Rutland.gillies

21/09/2026

Grafham Water Week Ending 20th September 2026





Rod Average - 3.0
Over the past week, Grafham Water has experienced a mixture of warm sunshine, scattered cloud and the occasional shower. Light to moderate winds have dominated, with short periods of stronger breeze creating a welcome ripple across many areas of the reservoir. Water clarity remains good despite the recent unsettled spells, and the trout continue to find plenty of natural food, with fish remaining active throughout much of the day.

Boat Fishing Report

Boat fishing provided some enjoyable sport this week, with fish showing in a variety of locations rather than concentrating in one area. The Basin, G Buoy and Cove Point all featured in catches, and the GWFFA social boat day produced some quality fish, including a superb trout of 5lb 8oz.
Fry-feeding fish accounted for some of the better catches, particularly to anglers back-drifting b***y patterns, while FABs fished on a slow midge-tip line also proved effective. Around G Buoy, a straightforward approach with a Hare's Ear on an intermediate line tempted several fish. One angler enjoyed a particularly memorable session, landing 14 trout during an exceptional day's sport.
Rather than one standout tactic, success came from being versatile. Fish were encountered at a range of depths and rewarded anglers willing to change lines, alter retrieve speeds and make the most of changing conditions as the day developed.

Bank Fishing Report

The North Shore continued to attract most of the attention from bank anglers and provided some of the week's better catches. G Buoy remained a reliable area, while Cove Point also produced fish for those concentrating on the water close to the shoreline.
Natural patterns once again outperformed brighter attractor flies, with shrimp patterns leading the way. Hare's Ears and black bo***es also accounted for fish, while both floating and sink-tip lines produced results depending on location and conditions. Much of the action came surprisingly close in, highlighting the importance of fishing the margins thoroughly before casting long distances.
An interesting feature of the week was the timing of the sport. Early starts failed to deliver for several anglers, with catches generally improving from mid-morning onwards. Around G Buoy in particular, fish appeared far more willing to feed after 9am, and some of the week's best returns came during this period.
Reports from successful anglers suggest that trout are still feeding heavily on natural food sources. Shrimps continue to feature prominently, and matching these food items remains the clearest route to success for both boat and bank anglers.

Looking Ahead

With autumn approaching and water temperatures slowly beginning to ease, the next few weeks should provide increasingly favourable conditions. While shrimp patterns will undoubtedly continue to catch their share of fish, anglers should start carrying a few Foam Daddies as Crane Flies have become noticeably more prevalent over recent days. Given the right combination of cloud cover, mild temperatures and a light ripple, these flies can come into their own and often provide some of the most exciting fishing of the season. A washing-line setup incorporating a Foam Daddy is well worth trying whenever fish begin to show higher in the water.

Wading Safety

Anyone wading must take particular care, as low water levels have exposed areas of soft and potentially dangerous mud. Please use a wading staff or bank stick to test your footing where appropriate. Wading is to thigh height only, not waist or chest height.

Boat Availability

We are currently operating with a reduced fleet due to low water levels and are using a temporary pontoon. If you are looking to book a boat, please check availability daily, as the number of boats operating may change.

21/09/2026

Pitsford Water Week Ending 20th September 2026

Rod Average - 7.0
Pitsford is continuing to improve after the summer slump and currently is fishing to a rod average of 7.
The fish are now quite well spread across the lake however there is a tinge of colour in places with the clearest water in the main basin and up towards the dam.
The Narrows is also fishing well now from both boat and bank.
Best methods are floating or slow intermediate lines with Daddies and Hoppers or small Black bo***es stroked through the top couple of foot with all the fish seeming to be in that top layer.
Odd fish now starting to come to fry patterns with floating fry or perch fry patterns working for some.
The AMFC Group one match at the weekend fished to a rod average of 5 in less than ideal conditions with blustery winds with the Fish Hawks coming out top with 43 fish.

17/09/2026

Rutland Water Week Ending 13th September 2026





Rod Average - 4.0
Rutland Water was proud to host the Five Nations Police International Fly Fishing Championship last week, it’s was great to see all the anglers and congratulations to Team England who came first with the best Rainbow weighing in at 3.03lb, best two rainbows 5.03lb and best bag weighing in at 26lb.
The fishing has stayed very consistent in the main basin with fish being caught at the top of the water, whilst some anglers fished deeper with di3 and di5 lines floating or sink tip lines seemed to be more productive, daddies, popper fry, blobs or fabs on the point with hoppers or shrimp on droppers have worked well.
Anglers who have ventured up the arms have also caught, one angler netting his 3rd 7lb+ of the season, caught on a fry patten fished deep on di7 line. Another angler caught two rainbows one 4lb and another just under 5lb along with a 7lb brown, all caught high up in the water on floating lines.
Bank areas that have produced include blue pipes to Fantasy, road End of the peninsula and Barnhill, floating lines with a combination of fry, shrimp and daddy patterns working best.

