Week ending 20th July 2008
Fish week 379 (season 11,213) returns 103 (3,328) rod average 3.6 (3.3)
Pitsford Water hosted a heat of the Lexus Individual on Sunday. A challenging north-westerly wind faced the competitors as they made their way out onto the reservoir. Fish were feeding in the top few feet of water. Nick Dunn coped with conditions best, finishing first with 12 fish for 22lb 1oz. Very close behind in second place, was visiting Czech angler Vladimir Sedivey with 12 fish for 22lb. Vladimir had already pre-qualified along with third placed Elinor Trout Fisheries owner Ed Foster with 9 fish for 17lb 15oz and fourth placed Richard Slater with 5 fish for 11lb. This meant that fifth placed Czech angler David Riha wentt on to qualify for entry into the final at Chew with 4 fish for 9lb 8oz. Another lucky angler was Graham Herbert who qualified on the wild card entry with the third biggest fish of the day, a rainbow of 3lb 2oz.
Anglers at Pitsford Water have enjoyed an amazing rod average for the time of year at 3.6. Sport is still very good late on in the evening around the Pines and off the Gravels. Fish are still feeding on the sedge pupae under the surface, so good patterns are diawl bachs or hares ear fished just under the surface. Dry flies are good but the sub surface nymphs are the way to go at the moment.
Last Tuesday was the final session of the season of Boat Buddies where first time boat users have the opportunity to fish alongside experienced boat anglers. This has proved very popular and will be offered again next season.
Pitsford’s Intermediate Club meets on the first Sunday of the month at 9.30 am and runs until December. An experienced angler will be on hand to show you how to tackle reservoir bank fishing. Telephone 0845 8737573 in advance.
Best Rainbow 5lb taken by Colin Faulkner
Best boat areas Dam, Boils
Best bank areas Gravels, Pines
Mid week boat winner Keith Nicholson of Tonbridge
Fish stocked 1,600
Forthcoming events Boat fishing for pike at Pitsford Water alternate weeks Monday to Friday commencing 28 July; 11 & 25 August; 8 & 25 September
Beginners courses –16, 21, 30 August; 10, 13, 27 September; 11 & 25 October
Week ending 14th July 2008
Fish week 480 (season 10,023) returns 165 (3,225) rod average 2.9 (3.1)
As last week, boat anglers are still enjoying some good sport from boats with floating lines, nymphs, diawl bachs, buzzers and dries. Bank anglers are enjoying some good evening sport on floating lines with dries, CDC’s, buzzers, hares ears or small nymphs.
Best methods See report
Best boat areas Small Half is producing best results but boils, dam and main bowl are all worth a try.
Best bank areas Gravells, Rigbys Point, Pines and Gorse Bank.
Mid week boat winner Paul Moore of Wellingborough
Fish stocked 500
Forthcoming events Boat fishing for pike at Pitsford Water alternate weeks Monday to Friday commencing 30 June; 14 & 28 July; 11 & 25 August; 8 & 25 September
Beginners courses – 2, 16. 21. 30 August; 10, 13, 27 September; 11 & 25 October
Week ending 6th July 2008
Fish week 432 (season 9,543) returns 149 (3,060) rod average 2.8 (3.1)
Boat anglers are enjoying some good sport from boats with floating lines, nymphs, diawl bachs or buzzers. In the right conditions traditional wet flies have been catching fish. Hares ears and dry flies are catching in the evenings.
Evening is the best time to fish for bank anglers with lots of fish rising as the light starts to fade. Hares ears, dry flies or c.d.c buzzers are worth trying. The Pines, Rigbys Point and the Gravells are the best areas depending on the wind direction.
Pike fishing
Anglers can boat fish for pike with lures over 18cm only at Pitsford Water alternate weeks Monday to Friday. Weeks commencing 30 June; 14 & 28 July; 11 & 25 August; 8 & 25 September. Call the lodge on 01604 781350 for details.
Best methods See report
Best boat areas Gravells, Rigbys Point, Dam and Boils
Best bank areas Gravells, Rigbys Point and Dam
Mid week boat winner T Botwood of Plymouth
Fish stocked 500
Forthcoming events Boat fishing for pike at Pitsford Water alternate weeks Monday to Friday commencing 30 June; 14 & 28 July; 11 & 25 August; 8 & 25 September
beginners courses alternate Saturdays from 25 May until the first week of November.
Week ending 29th June 2008
Fish week 848 (season 9,111) returns 226 (2,911) rod average 3.7(3.1)
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.
