WITH parts of the UK experiencing some of the hottest days on record, we were somewhat surprised at Llyn Brenig when we were the recipients of a week of rather cloudy and drizzly conditions, writes seasonal ranger JIM JENKINS.

The temperature for most of the week hovered below the 20C mark. As a result of the relatively cooler conditions, the water

temperature has also dropped and is now a much more fish friendly 15C.

We also experienced some very strong winds over the weekend, which saw very choppy conditions on the lake resulting in the Brenig being closed for boat fishing on Sunday.

The weather, although rather disappointing for the general visitor to the Brenig, was very much welcomed by the fishermen as it meant that the fish are far more active and they are not lying so deep in the water.

Tom Sinton appreciated the windy conditions as he said that the "changing wind kept the fish on the move".

Ian Cooper and his boat partner David Keable also benefited from the cooler conditions, commenting on a "fantastic day" and that Llyn Brenig "continues to impress us with some superb fishing".

Peter Morris, from Ellesmere Port, along with his boat partner also enjoyed a good day out, catching 10 fish to the boat using a ‘slow glass line with a Mick Reade fly’.

Last week’s rod average of 3.6 fish per angler was actually exactly the same as the previous week, which was an excellent week for fishing and shows that the quality of the fishing is being maintained.

Talking about the quality of fishing, the fish that were stocked the previous week are now being caught.

These were fish that tipped the scales at 3lbs or more and in prime condition.

Hence, the biggest bag last week was an impressive weight of 17lbs 3ozs and it was recorded by Ken Wall, from Llanarmon DC. The biggest fish of the week was also a very impressive 5lbs 10ozs rainbow and it was caught by Michael Nesbitt.

The top flies last week were cormorant, nymphs, diawl bach, buzzer, Mrs Simpson, daddy long legs, sedge and various blobs and boobies.

The boat fishermen have been fishing on DI 5 lines or intermediate lines and they have found fish in Tower Bay in particular, the quarry and the visitors' centre.

There are also still fish to be found along the dam wall, as well as in the north of the lake along Nant Glyn shore and the ring of stones.

The bank fishing has definitely picked up over the last two weeks with the fish lying closer to the shore and not in such deep

water.

The bank fishing hot spots have been along the visitors' centre shore, Tower Bay and the ring of stones.

As the lake is being dropped due to the upcoming work on the tower, greater care will need to be taken by the boat fishermen as there will be more hazards such as rocks and banks exposed by the falling water levels.

This is particularly true along the dam wall, where the shelves along the wall will be exposed.

We have a very busy weekend coming up with the Llanilar Classic taking place.

All of the boats are booked out for the Sunday, but there are still boats available on Saturday.

The following weekend sees the Anglian Water Airflo International taking place at Llyn Brenig.

Again, there are boats available for the general public.

Talking about boats, there are now boats being made available for leisure use by the general public when they will be able to take out a boat for an hour at a cost of £25.

They shouldn’t interfere with the fishing and will be limited at the moment to a maximum of two boats at a time.

What could be nicer than spending an hour bobbing up and down in a boat on a sunny day whilst enjoying the scenery and wildlife of Llyn Brenig?

Well, maybe bobbing up and down for a whole day whilst fishing!

The main gates will be shutting at 8.45pm this week and all boats need to be back on the jetty by 8.15pm.

Tight Lines