Notes

It was a mixed week at Haywards Farm Fishery but both bank and boat fishing proved successful with two cracking fish of 12lb and 13lb landed.

The majority of fish were showing in the top 4ft of water and differing retrieves was the trick to get amongst them. The classic ‘strip and pause’, used by many anglers, didn’t produce as well as a ‘mess them about’ approach – with small quick pulls followed by long draws and then a steady retrieve to alter the way the flies behaved. Black tadpoles and black and orange Montanas were the key patterns but for those with a more imitative approach, buzzers or Diawl Bachs fished very slowly on what little wind there was, or static under an indicator, were incredibly successful.

Make sure you use a minimum of 8lb breaking strain. The water has been crystal clear and the air temperatures more than favourable encouraging higher feeding in the water. Don’t get concrete feet either – keep moving to find the fish and concentrate on that top 4ft.

To book a boat please call 0118 930 3860.