On Sunday Pitsford Water hosted the Hucknall and Limby Fly Fishers annual club match. 14 anglers fished and Neil Deakin from Sutton in Ashfield was top bag catching 8 fish for 19lb 4oz. John Littler took best fish - a rainbow of 5lb 3oz.
With the continued high water levels bank sport is outstanding. Anglers have been taking limits in short periods from 8pm onwards. There have been some good sedge hatches, luring the fish in closer to the bank. Top spots are the Pines, Rigbys Point, the Gravels and Sermans and the Gorse. The water at Pitsford is superb quality and the trout are in the best condition.
Last Tuesday was the second boat session for Boat Buddies. This is a new scheme pairing inexperienced boat anglers with experienced locals. The aim is for the less experienced to gain confidence to boat fish in the future. Nathan Clayton who organised the session said “Five pairs went out on the water and everyone came back with a big grin on their faces and a trout or two. My thanks go to Ray Buckland, Jonathan Cowling, Mike Philpott, John French and Mark Fountain for their help on the evening.” One more session is planned for the 15 July. Contact the lodge to book a place, numbers are restricted and places are offered to first time boat anglers.
Pike fishing
Anglers can boat fish for pike with lures over 18cm only at Pitsford Water alternate weeks Monday to Friday. Weeks commencing 30 June; 14 & 28 July; 11 & 25 August; 8 & 25 September. Call the lodge on 01604 781350 for details.
Best methods Floating lines, buzzers and diawl bachs or damsels
Best rainbow 5lb 4oz taken by R Tebbutt of Rushden
Best boat areas Dam, Pines
Best bank areas Pines, Rigbys Point
Mid week boat winner Philip Ringer of Brixworth
Fish stocked 1,250
Forthcoming events Boat fishing for pike at Pitsford Water alternate weeks Monday to Friday commencing 30 June; 14 & 28 July; 11 & 25 August; 8 & 25 September
beginners courses alternate Saturdays from 25 May until the first week of November.
Week ending 22nd June 2008
Fish week 754 (season 8,263) returns 264 (2,685) rod average 2.8(3.0)
Draycote Fly Fishers held an annual club match on Pitsford on Saturday. They enjoyed a good day with many members having bag limits and returning numbers of fish. Fish were high up in the water and were taken on orange blobs on floating lines. Some anglers used dry flies which took some larger fish. The Pines was the hot spot on the day and it has been throughout the week on the bank.
Bank anglers have been enjoying good sport this week. There have been large hatches of Sedge which has made the evening fishing excellent. Patterns to use have been a size 12 silver invicta fished slowly through the surface.
Boat anglers have been catching on the rudder and drifting out in the middle of the main basin. Pitsford casual warden Mark Benstead fished with regular boat partner Malcolm Eade. They fished in North Farm and caught and released over 12 fish on buzzers. Peter Daniels from Northampton fished on Saturday and caught 12 fish in the Small Half near the Causeway.
Pike fishing
Pike fishing started at Pitsford last Monday. With six boats out daily anglers are catching lots of Jack pike up to around 10lb. Some boat anglers were catching between 10 and 20 fish per boat. Steve Haynes from Northampton fished with two other Pike anglers and they caught 25 Pike with the largest at 25lb. Steve said it was the best day’s Pike fishing he has ever had.
Derek MacDonald fished with Angling Times photographer Mick Rouse, working on a feature for a future issue.
Anglers can boat fish for pike with lures over 18cm only at Pitsford Water alternate weeks Monday to Friday. Weeks commencing 16 & 30 June; 14 & 28 July; 11 & 25 August; 8 & 25 September. Call the lodge on 01604 781350 for details.
Best methods Floating lines, orange blobs, buzzers and dries.
Best boat areas Pines, Dam
Best bank areas Pines to Gravels
Mid week boat winner Mr Conelly of Essex
Fish stocked 1,500
Forthcoming events Boat fishing for pike at Pitsford Water alternate weeks Monday to Friday commencing 16,30 June; 14 & 28 July; 11 & 25 August; 8 & 25 September
beginners courses alternate Saturdays from 25 May until the first week of November.
Float tubing in small half Saturday 28 June
Week ending 15th June 2008
Fish week 375 (season 7,509) returns 152 (2,421) rod average 2.4 (3.1)
Boat anglers have had some great sport this week with some nice sized fish being caught. John Hicky took a lovely Rainbow of 8lb on a gold head damsel using floating line. He also took another four fish giving him a bag weight of 18lb 4oz. His friend Arnold Haddon also took three fish for 9lb 8oz on a damsel nymph. They were fishing in their club outing with the other members of Bull Flyfishers catching some nice fish.
