Bank Holiday Monday saw 3 anglers weigh in over 80lb of fish at Denver, they were keen to fish all week but they have to go to work to help pay my pension. Serves them right as I was last, Jess Rocket managed 30lb on the feeder, I ask, when did Jess last use a feeder. Dave Burton had 34lb after telling me he was only catching small fish until I looked over his shoulder as he netted another 2lb skimmer. 2 visiting anglers shared an 80lb bream net at St Mary’s on the Middle Level not brilliant by stuffed tame carp lakes that are consistently publishing match nets to 200lb or more, but for anglers wanting to enjoy a few hours pleasure whilst on holiday, what could be better. Indeed the Level is fishing well all through. If you do fancy some carp fishing several are showing on the Ouse at TMB and the Middle Level.

The men of Loxley are down again but were not finding the fish consistently on the Ouse until they attracted them to Danby Drove and started bagging. Meanwhile Skeggy Roy and son in law Dave joined me at Denver, I struggled after having nearly 20lb the previous day but Dave latched onto some good roach and a few bream, whilst Roy settled into catching good skimmers on the tip once their spouses confirmed they had not emptied Kings Lynn shops. Perhaps that is why their wives are being left at home on the next trip in a few weeks time! My excuse I did show them where and how to do it, including showing Dave how to fish a slider. Indeed the last 3 weeks of August has seen several parties from the North attacking the Fenland Rivers and Drains. Given my continued travelling I think they have fished them more than me.

(yes he's off on another holiday!..... webmaster)

The Fens are still popular with visiting anglers, particular from the North, many who honed their skills on the Fens Drains and Rivers. The Macclesfield Postie is down next week and no doubt will be seen puffing on his pipe along the banks of the Ouse snaring roach on fine tactics. Recent weekends has seen anglers down from the Steel City, the best they got was a suntan, although tench obliged at Pingle and Crooked for some.

“Robin” of Loxley and his merry men had another great holiday fishing Pingle landing good nets of skimmer, a few bream and tench in particular. The weather was not too kind proving. One question remains how did Maid Marion or was it Emma land in the water, sky lining possibly or was somebody after a big catch. I did hear it was a great pirouette before she hit the water. With recent rains freshening up the waterways if you need some rest, recuperation and some fine fishing then why not pay the Fens a visit. Use our Google connections to find your way to your peg.

 WELCOME TO FISHING 

Boating on the Fenland waterways seems to gaining in popularity so why not visit the fens for some fantastic fishing. Many visitors often return to sample the different seasons and with so many rivers and drains in the area you are sure to find fish somewhere. Whilst using a boat as your base rules out some of the waters it can give you fantastic transport to get to those places others cannot reach. The wet summer and regular flows saw the best start to the season for many years last season, with bream and tench showing from the off. In the NFA National fished on the Ouse in July, 17 of the top 20 weights were caught below Modney Bridge. All season visiting anglers continued to line the banks catching well.  Best baits caster and worm. With individual weights often around 100lb, 140lb one of the best, whilst over 70lb is the best match winning weight in the summer. Carp to 34lb have been landed with bigger fish lost.  Whilst land based anglers cast to the far bank for the bigger fish, in both hope and expectation it’s an easy option on a boat to just drop a float of the side.

Another outstanding waterway for both locals and visitors last term was the Middle level. The autumnal conditions all last season saw some big bream and tench nets on this water. Early season 3 anglers caught a staggering 440lb of bream. This venue could be worth a land visit if you are in the area. Anglers found the Relief Channel a struggle all season. Find the fish and a good net of bream and hybrids can be on the cards. The trouble with this venue is its vastness and volume. The fish can be on a feeding frenzy  one day and have completely disappeared on your next visit. Not a venue for the faint hearted. The use of a boat currently allowed by the EA between Denver and Magdalen means you can get to the hot spots and moor against some huge reed beds where the fish are often feeding, what could be better. Indeed it makes me envious, but my caravan does not float!

 The River Wissey and Little Ouse provide useful alternatives, two smaller rivers enjoyed by the boating fraternity. The water is often clear in the summer but a late evening session could be worthwhile possibly with a drink in hand. The Wissey best fished from September onwards for roach, dace a few chub, pike and perch. Whilst the Little Ouse produced huge catches of roach in the winter with big match weights. Bream and tench plucked from the marginal weed the highlight of summer catches often on worm or corn. Boaters are reminded that an EA rod license and a permit from KLAA is required to fish these waters. Kings Lynn AA permits are available from Denver Post Office, Bailiffs on the bank and In advance from membership secretary Mark Harding on 01553 810126. Eventually permits will be available on line.

The Association is continuing to tackle illegal fishing with the help of the police and the Environment Agency. Accurate timely information is essential to stop this practice. Your eyes and ears on the river can be a big help. The number to ring is Free phone 0800 807060.

Mike Grief KLAA