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

I am glad I didn’t waste my time going fishing over the weekend, as most of the reports coming in suggest it was one of the worst for catches for a long time. Even the Chesil Championships were little more than a lottery, with the winner weighing   in just a single fish. It just goes to show that sometimes it is worth entering some of the bigger open competitions, as anyone can get a lucky fish and win.

Unfortunately it looks like things are not going to change much over the next few days.  However the SW wind is warming things up nicely.

Sea Conditions: 

Water temperature 7.2*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 ; It is not looking great on Chesil especially if you are looking for Plaice Down at the Westin end of the beach. At the Portland end of the beach there’s a good chance of catching Pollick and maybe a  Bass

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.

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]