Evening is still the best time to fish from the bank with the fish coming up in the water when the sunlight starts to fade. Floating lines with small nymphs, buzzers on dries are working best.
Best methods See report
Best rainbow 8lb taken by John Hicky
Best boat areas Dam, Boils, Pitsford Creek
Best bank areas Bog Bay, Gravels, Gorse Bank
Mid week boat winner Adrian Fairey of Dallington, Northampton
Fish stocked 1750
Forthcoming events beginners courses alternate Saturdays from 25 May until the first week of November.
Week ending 8th June 2008
Fish week 487 (season 7134) returns 228 (2269) rod average 2.1 (3.1)
Bank sport has been good, especially in the evenings from 8pm onwards. Fish can be seen rising close to the banks as the sun goes down. Fish have been taken on a variety of patterns including hoppers and c.d.c’s. Top spots have been Bog Bay, the Gorse and the Gravels.
Boat anglers have also seen lots of fish free rising out in the middle of the main basin and near the dam face. Anglers have been tempting them with dry flies. Fish have been feeding on green midge larva and can be seen slurping through the surface. The trick is to intercept with a dry fly a foot in front! Season ticket holder John Fletcher from Desborough reported a bumper bag of fish taken from the flats near to the overflow on the bung method.
Best rainbow 4lb 8oz
Best brown 4lb 1oz
Best boat areas Middle of main basin and near the dam face
Best bank areas Main bowl, Dam, Pitsford Creek
Best methods See report
Fish stocked 500
Mid week boat winner Darius Kaps of Kelmarsh, Northampton
Forthcoming events beginners courses alternate Saturdays from 25 May until the first week of November.
Week ending 1st June 2008
Fish week 510 (season 6,647) returns 163 (2,041) rod average 3.1 (3.2)
Anglers have enjoyed some good sport at Pitsford Water this week, despite the rain, with some lovely fish caught. Boat angler Kelvin Pearce caught a lovely brace of Rainbows, one at 10lb and the other at 4lb on black buzzer and floating line. Kelvin only attended a Beginners’ course two weeks ago and these two fish were his first ever Rainbows – what a start!
Scottish angler James Hendrie caught a 7lb 2oz Rainbow on a damsel nymph. Some nice Browns are also being caught. The biggest being a 4lb 2oz Brown caught by M Wright from Northampton who returned the fish to the water.
Early morning and late evening are the best times for bank fishing with floating lines and buzzers or small nymphs.
Best rainbow 10lb taken by Kelvin Pearce
Best brown 4lb 2oz taken by M Wright of Northampton
Best boat areas Pines/Pitsford Creek, main bowl
Best bank areas Bog Bay/Gorse bank
Best methods see report
Fish stocked 500
Mid week boat winner John McLellan of Northampton
Forthcoming events beginners courses alternate Saturdays from 25 May until the first week of November.
Week ending 25th May 2008
Fish week 508 (season 6,137) returns 178(1878) rod average 2.8 (3.2)
Alex Urquhart of Hinkley, Leicester, took the best Rainbow of the week, a fish of 6lb 12oz whilst practising for the Anglian Water Fulling Mill match. Alex reported that he lost a larger rainbow at the same spot up at the dam, due to a Pike taking his dropper fly whilst playing the fish.
Competition News
Pitsford Water hosted a Midlands Heat of the Anglian Water Fulling Mill International on Saturday. 48 Anglers fished in teams of six for four places at the Midlands final at Grafham Water in July. The match fished to a 3.1 rod average and an average fish weight of 2lb 3oz, despite the strong winds and bright conditions. The boats all headed up to the dam but found it too rough to fish at the face of the dam due to the North East wind, so they headed back to Pitsford Creek where a plentiful supply of fish fell to the anglers. Top methods ranged from buzzers to lures all fished deep. The best fish on the day was caught by David Hoppe with a rainbow of 4lb 10oz. The best bag was 21lb 4oz taken by Peter Elliot. Both David and Peter were fishing for Rio-Draycote Flyers
The top four teams qualify for the Midland final at Grafham Water on 28 July
1st Team 1 Greenwell 27 fish for 56lb 11oz
2nd Team 2 Greenwell 26 fish for 53lb 12oz
3rd Team Lochstyle 21 fish for 51lb 9oz
4th Team Rio-Draycote Flyers 16 fish for 41lb 5oz
5th Toft Trout.com 18 fish for 38lb 2oz
6th Soldier Palmers Team 2 13 fish for 28lb 9oz
7th Greylags FFC 14 fish for 28lb 8oz
8th Hanningfield 14 fish for 28lb 8oz
Best rainbow 6lb 12oz taken by Alex Urquhart of Hinkley
Best brown 5lb 3oz taken by boat angler J Wilmore of Girton, Cambridge
Best boat areas Dam, Pitsford Creek and Sailing Club Bay
Best bank areas Gorse and the Pines to Pitsford Creek
Best methods Buzzers or lures
Fish stocked 1,750
Mid week boat winner Joan Russell of Camberley, Surrey
Forthcoming events beginners courses alternate Saturdays from 25 May until the first week of November.
