Catch report & fishing forecast for Dorset including Chesil Beach, Portland & Weymouth

Beach Fishing on Chesil should be OK for today, but with stronger winds forecast for the next couple of days, the beach will become very difficult to fish over the weekend. Whilst it will have a negative effect for those looking to get a Plaice or two, you might be able to pick up an early Bass in the surf.

I had a try last night for a Pollock down on Portland Bill with some lures. Unfortunately they decided not to show up. The water was a bit more coloured than I had expected. I will probably give it a go when the tides ease of slightly.

Sea Conditions: 

Water temperature 6.9*c.

Chesil Beach: The swell has picked up and is now averaging 2m. This has produced a large back wash that is colouring the water up.

Portland: 2m swell and slightly coloured water

Portland Harbour: Calm and clear.

Weymouth Bay: Calm but the water is a bit coloured.

Chesil Beach forecast: There is a good chance of a Plaice and some Dabs from the West Bexington and Cogden end of the beach today. Personally I would opt for Checkpoint or the Landing Craft down at the Portland and Ferrybridge end. There is a good chance of picking up a Ray or Bass down there.

Portland: Worm and crab baits should catch a few Wrasse from the rock marks. If you are after some shelter then head for Church Ope Cove. Here you could pick up a variety of species from Wrasse and Pollock to Bass and Plaice, with even a Ray as a bonus. Tackle losses can be high, so make sure you spot the sandy patches and cast on to them. Long casts are not need at this mark. Ragworm, Lugworm and Peeler Crab are all good baits. You can lure fish from either end of the beach for Pollock, Bass and Wrasse.

Portland Harbour: It is still quite in the harbour, but it is worth giving Sandsfoot Castle a go for Flounder and Bass.

Weymouth Bay: The Stone Pier will be a nice easy mark to fish and a great starting point for those wanting to get their kids into fishing. It can often be the one spot that produces fish when all other fail. It is mostly small fish at this time of year, but the number of species you can catch can give you some variety. Float fish with worms or mackerel baits, or simply drop a worm down the side of the wall.

Boat & Kayak Fishing:  I can’t see many boats or Kayaks getting out this weekend as the wind increases.

For more information on some of the fishing John can offer have a look at his website River Works.

Guiding & Lessons: Normally I would be looking to book guiding sessions for the next month, but with the water being so cold, I am going to limit the guiding to bait fishing for April and I will start the Bass guiding in May. I am still happy to give lessons in both bait and lure fishing during April, but don’t expect to catch too much on lures until nearer the end of the month. I am starting the first of the River Cottage Shoreline course from the 4th of April.  Have a look on the guiding link at the top of the page or drop me an email for more details to [email protected]