A WEEK of contrasts was experienced at Llyn Brenig last week, writes seasonal ranger Jim Jenkins.

The early part of the week was characterised by overcast skies and strong cool winds, whilst the second part of the week saw clear blue, sunny skies and a warm breeze.

However, by Sunday evening, those weather gods were reminding us that we can’t get too carried away as grey clouds began to sweep in and the rumble of thunder could be heard in the distant hills.

As with the weather, the fishing also saw a week of contrasting fortunes, with the early part of the week seeing limited activity from both the fishermen and the fish!

However, once the sun had emerged, the Brenig was suddenly a hive of activity with both fishermen and fish bursting into action.

Saturday was particularly busy with 17 boats taking to the water and fishermen lining the banks like soldiers from the Terracotta army.

They were rewarded with some excellent fishing.

One very notable contrast between this year and 2017 is that the fish seem to be far more in evidence in the Brenig Arm, the north end of the lake and along Hafod Lom.

With the water temperature increasing to 5.3C and an increase in insect activity, we have seen some really good fishing as is shown by the rod average of 5.3 fish per angler.

The top bag was recorded by Dave Gilbert, from Colwyn Bay, and it weighed in at 15lbs 8ozs.

He also landed the biggest fish, which was weighed in at 4lbs 9oz.

Ken Wall, from Llanarmon DC, Derek Lee, from Broughton, and Jack Kashem, from Blaenau Ffestiniog, all caught fish weighing in at 3lbs 8ozs, while A Cartwright and Steve Blackledge both landed a rainbow weighing in at 4lbs.

We are really optimistic that we will have a pair of nesting Ospreys at Llyn Brenig this year.

In order that this hope will become a reality, we ask that fishermen keep a sensible distance away from the nesting site and respect the needs of the Osprey, particularly over the next few crucial weeks when they might very well be laying their eggs.

The hot spots have been the ring of stones, Nant Glyn shore, tower bay and the Brenig Arm for bank fishermen.

Boat fishermen have had success in the Brenig Arm, Hafod Lom, the quarry, water sports bay and sailing club bay.

The top flies have been gold head damsel, olive damsel, cat’s whiskers, tadpole, montana, orange nomad, pennell, black buzzer, orange fritz and various boobies.

We are looking forward to the first Monster Mash of the year on Saturday, when those mighty fish emerge from around the fish cages.

Due to cancellations we still have two boats available.

If you would like to book a boat, then please ring the visitors' centre.

The main gates will be shutting at 7pm this week and all boats need to be back on the jetty by 6.15pm.

Tight Lines