Week ending 18th May 2008
Fish week 567 (season 5,665) returns 196(1,700) rod average 2.8(3.3)
Grafham Water Fly Fishers held a club match at Pitsford Water on Sunday. 19 Anglers fished catching 95 fish giving a rod average of 5.6 which was excellent. Steven Ellerbeck had the heaviest 8 fish limit on the day weighing in at 17lb14oz. In second place was John Batter with 8 fish for 17lb 6oz and in third was Richard Kesek with 8 fish for 17lb. The best fish fell to Nick Preston with a rainbow of 4lb 8oz. Most fish were caught in the small half and up at the dam and were taken on a variety of methods but the most successful was orange blobs on intermediate lines.
Pitsford Water enjoyed a busy weekend hosting the East Midlands Fly Fishers Fun Day and the Greenwell Persuaders Fun Day. Both groups enjoyed a relaxed day out which was made even better by a bbq lunch and tea for the club cooked on Anglian Water’s bbq which are available free for anyone to use at Pitsford Water. Both clubs had caught good numbers of fish despite a cold north easterly wind. Fish were taken in the small half and up at Pitsford Creek. Anglers reported that a variety of sinking lines were working and lures pulled slow were working well.
Top spot for the boats were the small half, Pitsford Creek and Gorse. Top spots for the bank anglers are the Gorse, and Stilton Point.
Boat Buddies
Tuesday 27 May is the first Boat Buddies evening, but at present we only have experienced anglers and a few inexperienced anglers, so for this event to work we are looking for anglers who want to go on a boat for the first time, who are new to fly fishing. Contact the lodge on 01604 781350 to book your place, these will be limited so book soon.
Best rainbow 6lb 2oz taken by T Bailey of Pershore
Best boat areas Small Half, Pitsford Creek and Gorse
Best bank areas Gorse & Stilton Point
Best methods Intermediate lures
Fish stocked 500
Mid week boat winner Gordon Bramwell of Leicester
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 June
Week ending 11th May 2008
Fish week 587 (season 5,098) returns 224(1,504) rod average 2.3(3.3)
On Wednesday Pitsford Water hosted the English Disabled Fly Fishers annual Pitsford outing. Despite hot weather 35 anglers caught 89 fish. They fished mainly in the small half where they caught on a variety of methods from sinking lines and lures to buzzers on the bung. Top bag on the day was Grafham angler Ken Dainty with 8 fish weighing 17lb 8oz, second was Trevor Ashby with 7 fish weighing 15lb 11oz, and third was Gordon Watson with 8 fish for 15lb-0.
Pitsford Water hosted a new inter club league on Sunday called the Midland Counties which consists of two teams of six per match. Leicester Fly Fishers fished against the Mid Northants Trout Fishers. The MNTFA caught 36 fish weighing 77lb 2oz and Leicester caught 23 fish weighing 48lb15oz. Well done to MNTFA.
Brian Naylor of East Raynham Norfolk made the journey worthwhile he caught a 6lb 2oz rainbow and returned 4 other fish.
Fish are feeding on a variety of things mainly Buzzers and daphnia, and some even on snails. Larger over wintered fish have woken up and are now being caught and seen on the move. It’s worth exploring the lake to find a quiet corner to pick up one or two of these. It will soon be time to put on a dry fly thanks to this recent warm weather.
Charles Campion of Crowle, Worcester, fished with his son on Saturday. Charles boated, weighed, photographed and then released a Bream of 17lb in the small half.
Have you ever fished on a boat before? If not, Boat Buddies is designed to get you out with an experienced angler for an evening on a boat. Please contact the Pitsford Fishing Lodge to book a place on 01604 781350. Boat Buddies also requires experienced boat anglers to help out from time to time during the season. If you can help please leave your details at the Lodge. The next date for Boat Buddies is Tuesday 27 May.
