Start with Balanced Leech (8-12) on a As per local method. Early in the day, try buzzers on a slow figure-of-eight or a booby on a fast-sink line near the bottom. Rainbows respond to more active retrieves — try short strips between pauses.

A fry-imitating pattern stripped through the margins can save a blank in autumn.

Keep an eye on changing conditions — wind shifts and cloud breaks can trigger short feeding spells.

Flat calm suits bank fishing near features — points, weed beds, and inflows where fish patrol.