The cold start & frosts of Monday morning saw the pontoon and boats frozen. Things did soon warm up though, with autumnal sun for much of the day. Ben Bayliss and Adam Larbalestier took the drive down from Cumbria hoping for some good back end sport. It didn’t take the pair long to get on the fish with Adam boating a 6lb brown on a drift from the Tower to C buoy. It fell to a snake fished on a 7” inch per second sinking line. It didn’t take Ben long to also lock up with a fin perfect rainbow of around 4lb. Unfortunately their sport slowed in the afternoon with them finishing on 6 fish to the boat. Season ticket holder Colin England enjoyed a great four-hour morning session in a boat off Farnborough spit. Colin landing 8 rainbows using a small white minkie booby also on fast sinking line. From the bank Ray Cramp landed six from Dunn’s Bay and the Old Pipe in Biggin Bay using a mixture of minkie patterns and shrimps. Mr T Barnes also enjoyed good sport in a short afternoon session landing 3 fish on Cats Whiskers from Lincroft Point. A light westerly wind & overcast skies on Tuesday proved to be good for the bank anglers with Kevin Rees netting thirteen from the Tower bank, including two 4lbs plus bars of silver on his shrimp patterns. Norman Perkins used diawl bachs & a blob for nine to the net & his catch included a rainbow at 5lbs. Gordon Slack & Brian Allwood managed half a dozen each with Brian also netting a nice blue. Whilst the banks out-performed the boats, Andy Lane went afloat & tempted ten to the net. He targeted the fry feeders near the Tower with Minkies & floating fry patterns. The day ended on a rod average of 3·8.
Impressive bank action continued into Wednesday. An overcast morning with a SW breeze followed by hazy afternoon sunshine. Lee Tones enjoyed terrific sport on Lin Croft fishing a mix of white & pink minkies and shrimp patterns on a floating line. He netted a total of 16 rainbows, two of which were over four pounds. Gary Hunter also enjoyed action he described as “top notch” from the bank in Toft. He fished buzzers to land ten. Although most boat anglers reported tough times, Ian Jobe’s total of seven included a 6lbs brownie. Colin England & Tony Plummer found fish in the vicinity of Croft Shoal & landed 14 & 6 respectively. Out in a boat on Thursday morning Mike Murphy had fine sport near the Farborough Spit to minkies fished on a floating line towards the shore. He took a total of 11 by the end of his session. Dave Kennell & Eddie Mitchell were also in action on the water, landing 5 & 7 respectively. Also in a boat, Gavin Cleminson & Mike Burnside matched each other fish for fish with five apiece to end their end of season break with us. On the bank John Hall continued his recent run of successes with nine rainbows from Lin Croft. Mike Oliver found bank sport all over the venue and also took nine washing lining pheasant tail nymphs in conjunction with a small booby. Craig Stradling used a combination of PTN, shrimp patterns & crunchers for his five-fish tally.
Friday was a bonanza day for many on the bank in perfect autumnal conditions. Peter Elliott fished crunchers & GRHE on Lin Croft & ended the day with a 21 fish total. Also on small Hare’s Ears, & also on Lin Croft was Craig Smith who also edged over the 20 fish tally! Meanwhile, Ed Douglas concentrated his efforts on the Swan’s Nest using mainly cruncher & diawl bach to net 19. Close by Ed were father & son duo Jim & Richard Hall, also enjoying hectic sport to shrimp & nymph offerings. They netted 8 & 9 rainbows respectively. Whilst it was harder again for the boat anglers, Messrs Wilson & Mair ended their two day break with us with 19 to the net having fished white snakes on a Di5 in the vicinity of “P” buoy. Their total for the two days was very creditable 31 trout to the net.
Heavy overnight rain into Saturday, with torrential rain during the morning led to many anglers choosing the “duvet day” alternative. However, notwithstanding uncomfortable conditions, some ventured out onto the bank as well as in the boats. Amongst the bank anglers was Steve Orton who was pleased to find early morning rising fish close to the bank at the Swan’s Nest. Fishing a team comprising diawl bach, cruncher & shrimp he enjoyed hectic sport until the winds picked up resulting in fish pushing out & then down. Not before he had netted five fine rainbows though with two further break offs & others missed. Mike Oliver was also back on the banks and managed another six to his washing lined pheasant tail nymphs off the Tower Bank. Whilst sport was relatively slow for the boats, Mr Cooke did land a 6lbs brownie off the Tower using a Minkie. Best of the boat action though was had by Alan Grant. He reported not finding fish until mid-afternoon whilst he was down the middle of Toft in shallow water. Using a Di5 combined with a white & silver Humungus, Alan proceeded to land seven grown on rainbows in quick succession including two over four pounds together with a perfect specimen at 5lbs 12ozs.