Best rainbow 6lb 2oz
best boat areas Small Half, Dam
best bank areas Small Half, Gravels
fish stocked 1,000
mid week boat winner Dave Richardson of Dereham
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 June
Fish week 945 (season 4,511) returns 270(1,280) rod average 3.5 (3.5)
Pitsford fished to a 3.5 rod average this week. Sport is good for both bank and boat anglers. Fish are feeding hard on buzzers so floating lines and nymphs are the way forward. Some good fish have been spotted on clam days rising in the evenings so it will not be long before dry flies will be put back into use. Pitsford has been stocked with some excellent quality brown trout - anglers are reminded that two browns per bag is the limit.
Gordon Bramwell of Loughborough had two excellent days boat fishing this week with eight fish on each visit. Each of his bag limits weighed over 20lb. Gordon used buzzers on long leaders in perfect trout fishing conditions. He fished the small half and Bog Bay. Wilf Moran of Leicester boat fished and bagged 8 fish totalling 16lb 8oz. The best brown trout recorded this week was 6lb 4oz and caught by John McLellan of Northampton.
Have you ever fished on a boat before? If not, Boat Buddies is designed to get you out with an experienced angler for an evening on a boat. Please contact the Pitsford Fishing Lodge to book a place on 01604 781350. Boat Buddies also requires experienced boat anglers to help out from time to time during the season. If you can help please leave your details at the Lodge. The next date for Boat Buddies is Tuesday 27 May.
best brown 6lb 4oz taken by John McLellan of Northampton
best boat areas Small Half, Bog Bay, the Gorse
best bank areas Gravels, Sermans
fish stocked 1,000
mid week boat winner R M Newson of Enstone, Oxon
forthcoming events beginners courses 10,14,25 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 June
Week ending 27th April 2008
Fish week 633 (season 3566) returns 132(1010) rod average 4.7(3.5)
Graham Pearson of Northampton caught the best Rainbow this week. The 7lb 14oz Rainbow came from the bank on Sunday on a home tied black and green Pitsford Pea. Graham, who only recently took up the sport, landed the fish on the popular Stilton Point.
Boat and bank fishing have really taken off with a rod average of 4.7. Boat anglers have enjoyed sport in the small half, catching on buzzers on floating lines. Slow sinking lines and lures have also worked this week. Boats were also catching 100 metres out from Bog Bay and the Gorse this weekend.
Bank anglers are catching steadily throughout the day. But sport really takes off in the evening when fish have indulged in a buzzer feeding frenzy close to the bank. A dry fly or nymph sub surface can provide exciting sport. Top spots for the bank are the Gravels and Sermans also Northfields Shore. Top spots for the boats are Small Half, the Gorse and Bog Bay.
The Pitsford Boat Buddy Scheme has been developed especially for the first time boat angler. Novice anglers are paired with experienced anglers for an enjoyable evening out boat fishing on Pitsford Water. If you are interested in joining this scheme please contact the Lodge at Pitsford. Forthcoming dates are 27 May, 24 June and 15 July. Spaces are limited so book early.
Best methods see report
Best rainbow 7lb 14oz taken by Graham Pearson of Northampton
Best boat areas see report
Best bank areas see report
Fish stocked 1500
Mid week boat winner Jason Taylor of Wilby, Northants
Forthcoming events Beginners courses 10,14,25 May then alternate Saturdays until the first week of November.
Boat Buddies 27 May, 24 June, 15 July
7 May David Brooks Trophy
24 May Anglian Water Fulling Mill International Midland Heat
25 June Scierra Pairs
Week ending 20th April 2008
Fish week 594 (season 2933) returns 162(878) rod average 3.6(3.3)
Pitsford Water has been on excellent form for both bank and boat fishing with numerous bag limits being recorded and many fish released back into the water.
Stuart East, one of Pitsford’s wardens, reported large numbers of fish in close to the banks from the Bog Bay area through to Brixworth Bay. Bank anglers took advantage of this information throughout the week.
Terry Pancoust, a season ticket holder from Northampton, had the best Rainbow from the bank – a fine fish of 8lb plus witnessed by Stuart East. Terry’s fish took a yellow booby fished on a Di 7 shooting head from the Gorse bank. Another season ticket holder, Victor Byrne from Leicester, had a fabulous afternoon taking his limit and releasing a further 12 fish all taken on black buzzers fished on a floating line between bog Bay and the Gorse Bank. Richard Kesek, from Stevenage, caught a 5lb 8oz Rainbow on Sunday evening in the Small Half. Greg Kemmitt took a 6lb 14oz fish, again from the Small Half.