14/09/2026

LLYN BRENIG FISHING REPORT - Week Ending September 12thWater, the giver of life 2026.

and the taker of life. Tranquil and peaceful, the soft murmur of a
babbling brook or the calm rhythm of the sea as the waves gently lap the shore. But nature
has a cruel way of balancing the books and the horrific floods that swept down the valley
on the Nepal Tibetan border shows us how devastating water and nature can be, and it is
impossible to imagine the fear and horror those affected by this event must have felt.
Another frightening example of our changing world.
The main event over the past weeks was last weekend’s Fast mail pairs final with over 100
anglers taking part and 57 boats on the water. The practice days were well attended, and
despite some difficult weather conditions due to some heavy showers the anglers came off
the water with quiet optimism for the final although they were naturally a little cagey about
the outcome of their days fishing. Finals day saw some improved weather conditions and
by the end of the day it is fair to say that most anglers were satisfied with the days fishing
and although some anglers had obviously done better than others with several boats
recording a twelve fish kill, I think that the overriding response was that the comp went well
and the fish caught were fantastic fish and in great condition. The top prize went to Dave
McKenna and Peter Pattinson, with a 12 fish kill for 36lbs 12 oz. The best fish weighing in at
3lbs 14 oz was caught by Alice Davies. Congratulations to all who took part and we hope to
welcome them all back next year.
The last stocking of the lake for this year took place on Monday September 7th with 250fish
being released by the Visitors Centre and 250 into Llyn Aled.
Llyn Brenig is holding its own fishing competition on Sunday September 27th
Entry fee is
£60 per person (£30 for season ticket holders). First prize is £500 in cash, second prize is a
full season ticket, and third prize is a half season ticket. To book a place in the competition
please visit the Llyn Brenig website or phone 01490 389 222.
Pike pegs are now available to book online or in person at the fishing shop. The pegs are
available from Thursday 1st October to Sunday 28th February. They are available for 08:00
to 16:00, £26 per angler or 18:00 – 07:00 for £52 per angler. Each peg can take up to 3 x
anglers with two rods per angler. An extra rod costs £13.00.
Tomorrow, Sunday September 13th, sees the return of the Monster Mash. There are still
places available.
Due to the low level of the lake anglers need to take extra care when fishing from the bank
due to the very muddy conditions in some parts of the lake.
Top spots for boats and bank anglers have been the Visitors Centre, Sailing Club, Hafod
Lom and the Ring of Stones. Top flies this week have been daddy long legs, viva, cats
whiskers, gold head damsel, hopper and various blobs and bo***es.
The main gates will be shutting at 4.45 pm this week and all boats need to be back on the
jetty by 4.30 pm.
Tight Lines –Jim Jenkins – Seasonal Ranger

Bank Fishing
Hot Spots

Visitors Centre, Tower Bay, Hafod Lom and the Ring of
Stones.

Boat Fishing
Hot Spots

Visitors Centre, Tower Bay, Hafod Lom and the Ring of
Stones.

Top Flies Daddy long legs, viva, cats’ whiskers,

gold head damsel, hopper and various blobs and
bo***es

Top Bag (6 fish
caught)
Biggest Fish 3lbs 14 oz - Alice Davies
Rod Average 2.5 fish per angler.

14/09/2026

Elinor Weekly Fishing Report
Weekending Friday 11 September 26

It has been a slow week, as expected, while we wait for the water temperature to come down. A double stocking went in on Friday, and those anglers who did catch found the fish higher in the water. Washing-line tactics, using Diawl Bachs, Crunchers and small dries, have been producing some fish. At the moment, it’s very much a game of patience. We are open if you want to get out of the house, enjoy the mild weather and have a relaxing day on the water.

Please note that our next report will be issued once the fishing has picked up. Historically, this tends to be towards the end of September or the beginning of October.

Dates for the Diary

Beginners Day Mid Northants Trout Fishers Association Sat 24 October for more info and booking please use the link https://www.ticketsource.com/mntf/t-ejqmajk

Fur & Feather - Sunday 15th November prices to be announced shortly.

Pike Fishing - Our Pike season runs from 16th November to 31st December. We will be offering 6 boats per day, with the exception of the weekend of 5th & 6th December. Prices will be announced shortly.

