09/09/2026
Grafham Water Week Ending 6th September 2026
Rod Average - 5.0
Over the past week at Grafham Water, anglers have enjoyed a mixed spell of weather, with plenty of bright late-summer sunshine broken up by the odd passing shower. Winds have generally been light to moderate, with occasional breezier periods putting a ripple on the water and helping to keep fish on the move, particularly along the windward banks. Rainfall has been limited rather than prolonged, freshening conditions without significantly colouring the water. Overall, it has been a favourable week for fishing, with changing wind directions and intermittent cloud cover providing good opportunities throughout the day.
Bank fishing produced some excellent sport this week, with Hedge End, Deep Water Point and other spots along the North Shore proving the most productive areas. The best catches came from anglers targeting fish feeding on natural food sources, with several returns reaching double figures and the top catch reported at 20 trout. A strong south-westerly wind made conditions difficult along the Dam at times, but sheltered shorelines continued to fish well.
Shrimp patterns were the clear standout flies, accounting for the majority of fish caught, closely followed by Hare's Ears, Diawl Bachs and FABs. Most success came on floating lines, fishing nymphs and shrimp patterns slowly through the margins and over shallow water. Anglers covering the water methodically with a slow retrieve enjoyed the most consistent results, with many fish being taken close to the bank.
Anyone wading must take particular care, as low water levels have exposed areas of soft and potentially dangerous mud. Please use a wading staff or bank stick to test your footing where appropriate. Wading is to thigh height only — not waist or chest height.
Boat anglers reported some excellent sport over the week, with fish concentrated along the North Shore and generally holding close to the bank. Productive drifts between I Buoy and the Tower consistently produced results as well, with perch fry patterns fished on DI7 lines accounting for several fish at depths ranging from 5 to 25 feet. During heavily overcast conditions, trout were feeding higher in the water column, making them more willing to intercept flies fished on the retrieve.
Morning sessions saw fish feeding confidently on shrimps along the North Shore, while successful drifts from Hedge End to Pylon Point produced the bulk of catches, with the occasional fish taken from Rectory Bay and around G Buoy. Shrimp, Hare's Ear and coloured point flies fished on hover and 12ft slow-tip lines proved particularly effective, although one fish fell to a Humongous B***y fished deep on a DI7.
Surface sport also featured, with Appetizers and Surface Poppers taking fish close to the shore. One angling partnership enjoyed a memorable day, landing 10 trout between them, including a larger specimen taken near the Tower, while another reported their best-ever day at Grafham with an impressive haul of 16 fish. Adding to the excitement was an accidental capture of a stunning perch weighing 4lb 8oz, a rare and welcome bonus from the boat.
As always, adaptability is key — keep moving, vary your depth and retrieve, watch the conditions and, most importantly, fish where the trout are.
Boat Availability
We are currently operating with a reduced fleet due to the low water levels and are using a temporary pontoon. If you are looking to book a boat, please check availability daily, as the number of boats operating may change.