Diawl bachs – damsel nymphs and GRHE’s have all been successful. But when the buzzers are hatching they will take some beating. The weather forecast is more favourable and with these improved conditions Pitsford should produce even greater fishing especially to buzzers and diawl bachs with the damsel nymph also doing well.
Competition news
The Trout Masters ‘Fish Off’ was held on Tuesday 15 April.
1st Paul Longford 5 fish for 9lb
2nd Don Moore 4 fish for 6lb 12oz
3rd Bob Aves 2 fish for 3lb 6oz
Higham Ferrers Fly Fishers held their Wednesday Challenge match at Pitsford Water on 16 April. All anglers took their 8 fish limit with the exception of one who took 6 fish.
1st Bill Hails 8 fish for 15lb 10oz
2nd Ken Plowright 8 fish for15lb
3rd Paul Hillyard 8 fish for 14lb 14oz
The EFFA held a match at Pitsford Water on 17 April
1st John Mees 18lb 1oz
2nd Ray Jenkins 12lb 15oz
3rd Peter Proctor 11lb 10oz
best rainbow 8lb plus taken by Terry Pancoust of Northampton
best boat areas Causeway to Stone Barn and Bog Bay and Small Half
best bank areas Bog Bay – Gorse – Stone Barn and Gravels
fish stocked 750
mid week boat winner Mr John Gamen of Whitchurch
forthcoming events beginners courses 26 April, 10,14,25 May then alternate Saturdays until the first week of November.
7 May David Brooks Trophy
24 May Anglian Water Fulling Mill International Midland Heat
25 June Scierra Pairs
Week ending 13 April 2008
Fish week 517 (season 2339) returns180 (716) rod average 2.8 (3.2)
Boat fishing has had the edge over bank anglers this week. With gin clear waters and sunshine fish have moved out slightly. Paul Skelton of Abbots Langley recorded a good day afloat with 8 rainbows for 18lb and returning three fish as well. His boat partner Malcolm Ritter of Luton caught 7 rainbows for 17lb, his best was a 4lb fish. Season permit holder Pete Cousins from Northampton had a good day on the bank. He took 5 fish and returned a 10lb 10oz Rainbow.
John Emerson, Anglian Water retail assistant, boat fished with boat partner Mike Mason and they fished the small half first and found plenty of fish from the pontoon to the mouth of the Holcot Arm and they took all the fish whilst on the drift using a medium sinking line with a cats whisker, with an orange blob and black buzzer with slow pulls and stop/start retrieve. They found most fish drifting across Stilton Point to the Gorse. John said “ the fish were 150 yards off the bank in about 20 feet of water. I took fish on all flies on the cast even in the bright sun and cold weather”. John and Mike caught and released over 30 fish on barbless hooks. John said the fish were feeding hard on daphnia and black buzzer.
best rainbow 10lb 10oz taken by Pete Cousins of Northampton
best brown 6lb plus
best boat areas small half/Stilton to Gorse/ Hell Bay Bog Bay
best bank areas North Farm Bay/Gravels/Pines
fish stocked 1,000
mid week boat winner Martin Doyle of Wollaston, Wellingborough, Northants
forthcoming events beginners courses 26 April, 10,14,25 May then alternate Saturdays until the first week of November.
Week ending 6th April 2008
Fish week 682 (season 1822) returns 193 (536) rod average 3.5 (3.3)
The best fish of the week was a superb 8lb 6oz Rainbow caught by George Cheney. George, a season ticket holder who lives near Olney, took the Rainbow off the Pines whilst bank fishing last Tuesday. The old favourite black and green lure scores again for Geroge. This has to be the most consistent pattern so far this season at Pitsford Water. George was delighted with his catch and it was his personal best from Pitsford.
The bank seems to be the way to catch fish at present. Fish are in little pods but well spread out. If you are not catching then the best advice is to keep moving. Try and fish with the wind in your face if it is not too strong, as this worked well in the week.
Bob Fairless of Northampton has fished from the bank this week spending a few hours each visit and has recorded 16 rainbows and one brown trout. Dick Osbourn had a good week. Dick, who fishes the bank bagged 24 fish despite chilly temperatures, he caught these mainly on black green lures again.
