barn Bay
Mid week boat winner Phil Cross of East Hunsbury, Northampton
Forthcoming events
Beginners courses 3 & 11 October and 7 November.
Environment Agency versus Anglian Water pairs match 13 October. Call Pitsford Fishing Lodge on 01604 781350 to book
Week ending 20th September 2009
Fish week 655 (season 15,135) returns 198 (4,486) rod average 3.3(3.3)
John Sturge and his son Peter, from Westgate on Sea in Kent, fished Pitsford on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with their friends as part of a three day boat package. They caught on various methods throughout their holiday with some good bags of fish. On Tuesday John weighed in a Rainbow of 8lb which he was delighted with.
He took the fish on a red headed diawl bach on a floating line. This was excellent timing for John as a photo of this fine fish was featured on Sky TV on Friday in the Tightlines programme with Pitsford Senior Warden Nathan Clayton as guest. The show’s presenter, Keith Arthur, signed the fish photo for John to keep, an added bonus for John, who’s a great fan of the programme. The icing on the cake for John and Peter was that on the last day of their holiday Peter caught a 7lb 15oz Rainbow which was in superb condition. He took this on a white and green lure on a floating line.
Boat fishing continues to provide top quality fishing with fry patterns now in full swing, as fish are feeding on roach fry around weed beds so look for the Sea Gulls! Drifting boats are best and traditionals like mallard and claret and silver invictas are working well. Should we get any rain don’t forget to get out those daddy longlegs as it will be swarming with them.
Bank fishing is possible but great care needs to be taken when wading. The fish are just over the weedbeds and anglers are putting themselves at risk to wade out to them. If you are wearing chest waders only wade to your thighs – no further. If water levels continue to drop weed will be left high and dry which will make wading difficult and increase the danger.
Best methods See report
Best Rainbow 8lb taken by John Sturge of Westgate on Sea, Kent
Best Brown 4lb 5oz
Best boat areas Stone Barn – Bog Bay and main bowl
Best bank areas Stone Ban – Gravels - Sermons
Mid week boat winner Alex Flynn of Northampton
Fish stocked 500
Forthcoming events
Beginners courses 26 September; 3 & 11 October and 7 November.
Environment Agency versus Anglian Water pairs match 13 October. Call Pitsford Fishing Lodge on 01604 781350 to book
Week ending 13th September 2009
Fish week 516 (season 14,480) returns 134 (4,288) rod average 3.8 (3.3)
Pitsford Water continues to fish very well with many super quality fish being caught. Graham Prince a season ticket holder from Wollaston took 8 fish on a large dry sedge fly one evening from Stone Barn. Mick Foster of Brixworth took the biggest fish of the week a Rainbow of 6lb from the bank.
The boats have had the best of the sport with the Narrows being the best place to go. Anglers are using drifting boats with floating line and traditional wet flies, small nymphs or dries. On bright days an intermediate line might be needed. Bank anglers are also enjoying some good sport with fish feeding around the weed beds. Floating lines with small nymphs or dries are working best.
Best methods See report
Best Rainbow 6lb taken by Mr Mick Foster
Best Brown 3lb
Best boat areas Narrows, stone barn
Best bank areas Stone barn
Mid week boat winner Ray Line
Fish stocked 500
Forthcoming events
Beginners courses 26 September; 3 & 11 October and 7 November.
Pike Fishing at Pitsford Water - lure fishing for pike on alternate weeks, Monday to Friday. Week commencing Monday 21 September.
Environment Agency versus Anglian Water pairs match 13 October. Call Pitsford Fishing Lodge on 01604 781350 to book
Week ending 6th September 2009
Fish week 399 (season 13,964) returns 116 (4,154) rod average 3.4 (3.3)
Fishing at Pitsford Water has been excellent despite strong winds. The weekly rod average is currently 3.3. Alex Flynn of Northampton took this week’s best fish at 5lb whilst boat fishing.
Boats have had the best of the sport with the Narrows and Causeway providing lots of sport. Anglers have had the best sport drifting using traditional wet flies fished on the drift with floating lines.
Many anglers have had good catches with some catching and releasing over a dozen fish per angler. Lots of anglers have commented on the excellent condition of the fish.
Narrows to Causeway and Stone Barn Bay are the hot spots. Bank anglers are still catching even through the day in cloudy conditions. Weed is thick in areas however it is providing the trout’s larder, so gaps in the wed are good places to fish.
Best methods See report
Best Rainbow 5lb taken by Alex Flynn of Northampton
Best boat areas Narrows at north end to Causeway
Best bank areas Stone Barn to Gravels.
Fish stocked 225
Forthcoming events
Beginners courses 9 & 26 September & other dates throughout the season
Pike Fishing at Pitsford Water
Pitsford Water offers lure fishing for pike on alternate weeks, Monday to Friday. Week commencing Mondays 7 & 21 September.
Environment Agency versus Anglian Water pairs match 13 October. Call Pitsford Fishing Lodge on 01604 781350 to book
Week ending 30th August 2009
Fish week 369 (season 13,565) returns 141 (4,038) rod average 2.6(3.3)
Peter Daniels had a day to remember this week. He anchored in Bog Bay and caught 15 fish with his 8 fish limit he weighed in at 21lb 8oz. Peter used a washing line and nymphs with a slow retrieve.
Milton Keynes angler David Newens bank fished this week and took a limit of 8 fish including a Rainbow weighing 4lb 4oz. He fished the Stone Barn bank with a floating line and dries in cloudy weather.
Will Linnel took a quick limit on the rudder on Saturday using tubes. He drifted from the gravels across to Bog Bay.
Boat fishing has been excellent this week with drifting boats being the best. Long drifts across the Narrows using small flies like the traditional patterns such as invictas, soldier palmers, and soldier muddlers pulled quick on a floating line have proved best this week.
Best methods See report
Mid week boat winner Hywel Lewis of Sale
Fish stocked 225
Forthcoming events
Beginners courses 9 & 26 September & other dates throughout the season
Pike Fishing at Pitsford Water
Pitsford Water offers lure fishing for pike on alternate weeks, Monday to Friday. Week commencing Mondays 7 & 21 September.
Week ending 23rd August 2009
Fish week 716 (season 13,196) returns 169 (3,897) rod average 4.2(3.3)
Terry Sparrow of Leicester had a good day on Sunday. He boat fished the main bowl and had a few pulls on lures then switched to single diawl bach fished on an intermediate line pulled very quickly. He took his 8 fish and returned four fish. His limit weighed 21lb with the best fish a rainbow of 4lb 3oz. Local bank angler Jim Lockhart reported that late evening bank fishing is good with large rising fish being sighted.
Nathan Green aged 13 boat fished for the second time ever. Nathan, from Buckinghamshire, fished a cruncher in the Narrows with his dad to take two fish of 3lb and 3lb 13oz.
Mike Rogers returned a 20lb Pike in very good condition.
