A southerly has held for 8 hours at much the same temperature as the 17°C water. No thermal steer either way, but the drift still stacks food against the northern end — the bank it is blowing into — so start there. This reads the upper water, though — a bottom bait at range feels it far less than a floater or a fish in the margins. Treat it as a tiebreaker between good swims rather than an override — features and angling pressure usually count for more.
Start with Minkie (6-10) — on the point. Rainbows respond to more active retrieves — try short strips between pauses. If that does not produce, switch depth or speed before changing the pattern entirely.
If the main plan stalls, drop to a size 14–16 midge — switch to a washing-line or suspender rig and change drift line before you change food group.
Caperer should come on through the afternoon as the water warms.
In wind, bank fish the lee shore — boats can anchor in productive areas if conditions allow.
Hatch predictions
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Hatch predictions
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Numbers are intensity 0 (none) to 3 (peak) — a guide, not a guarantee.
A reasonable day here, though wind isn't quite in the sweet spot.
A 150-hectare reservoir on the edge of Exmoor with a wild, moorland character. Boat and bank; the sheltered arms provide good bank fishing. Stocked with rainbows and brown trout; wild browns from feeder streams add quality. The Exmoor setting means clean water and genuine solitude. Buzzer and olive hatches from April; mayfly in places. Managed by South West Lakes Trust.
A 150-hectare reservoir on the edge of Exmoor with a wild, moorland character.
A southerly has held for 8 hours at much the same temperature as the 17°C water. No thermal steer either way, but the drift still stacks food against the northern end — the bank it is blowing into — so start there. This reads the upper water, though — a bottom bait at range feels it far less than a floater or a fish in the margins. Treat it as a tiebreaker between good swims rather than an override — features and angling pressure usually count for more.
Start with Minkie (6-10) — on the point. Rainbows respond to more active retrieves — try short strips between pauses. If that does not produce, switch depth or speed before changing the pattern entirely.
If the main plan stalls, drop to a size 14–16 midge — switch to a washing-line or suspender rig and change drift line before you change food group.
Caperer should come on through the afternoon as the water warms.
In wind, bank fish the lee shore — boats can anchor in productive areas if conditions allow.
Hatch predictions
Top nymph shown — see all 2 guilds as a supporter.
Start free trial14-day free trial. Cancel anytime.
Hatch predictions
Top prey shown — see all 5 as a supporter.
Start free trial14-day free trial. Cancel anytime.
Numbers are intensity 0 (none) to 3 (peak) — a guide, not a guarantee.
A reasonable day here, though wind isn't quite in the sweet spot.
A 150-hectare reservoir on the edge of Exmoor with a wild, moorland character. Boat and bank; the sheltered arms provide good bank fishing. Stocked with rainbows and brown trout; wild browns from feeder streams add quality. The Exmoor setting means clean water and genuine solitude. Buzzer and olive hatches from April; mayfly in places. Managed by South West Lakes Trust.