The Small half is now open and well stocked, so why not give it a go. Bank anglers have been catching a few near the lodge when the wind is blowing in. Top bank and boat spots are Stone Barn Bay, Gravels/Sermans/StiltonPoint and the Pines.
best rainbow 8lb 6oz taken by George Cheney of Olney
best boat areas Stone Barn, Bog Bay, Causeway, Small Half
best bank areas Gravels, Sermans, North Shore
fish stocked 500
mid week boat winner T Moss of Oadby
forthcoming events beginners courses 26 April, 10,14,25 May then alternate Saturdays until the first week of November.
Week ending 30th March 2008
Fish week 356 (season 1428) returns 84 (343) rod average 4.2(4.1)
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.
Anglers who have defied the early season weather have been rewarded with some very good sport, mainly to intermediate or sinking lines with small lures etc.
Black and green tadpole or viva patterns are accounting form many fish with cats whiskers also taking some good quality rainbows.
Bank anglers have reported plenty of fish from most areas of the reservoir with the usual hot spots being the Gravels, Stone Barn Bay, Bog Bay and the Gorse. However, many areas have been neglected due to adverse winds but could produce a ‘surprise’ or two. Few boats have been out but Stone Barn Bay to the Pines should produce some good catches.
Buzzers and nymphs (Diawl Bachs etc) fished on floating lines have also taken quite a few fish and this trend should continue as the water warms up.
best rainbow 11lb taken by Dick Osborn of Kingsthorpe
best boat areas Stone Barn Bay, Bog Bay , Causeway
best bank areas Stilton Point, Bag Bay, Gravels & Sermans
fish stocked 1000
mid week boat winner Terry Pancoust of Northampton
forthcoming events beginners courses 26 April, 10,14,25 May then alternate Saturdays until the first week of November.
Week ending 23rd March 2008
Fish week 580(season 1071) returns 149 (259) rod average 3.8 (4.1)
Despite arctic conditions the bank has fished very well this week with a rod average of 3.8. Season permit holder Ray Buckland paid four visits to Pitsford and bagged 19 fish for the week. Ray mainly fished from the sailing club bank and the north shore. Ed Smith from Kettering caught his 8 fish whilst on a day ticket weighing over 18lb and returned a further 6 fish.
Daniel Jackman of Peterborough took a 4lb 12oz rainbow and returned a further 12 on his catch and release permit. John Cox of London also took advantage of a catch and release permit, he returned 11 and took a 2lb rainbow home. Steve Lawrence of Desborough took 8 fish and returned one, he fished a black and green lure on an intermediate line.
Dave Jarvis enjoyed the best day this week on a boat; Dave took his 8 fish weighing over 20lb and returned a further4 fish. He also took a limit on the bank on Good Friday off Stilton Point.
Top spots are Stilton Point, Bog Bay, the Gorse, and the North shore.
Top method is either floating line with a team of Buzzers or an intermediate line and a black and green lure.
Senior warden Nathan Clayton said “When we get some warmer weather this reservoir will explode with fish, and there will be more buzzer activity” so watch the forecast and get on the bank.”
best rainbow 5lb 12oz
best boat areas Bog Bay, North Farm Bay, Pines
best bank areas Stilton Point, cliffs, no fish point, Sailing Club bank
fish stocked 750
mid week boat winner J Fletcher of Thurmaston, Leics.
forthcoming events beginners courses 26 April, 10,14,25 May then alternate Saturdays until the first week of November.
Week ending 16th March 2008
Fish week 491 returns 110 rod average 4.4
Nathan Reilly of Northampton was in fine form on the bank on Saturday. Not only did he take his limit with 8 fish all over 2lb, but he then went on to catch and release a further six fish. His luck was really in because his catch return was drawn from the hat to win a free mid week boat! Nathan was fishing the bank in the Stone Barn Bay area, this has been very popular with bank anglers since Pitsford re-opened on 7 March.
Robert Spencer, made the journey from Woking in Surrey worthwhile by catching his limit and releasing a further 14 fish. Robert boat fished close to the bank and his 8 fish weighed over 22lb. Ex England Youth International and world team member Phil Longstaff took 6 fish for 19lb and returned a further ten. Unfortunately Phil thought the Pitsford day ticket limit was six, but it has now increased to eight – see page 62 of Hooked magazine!
Craig Barr, ex model and Sky TV angler, fished on the bank at Pitsford on Saturday and made a film for Sky Sports. This will be broadcast on Friday 28 March and includes Nathan Clayton, Senior warden at Pitsford. So tune in and watch what surprises Craig pulls out of the bag!
