Spring is in the air! After one of the wettest winters on record I bet you are all looking forward to a glimpse of sunshine to banish the winter blues. Spring is a really special time for the stillwater trout fisher – I know you can fish many waters right through the year now but opening day at any fishery is always exciting.
Are you prepared for the new season?
I see many anglers at this time of year with tackle damaged at the end of the last season and forgotten about until the day before their first trip. Now is the time to sort out your gear – there is nothing worse than finding the mice have made a meal of your net or your favourite fly line is cracked when you arrive on the bank. We carry everything in stock you will need for the season ahead from a few flies to a complete new outfit. Why not bring your kit to one of our stores? Our expert staff will help you give everything a pre season once over and recommend a few bits and pieces to help make your first trip a success.
Opening Dates & Contact Details
- Rutland Water opens 29/03/13 – 01780 686441
- Grafham opens 15/03/13 – 01480 810531
- Chew Valley Lake opens 23/03/13 – 01275 332339
- Pitsford opens 8/03/13 – 01604 781350
- Llyn Brenig opens 23/03/13 – 01490 420463
- Bewl Water opens 21/03/13 – 01892 890352
- Blagdon opens 16/03/13 – 01275 332339
- Foremark opens 1/03/13 – 01283 703202
- Draycote opens 5/03/13 – 01788 812018
- Eyebrook opens 22/03/13 – 01536 772930
- Ravensthorpe opens 01/03/13 – 01604 770875
- Toft Newton open all year round – 01673 878453
- Stocks opens 23/03/13 – 01200 446602
- Farmoor open all year round – 07747 640707
NEW VIDEO: Jonathan Tomlinson, Assistant Manger at Sportfish Reading and Trout Fisherman Magazine Advice Squad expert, explains some of the tips and tactics that will help you land more early season trout in our new video.
Top tips for early season success
- Face the wind – you will often find trout feeding on the windward shore of a large stillwater. The wind will pull warm water up from the thermocline as it pushes across the surface and concentrate food on this shore. Trout are often feeding surprisingly close in.
- Look for features – with the current high water levels look for fence and hedge lines disappearing into the reservoir, these will hold insect life and attract feeding trout.
- Stay mobile – you may need to find the fish so be prepared to keep moving. If you have had nothing after 20 minutes or so move along the bank to try new water. Casting along the shore often works.
- Look for clear water – If its windy trout will often be found feeding along the boundary of murky water churned up by waves and clearer water in the main body of the lake. They will be hunting for nymphs and shrimps disturbed by the waves.
- Keep warm – weather changes quickly at this time of year. This is when top notch technical clothing really proves its worth keeping you warm and dry in all conditions.
- Be sensitive to temperature changes – a slight increase in water temperature can trigger an insect hatch – and some memorable rod bending sport.