Introducing the Elinor Codgers
We’re pleased to announce the formation of Elinor Codgers, a free-to-join fly-fishing club for senior anglers. The club is intended to bring together anglers with similar interests, providing an opportunity to: meet and form friendships with fellow anglers, share experiences and fishing stories, exchange tips and tactics, learn from one another, improve your fishing and generally enjoy some good company at Elinor.
All abilities are welcome, from complete beginners through to experienced anglers, so there will be plenty of opportunities to learn, share knowledge and enjoy your fishing. We plan to meet on the first Wednesday of each month, in accordance with the fishery calendar. Normal fishery rules and ticket arrangements will apply; however, Codger club members will be able to fish on a six-hour ticket from 9:30am to 3:30pm. Our First Meeting Wednesday 7th October. If you would like to join the Elinor Codgers, please contact: John Parker 📞 07879 581677. John will also be setting up a WhatsApp group so members can keep in touch, share information and arrange future fishing days.

Tickets are now available for Bank Fly Fishing Course at Elinor Trout Fishery with MNTFA at Elinor Trout Fishery, Kettering on Sat 24 Oct 2026 at 9:00AM. Click the link for further information and to secure your tickets now!

14/09/2026

Grafham Water Week Ending 13th September 2026





Rod Average - 5.0
Over the past week, Grafham Water has experienced a mixed spell of weather, with plenty of bright late-summer sunshine interspersed with periods of cloud and the occasional passing shower. Winds were generally light to moderate, although stronger south-westerly breezes at times created a welcome ripple and concentrated fish along windward shorelines. Rainfall remained limited, helping to freshen conditions without affecting water clarity. Overall, the varied conditions provided favourable fishing throughout the week, with fish remaining active and anglers finding success across both bank and boat areas.
Bank Fishing Report
Bank anglers enjoyed some excellent sport during the week at Hedge End and Deep Water Point while G Buoy proved the most productive area. Fish were well spread out, but many of the better catches came from anglers targeting trout feeding close to the margins, particularly where shrimp populations were concentrated. Despite periods of strong south-westerly winds making the Dam difficult to fish, sheltered shorelines continued to produce consistent catches, with several anglers reaching double figures and the best return reported at 20 trout from G Buoy.
The trout showed a clear preference for natural patterns, with shrimp flies accounting for the majority of fish caught. Hare's Ears, Diawl Bachs and FABs also featured heavily in successful returns, while occasional fish fell to blobs, bo***es and lure patterns. Most anglers found that a floating line combined with a slow, methodical retrieve produced the best results. Fishing nymphs and shrimp patterns through shallow water and along the margins was particularly effective, with many fish taken surprisingly close to the bank.
Anyone wading should continue to exercise caution. Low water levels have exposed areas of soft and potentially dangerous mud, so anglers are advised to use a wading staff or bank stick where appropriate and restrict wading to thigh depth only.
Boat Fishing Report
Boat anglers continued to enjoy productive sport throughout the week, with the North Shore once again emerging as the most reliable area. Drifts between Pylon Point and G Buoy produced the majority of catches, although fish were also taken from Gaynes Cove and around I Buoy. Anglers willing to adapt both their drift and presentation on the day were rewarded with the best catches.
Trout appeared to be feeding on a variety of food sources, with anglers reporting success on shrimp patterns, fry imitations and snail patterns. Shrimps remained particularly effective along the North Shore, while FABs, Blobs, Red Crunchers, Foam Daddies and Humongous Woolly Buggers all accounted for fish. Gaynes Cove produced fish on a bung-and-nymph approach, while elsewhere both floating and sinking lines proved effective depending on depth and conditions.
The key to success was matching the trout's natural food sources and varying depths throughout the drift. Some fish were taken high in the water, while others responded to deeper presentations on sinking lines. Among the week's notable catches was an impressive zander estimated at over 14lb, taken on a home-tied fly fished on a DI7 line during a long drift at around 20 feet. Several anglers also reported memorable days, highlighting the excellent sport currently available from the boats.
Boat Availability
We are currently operating with a reduced fleet due to low water levels and are using a temporary pontoon. Anglers looking to book a boat are advised to check availability regularly, as the number of boats operating may change at short notice.

14/09/2026

Draycote Water Week Ending 13th September 2026



Rod Average - 7.0
Draycote continues to come up with the goods with fishing. Constant sport has been had all over the reservoir.

During the last 2 weeks fish have now come uo through the water columns and are now feeding freely on top few feet. Notable methods are all on floating lines/3ft midge tips with popper fry doing most of the damage. Additionally fish are feeding well on dries, mainly black foam daddies, popper hoppers as in claret or black, midas or culs.

Notable catches from week were 21 boats from Inter Services practice day caught and released just under 300 fish. Regular boat anglers were seeing boat catches of low 30s from Toft area, A-b buoys or drifting main bowl.

Boat bookings have been at a premium over past few weeks so dont delay in securing yours.

Tight lines..