Season permit holder Will Linnell of Holcot reported that he returned a brown trout weighing in excess of double figures from the Pines last week. He fished a fast sink line and a green and white lure. Will took a picture with his phone, although not very clear, the photo shows the fish was bigger than Will’s net!
Mid Northants Trout Fishers organised the annual litter pick at Pitsford last Sunday. Club members braved heavy rain and high winds to collect litter – a great effort for the environment in appalling weather conditions.
best brown 10lb taken by Will Linnell of Holcot from the bank by the Pines
best boat areas Stone Barn bay area
best bank areas the Pines
mid week boat winner Nathan Reilly of Northampton
fish stocked 5750
forthcoming events beginners courses 12,20 & 27 April & other dates throughout the season.
Week ending 9th March 2008
Pitsford Water
Pitsford Water opened on Friday 7 March with a fantastic rod average of 5.7! Fish were caught from all banks and bays, notable spots were the Pines and North Farm Bay. Gary Holloway purchased the first day permit of the morning (and season!) and went on to record a total bag of 29lb. Gary from Deanshanger, Milton Keynes, had three 5lb fish, one at 4lb, another at 3lb and three at 2llb, recording his best ever bag at Pitsford.
Tim Leach of Cambridge recorded a fish of 5lb 10oz which was part of an 8 fish limit totalling over 22lb. John Armstrong of Northampton recorded an 8 fish limit on Friday of 21lb 12oz and he returned one other fish. Former England youth star Tom Davies boat fished with pal Joel and the pair took their limit easily on Sunday. Season permit holder Jiim Hoey banked a nice 5lb fish to start his season.
Will Linell from Holcot took a quick limit off the Pines. Will used green and white lures on fast sink lines. Will said “It was cold with the wind in your face but well worth it!”
best boat areas as for bank. The Pines also showing over wintered fish and fishing well from the boats when the wind is blowing on to the bank
best bank areas North Farm Bay, Pines, Bog Bay, Stone Barn
forthcoming events beginners courses 12,20 & 27 April & other dates throughout the season.
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.
24th February 2008
Ravensthorpe Reservoir
The pre-season Pike Fishing at Ravensthorpe (18-22 February) produced three fish over thirty pounds. The best fish of the week, a massive 37½lb Pike, was taken on Thursday by John Hart. John, from Harpole, boat fished a half Mackerel off Monger's Point. John's boat partner Mathew Woodruff, had a fish of 16½lb on the same day. Steve Marshall of Wellingborough also used Mackerel to take a whopping 31½lb pike. Other fish were reported at 30½lb and three in the twenty pound bracket. There were six in their teens and a number of single figure fish.
Preview of 2008 season
We celebrated our first winner of 2008 before the season had even started. From the weekly returns submitted by our season ticket holders we hold an annual draw. Susan Noble, a familiar face behind the counter at Rutland Water Fishing Lodge, drew the winning return. The lucky winner was 2007 Economy season ticket holder Tim O’Brien. Tim wins a valuable Gold season ticket.
Ravensthorpe Reservoir opening day Saturday 1 March
The recent pre season pike fishing was a great success with plenty of trout spotted in the reservoir. The trout took little interest on Tuesday and Wednesday when the weather was bitterly cold, but they were back again in large numbers in the warmer conditions on Friday, boding well for the start of the new trout season on Saturday 1 March.
Demand for boats often outstrips supply – pre-booking is essential.
For boat bookings and enquiries please call 01604 770875.
Pitsford Water opening day Friday 7 March
The 2008 season promises to be a cracker. Senior warden Nathan Clayton recalls the start to 2007 “The 5.4 rod average and excellent weather meant that anglers had a terrific start and prospects for 2008 look just as good”.
Anglers are reminded that winter restrictions apply at Pitsford with no fishing in the ‘small half’ until 1 April.
Grafham Water opening day Friday 14 March
Grafham Water opens on Friday14 March. Anglers can fish for the New Lodge Trophy for the biggest fish caught on Opening Day.
The Bob Church Open is on 6 April for the Frank Cutler Memorial Trophy. For more information on this match call 01604 661133.
Rutland Water opens Good Friday 21 March
On Good Friday 21 March Rutland Water re-opens with the Independence Day Trophy for the biggest fish.
On Sunday 9 March anglers are invited to meet at Rutland Water Fishing Lodge, Normanton, to take part in Rutland Water’s litter pick. Organised by Rutland Water Fly Fishers and sponsored by Anglian Water this annual event starts at 9am with bacon sandwiches and coffee. The litter pick starts at 10 am (gloves and bags provided).
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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