Catch Report- Week 41

Making the Most of the Changing Conditions – Meadow Lake

After a week off the bank, spending some quality time with the family, it was good to get back out fishing. With a significant change in the weather forecast for Wednesday, I knew I needed to be down the lake and set up well before it arrived to make the most of what looked like some very promising conditions.

The forecast suggested the wind and rain would then ease away for around 24 hours, leaving me to sit it out on the bank until the third night, when the wind and rain were due to return. It was going to be a case of making the most of that initial weather front and hoping the carp would respond accordingly.

I’d done something similar a couple of weeks earlier when a drive around Meadow Lake ended with me staying for a session. On that occasion, the conditions favoured more of the swims on Meadow than those on Airfield Lake, and as luck would have it, there were only three anglers fishing again this time around. With so much water to choose from, that certainly made the decision a little easier.

I settled on the southern end of the lake, knowing the new wind would be pushing hard into this area. With the conditions looking favourable, I decided to get the bait in and give myself the best possible chance of making something happen. I baited heavily with a mixture of Nutrabaits boilies and Jurassic Particles, confident in the approach, and happy to stick with what I know.

Hookbait-wise, I stayed with my ever-faithful Nutrabaits EnerGize Harded Hooker, teamed up with Hobo Armour end tackle and my trusted Ronnie rig. On the second full day, I decided to add half a White Blank Saver to the mix, introducing a little extra colour to catch the carp’s attention and hopefully encourage a bit of curiosity.

One of the hardest decisions was whether to stay for three or four nights. That extra night would have an impact on my return the following week, and with another weather front on the horizon, I needed to think ahead. I always like to be on the water and fully set up before a weather front arrives, giving myself the best opportunity to make the most of those favourable conditions rather than turning up after the event.

Thankfully, the decision to head to Meadow Lake paid off, with four bites resulting in four carp: two thirties, a twenty and a low double.

The pick of the bunch was a lovely common weighing 31lb 7oz. A cracking result is a great way to get back into the swing of things after a week away from the bank.

It’s always satisfying when a plan comes together, especially when you’ve made your decisions around the weather, chosen your swim carefully, and put your faith in a baiting approach that you’ve got confidence in. Of course, there’s never any guarantee in carp fishing, but on this occasion, the conditions and a bit of good fortune certainly fell in my favour.

Until next time,

Richard