09/09/2026

Rutland Water Week Ending 6th September 2026





Rod Average - 3.0
With the recent cooler weather and rain fish have certainly moved up higher in the water and are moving back into the reservoirs margins.
Bank anglers have been catching close in on floating lines with shrimp, fry imitation and various dry flies. Areas that have produced include Stockie Bay, Normanton bank and East Creek.
Some boat anglers have continued to target browns in the north arm with success, fast sinking lines with fry patterns being most successful. With the recent weather change and recent stocking of Rainbows anglers have reported catching in the top few feet of water from the main basin and also around the margins. Floating, sink tip and intermediate lines beeing the most successful, flies that caught included FAB or blob on the point with two droppers with hoppers or shrimp patterns, fry patterns and for dries daddy long legs and CDC's along with popper fry have all produced.

09/09/2026

Grafham Water Week Ending 6th September 2026





Rod Average - 5.0
Over the past week at Grafham Water, anglers have enjoyed a mixed spell of weather, with plenty of bright late-summer sunshine broken up by the odd passing shower. Winds have generally been light to moderate, with occasional breezier periods putting a ripple on the water and helping to keep fish on the move, particularly along the windward banks. Rainfall has been limited rather than prolonged, freshening conditions without significantly colouring the water. Overall, it has been a favourable week for fishing, with changing wind directions and intermittent cloud cover providing good opportunities throughout the day.
Bank fishing produced some excellent sport this week, with Hedge End, Deep Water Point and other spots along the North Shore proving the most productive areas. The best catches came from anglers targeting fish feeding on natural food sources, with several returns reaching double figures and the top catch reported at 20 trout. A strong south-westerly wind made conditions difficult along the Dam at times, but sheltered shorelines continued to fish well.
Shrimp patterns were the clear standout flies, accounting for the majority of fish caught, closely followed by Hare's Ears, Diawl Bachs and FABs. Most success came on floating lines, fishing nymphs and shrimp patterns slowly through the margins and over shallow water. Anglers covering the water methodically with a slow retrieve enjoyed the most consistent results, with many fish being taken close to the bank.
Anyone wading must take particular care, as low water levels have exposed areas of soft and potentially dangerous mud. Please use a wading staff or bank stick to test your footing where appropriate. Wading is to thigh height only — not waist or chest height.
Boat anglers reported some excellent sport over the week, with fish concentrated along the North Shore and generally holding close to the bank. Productive drifts between I Buoy and the Tower consistently produced results as well, with perch fry patterns fished on DI7 lines accounting for several fish at depths ranging from 5 to 25 feet. During heavily overcast conditions, trout were feeding higher in the water column, making them more willing to intercept flies fished on the retrieve.
Morning sessions saw fish feeding confidently on shrimps along the North Shore, while successful drifts from Hedge End to Pylon Point produced the bulk of catches, with the occasional fish taken from Rectory Bay and around G Buoy. Shrimp, Hare's Ear and coloured point flies fished on hover and 12ft slow-tip lines proved particularly effective, although one fish fell to a Humongous B***y fished deep on a DI7.
Surface sport also featured, with Appetizers and Surface Poppers taking fish close to the shore. One angling partnership enjoyed a memorable day, landing 10 trout between them, including a larger specimen taken near the Tower, while another reported their best-ever day at Grafham with an impressive haul of 16 fish. Adding to the excitement was an accidental capture of a stunning perch weighing 4lb 8oz, a rare and welcome bonus from the boat.
As always, adaptability is key — keep moving, vary your depth and retrieve, watch the conditions and, most importantly, fish where the trout are.
Boat Availability
We are currently operating with a reduced fleet due to the low water levels and are using a temporary pontoon. If you are looking to book a boat, please check availability daily, as the number of boats operating may change.

09/09/2026

Blithfield fishery
As you will by now be aware, South Staffs Water have decided to close Blithfield's fishery at the end of November, 2026.

This will see an end to ALL of South Staffs Water's fishing activities here once the 2026 Season concludes.

Following this decision, several proposals have been submitted to South Staffs Water from interested parties who would like to operate a fishery at Blithfield from next Season.

Whilst we await an update from South Staffs Water, the Blithfield Anglers Supporters Group have asked us to publicise a 'Drop-In' Day they have arranged.

This is on Tuesday 15th September from 11am until 7pm at Blithfield Sailing Club and all are welcome to call in with ideas, comments, discussions, proposals and suggestions for the future of fly fishing at Blithfield.

Please visit if you can.

If you would like to receive updates from the Blithfield Anglers Supporters Group, or offer your support, please email them directly at [email protected]

However, we must once again make it clear that Blithfield employees are unable to provide any information that could be deemed confidential or which might breach GDPR legislation, and, although we appreciate the amazing levels of interest being shown, we may not be able to answer some of the questions we are being asked.

Thank you all again for your support so far.

Copyright © 2026 Blithfield Anglers. All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
Blithfield Anglers, Blithfield Reservoir, Waters Road, Abbots Bromley, Staffordshire.WS15 3DU