SPRING has arrived at Sharpley Springs/Water and some of the over wintered doubles are being brought to the net.

Dave Keith from Newcastle took a 13lb 12 oz rainbow on a Fritz while Dan Septon safely released 18 taken mainly on a Damsel and Paul Fenny's bag of 13 included a 16-pounder. Andy Grabham from Longnewton released 15 while Liam Muiolour, using a Bloodworm, took a fine 12lb 5oz trout. 

Ice was no problem at the fishery this week and the comparative warmth of the breeze (warmer than the water temperature, that is) had many trout lurking in the comfort zone at the bottom of the wind.

For the angler this means fishing in the biggest ripple and often not too far from the bank.

Black Buzzers are featuring more and more now. Dead slow or still is the way to fish them as the trout are not yet willing to expend too much energy. Pulled(slowly) Bloodworms and Blobs are working and the fresh stockies love Cat's Whiskers.

Best Flies: Black Buzzer pupae (big ones), Bloodworm, Blobs, tiny hare's Ear on the Hangman's Lake, Cat's Whisker, Damsel Nymphs.