After yet another very hard overnight frost, with another iced up boat pontoon this morning, it is likely that the end of season sport will continue in the same vain. With just three weeks remaining before the season draws to a close there are clearly many more specimens to be taken.
Impressive bank action continued into Wednesday. An overcast morning with a SW breeze followed by hazy afternoon sunshine. Lee Tones enjoyed terrific sport on Lin Croft fishing a mix of white & pink minkies and shrimp patterns on a floating line. He netted a total of 16 rainbows, two of which were over four pounds. Gary Hunter also enjoyed action he described as “top notch” from the bank in Toft. He fished buzzers to land ten. Although most boat anglers reported tough times, Ian Jobe’s total of seven included a 6lbs brownie. Colin England & Tony Plummer found fish in the vicinity of Croft Shoal & landed 14 & 6 respectively. Out in a boat on Thursday morning Mike Murphy had fine sport near the Farborough Spit to minkies fished on a floating line towards the shore. He took a total of 11 by the end of his session. Dave Kennell & Eddie Mitchell were also in action on the water, landing 5 & 7 respectively. Also in a boat, Gavin Cleminson & Mike Burnside matched each other fish for fish with five apiece to end their end of season break with us. On the bank John Hall continued his recent run of successes with nine rainbows from Lin Croft. Mike Oliver found bank sport all over the venue and also took nine washing lining pheasant tail nymphs in conjunction with a small booby. Craig Stradling used a combination of PTN, shrimp patterns & crunchers for his five-fish tally.
Friday was a bonanza day for many on the bank in perfect autumnal conditions. Peter Elliott fished crunchers & GRHE on Lin Croft & ended the day with a 21 fish total. Also on small Hare’s Ears, & also on Lin Croft was Craig Smith who also edged over the 20 fish tally! Meanwhile, Ed Douglas concentrated his efforts on the Swan’s Nest using mainly cruncher & diawl bach to net 19. Close by Ed were father & son duo Jim & Richard Hall, also enjoying hectic sport to shrimp & nymph offerings. They netted 8 & 9 rainbows respectively. Whilst it was harder again for the boat anglers, Messrs Wilson & Mair ended their two day break with us with 19 to the net having fished white snakes on a Di5 in the vicinity of “P” buoy. Their total for the two days was very creditable 31 trout to the net.
Heavy overnight rain into Saturday, with torrential rain during the morning led to many anglers choosing the “duvet day” alternative. However, notwithstanding uncomfortable conditions, some ventured out onto the bank as well as in the boats. Amongst the bank anglers was Steve Orton who was pleased to find early morning rising fish close to the bank at the Swan’s Nest. Fishing a team comprising diawl bach, cruncher & shrimp he enjoyed hectic sport until the winds picked up resulting in fish pushing out & then down. Not before he had netted five fine rainbows though with two further break offs & others missed. Mike Oliver was also back on the banks and managed another six to his washing lined pheasant tail nymphs off the Tower Bank. Whilst sport was relatively slow for the boats, Mr Cooke did land a 6lbs brownie off the Tower using a Minkie. Best of the boat action though was had by Alan Grant. He reported not finding fish until mid-afternoon whilst he was down the middle of Toft in shallow water. Using a Di5 combined with a white & silver Humungus, Alan proceeded to land seven grown on rainbows in quick succession including two over four pounds together with a perfect specimen at 5lbs 12ozs.
After yet another very hard overnight frost, with another iced up boat pontoon this morning, it is likely that the end of season sport will continue in the same vain. With just three weeks remaining before the season draws to a close there are clearly many more specimens to be taken.
Weekly Boat Draw
Congratulations to Mr Czernecki of West London who is the winner of this week’s free boat draw.
Congratulations to Mr Czernecki of West London who is the winner of this week’s free boat draw.
Weekly Stats:
Number Rods: 207 Number Trout Taken: 254 Number Trout Released: 518
Total Catch: 772 Weekly Rod Average: 3.72
Current Fishing Times:
Bank: 07:30 until 16.30
Boat All Day: 08:30 until 16:30
Boat Part Day: 08:30 until 13:00 –
Last 4 Hours: 12:30 until 16: 30 (Ticket sales available from 12:15)
Gutting Room Closes: 16:00
All Anglers to be off site by: 16:45
Fishery News
Season Permits
There is currently a lengthy list of anglers interested in Draycote Water season permits. Nevertheless, we advise anyone who has an interest to contact us in the lodge to have their name added to it. Telephone 01788 812018
The Fur and Feather match.