Best rainbow 5lb taken by D Davies of Bedford
Best brown 4lb taken by R Williams
Best boat areas Main bowl, Narrows
Best bank areas Stone Barn, Gravells, Bog Bay
Best methods See report
Mid week boat winner J Ellis of Loughborough
Fish stocked 1,000
Forthcoming events
Beginners courses 29 August; 5, 9 & 26 September & other dates throughout the season
Pike Fishing at Pitsford Water
Pitsford Water offers lure fishing for pike on alternate weeks, Monday to Friday. Week commencing Mondays 24 August; 7 & 21 September.
Week ending 16th August 2009
Fish week 573 (season 12,480) returns 150 (3,728) rod average 3.8 (3.3)
Milton Keynes angler Richard Williams has had a terrific time lately. Fishing on Friday and Sunday he caught over 20 fish per session on the washing line technique with a blob on the top dropper and a cruncher in the middle and a blob booby on the point holding it all up. Richard fished in the main bowl and the tops of the narrows.
On Sunday Pitsford Water hosted the Association of Major Fly Fishing Clubs Group 1. 30 Anglers from five teams caught an incredible 174 trout which gave a 5.8 rod average. Anglers fished in the main bowl and drifting on to the Pines. Best methods were intermediate lines with slow sink and medium sinking lines with lures like a tequila blob booby and nymphs. Most fished the washing line technique, with anglers catching their 8 fish limits before lunch!
1st Fish Hawks A
2nd Bewl Bridge FC
3rd Hanningfield FA
4th Rutland Water Fly Fishers
5th Army Soldier Palmers
Bank fishing is still providing sport and top spot is Sermans bank or the Gravels. Dries or lightly dressed nymphs are working the best.
Best rainbow 6lb taken by J Good
Best brown 4lb taken by Will Linnell
Best boat areas Dam and main bowl
Best bank areas Stone Barn Bay, Gravells
Best methods See report
Mid week boat winner G Barber of Wellingborough
Fish stocked 1,500
Forthcoming events
Beginners courses 29 August; 5, 9 & 26 September & other dates throughout the season
Pike Fishing at Pitsford Water
Pitsford Water offers lure fishing for pike on alternate weeks, Monday to Friday. Week commencing Mondays 24 August; 7 & 21 September.
Week ending 9th August 2009
Fish week 472 (season 11,907) returns 160 (3,578) rod average 2.9 (3.3)
Boat sport has been excellent this week with lots of limits from boat anglers.
Pat Flynn fished on Saturday and took 8 fish, releasing 6 others. Pat commented on the fantastic size of the fish this season and how well Pitsford has fished from both the bank and the boat this season. Pat fished a green and white lure fished deep with a slow figure of 8 on a di 7 line.
Will Linnel has fished on Saturday and Sunday this weekend. He caught his 8 fish on a Di 7 and booby on a short leader, in Stone Barn Bay. On Sunday he fished the dam with partner Richard Williams and caught a brown trout of 5lb 12oz, which was full of coarse fish fry.
Earls Barton angler Ray Line has reported catching some monster Perch. Ray, who targets large trout, caught a specimen fish he estimates at over 4lb whilst drifting through the Causeway tunnel.
Banks continue to fish, which is excellent news, considering that it is August and in some past seasons anglers have avoided the banks until September. Despite weed in areas the bank is still fishable and early morning and late afternoon/evening it is still possible to catch a fish or two. Boat anglers are finding a lot of fish in Stone Barn Bay across to the Bog Bay Point. A lot of fish are in front of the dam and in front of the sailing club.
Best rainbow 5lb
Best brown 3lb 6oz
Best boat areas Main bowl and bog bay
Best bank areas Gravells, Stone Barn Bay
Best methods See report
Mid week boat winner Graham Pearson of Northampton
Fish stocked 1,100
Forthcoming events
Beginners courses 15 & 29 August; 5, 9 & 26 September & other dates throughout the season
Pike Fishing at Pitsford Water
Pitsford Water offers lure fishing for pike on alternate weeks, Monday to Friday. Week commencing Mondays 24 August; 7 & 21 September.
Week ending 2nd August 2009
Fish week 521(season 11,435) returns 187 (3,418) rod average 2.7(3.3)
Ray Buckland and boat partner John Castledine fished together on Saturday. They drifted the main bowl and Ray caught his 8 fish and released 7 more! John caught 8 and returned four. The pair used three flies, with a cruncher on the top dropper and a damsel on the point. They found the best method was to cast quickly once they saw a fish move, retrieve immediately and the fish would then follow and take.
Mid Northants Fun Day
15 members turned out for this event, which they fished from 9am to 2pm followed by a barbeque lunch. Anglers caught plenty of fish on various methods mainly near the surface in the main basin.
Norman Chown and boat partner Mick Stevens fished on Wednesday, they took their 8 fish limit easily in the morning before the rain soaked them through. Mick used small nymphs cast accurately at moving fish, which were feeding readily. The cool overcast weather has now suited the reservoir after the hot spell and it is in fine form.
Bank anglers have been enjoying sport at various times throughout the day. Fish are close in during cloudy spells feeding on snails and corixa. Best methods are still various kinds of dry flies. Top bank spots are Sermans and the Gravels and Duffers and Bog Bay.
Coarse fishing day at Hollowell for National Fishing week
Five anglers supported the free event last Monday. Mick Farmer from Leicester learned the art of feeder fishing from Warden Stuart East, whilst Joshua and Jasmine Clayton from Stamford were using poles of 13m in length to tempt Perch using float fished maggot from the dam with instruction from Peter Hartley. Nathan Clayton thanked Peter Hartley who volunteered his services, and would like to mention the Sportmans Lodge for sponsoring the bait.
Best rainbow 5lb
Best brown 3lb
Best boat areas Main bowl, Narrows
Best bank areas Gravells, Stone Barn Bay
Best methods See report
Mid week boat winner J Kennedy of Kingsthorpe, Northampton
Fish stocked 560
Forthcoming events
Beginners courses 15 & 29 August; 5, 9 & 26 September & other dates throughout the season
Pike Fishing at Pitsford Water
Pitsford Water offers lure fishing for pike on alternate weeks, Monday to Friday. Week commencing Mondays 10 & 24 August; 7 & 21 September.
Week ending 26th July 2009
Fish week 564(season 10,914) returns 139 (3,231) rod average 4.0 (3.3)
Anglers have been catching some top quality trout this week from both the boats and the bank. Boat anglers have been catching using floating or intermediate lines with small nymphs or dries. The washing line method has caught some good fish when they have been feeding in the top few inches of the water or a blob with two small nymphs when the fish have been down a bit on an intermediate line. Bank anglers have been catching using floating lines, small nymphs, damsels, red or green diawl bachs and dries.
Season ticket holder Peter Dobbs, of Harlestone, caught five lovely fish from a boat this week – the biggest being 4lb 8oz on an Invicta. Ian Botterill (also a season ticket holder) from Wootton, Northampton, recorded a 10lb Bream on a buzzer from the bank at the Pines.
