28/05/2026
# BEWL WATER FISHING REPORT
END of May Report – by Bewl Phantom
The prolonged spell of hot sunshine has continued throughout the week, bringing very little change to conditions on the reservoir and making the fishing slightly more challenging — particularly for the fly anglers. Despite this, there were still plenty of boats out over the weekend, with anglers fishing “Any Method” at anchor generally enjoying the better sport. Bait fishing continues to produce the most consistent results at present.
Bright sunshine and rising water temperatures are always difficult conditions for trout fishing, and Bewl is experiencing the same challenges currently affecting many of England’s lowland still waters. The trout are remaining deep and can often be difficult to locate, meaning patience and careful presentation are essential.
Andy and I were out on Wednesday morning armed with the fly rods. I managed to hook a trout briefly on a floating line using deep-fished Superglue Buzzers, while Andy enjoyed a “full house” of three perch taken on small Bo***es fished deep. We both encountered a mixture of trout and perch during the session, although the fish were certainly not easy to tempt.
The only signs of trout came from the occasional spectacular “Polaris missile” rise — fish shooting vertically from the depths before disappearing straight back down again without so much as moving their heads.
We spent time exploring both the Main Bowl and Bewl Straight and noticed how much clearer the water became further across the reservoir. The conditions looked ideal in places, but despite covering plenty of water there was little visible evidence of feeding fish.
There were a good number of boats out on Wednesday, all well spread around the reservoir, with many anglers no doubt simply enjoying the superb weather and scenery Bewl has to offer. One of the great attractions of Bewl Water is that even on the tougher fishing days, being out on the water is still a fantastic experience.
Aside from the trout fishing, perch and roach continue to provide enjoyable sport for anglers using maggots, small spinners, or flies. We now have several regular visitors who specifically target perch throughout the season using ultralight tactics, and over the years I’ve caught some impressive perch on flies while fishing the deeper water during summer.
For the coming week, the key advice remains: fish low, slow, and static. Whether you are fly fishing or using any method tactics, keeping your presentation deep and retrieving as slowly as possible is proving the most successful approach. The challenge is locating the trout, as they could be holding anywhere between 5ft and 30ft down… and that is the problem!
A few reminders for all visitors:
* Please ensure your correct vehicle registration is entered into the booking system when arriving.
* If you see any swimmers in restricted areas, please report them to the Rangers immediately.
* Rangers are carrying out regular land and water patrols to help keep everyone safe around the reservoir.
* The algae treatment machines are currently working well and helping maintain water quality.
* Water levels are currently at 92%.
Don’t forget to visit our well-stocked tackle shop for bait, flies, tackle, and local advice before heading out.
And remember — Bewl Water is not just for anglers. There are plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy, including the Aqua Park, walking trails, cycling routes, cafés, and stunning countryside views.
Tight lines and enjoy your week at Bewl Water.