This year’s “Fur and Feather” match will take place on Sunday 26th November 2017. The match is a pairs event (fishing with your own boat partner) which, as usual, will be fished to reservoir rules (but rudders will NOT be allowed). The event will be fished to an eight-fish limit (normal permit prices apply) together with a special discount boat price of £15 per boat (reduced from the normal £24.50). Fishing hours will be 9-4pm due to the reduced daylight. This will equate to a cost per angler of £36.50. The winning pair will win a Christmas Hamper each. Second & third prizes will be wines & spirits with port for the largest fish. Boats can be booked in the normal way at the lodge or by phone on 01788 812018.
Boat Cleanliness:
Our hard-pressed team strive to maintain the boats to a high standard of cleanliness. Anglers are kindly requested to respect their endeavours by keeping their vessels shipshape & litter free. Particular attention should be paid to avoiding the unnecessary practise of pulling muddy anchors on board. These should be shaken clean before being lifted into the boat. Your assistance in this matter will be most appreciated.
Guiding & Tuition:
Why not take your own fishing further with a day out on the water with England Internationals and fishery staff Lee Henfrey or Tom Bird. Whether you wish to get to know the water better, or hone a particular skill, our guides can help to improve your catch rates. Visit the website www.flyfishguiding.co.uk for more information or book a slot by calling the lodge on 01788 812018.
More up to date information
Keep up to date with the latest catches and fishing posts from our in-house fishery ranger and guide Tom Bird, by following him on Facebook. Tom has been catching some great fish this season and posting pictures of the fish as well as a light write up on how he has been catching them.
Trout Masters
Draycote has joined the Troutmasters Competition. Entry forms can be found next to the booking out sheets. You will need a member of staff to countersign your entry. Good luck!
Early Morning Anglers
Due to a number of complaints from the residents of the houses by the main Draycote gate, could all anglers arriving early in the morning please keep noise to a minimum level, and if waiting for any more than a few minutes, please switch off your engines. The main gate is open from 7.30am
Tight lines,
The Draycote Team
Follow Us on
facebookwww.facebook.com/FlyFishStore
Number Rods: 207 Number Trout Taken: 254 Number Trout Released: 518
Total Catch: 772 Weekly Rod Average: 3.72
Current Fishing Times:
Bank: 07:30 until 16.30
Boat All Day: 08:30 until 16:30
Boat Part Day: 08:30 until 13:00 –
Last 4 Hours: 12:30 until 16: 30 (Ticket sales available from 12:15)
Gutting Room Closes: 16:00
All Anglers to be off site by: 16:45
Fishery News
Season Permits
There is currently a lengthy list of anglers interested in Draycote Water season permits. Nevertheless, we advise anyone who has an interest to contact us in the lodge to have their name added to it. Telephone 01788 812018
The Fur and Feather match.
This year’s “Fur and Feather” match will take place on Sunday 26th November 2017. The match is a pairs event (fishing with your own boat partner) which, as usual, will be fished to reservoir rules (but rudders will NOT be allowed). The event will be fished to an eight-fish limit (normal permit prices apply) together with a special discount boat price of £15 per boat (reduced from the normal £24.50). Fishing hours will be 9-4pm due to the reduced daylight. This will equate to a cost per angler of £36.50. The winning pair will win a Christmas Hamper each. Second & third prizes will be wines & spirits with port for the largest fish. Boats can be booked in the normal way at the lodge or by phone on 01788 812018.
Boat Cleanliness:
Our hard-pressed team strive to maintain the boats to a high standard of cleanliness. Anglers are kindly requested to respect their endeavours by keeping their vessels shipshape & litter free. Particular attention should be paid to avoiding the unnecessary practise of pulling muddy anchors on board. These should be shaken clean before being lifted into the boat. Your assistance in this matter will be most appreciated.
Guiding & Tuition:
Why not take your own fishing further with a day out on the water with England Internationals and fishery staff Lee Henfrey or Tom Bird. Whether you wish to get to know the water better, or hone a particular skill, our guides can help to improve your catch rates. Visit the website www.flyfishguiding.co.uk for more information or book a slot by calling the lodge on 01788 812018.
More up to date information
Keep up to date with the latest catches and fishing posts from our in-house fishery ranger and guide Tom Bird, by following him on Facebook. Tom has been catching some great fish this season and posting pictures of the fish as well as a light write up on how he has been catching them.
Trout Masters
Draycote has joined the Troutmasters Competition. Entry forms can be found next to the booking out sheets. You will need a member of staff to countersign your entry. Good luck!
Early Morning Anglers
Due to a number of complaints from the residents of the houses by the main Draycote gate, could all anglers arriving early in the morning please keep noise to a minimum level, and if waiting for any more than a few minutes, please switch off your engines. The main gate is open from 7.30am
Tight lines,
The Draycote Team
Follow Us on
facebookwww.facebook.com/FlyFishStore
twitter www.twitter.com/FlyFishStore