Best rainbow 5lb taken by R Gamble
Best brown 4lb taken by Alex Billington of Northampton
Best boat areas Dam, boils, main bowl
Best bank areas Gravells, Stone Barn
Best methods see report
Mid week boat winner R Hunt of Irchester
Fish stocked 450
Forthcoming events
Beginners courses 1,5,15 & 29 August & other dates throughout the season
Pike Fishing at Pitsford Water
Pitsford Water offers lure fishing for pike on alternate weeks, Monday to Friday. Week commencing Mondays 10 & 24 August; 7 & 21 September.
Week ending 19th July 2009
Fish week 372 (season 10,350) returns 110 (3,092) rod average 3.3 (3.3)
Last Saturday Pitsford Water hosted a heat for the Lexus European individual fly fishing championships - an incredible match averaging 7.95 per rod!
20 anglers caught 159 trout with an average weight of 2lb 5oz.
The boats were concentrated in the main bowl throughout this match, with strong North westerly winds and a combination of wind and sun. Methods varied from lures pulled to the more traditional. Irish angler Mick O’Farrell opted for traditional methods taking second place with 16 fish (8 killed and 8 released) all on a claret dabbler on the top dropper! Frantisek Hanak of the Czech Republic won this match with 19 fish for 41lb 12oz (8 released and rest returned) he caught on a di3 line and fast glass lines with a flash attack tequila blob and booby. Third place was taken by Ron Gent who took the largest trout at 4lb 3oz
Both Frantisek and Ron Gent have already qualified for the final at Chew Valley Lake in September so the second qualifying spot goes to Ed Foster manager of Elinor trout fishery. Ed took the second best fish so because Ron Gent had qualified already Ed got the wild card and goes through to the final at Chew.
The qualifiers going forward from Pitsford are
Mick O’Farrell
Vladimir Sedivy
Ed Foster
“Fishing the main bowl on a drifting boat is the ideal way to enjoy the best trout fishing around, Pitsford is fantastic at the moment” said Pitsford Senior Warden Nathan Clayton.
John McLellan of Weston Favell has enjoyed three boat trips to Pitsford recently taking an 8 fish limit on each occasion, each bag weighing over 25lb!
Best rainbow 5lb 7oz taken by P Watson
Best brown 5lb taken by R Line
Best boat areas Dam, Boils, main bowl
Best bank areas Gravells, stone barn
Best methods See report
Mid week boat winner J Robus of Wellingborough
Fish stocked 900
Forthcoming events
Beginners courses 1,5,15 & 29 August & other dates throughout the season
Pike Fishing at Pitsford Water
Pitsford Water offers lure fishing for pike on alternate weeks, Monday to Friday. Week commencing Mondays 27 July; 10 & 24 August; 7 & 21 September.
National fishing week
Hollowell coarse fishing day on Monday 27 July – open to all ages. Two sessions are planned one in the morning from 10.30am to 12.30pm and another from 2pm to 4pm. Bookings will be taken via Pitsford Fishing Lodge on 01604 781350.
Week ending 12th July 2009
Fish week 281 (season 9,978) returns 138 (2,982) rod average 2.0(3.3)
Fishing has picked up this week end as anglers have been taking good numbers of fish up in the main bowl. Sunday saw lots of limits for our regulars who fished small flies on the washing line to catch some good quality rainbows.
Some fish have been taken on dry flies with patterns like claret hoppers and daddy longlegs.
Bank anglers have still managed to catch this week as the wind was in the south west it made it easy to fish the gravels. Dry flies and lightly dressed nymphs are keeping flies up in the water with one angler taking 5 fish on a daddy long legs.
Graham Whittaker of Holmer Green, Buckinghamshire took this week’s best Rainbow a fish of 4lb 4oz.
Best rainbow 4lb 4oz Graham Whittaker
Best brown 3lb 6oz
Best boat areas Main bowl, boils and Pines
Best bank areas Farm Bay, Pines, Gravells
Best methods See report
Mid week boat winner Mr G Hickman of Newbold Verdon, Leicester
Fish stocked 1,000
Forthcoming events
Beginners courses 15 July; 1,5,15 & 29 August & other dates throughout the season
Pike Fishing at Pitsford Water
Pitsford Water offers lure fishing for pike on alternate weeks, Monday to Friday. Week commencing Mondays 13 & 27 July; 10 & 24 August; 7 & 21 September.
National fishing week
Hollowell coarse fishing day on Monday 27 July – open to all ages. Two sessions are planned one in the morning from 10.30am to 12.30pm and another from 2pm to 4pm. Bookings will be taken via Pitsford Fishing Lodge on 01604 781350.
Week ending 5th July 2009
Fish week 428 (season 9,697) returns 112 (2,844) rod average 3.8(3.4)
Lee Woolford from Isham returned a Rainbow last week weighing 9lb 6oz off the bank. The fish took a hare’s ear dry fly in the late evening off the Pines.
Charles Kilner of London fished Pitsford on Saturday on the boat. He took 6 fish, two of his Rainbows weighed 4lb and 5lb 15oz. He also caught a brown as part of his six fish limit for 3lb 9oz.
Fishing on the bank is proving harder with weed growth increasing. However, unweighted patterns are still producing fish. Boat fishing in the main bowl is the top spot with sunk lines and lures. Fish stocking continues with 23,082 fish stocked so far and weekly deliveries continue.
Best rainbow 9lb 6oz caught and safely returned by Lee Woolford of Isham
Best brown 3lb 9oz taken by Charles Kilner
Best boat areas Main bowl, Pines and Farm Bay
Best bank areas Farm Bay, Gravells, Pines
Best methods See report
Mid week boat winner John Murphy of Wellingborough
Fish stocked 1,000
Forthcoming events
Beginners courses 15 July; 1,5,15 & 29 August & other dates throughout the season
Pike Fishing at Pitsford Water
Pitsford Water offers lure fishing for pike on alternate weeks, Monday to Friday. The next opportunity will be Monday 13 – Friday 17 July.
National fishing week
Hollowell coarse fishing day on Monday 27 July – open to all ages. Two sessions are planned one in the morning from 10.30am to 12.30pm and another from 2pm to 4pm. Bookings will be taken via Pitsford Fishing Lodge on 01604 781350.
Week endind 28 th June 2009
Fish week 826 (season 9,251) returns 191 (2,733) rod average 4.3 (3.3)
Dave Rowe from Northampton took the best rainbow this week at 4lb 2oz. He fished the bank on a half day ticket also taking a brown of 2lb.
Chris Whitford of Watford took 8 fish last week on a boat all on a diawl bach. ‘Thanks for an amazing day - all my fish were like bars of silver’ Said Chris when he returned to the pontoon.
Banks are still fishable with some areas better than others like the Gorse bank and the Cliffs. The Pines continues to be the hot spot with fish feeding on a diet of green bloodworm down deep. Bank anglers are preferring floating lines and non weighted lures or large dry flies, with evenings being the best time to fish especially when its hot.
