More waters open to tempt anglers and the the next Big One heat is just around the corner

Anglers will be trying to qualify for the final and a chance of winning the first prize of £3,000.

It’s now less than two weeks to the start of the river trout season. Northumberland Federation of Anglers offers miles of the Coquet, Tyne and Till at a very reasonable price price for local anglers.

Permits are available from the head bailiff, Keith Mather. All details are on their extensive website pages.

Permits are also available for the Wansbeck Angling Association waters. Details are also on their website.

Langley dam still water has reopened for their season along with their cafe. At the moment the cafe is only open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. With full English breakfasts available and an extensive menu, the fishing and food is worth a visit.

Northumbrian Water opened Fontburn Reservoir for their season with the reservoir receiving a heavy stocking to welcome anglers.

Chatton fishery has reopened its lodge for hot food and drinks after a winter break. The lodge will be open from 8.30am until 2pm for refreshments.

Fishing at Chatton has been very good this last week with bags into the high teens of trout. Successful patterns which have attracted a good number of brown trout include Diawl Bachs, Apps, Bunny Leech, Top Hats, Cormorants and Fabs.

One angler had good sport using small spiders.

Thrunton Long Crag Fishery continues to be very popular, attracting anglers for excellent sport too. More improvements to the entry road and fishing spots around the lakes are appreciated.

The fishing has provided some bigger fish, with anglers landing and losing heavyweights in the double figure region. All techniques seem to have worked this week with nymphs of various sizes, buzzers, dries and small wet flies all attracting fish.

With the weather warming up more insects are likely to appear and the fishing will be even more exciting.