We are now officially into the longest sustained spell of hot weather for 10 years - and it looks like getting even hotter!
Earlier last week I fished with Mike Purseglove on a hot, sunny and near calm day on Chew Valley. There were fish rising so I couldnt wait to get out and at 'em! However, none of these fish rose more than once and it soon became clear that they were not feeding on the surface. What they were doing escapes me.
Thankfully Mike soon had a nice rainbow on the washing line. But then it got really hard and it wasnt until I fished a DI7 near the aerators that I started to catch fish - and one was a cracking 4lb plus brownie.
I am back on Chew tomorrow for pike, so it'll be interesting to see if they are feeding in this hot weather. With all the fry around, they can feed easily and without much effort. I have a feeling we might get a decent fish tomorrow - but I'll let you know.
I am typing this blog sat in the Lodge at Stocks Fly Fishery near Blackburn. Over 100 anglers have supported the 3 days of Heats and suffered some of the hottest weather this year. Thankfully the catch rates have been pretty good. day 1 saw a catch per rod of 1.9 and an average weight per fish of 2lbs 3ozs - but it was a Floating Lines Only Heat, so we thought it would be hard.
The next day, 40 anglers averaged 3.0 per rod at the same average weight, but most reverted to sinking lines. Top man was Derek Moore who had 8 fish, as did his boat partner John Brown - so 16 fish to the boat. Good Angling!
Today is the last Team Heat of the series and 3 teams will progress to the Grand Final to be held over 2 days at Rutland Water in August.
Next weekend sees the final 2 Heats of the Lexus Individual Championships at Draycote Water. There are still some places available, so please contact me or Draycote to reserve your place.