THE ‘best fishing ever’ was the verdict at Northumbrian Water’s Fontburn Reservoir this week after anglers fishing the popular North East reservoir averaged a fantastic 6.8 fish per visit. This is an excellent rod average for such a large, exposed reservoir. The cooler temperatures provided perfect trout fishing conditions and both fly and bait anglers cashed in. The Blowers and Keys families caught 40 trout for 60lb after a memorable visit, while Nigel Little bagged the fish of the week at 8lb 6oz. Meanwhile, this weekend is likely to be a bonanza for trout rods with bumper stocks going in at most trout fisheries. With anglers spoilt for choice, it is a great position to be in as wherever you decide to go there will be excellent sport. The river scene is also improving after the rain brought more fish into the rivers and the message is to get out the fishing gear and enjoy yourselves this weekend The River Tyne has been receiving pulses of fish as have other rivers in the region. The Border Esk in Cumbria has had some excellent runs of grilse, salmon and sea-trout. Fishing Longtown/TAS Waters, Philip Nicholls had a red letter day when he landed six salmon and grilse from 4lb 8oz to 12lb. All these fish were caught on fly in a falling and clearing water. South Shields angler Alan Oughton caught sea-trout of 3lb 8oz and 2lb 8oz, also off TAS waters, while Keith Burnet of Craghead caught a 3lb 8oz grilse on a Garry Dog off the Till. Meanwhile, Rothbury rod David Smith also caught a grilse of 6lb and one of 3lb from the Till on worm. Out on the Tyne’s NERAC Waters, John Johnson caught an 18lb salmon on tube fly, while Dave Maddox landed one of 15lb on a Mepps, while Stephen Hutchinson caught sea-trout of 5lb and 4lb on a Muddler and then a cracking salmon of 19lb which he returned. P Rogerson caught three sea-trout to 8lb on Muddlers pulled across the surface. Kevin Foster from Throckley caught salmon of 14lb and 13lb at Widehaugh and Bill Tolland landed a fine sea-trout of 7lb on fly. Out on the Coquet, Gareth Black from Whickham landed a very clean 8lb salmon on a Flying C off Northumbrian Anglers’ Federation waters, while David Smith from Rothbury weighed-in a 9lb 5oz salmon caught on worm also off Fed Waters. A rare and unusual catch was reported from the River Derwent. Fishing near Shotley Bridge, Leadgate rod Chris Cowans landed a 7lb sea-trout on a worm off a private stretch of the river. The fish must have managed to get over the weirs lower down stream in the high waters of recent weeks. | 