Best pattern for boat anglers is a small weighted lure fished slow on a floating line cast to the bank and pulled away.
Best rainbow 4lb 2oz taken by David Rowe of Northampton
Best brown 4lb taken by R Line
Best bank areas Pines, Pitsford Creek, Stone Barn bay
Best methods see report
Mid week boat winner C Whitford of Watford
Fish stocked 400
Forthcoming events
Beginners courses 4 &15 July; 1,5,15 & 29 August
Pike Fishing at Pitsford Water
Pitsford Water offers lure fishing for pike on alternate weeks, Monday to Friday. 29 June to Friday 3 July and Monday 13 – Friday 17 July are the next opportunities.
Week ending 21st June 2009
Fish week 654 (season 8,525*) returns 129 (2,542) rod average 5.0 (3.3)
*for those beady eyed anglers, we apologise for the mathematical error compounded since 15 May and have bought the warden an abacus.
Pitsford Water turned up trumps for two young girls on their first every fishing trip. Simon Rustom took his 11 year old daughter Juliet and her friend Georgia Gasgoine out onto the water. Georgia was ‘over the moon’ to catch her first fish, which she played herself and landed after a five minute fight. The fish weighed 2lb and as Georgia was a little squeamish about touching it, Juliet leant a helping hand for the ‘photo-shoot’. They fished the main bowl with a floating line and gold head fritz lure. Simon was delighted that the day had been so successful – maybe we will see Georgia and Juliet in the youth team one day.
Trevor Hall from Kingsthorpe enjoyed an early morning session on the bank at the sailing club fishing a floating line with humungus lure on the point and a Pitsford pea on the dropper. Trevor landed a beautiful grown on fish of 5lb 4oz.
It is no good casting a nymph onto the bank from a boat as the fish in the margins are busily feeding on green blood worm. Boat anglers need to use lures cast to the bank.
On cloudy days you will still find fish within easy reach of the bank, but in areas were weed is beginning to show, bank anglers need to use non weighted flies.
Best Rainbow 5lb 4oz taken by Trevor Hall for Kingsthorpe
Best boat areas Pines, north farm bay and stone barn.
Best bank areas Stone barn and pines
Best methods See above
Mid week boat winner Fred White of Langley
Fish stocked 950
Forthcoming events
Beginners courses 4 &15 July; 1,5,15 & 29 August
Pike Fishing at Pitsford Water
Pitsford Water opened last Tuesday for lure fishing for pike. This is alternative weeks Monday to Friday so the next opportunity starts on 29 June.
Warren Hessey and his pal came all the way from Blackpool to fish for 3 days. The two of them always fish the first week and normally manage to catch large numbers of pike in the 5 to 10 lb range. This year Warren managed to catch one of the double figure pike he has always been after – a 24lb 4oz specimen.
Gary Woolridge also fished on opening day and caught a pike of 25lb in north farm bay which is a noted pike hot-spot. This fish was also returned safely to the water.
Week ending 14th June 2009
Fish week 3.3 (season 3.7) returns 298 (2,413) rod average 3.3 (3.7)
The East Midlands Trout Fishers Association held their annual pairs match complete with a lunch time barbeque last week. Despite hot weather they managed to catch 75 fish between 31 anglers.
The stair pair was Rob Edmunds and Lloyd Chantrell - they weighed in 16 fish for 41lb 2oz. The next closest pair was Danny Peat and Gordon Watson who weighed in 9 fish for 21lb 8oz. In third place was Bob Forsyth and Roger Woodhams who weighed in 5 fish for 20lb. Rob had a superb 8lb 5oz Rainbow.
Paul Dickie from Castle Ashby caught an 8lb 12oz Rainbow this week, Paul fished the bank to catch this fine fish.
The bank continues to fish its head off. Season permit holders are enjoying the best sport they have experienced for several seasons. They are catching fish between 4-5lb on small nymphs close in on the bank, this is mainly due to the large sedge hatches. Invictas and diawl bachs and dry sedge have been some of the most popular patterns. Top area for the better fish is around the Pines and Pitsford Creek area.
Pat Flynn season permit holder boat fished alone on Saturday. He drifted from the dam across to the Cliffs. “None of my fish were under 3lb and my best fish weighed 6lb” said a delighted Pat who took his limit on a fritz gold head lure on a floating line.
Best Rainbow 8lb 12oz taken by Paul Dickie
Best Brown 3lb 4oz
Best boat areas Pines, Dam, Brixworth Bay
Best bank areas Pines, Stone Barn
Best methods See report
Mid week boat winner John Clarke of Winwick
Fish stocked 3,000
Forthcoming events Beginners courses 20 June; 4 &15 July; 1,5,15 & 29 August
Week ending 7th June 2009
Fish week 734 (season 8,008) returns 241 (2,115) rod average 3.0 (3.7)
Last Saturday Pitsford Water hosted the Peter Thurner Charity match. 26 Anglers fished in good trout fishing weather, cloudy and overcast. Anglers recorded 38 Rainbows and one Brown trout of over 3lb was returned. Peter’s wife cooked a barbeque lunch at the fishing lodge. Anglers then went back out onto the water and fished until 6pm.
The Mid Northants Trout Fishers held the Bruce Richard Trophy boat match on Sunday. 32 Anglers accounted for 114 fish giving a rod average of 3.5, in spite of heavy downpours and rather unsettled weather conditions.
1st Richard Slater 8 fish for 22lb 7oz
2nd Don Moore 8 fish for 21lb 9oz
3rd Les Yarnell
4th Pip Jeffs
Both Les and Pip shared a boat, each catching their 8 fish.
Best fish weighed 4lb 8oz and was taken by Peter Daniels.
Scottish anglers Iain Mackie and boat partner Alex Borthwick, on a holiday boat package, had 8 fish each, returning 9 between them.
Boat anglers continue to catch fish, although anglers are reporting fish are still very close to the banks. Some good sized fish have been caught from boats drifting across the middle. The small half is still producing, also the Pines and the Cliffs.
Bank anglers are enjoying a good season as the fish are still close in to the margins. Fish are being taken on nymphs mainly although on nice days fish can be taken off the surface. Depending on the weather bank anglers have been catching from 6.35 pm right up to 10.05 pm.
Best Rainbow 7lb 6oz taken by John Fletcher
Best Brown 3lb 8oz
Best boat areas Main Bowl, Pines, Cliffs
Best bank areas Pines, Stone Barn Bay, Duffers
Best methods See report
Mid week boat winner Martin Doyle of Wollaston, Northants
Fish stocked 958
Forthcoming events Beginners courses 17 & 20 June; 4 &15 July; 1,5,15 & 29 August
Week ending 31st May 2009
Fish week 524 (season 7,274) returns 160 (1,874) rod average 3.2(3.8)
Anglers have been catching some superb fish this week at Pitsford. Best fish of the week was a Rainbow of 6lb 2oz for Mr Dann from Brixworth. Mr Holmes had a 5lb 2oz Brown, a 3lb 12oz Brown and 5 Rainbows to give him 7 fish for just over 23lb.
