Is there any end to this unsettled weather? Lets hope so!! This week has again been unsettled, yet, we could say typical April weather! The water level has risen steadily each day, with the lake now at 66% full, and filling. The cold water being pumped in has had an effect on the fishing, not to mention the unsettled conditions, as fish have adjusted to the rising water levels and change in water temperature, a common factor when fishing larger waters.
Anglers who have braved the weather have in general done ok, however some have found it tricky. Gary Owen from Loughborough landed 15 fish, fishing boobies on a DI-5 line, and Mr Dempsey, a regular visitor with his rudder, took 8 fish for 26lb drifting across the middle of the lake. Garry Simpson from Totteridge, London, managed 12 fish to the boat fishing a combination of damsels, buzzers and blobs on an intermediate line. Mr I Jones took the best bag average for the week on Saturday, with his 4 fish weighing 17lb, and the biggest fish recorded was 5lb 13oz caught by Mr R Wilson using a Di-7 line.
Daycote Water is yet to show its true form, especially the buzzers. I predict the first settled spell of weather will see the lake erupt into life, with a fish bonanza. With the same amount of fish stocked as the same point last year, yet 25% less water, its got to happen sooner or later. A more versatile approach is needed at the moment with line choice, as the fish, not helped by this sudden rain deluge, have dropped in depth, sitting around 6′ on average.
Bank anglers will be able to drive around the perimeter road, but this will be restricted to 30 cars at any one time, we will operate the same system as last year which worked well, you call the lodge and book one of the 30 available bank car passes. The available bank fishing will be the same as last year, Toft Shallow, Cornfield, Biggin Bay, Dunns Bay up to the start of the dam wall of the Draycote Bank. Rainbow Corner will also be available.
Fish Caught 171 Fish Returned 160 Number of Rods 91 Rod Av – 3.6
Boats off the water at 8.15
Bank fishing finishes at 8.30
All anglers to be off site by 8.45
tight lines
Craig Barr
Competitions
Sunday 1st of July – Rio Challenge Pairs match – Entry fee £23pp + fishing fees. Fished to International rules. 1st prize of £1000 tackle, and prizes to 10th place. You will fish with your chosen partner.
Friday August 10th. Lexus Individual Heat (last one before the Final). To book call 07974748496, or call Draycote Fishing Lodge on 01788 812018.
Sunday 19th August. £1000 pairs match. Entry fee £25+fishing fees, reservoir rules (no rudders, the exception). Prizes to 4th place.
Sunday 14th October.£1000 pairs match. Entry fee £25+fishing fees, reservoir rules (no rudders, the exception). Prizes to 4th place.
Call the fishing lodge on 01788 812018 to book into any of the competitions.