April 2026: Early-season UK Trout and Grayling Report
April 2026: Early-season UK Trout and Grayling Report
Where to go
Regional keepers report reservoirs running high after a wet winter. Top early-season beats include Rutland Water and Grafham Water in England, with Bewl Water and Ladybower also fishing well along rising margins. Scottish lochs remain cold—Loch Awe and Loch Lomond surface temperatures sit around 5–8°C—while Ullswater is producing loch-style trout. Classic chalk streams Test and Itchen will give wild brown trout on small dries at first light. Prime grayling waters are the Wye, Nidd and the upper Eden where fish are holding on 1–2m shelves.
Tactics and depths
Trout are concentrated 2–6m, close to inflows, weed edges and wind-blown banks; fish may move shallower in the first hour after dawn. Dry flies in sizes 16–20 work for early risers. Nymph rigs use size 14–16 tungsten-bead patterns, fished on droppers 3–6ft when drifting from a boat. Bank anglers favour 9ft, 3–5wt rods with long leaders and WF floating lines; intermediate or sink-tip lines help reach the 2–4m bands.
Boat and safety
Boats should slow-drift with a drogue or hold with a working anchor; paternoster rigs and downlines are effective for loch trout. Wear robust waders on banks and a lifejacket or buoyancy aid afloat. Anglers must check permits and local bylaws before fishing.
Recommended: inflatable lifejacket vest