Best methods have been boat fishing with slow sinking or intermediate lines with blobs or small lures. Nymphs and buzzers have also been catching fish when conditions have been better. Strong winds have sometimes made fishing difficult.
Bank fishing is best in late evening with floating line, buzzers/crunchers or nymphs.
Best Rainbow 6lb 2oz taken by Mr Dann of Brixworth
Best Brown 5lb 2oz taken by R Holmes of Great Ayton
Best boat areas Main bowl, small half
Best bank areas Pines, Stone Barn Bay
Best methods see report
Mid week boat winner A Standridge of Watford
Fish stocked 1,400
Forthcoming events Beginners courses 17 & 20 June; 4 &15 July; 1,5,15 & 29 August
Week ending 24th May 2009
Fish week 547 (season 6,750) returns 202 (1,714) rod average 2.7(3.9)
The best rainbow of the week weighed in at 7lb 6oz and was taken by John Fletcher of Rothwell. John fished a floating line with a damsel nymph off the Cliffs on Saturday.
Season ticket holder Will Linnel and Richard Williams boat fished on Sunday with Will catching 7 fish weighing 22lb and Richard taking 4 fish on a half day ticket in a morning session. Will was using a Di7 line and a green and white booby. They fished close to the dam wall. The small half continues to fish well with fish feeding on daphnia with the best methods floating line and an orange blob and top dropper and two nymphs behind it.
Best Rainbow 7lb 6oz taken by John Fletcher of Rothwell
Best boat areas Small half, main bowl.
Best bank areas Cliff, Gorse, Pines
Best methods Floating line with an orange blob with nymphs behind through the surface
Mid week boat winner B Frith of Mansfield
Fish stocked 500
Forthcoming events Beginners courses 30 May; 17 & 20 June; 4 &15 July; 1,5,15 & 29 August
Week ending 17th May 2009
Fish week 684 (season 6,203) returns 232 (1,512) rod average 2.9(4.1)
Pitsford Water hosted the Midlands heat of the Anglian Water Airflo International on Saturday. 5 teams of 6 anglers per team competed for 3 places in the semi final at Grafham Water in July. The weather was a strong south westerly wind with showers passing through, although a little too windy the match averaged 5.8 fish per rod.
1st Soldier Palmers ‘2’
2nd Greenwell Persuaders ‘A’
3rd Green well Persuaders ‘B’
This was a terrific finish as there was only 6oz between the 3rd and 4th placed teams. The Greenwell A and B teams deserved their glory as a lot of practise and hard work had gone into achieving their qualification for the next round at Grafham Water.
On Sunday Pitsford Water hosted a boat match for Grafham Water Flyfishers. 19 anglers fished, catching 84 fish which gave a rod average of 4.4 in very windy conditions. Top rod on the day was Nick Preston who caught 8 fish weighing 22lb10oz . 2nd was Derek Bravington who caught 8 fish weighing in at 18lb 0 and 3rd was Mark Brinkman with 8 fish for 17lb 9oz.
Last Monday Pitsford hosted a new charity match raising funds for the Talbot Butler Ward which is a cancer ward in Northampton General Hospital.
50 anglers took part in the Talbot Butler trophy which raised £1,200 for the ward. Arnold Haddon who organised the event said “It was a great success despite a strong wind, and it was enjoyed by all including the meal at the pub. The event is already booked next year for the 10th May 2010”.
Season permit holder Alan Worley of Northampton had a fish that pulled heavier than usual when he landed a 9lb 6oz Rainbow on a floating line and Damsel.
Best boat areas Pines, small half
Best bank areas Pines, Gravels
Mid week boat winner G Prince
Fish stocked 1,012
Forthcoming events Beginners courses 30 May; 17 & 20 June; 4 &15 July; 1,5,15 & 29 August
Week ending 10th May 2009
Fish week 515 (season 5,519) returns 97 (1,280) rod average 5.3(4.3)
Last Wednesday Pitsford Water hosted the English Disabled Fly Fishers fun match. 30 anglers fished, catching 54 fish in difficult conditions, but despite this they all had a good day. Danny Peet of Barnsley, who managed a limit of fish weighing 16lb1oz, won. In second place was Harold Pritchett who also caught his limit weighing in at 15lb 8oz. Harold’s boat partner and event organiser Trevor Ashby, also caught his limit. They caught fish at the Causeway and the Pines and the small half. Rick Varley caught a 3lb 10oz Rainbow whilst drifting out in the main basin, this was the best fish of the match.
Local expert coarse angler Steve Ringer has been averaging 9 fish per session on the bank! Steve, who only fishes for short spells in the evening, has returned all of his fish, as he is on a Blue starter permit. Leicester rudder angler Phil Tomlin boat fished last week and caught a 7 fish bag of cracking fish. His 7 fish weighed well over 24lb which Phil was delighted with. Earls Barton anglers Ray Line and Gil Mundin fished separately on Saturday on the rudder, they both caught 7 good fish each whilst drifting across the main bowl.
Fish are still around margins and the Pines is a hot spot for the bank angler.
Nymphs on a floater fished deep is a good method, some fish have been taken on dries in calm weather.
Best boat areas Pines, Small Half, Causeway
Best bank areas Pines, Sermans, Gravels
Mid week boat winner Ray Line of Earls Barton
Fish stocked 1,012
Forthcoming events Beginners courses 30 May; 17 & 20 June; 4 &15 July; 1,5,15 & 29 August
Week ending 3rd May 2009
Fish week 622 (season 5,007) returns 166 (1,183) rod average 3.7(4.2)
Higham Ferrers Fly Fishers enjoyed a great outing to Pitsford Water last week. Twelve anglers caught 50 fish for a rod average of 4.1. Mark Frost was the star of the match with 8 fish for 15lb 14oz. Mark was determined from the start to catch on a di3 line and orange blobs and he did! Other anglers used deep nymphs to score. Second was Phil Waples with 8 fish for 15lb 16oz. Third was Richard Webb who caught five fish weighing 12lb 8oz and also captured the best Rainbow of the match at 3lb 12oz.
Regular boat angler Ray Line from Earls Barton caught seven very nice fish from the main bowl. He used deep lures on a bright sunny morning. Ray said “The fish were deep and I had some follows of bigger fish as well.” His seven fish weighed 24lb 6oz. It just goes to show that there are some better fish out there you just have to hunt for them.
Bank anglers are still enjoying great sport in lots of different parts of the lake. The Cliff and the Pines are producing the better fish. Methods are various with nymphs to dries on nicer days and anglers are still catching on lures. This is due to the high amounts of daphnia mixed in with the excellent buzzer hatches.
