April 2026 UK early-season fishing report
April 2026 early-season fishing report
Spring runoff has left many English and Scottish waters unusually high this April. Major reservoirs such as Rutland Water and Grafham Water sit near capacity, while Bewl Water and Ladybower show full margins. Scottish lochs including Loch Awe and Loch Lomond remain cold, with surface temperatures around 5–8°C. Trout are concentrating in 2–6m bands near inflows, submerged weed edges and wind-blown banks, with shallow feeding most active in the first hour of daylight.
Hotspots
Chalk streams lead early-season action: the Test and Itchen are producing wild brown trout on small dries, sizes 16–20, at first light. Grayling fisheries on the Wye, the Nidd and upper reaches of the Eden are fishing on 1–2m shelves where fish take small nymphs and shrimp imitations. Loch-style brown trout on Loch Awe, Loch Lomond and Ullswater move deeper as the day brightens.
Bank tactics
For bank anglers, light 9ft rods (3–5wt), long leaders and a WF floating fly line give the best chance during shallow surface feeds. As fish sit 2–4m down, switch to intermediate or sink-tip lines and present tungsten-bead nymphs size 14–16 on droppers. Fine, abrasion-resistant tippet and careful casting to wind-blown shelves will improve hookups.
Boat tactics and safety
On reservoirs, use slow drifts aided by a drogue or small anchor and fish downlines or a paternoster rig with 3–6ft droppers. Wear robust waders on banks, and a lifejacket or buoyancy aid in boats; ensure a working anchor and check local permits and bylaws before fishing.
Recommended: tungsten bead fly nymphs