AS continental Europe faces scorching temperatures that would send a rattlesnake scurrying for cover, Llyn Brenig had a week of overcast and relatively cool conditions, writes seasonal ranger JIM JENKINS.

Some fairly strong winds were also thrown in for good measure.

There has also been plenty of rainfall, which has cooled the lake down quite considerably.

For those of us who like to sit in a deck chair and absorb the sun’s rays, it wasn't a good week, but if you like fishing - which obviously all those who are reading this like to do - it was a fantastic week.

It is almost miraculous as to how the fish switch on when the weather changes.

The warm weather of the past few months has meant that the fish have lain deep in the water, but as soon as the cooler conditions have arrived... bang, the fish move into higher water and they start feeding as if they had spent the last month at a boot camp for weight watchers.

With a rod average for the week at a fantastic 5.3 fish per angler, success was enjoyed by both bank and boat fishermen alike.

One bank fishermen commented that "fishing from the bank had returned back to normal" and, as if to prove the point, Dei Smith managed to catch six fish from the visitors' centre bank before 8.30 in the morning!

Mr Wilson, from the Wirral Game fishing club, also concurred and he had a great morning to catch 10 fish from the bank by the visitors' centre... all before 11 o’clock!

As for the boat fishing, if there has been a better week this year then I have certainly forgotten it.

The fish were literally jumping into the boat.

Maybe that is a slight exaggeration, but there were several fishermen who came in early as they had caught their full quota of fish and they needed a rest!

The fish are lying within the top two feet of water and some fishermen had success on the dry fly and a floating line, although an intermediate line was generally recommended.

The biggest fish of the week was a 3lbs 8ozs rainbow and it was caught by W B Williams, from Bangor.

Meanwhile, the biggest bag of the week for six fish caught weighed in at 15lbs 3ozs.

This was recorded by Harry Wyn Owen.

The weekend was somewhat of a contrast to the week, as the sun came out and did have an immediate impact on the fishing.

Saturday morning was overcast and the fishing began well, but as soon as the sun broke through the fishing came to a bit of a standstill.

Again, Sunday was another very warm and bright day and again this made

fishing more difficult.

The big event of the weekend was the Llanilar Classic with over 100 fishermen taking part in this prestigious event.

With the warmer and brighter weather, conditions proved to be a bit difficult, which was in stark contrast to the practice days.

Despite the conditions, though, a good day was had by all.

The rod average for the competition was 3.7 fish per angler, with the average fish weighing in at 2lbs.

Meanwhile, the biggest fish caught tipped the scales at 3lbs 3ozs.

The overall winner of the competition was Mike Williams, who caught 12 fish (three fish kill) for a total weight of 24lbs 3ozs.

In second place, also with 12 fish, was Andy Dunn, while third place went to came Gareth Dixon, who also caught 12 fish.

We are now looking forward to this weekend’s Anglian Water Airflo International, which will take place on Sunday.

There will still be boats available for the general public on Sunday.

The top flies last week turned out to be cormorant, black fritz, viva, diawl bach, buzzer, cat's whiskers, Mrs Simpson, daddy long legs, dabbler and various blobs and boobies.

The hot spots for the boats have been in the southern part of the lake, particularly Tower Bay, the dam and the visitors' centre.

Fish were also found in water sports bay and sailing club bay.

Bank fishermen had success last week along the visitors' centre shore, Tower Bay and Hafod Lom.

The main gates will be shutting at 8.45pm this week and all boats need to be back on the jetty by 8.15pm.

Tight Lines