Don’t expect those fish to be heavier though! The spring

Don’t expect those fish to be heavier though! The spring-stocked fish are generally much plumper and although shorter, weigh more. However, those fish that have survived the trials of a winter on the lake are much fitter and give a really good account of themselves when hooked. Look out for the cormorant marks on these fish, as that is one of the surest ways of telling them apart from stockies. They also tend to have rather large tails!Back to opening weekend. As usual, the most successful methods involved sinking lines and lures. Any black flies with marabou in them (especially if there is also a bit of fluorescent green) will work well. The weather being so good last week saw anglers trying the floating lines. Provided that you are prepared to put the anchor down, this is not such a daft idea, as the trout are all feeding well – mostly it seems on bloodworm! A team of buzzers – especially the epoxy ones, drifted round will certainly prove a pleasant change, and give a break to the busy elbow that fishing the lure can involve. It has however been the case that the fish have responded much more quickly to the larger flies!The usual areas have been producing fish on Blagdon. Polish Water, Butcombe, and especially Top End. Rugmoor has been as good as anywhere, but if the wind proves too awkward when you get up there, you may need to get over to the other side – Bell’s Bush may be more sheltered. Often you will find that after the mad couple of days at the start, the fish become a little fussier. It can then pay you to get in tight to the withies, or fish a bit of water that is not so commonly fished.This weekend sees the season starting up at many more fisheries. The first of April is a much more sensible date to start on, but weather-wise, it was much more pleasant a couple of weeks ago. Rutland opens its doors on April Fool’s Day, and I know quite a few of my friends who will be making their way there to renew their acquaintances with the fishery.My own “home” water Chew Valley starts just a little later this year – 6th April, but this is purely to tie in with the opening of the lovely new lodge. I hope to get some pictures included of that in the next article. I will certainly have a chance to photograph it as I am out on both Thursday and Friday. I hope that all of your first trips prove to be enjoyable.Tight lines,

Martin Cottis