Fishing forecast for Chesil Beach, Portland & Weymouth. 13th July 2012

The wind picked up a lot yesterday afternoon, which stirred up Chesil quite a bit. It is still looking quite lumpy, but with moderate winds it should fish very well for Bass. The salinity levels have proved to be a problem this week. The fresh water has pushed the Bream off the beach as well as some other species. It does not seem to have affected the flat fish or the Bass.

Water Temperature: 14.6*c                 Weymouth High Tide: 2.31pm, 1.44m

Wind SW 19mph

Sea Conditions:

Chesil Beach: There is quite a bit of surf on the beach with waves as big as 2m. Water has a slight colour in it but there is a lot of weed all along the beach.

Portland: 2m swell, it is quite rough on the West side, but a bit more sheltered in the east. Water clarity is good.

Portland Harbour: Calm. Water is clear

Weymouth Bay: Calm but the water coming from the harbour is very dirty and contains lots of fresh water.

Chesil Beach forecast: The small tide over the next couple of days means that you are really going to have to use as small a weight as you can get away with to allow it to move around into the feeding areas. Use plain leads on your rigs and try and make them long and flowing. Some nice Plaice and Dabs at West Bexington, which is where I am headed today. Hopefully the salinity levels will return to normal and the Bream and Gurnard will return to the Portland end of the beach. There is still plenty of Mackerel all along the beach and night fishing will bring in the Dogfish and Pout.

Portland: Wrasse. Pollock, Garfish and Bass have not been so badly effected around Portland, though the fishing has been a lot slower this week than it has of recent. Night time fishing should see some Bull Huss and Conger from Marks like Blacknor Point and Chine.

Portland Harbour: I have to say with the exception of Flounder fishing, Portland harbour has not been good from the shore at all this week. The fleet is a rusty brown colour that gives an indication that it is being badly affected by run of from the surrounding fields.

Weymouth Bay: Similar to Portland Harbour, the fresh water is badly effecting the fishing in the Bay. Smaller fish can still be found around the Piers and Bass do not mind fresh water.

Boat and Kayak fishing: Small boats and Kayaks will fair better in Portland Harbour and along the East side of Portland than shore anglers. The Hood entrance would be my first choice with the main entrance and Balaclava Bay a close second. There are not many chances left to get out on the Weymouth Charter boats before they all become employed in their Olympic roles.