The past seven days has seen a marked improvement in the numbers of fish being taken from the Reservoir, certainly by those anglers fishing ledgered worm. Catch averages for these anglers have almost doubled from previous weeks, with a good percentage achieving their bag limits. Sadly the same cannot be said for anglers fishing fly from either the bank or the boat. With the present water surface temperature of 8 degrees C, things are still below what we could normally expect on the fly at this time of year.

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This difference between the two methods was clearly emphasised over the weekend with the results of the first leg of WSTAA’s (Welsh Salmon and Trout Angling Association’s) National Team Trials. Over 110 boat anglers took part, fishing either Saturday or Sunday depending on their preferred day. The competition in recent years would have produced an average catch per angler of between 2 and 2.5 fish. This year due to the changeable weather, Saturday saw brisk westerly winds whereas Sunday saw strong cold northerlies, conditions were less than ideal and anglers struggled to find fish whilst on the drift. Only 5 anglers achieved their 6 fish limits during the trial. Gary Preston recorded the best result for Saturday whilst Aled Dixon took first place on Sunday.

Hopefully as conditions improve over the next few weeks, this differential will disappear, presently the surface water temperature is rising, although slowly at about 1 degree C a week. A sustained period of warm weather will improve this dramatically and almost certainly bring on the needed improvement in the sport being offered to those anglers fishing either fly bank or fly boat.

The best bag recorded by an angler visiting the Reservoir during the last seven days has to be Mr A Warren of Haverfordwest whose five fish taken on the 4th April, weighed an astounding 21lbs 2ozs with a best fish of 10lbs 8ozs. His total weight considering the number of six fish limits taken on ledgered worm was quite astonishing. Mr B Williams of Haverfordwest, using the same method came closest with six fish for 18lbs, a bag weight that would normally almost certainly take the heaviest of the week for that method of fishing.

The best fish taken by an angler fishing fly from either bank or boat for the past week, believe it or not goes to Brian Henley of Glynarthen, Llandysul who whilst taking part in the “Taste of Trout” introduction to fly fishing, landed a Rainbow Trout of 5lbs 8ozs. This was Brian’s first attempt at the sport of fly fishing and his tutor on the day was Peter Phillips, a member of the Ranger staff on site and an ex-Welsh international Fly Angler who has won three gold medals whilst participating in international team competitions on behalf of his country. Well done Brian.

This week’s free permit, from all day permits submitted is won by Shaun Povey of Maenclochog.

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Julian

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