Draycote Water is now showing the form everyone has been craving for. The bigger fish from last year have hidden well since we opened, however they are now coming out almost daily. Every day this week fish over 5lb have been recorded, with the biggest a massive 9lb 9oz brown trout, caught by Phil Saddler, whilst fishing from the boat in Rainbow Corner. There have been frequent reports from anglers of big fish coming short at the boat. England International and world team member Phil Dixon said “you should have seen the size of some of the fish I rose drifting onto A buoy” Phil was fishing a DI-7 line and a tube.
Mr J Worley recorded the best rainbow for the week, a nice 6.5lb fish, whilst Mr A Sutherland recorded the best bag for the week, 4 fish weighing an impressive 20lb 8oz! Water levels have increased steadily and the levels are now around 75% capacity. The water clarity has however remained excellent, although the water temperature has dropped slightly. This has had very little effect on the buzzer hatches and certainly not put the swallows and swifts off as they have been on the water in there hundreds.
The warmer parts of the day have seem some excellent surface action from the fish, however catching them has proven not quite so easy. Buzzers fished on a long leader has been fantastic from the boats, although on windier days shelter has been needed to assist with this method. Less windy days and drifts 2-3oo yards out have proven very fruitful, with some of last years bigger fishing sticking their noses out! Di-5 and blobs and boobies have worked very well too, with many bag limits taken this way this week. All areas have fished well, however Rainbow Corner and Dunns Bay have frequently popped up on the radar as the places to fish, more so as bigger fish appear to be present in these areas.
Bank anglers have had some brilliant sport too, with buzzers drifting in a cross wind taking most fish. Fish are seen moving throughout the day, and despite the rising water, the fish haven’t ventured too far out either, helped by the cooler water temperatures.
With warmer weather finally hitting our shores later this week, I am sure this could be the turning point we are all waiting for to properly kick start our seasons, and have those floating lines on on a more consistent basis!
Our first boat pairs match is fast approaching, and we still have some places left. Fished to International rules, the Rio Challenge pairs competition on Sunday July 1st, allows you to fish with your chosen partner. Entry fee is £23 + you fishing costs for the day. 1st prize pair will win in excess of £1000 worth of Rio tackle, and 2nd prize will win £800 worth of Rio tackle. Prizes will run to 10th place! To book your place please call the fishing lodge on 01788 812018 and ask for Craig Barr, the competition organiser.
Fish caught 451 Fish returned 544 Number of rods 186 Rod average 5.3.
Best flies, black & olive buzzers, Fab blobs, orange blobs, boobies, crunchers, diawl bachs, and damsels.
To book a car pass for bank fishing please call the fishing lodge 01788 812018.
Car parking is FREE for bank and boat anglers.
Bank fishing commences at 7.30 and finishes at 9.30. All anglers are to be off site by 9.50pm
Boat fishing commences at 8.30am and finishes at 9.15pm – (Fish gutting and tackle shop facilities are available on site).
Tight Lines
Craig Barr