Best Rainbow 4lb taken by A Fairey of Dallington, Northants
Best Brown 6lb plus returned by S Tilley
Best boat areas Pines, Pitsford Creek
Best bank areas Rigbys Point, Pines, Northfields shore
Mid week boat winner John Hurst of Marlow
Fish stocked 1,750
Week ending 26th April 2009
Fish week 884 (season 4,385) returns 276 (1,017) rod average 3.2(4.3)
Bank fishing at Pitsford Water has been prolific in recent weeks proven by the returns from our season ticket holders like Mick Foster of Brixworth, who recorded 21 fish for the week. Allan Worley, of Moulton, another permit holder, fished 6 times in a week and recorded 23 fish! Will Linnell, of Northampton, caught 21 fish in five visits. The best week recorded amongst our season ticket holders was by George Gercs. George, from Rugby, caught 32 fish last week all off the bank in six visits. Amongst these fish was a brown of 5lb plus. He has been using small buzzers and hares ears and fishing in quieter areas away from other anglers. George said “I prefer to avoid an area if there are too many people about”. It just goes to show how well the bank is fishing. Top methods are nymphs and dries, although anglers are still catching on lures at various depths.
Boat fishing is still good. Alan Ferguson from Leicester took three fish and returned a further five fish. Boat anglers are getting best results fairly close in to the bank – but well away from any bank anglers. Boat anglers please remember that bank anglers have priority.
Another reminder for our boat anglers - boats need to be back at the pontoon by 8.30pm on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Best Rainbow 6½lb taken by M Nelson
Best boat areas Pines, Stilton Point, Small Half
Best bank areas Pines, Sailing Club, Small Half
Mid week boat winner P Daniels of Northampton
Fish stocked 600
Forthcoming events Beginners courses 9,13 & 23 May; 6,17, & 20 June & throughout the season
Week ending 19th April 2009
Fish week 492 (season 3501) returns 133 (741) rod average 3.6 (4.7)
Pitsford Water hosted the Trout Masters Fish off on Saturday. This is a bank match fished to reservoir rules from 10am to 4pm. Although 6 anglers qualified to fish only two anglers took part. They were John Littler of Sutton in Ashfield and Barry Jones of Northampton. Both anglers weighed in eight fish. However John won through to the fish off at Grafham Water in May with 8 fish for 16lb 14oz, 14oz more than Barry’s bag. John fished the Sailing Club bank and fished a big white lure. He took a dunking when he waded out and went in up to his neck. Thankfully he got out safely and learned a valuable lesson, don’t wade in waters you don’t know!
The English Fly Fishing Association members and guest day was held on Thursday. 22 Anglers fished to a 2.9 rod average with John Maitland of Oakham taking best bag of 6 fish for 23lb 13oz. This was mainly due to the 12lb 2oz Rainbow that he caught which also won him best fish. Second in the match was Roy Dixon with 8 fish for 16lb 5oz. Grafham Water’s Senior Warden John Mees took third place with 8 fish weighing 15lb 13oz.
Fish are feeding hard on buzzers and are still close in to margins. Bank anglers are enjoying good sport as fish are close in. Fish have been seen rising in the evening and day time in the right conditions.
Best Rainbow 12lb 2oz taken by John Maitland
Best boat areas Small half, Pines, Bog Bay
Best bank areas Pines, small half
Mid week boat winner Mr Fletcher of Desborough, Kettering
Fish stocked 1,000
Forthcoming events Beginners courses 25 April; 9,13 & 23 May & throughout the season
Young Jacob Hunt, mentioned in last week’s report.
Jacob Hunt aged 12, from Irchester, had a great start to his Easter Holiday when he fished with his Grandad in a boat in the small half at Pitsford Water. Jacob landed 8 fish for 21lb all on buzzers with a floating line.
Week ending 12th April 2009
Fish week 476 (season 3,009) returns 119 (608) rod average 4.0(4.9)
Pitsford has continued to fish well this week from the bank and boat with some lovely fish being caught.
Jacob Hunt aged 12, from Irchester, had a great start to his Easter Holiday when he fished with his Grandad in a boat in the small half at Pitsford. Jacob landed 8 fish for 21lb all on buzzers with a floating line. His friend Gordon, also fishing with his Grandad, had 8 fish for 16____½lb on buzzers.
The best fish of the week was taken by Will Linnell, a season ticket holder from Holcott, Northampton. Will landed a lovely Rainbow which was just over 7lb. It was taken on a boobie on a sinking line at No Fish Point.
The trout are being taken on buzzers, nymphs, and lures. There have been some good hatches of buzzers now the weather has warmed up a bit.
Floating lines with buzzers, diawl bachs or small nymphs have been the best method. Sinking lines with lures or boobies have also been catching some fish.
Best Rainbow 7lb taken by Will Linnell of Holcott, Northampton
Best boat areas Bog Bay, North Farm Bay, Pines, small Half
Best bank areas Bog Bay, Stilton Point, No fish Point, Pines, Small Half
Mid week boat winner K Fairey of Northampton
Fish stocked 2,000
Forthcoming events Trout Masters fish off 18 April
Beginners courses 25 April; 9,13 & 23 May & throughout the season
Week ending 6th April 2009
Fish week 426 (season 2,533) returns 134 (489) rod average 3.2(5.2)
The fish of the week – and the best this season, fell to local angler Terry Pancoust from Northampton. Terry fished the bank at Stone Barn Bay using a sinking line and an orange blob. He landed a superb Rainbow of 11lb.
Bank and boat fishing have both produced some good sport this week. Local angler Nathan Reilly enjoyed a great day’s sport catching his limit and returning six other fish.
Jim Wilson travelled from Hampshire to fish Pitsford this week and wasn’t disappointed. Fishing floating line and buzzers he managed six fish for 16lb.
Clayton Goosen also landed a big Rainbow of 9lb. A sinking line and a lime green lure did the trick from the bank at the Pines.
The trout are well spread out at the moment so be prepared to keep on the move. Sinking lines and lures are catching the majority of fish, but floating lines and buzzers are starting to work.
Best Rainbow 11lb taken by Terry Pancoust
Best boat areas Bog Bay, North Farm Bay
Best bank areas Stone Barn Bay, Stilton Point
Mid week boat winner Jim Wilson of Whiteley, Hants
Fish stocked 1008
Forthcoming events Beginners courses 25 April; 9,13 & 23 May & throughout the season
Week ending 20th March 2009
Fish week 451 (season 2107) returns 96 (355) rod average 4.6 (5.9)
Pat Flynn, a season season ticket holder from Northampton, has got the measure of the method at Pitsford. Pat managed to catch a limit on all three of his visits to the bank this week! The previous week he had five limits on the trot! His secret is the booby green and black, fished slow on the bottom – not everyone’s cup of tea, but working in the current cold conditions.
Ken Malt of Denford recorded the best Rainbow of the week – a fish weighing 6lb 4oz. Well known angler and personality Hywel Morgan was at Pitsford on the bank on Wednesday making a film for Sky TV. Despite tough conditions with the wind blowing 28m.p.h. from the North West he caught a fish for the camera. The feature will be shown in this Friday’s Tightlines programme, broadcast on Sky Sport, presented by Keith Arthur. Senior Warden Nathan Clayton will be in the studio answering questions.
