Fishing Report for Week Ending Friday 18th October

For the first time in many years, we have witnessed autumnal rain resulting in a Medway flood for ten days or more, and so water has been pumped into Bewl at Goose Creek. Southern water have not updated their page since September 19th, so my level reading is an estimate based on a rise of around two feet in October!

With the water temperature also back to the seasonal average, our trout seem far more obliging. However, it may still prove difficult as it appears they are feeding just under the surface. Successful flies have been a two tone Fab and black or claret hoppers

On Wednesday, our prestigious 'Grand Max' team event was won by 'Team Vision' who benefitted from their practice session the day before to claim an astounding 71lb 7oz plus 10lb 8oz in time bonuses for an emphatic victory. Tom Davis of Team Vision had his bag limit before lunch!

Top actual bag went to Northern Irish International Larry Gibb of Team Grand Max with 18lb 14oz but was beaten on time bonuses. Ashley Davis (Team Vision) caught the best fish of the day at 4lb 1oz

Our sincere thanks to Anthony Fordham of Fordham & Wakefield' for his continued sponsorship of the 'Grand Max'

For any method anglers, the last week proved a bit more difficult than may have been expected. Spinners kept high in the water should be the order of the day, but I believe some using spoons or other lures were simply fishing under most of the feeding trout?

Predator season is almost upon us with October 30th being the first day of certain restrictions being lifted. Perhaps this year will see a real monster Pike in excess of 30lbs recorded? Please ask in the lodge for further details

Dates for your diary,

27th October – British Summer Time ends with clocks going back by one hour. 30th October – Predator season open!

Don't forget to sign up to our loyalty scheme next time you are in the lodge · Hire 8 boats get one free

We are relying on your catch returns to provide as accurate data as possible on the fishing conditions, don't forget that each month we will choose one return to win a free boat on a return visit, there are several ways to submit your return:

We need your catch reports for a number of reasons:

Totals From 72 Returns

Weekly Averages

Best Rainbow Trout

Water Temperature & Level

Safety Reminders

Please remember that if fishing in the Main Bowl boats are to keep 100 metres clear of the draw-off tower, the overflow tower and the Dam Wall. Tying boats to the towers is dangerous and may cause damage both to boats and Southern Water's operational equipment