Who knows the real reason for the decline in fishing quality at Chew - I am not a competition angler but have fished the lake for over 35 years and to my mind there is a serious problem. The managment recently stocked with 5000 fish and yes the catch rate was up around 3 - 4 fish per rod but the average weight was down to 1.1 - 1.4 lb which shows that the nearly ALL the fish caught were recent stockies. Where have all the resident fish gone??
My money is on pike predation and yes I do think that the fish are shoaling up in deeper water for protection. Witness that this year the dam basin and Walley along with Woodford to a lesser extent seem to be holding the fish. Last year they hardly moved out of Villice and Woodford.

The lake is hardly overfished as in days gone by you would struggle to get a boat in May or June without a couple of weeks pre booking. Nowadays you can get a boat virtually any day of the week with a majority going begging.

I think the managment are struggling to get to grips with the situation but they are at least trying and I for one amongst many hope and trust that it will return to its former glory as it truly is a magical place.

Tenet

The Southern Federation Championships at Bewl this last week-end recorded 16 blanks amongst 19 Anglers. The winner had 2!

All other boats securely tied up and all the Bank Anglers stayed at home!

Is it more to our waters generally warming up and getting beyond the normal temperature range for Rainbows?

Just to put that in context, the EYFA National was on Grafham last Sunday and was won with a single fish. 18 anglers caught six fish.

We had four anglers out pleasure fishing and half of them came home empty handed.

Charlie

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Sonik Sports Team Pitsford Pirates

I think the main difference Charlie is that we know Grafham will go through a slow period during the season but then start to fish well again. If the past couple of seasons are anything to go by chew will not.

I find it amazing that you can form such a negative opinion of a fishery after only one visit!

I dread to think of the opinion you'd have of Grafham, if your only visits had been the last 2.

Doughnut anyone?



Graham

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hasthelargehadroncolliderdestroyedtheworldyet.com

Chew will be fine!

There have been few really good fishing days (from a weather perspective) this year. The fish are there (they are beginning to show in the slicks around the aerators which is not surprising given the summer so far) and so is the weed ... in great abundance!!

Wheny ou consider the extent of the weed growth, the cover and food it provides why would the trout cruise the open water?

Under the conditions we have had for most of the spring/summer fish will not need feed during the day and when you think that majority of the anglers leave shortly after 6pm, no wonder catches are low!

Also, I do not believe that Chew is necessarily easier or harder than Graham or Rutland BUT it does respond differently to weather conditions. Both Grafham an Rutland fish better under hot or bright conditions.

The water quality and clarity is better this year than for many years - I just wonder if todays anglers have got a little 'lazy' and expect their limits by 6pm as proof of ability?

Chew is a good venue for this year's national, especially considering the venue for next years Spring International. September will be fine, it will be tough and under poor conditions and could be very difficult but will reward the more versatile/thinking anglers and will qualify a good squad ... or would you prefer a stocky bash?

Muskins

Are we having a day out before the National Jezza? I will bring the Stilton this time...

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Before you cast the fly, make sure you can handle the fish! Vuoi imbrogliare? Poi Non competere! (If you want to cheat, then dont compete)