Bank fishing has been influenced by the strength of winds and the temperature as the Mid Northants Trout Fishers found out on Sunday. The club’s annual bank match was won by Chairman Mike Philpott with three fish. Kevin Rowley took the best fish of the day with a fish half an ounce under 4lb.
Best Rainbow 6lb 4oz taken by Ken Malt of Denford
Best Brown 4lb taken by Rob White of Carlton, Nottingham
Best boat areas North Farm Bay, Sailing Club bank
Best bank areas Stilton Point, Bog Bay, Sailing Club Bank, Brixworth Bay
Mid week boat winner Richard Webb of Irchester
Forthcoming events Beginners courses 4,8 & 25 April; 9,13 & 23 May & throughout the season
22nd March 2009
Fish week 892 (season 1656) returns 143 (259) rod average 6.2(6.3)
Another fantastic rod average of 6.2 for the second week at Pitsford. Bank sport seems to be the way to catch them with either slow sink lines and lures or floating line and buzzers fished slow and deep. Top areas are Stone Barn, North Farm Bay and Stilton Point as the wind seems to be blowing the food onto the bank.
John McLaughlin travelled all the way from Huckelchoven in Germany but he said it was worth it. He caught six fish between 1lb 2oz and 2lb. He took them all on an orange lure on the bank. David Finch-Noyes of Northampton took 8 fish quickly off the bank on Friday. John Washington of Hitchin took 8 fish on the bank and returned 4 on his day ticket. Judith Tuffs of Market Harborough had her first outing on the bank last week and managed 8 fish for 18lb in no time!
There have been lots of limits this week, all on mainly sinking lines and lures because fish have been feeding on daphnia. A few over wintered fish have been showing up widely spread over the whole lake.
Best Rainbow 4lb taken by T Gardner
Best Brown 4lb plus (returned)
Best boat areas Stone Barn, North Farm Bay, Bog Bay
Best bank areas North Farm Bay, Stilton Point, Gravells
Fish stocked 500
Mid week boat winner Richard Kesek of Stevenage
Forthcoming events Beginners courses 28 March; 4,8 & 25 April; 9,13 & 23 May & throughout the season
16th March 2009
fish week 764 returns 116 rod average 6.5
“A 6.5 Rod average for the first week at Pitsford from mainly bank anglers was an excellent way to start the season” says Pitsford Water’s Senior Warden, Nathan Clayton.
Matthew Brack of Northampton, a blue season permit holder, fished the Gravel bank with his father to catch and release a good number of fish. They then decided to fish on comfort in the Brixworth Bay. This paid off for Matthew who managed an over wintered Rainbow of around 4lb 8oz.
Bank anglers have enjoyed good sport during the week with fish being widely spread out. There has been a sprinkling of over wintered fish which is a good sign for things to come. Anglers have used a variety of methods but lures on a slow sink have produced consistently along with deep booby fishing. A few purists have managed to catch on nymphs and with this week’s weather it won’t be long before the buzzers will be the top method.
The few boats that have ventured out have had good sport catching on a variety of methods including the rudder. John Wotherspoon of Stamford and Brian Flack of Peterborough, both season ticket holders, shared a Pitsford boat last Monday. John and Brian took their limits, fishing close in and sometimes out from the bank to find fish.
Rick Varley from Pontefract and boat partner Ian caught and released 10 fish each from the Sailing Club Bay area on a blustery Monday and reported that a good number were over wintered. Nick Hall boat fished for the first time on Saturday. His boat partner Phil Longstaff, a previous member of England Youth, took Nick to North Farm bay and he took 4 fish all around the 2lb mark.
Mid Northants Trout Fishers held their annual litter pick on Sunday. 12 club members turned out to help Anglian Water to clean up litter from around the reservoir. In return club members enjoyed fishing in the afternoon.
Best Rainbow Two at 5lb
Best boat areas Causeway, Stone Barn Bay, Sailing Club area and Bog Bay
Best bank areas Causeway to Stone Barn and the Gravels – Bog Bay, Stilton Point and Sailing Club Bank
Mid week boat winner Mr Allen of Great Barr
Fish stocked 5512
Forthcoming events Beginners courses 28 March; 4,8 & 25 April; 9,13 & 23 May & throughout the season
9thMarch 2009
Anglers fishing Pitsford Water on opening day enjoyed a terrific start to the new season with lots of good quality fish caught in the fine spring weather. Andy Taylor, a season ticket holder, travelled from Bury St Edmunds, hoping his 6.30 am arrival would guarantee him a prime spot on the bank. Andy squeezed into a slot and made an impressive start to the season. He estimated that he returned in excess of 25 fish including a rainbow of over 10lb. Andy caught them all on a slimeline and a fritz lure. He fished in the Stone Barn area. Amongst the ‘names’ attracted to Pitsford’s opening day were 2009 England Team Manager Craig Barr who fished with England Ladies International Martha Thompson.
Photo's by Cliff Waters from www.fishypics.co.uk .
England Team Manager Craig Barr
Martha Thomson England Ladies International
George Thrall of Melton Mowbray fished on Saturday with Terry Newton. The pair enjoyed a great morning, by 7.30am they had both caught fish quickly on lures, then they switched to buzzers to slow up! This didn’t work as the pair had taken their limits by 10.30am. Chris Binley bank fished with his son on Saturday, and they both took their limits easily. Graham Emms, of Spalding, fished on Saturday and took an easy limit. Graham headed away from the other bank anglers in search of some over wintered fish, he was rewarded with a 4lb Rainbow from Sailing Club Bay.
Martin Howell of Maulden, Bedfordshire, caught six fish on a boat on Sunday with one weighing 9lb 15oz. He fished an orange fritz lure on a di3 in North Farm Bay.
Bank fishing is possibly the best bet at present with the usual early season top spots like the Gorse and Bog Bay and Stone Barn Point and Bay. Boat fishing is best in the areas where the wind is blowing on to the banks. The Causeway, North Farm Bay and Stone Barn Bay are worth a try.
16th February 2009
Season tickets will be available to purchase from the lodges from 21 February onwards
Trout Fishing with Anglian Water
Having had a great season in 2008 we are all looking forward to a new season’s trout fishing at our reservoirs.
Trout Stocking – contracts for next three years
Orders have been placed with nine fish farms to maintain catch rates and quality at all of our fisheries and we are confident of a very good start to the new season with plenty of over-wintered fish. In 2008 most trout caught were over two pounds at all of our four fisheries and we plan to maintain this performance, plus of course the big fish which make Ravensthorpe so popular.
£100,000 investment in new Pontoons
Anglers visiting Ravensthorpe last summer will have seen the new pontoon, manufactured by Walcon Marine Ltd. Rutland Water took delivery of a new pontoon in December. This popular design of pontoon using a galvanised steel frame with a hardwood deck and supported on fibre concrete floats has been especially designed to accommodate our fishing boat fleet and should make coming on and off the boat with all your fishing tackle a lot easier.
