Autumn Predators
Day 0
Optional overnight stay (prior to first full day of fishing) – Stay at your accommodation of choice near to Rutland Water in one of the quaint villages, or the beautiful towns of Oakham, Uppingham or Stamford. On arrival go and enjoy a meal out in the town or surrounding villages. It’s hard to suggest eateries as there are too many quality ones to mention. Top rated for foodies include the Olive Branch, Orbis, and Hitchin’s Barn, or for those wanting a cosy pub and a pint try the Horse and Jockey or The Fox.
Day 1
In search of predators – From September onwards you can lure fish (dead baits from October) for predators at the famous 3000 acre Rutland Water. This is unique and exciting fishing with the chance of specimen pike, zander, or perch.
Arrive at the fishing lodge in Edith Weston (opens at 8am). Purchase your ticket, any tackle you need (the lodge has a good supply), and decide where you will head out on the bank or boat (the lodge can advise). For those after Zander the boat is essential to reach the deeper water where they reside.
If you’re going afloat an echo sounder can be handy to locate the fish and likely spots but it’s not essential as there are several visible markers and known features out on the water to try. For zander head to the deeper water (the water towers can be a good starting point). For pike and perch its dependant on conditions but there are several bays, shallows, and deeps to search.
All boats come equipped with life jackets, nets, and an all-important drogue. Put the drogue out to slow your drift and thus better control of your lures/baits at the depths they need to be.
For zander and perch vertical jigs can be very effective but retrieving the lures can work too so don’t be afraid to vary it on the day. Given the depths (the zander are often found at between 10 and 20m depth) braided mainline gives you the best control and feel of the lures.
You can stay out on the boat all day or head in for lunch at several options on the shore including the fishing lodge cafe (right next to where you launch the boat) or the Wheatsheaf pub a short walk away.
At the end of the day head back to your accommodation. With so many options close to Rutland your unlikely to need to stay anywhere different regardless of what’s on your agenda for day 2 and beyond.
Day 2 and beyond
For the rest of your trip, you may be content to stay on the reservoir, but here are some other options:
Option 1) Trout fishing on the reservoir – Rutland is world renowned for its trout fishing so head out again in the boat or choose to bank fish. As the water temperatures cool the trout move from the deeper water to further inshore; in early autumn they can be tempted on nymphs before late autumn / winter when their preference for fry can mean fly lures come into their own.
Option 2) River coarse fishing – Head to one of the day ticket or free sections of the Rivers Welland, Nene, or their tributaries. Great predator fishing but also bags of silver fish, bream, and chub can be had. For those seeking barbel head to one of the Nene Backwaters. See our Welland and Nene overview page for more info on how and where to get out on the rivers.
Option 3) Stillwater coarse and game fishing – Your spoilt for choice locally with a choice of ponds, lakes, and gravel pits. You could venture to other reservoirs or lakes for trout such Eyebrook Reservoir or Elinor Trout Fishery. For coarse angling there are several options close to Rutland Water such as Wing Hall Estate and Stretton Lakes or you can venture a little further to Ferry Meadows, Rosewater Carp Fishery or Lovells Lakes.
For full info on fisheries, tackle shops and guides in the area, plus all the other things to do other than fishing see our Welland and Nene page.
