Early-April 2026 Fishing Roundup
Early-April 2026: Rivers and Reservoirs Roundup
Trout & Salmon’s regional briefing highlights where trout and grayling are showing in early April across the UK. Chalk streams such as the Test and Itchen are producing wild brown trout and resident grayling (Thymallus thymallus) with surface temperatures around 6–8°C. Fish are concentrating in tail-of-pool shallows and behind boulders at 0.5–1.5m depth where riffle flows meet pools.
Southern chalk streams
On Hampshire chalk, success comes on a nymph rig with size 16–18 pheasant tail and CDC emerger droppers; use a long leader and an indicator 1.5–2.5m from the flies. Presentations upstream with tight loops and slow Mend reduce drag. Recommended tackle: 9ft 5wt rod, 4–6lb fluorocarbon tippet.
Wye, Avon and midlands rivers
Gravel runs and deeper pool heads are holding trout at 1–3m. Grayling move into shallow runs on milder afternoons; try tungsten-headed hare’s ear or diawl bach in sizes 14–18. When water is coloured after spate, increase fly weight and fish deeper seams.
Reservoirs and lochs
Rutland Water and Haweswater report trout taken on sinking-tip lines and weighted nymphs near weed edges at 4–10m. Trolling small lures and cone-head nymphs retrieves fish off terraces; lochs such as Awe and Lomond still show colder surface temps circa 6°C so fish often sit deeper by mid-day.
Practical advice
Early-April anglers should focus on accurate, drag-free presentations, check local byelaws, wear breathable waders or wading boots and carry spare leaders and barb-less hooks. Respect stocking schedules on trout fisheries and follow catch-and-release best practice to protect spring runs.
Recommended: breathable wading boots