Boat Replacement Programme nears completion
The replacement of our fishing boats, making them all CE compliant, continues. Grafham now has a new rescue boat.
Season Permit prices held for 2009 and available to purchase from the lodges from Saturday 21 February
We are retaining our popular range of permits at the same prices as 2008
Gold £709 - for 300 days of fishing freedom. For those who want to fish two, three or more times each week and expect to catch a lot of fish. It allows catch & release plus the fishery day limit. Valid to 31 December.
Silver £549 - great value for the frequent angler who fishes more than once a week and expect to catch up to 300 fish in a season. Valid to 31 December.
Blue £419 - catch & release with a bit extra. For anglers who prefer catch and release most of the time plus 8 nominated days with an 8 fish bag limit. Valid to 31 December.
Green £459 - value for money for those who fish one or two days and evenings each week, and whose annual catch totals less than 160 fish. You can select any eight months from March to December or pay an additional £35 for 10 months fishing.
Economy £349 - for those with less time to fish or new to the sport and not catching many fish. This permit gives you one day catch & release at Ravensthorpe only but unlimited visits elsewhere providing you catch less than 75 trout over the season. You can select any eight months from March to December.
Starter £199 - for anglers who have completed one of our day beginners courses. Limited to two seasons, you can choose to fish any 8 months.
Week ending 23rd November 2008
Following overnight snow the 14 Anglers fishing in Pitsford’s Fur and Feather braved arctic conditions on Sunday. The wind direction was initially from the south, but changed to the north west by the afternoon. Anglers had to change banks during the day to combat the strong blow. Fish were reported feeding close to the banks on corixa and some fish were hooked and lost during the match.
Nathan Clayton (left) presenting winner Alex Ferguson (right) with a luxury hamper
F&F win AlexFerguson
Alex Ferguson from Leicester managed to make them all stick and banked three fish for 8lb 3oz to give him the top spot and win the match. Alex who caught on a di5 line with lures mainly off the sailing club bank said “I have been so close over the last few years, but it’s wonderful to win it this time!” He was delighted to win and took home a luxury hamper. Local man and previous winner, Mark Haycock managed two fish for 7lb 2oz with a Rainbow of 3lb 10oz. Mark also won a luxury hamper.
Third place went to Mick Griffin, a Ravensthorpe regular who enjoys a trip to Pitsford’s banks. Mick took a case of wine home for two fish weighing 6lb 4oz. He also caught the best Rainbow of the match at 3lb 15oz winning Mick a bottle of whiskey – a great start for Christmas.
David Moore and Charles Jardine (well known artist, writer and angling instructor) fished Pitsford Water in challenging windy conditions last Friday. David had a 2lb Brown and 3lb 4oz Rainbow, both superbly conditioned fish
. Charles topped the day with a perfect 4lb brown taken in 'The Narrows' which he returned to the water, it’s his best 'big water' brown trout.
Last Saturday Pitsford Water hosted a league match for the British Float Tubing Association. All boats were confined to the big half and float tubes were allowed in the Small Half only. 11 Float tubers from all over the country fished. Andre Russell from Leicester had the best bag with 8 fish for 15lb 15oz. Organiser Russ Whitmore took second place with 15lb 10oz. Anglers caught on green diawl bach and damsel flies with floating lines off the May Tree bank in the small half.
Russ Whitmore enjoying a float tubing session at Pitsford Water. The British Float Tubing Association held a league match at Pitsford Water last Saturday. Russ, who organised the event, was placed second with a bag of 15lb 10oz.
forthcoming events beginners courses 25 May then alternate Saturdays until the first week of November.
Anglian Water Fulling Mill International Midland Heat 24 May
Boat Buddies 27 May – see report for details
Scierra Pairs 25 Ju
A superb 11lb Rainbow made Dick Osborn’s day this week. Dick, from Kingsthorpe, Northampton, caught this fantastic fish from Sermans on a floating line with a black and green Pitsford Pea.
Photo of John Bell from Duston with one of his opening days fish.
John Caldwell who was in the boat and sent me the following
That's me in the bow and Graden Smith landing the sprat. We were anchored in Bog Bay and had 21 fish to the boat, mostly on minkies fished deep and slow.
Winning pair was John Mees (Anglian Water’s Senior Warden at Grafham Water) and Chris McLeod from Ashton, near Oundle, with 14 fish for 23lb 12oz. Runners up were Ian Hamilton and Keith Jones with four fish for 15lb 13oz including a brown trout of 6lb 2oz. Mark Searle and A Sexton took third with 8 fish for 14lb 10oz.
Memebers of the East Midlands Trout Fishers Association celebrating their 40th anniversary at Pitsford Water this weekend.
Many happy returns!
Don Moore from Old, Market Harborough, landed a rainbow of 11lb 12oz whilst boat fishing in the evening on Wednesday. He used the washing line tactics with a black buzzer whilst drifting near Pitsford Creek. This was Don’s best ever rainbow from Pitsford and he was highly delighted.
Season permit holder Graham Bayliss of Leicester boat fished in the evening and hooked into a rainbow of 7lb 12oz. He used a black buzzer on a floating line, and caught it near North Farm Bay.
Stevie Clark of Bonnyrigg Scotland has enjoyed the best holiday any angler could wish for. He boat fished on Wednesday to bag a 10lb 8oz Rainbow.
He used a cruncher and a midge tip line, in North farm bay. The fish was in fine condition. He also returned a further 8 fish that day. Stevie later returned on Friday to bag the season’s best brown trout a fine fish of 7lb 8oz. The fish was returned, and was caught close to the mouth of Pitsford Creek. He used a claret diawl bach ,and slow glass line. Stevie was part of the Brown holiday package, with 4 anglers from Dumfries and 4 from Edinburgh. They caught 129 fish over three days, which gave a rod average of 5.3. Nathan Clayton senior warden said “When I met this group of holiday package anglers, I assured them they would have a great time, as the lake was fishing well, and said that it is nice to see the Scottish anglers catching more than the locals!”
Scottish holiday package angler Billy Burns of Falkirk caught the best fish of the week late on Sunday evening. Billy fished with fellow holiday package anglers in the current hot spot – the small half. He caught a 10lb 6oz rainbow on a damsel on a floating line close to the fishing limits near the Holcot arm. Billy also returned 8 other fish. Billy, on his second visit to Pitsford, said he really enjoyed fishing Pitsford and he would soon be back.
The best fish at Pitsford this week was an 11lb 1oz rainbow taken by Ian Broach. Ian, from Southampton, was fishing in a Thames Valley Police match. He caught this fish in the Small Half with a sparkler on a di 6 line.
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Season permit holder William Waugh of Moulton, Northampton, caught the best rainbow for three seasons on Saturday, weighing in a whopper at 13lb 6oz. William said this Rainbow fought really well, and he used an orange blob with an intermediate line in Pitsford’s Stone Barn Bay.
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