Weekly Fishing Report: Draycote, Eyebrook, Thornton

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Draycote Fishery Weekly Report – 01788 812018

Email:  draycote@flyfishstore.co.uk

2023 Stocking Policy Details of our stocking policy for Draycote is explained on our website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/stocking-policy/

2023 Membership Options visit our website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/season-permits/

Exclusion Zone  Due to the work being carried out on the Hensborough Bank there is an exclusion zone in place, clearly marked with yellow buoys. Under no circumstances are anglers to enter this area as there are divers in the water.

Week Ending:     21^st May 2023      Rod Av: 5.5   Water Temperature:  14°C

Weekly fishing report

A cold start to the week with a strong North wind, this teamed with sun certainly make the fishing more challenging that the exceptional fishing we had seen over the weekend. Draycote member Ian Richardson & Bob Smith enjoyed a good day landing 36 fish. The pair fished at the Tower bank using a Midge Tip line with a washing line of buzzers and FABS. Commenting on the “lovely silver fish” Fishing for the morning Tony Broadway & Jim Hall landed 11 fish to the boat using a floating line and team of buzzers. Ray Rawlings landed 17, using a DI 5 sinking line and snakes. In the morning landing his fish from Toft before heading to Rainbow Corner in the afternoon. Monday also saw the first of the teams arriving ahead of the international here at Draycote on Friday. As you would expect specifics were being a closely guarded secret. However, all the anglers seemed to enjoy a good days sport.

The North winds remained for Tuesday, with a little more west in it that the previous day. However, there was still the same chill in the air. On the bank Tim Davies landed a brace of fish from Lincroft point using buzzers. Out on the boats we had all 4 home nations team out on the water practicing ahead of Friday. From speaking to some of the team members, it was quite tricky due to the cold wind and the while they were catching. They felt that once the chill had dropped out of the wind towards the end of the week that the fishing would improve.

Wednesday was a much improved weather day with overcast skies and a drop in the wind. Although it did remain in the same direction, with some sun around mid day and early afternoon. On the bank Draycote season ticket holder Paul Walker landed 4 fish. Out on the boats the 4 teams fished the first of the official practice days ahead of Friday. With the improved the conditions, there was a number of fish on the top and feeding on small buzzers and small beetles. However, while there was lots of fish up on the top, the provided challenging to tempt on dries. With the best flies for the job being small olive CDC shuttlecocks. Other successful tactics from speaking to the teams was the bung, washing lining Diawl Bachs and buzzers and also Straight lining. With fish coming out from all over the lake but the hotspots seemed to be the School Slips, Draycote Dam Wall, Toft & Biggin Bay.

A very different day on the final practice day ahead of the match. With flat calm conditions, and very warm bright sunshine for most of the day, although some cloud did roll in later on the afternoon. As a result of this warm bright conditions we saw the first algal bloom of the season. With these challenging conditions it was expected to be a very tough day. However, while it wasn’t as productive as the day before, all the teams still caught and actually caught quite well. There was a variety of methods on display with the Bung featuring heavily given the flat conditions. However, washing lining also features as to did dries. With the fish getting caught in Rainbow Corner, Biggin Bay, Toft & N Buoy out over Musborough Shoal. On the bank Neil Butler landed a brace of fish on a Goldhead Hares Ear from Rainbow Corner.

Friday dawned calm and overcast with the promise of sunny spells later in the day. The international teams were on site early, preparing boats and tackle for todays match. After the briefings everyone lined up, and the piper played the teams onto the reservoir. A loud hooter sounded at 10:00 o;clock and 28 competition boats headed off in different directions across Draycote Water do battle for their respective countries. There was a variety of different methods, with straight lining buzzers working for the Scottish Team in Biggin Bay so too did buzzers either under a bung. However, washing lining of 6ft midge tips with Nymphs, Buzzers and a FAB on the point was used by most competitors. Although, dries produced a few fish for others. There was 3 distinctive areas on the match day Toft, Biggin Bay & Y to B Buoy. The largest fish of the day was caught by Darren Maguire from Ireland, which measured 68 cm’s, and was weighted at an impressive 7lb 9oz taken on a size 14 CDC. The winner of the Brown Bowl was Richard Hooper of Wales, with a total of 15 fish. The winning team was England with a total of 139 fish caught a very impressive team performance, Second was Scotland with 94, Ireland in third with 63 fish and final Wales with 54 fish. The bank proved very quiet for the DFF’S evening match, with the winner being Draycote staff member Michael Hanlon , who used size 16 culs on a 4 weight outfit, to net a brace from the parsons arms. We would like to thank all the volunteer boatmen who helped out on the day, without whom competitions like this cannot go ahead.

Saturdays weather was just an extension of the previous few days, with light breezes which strengthened through the middle of the day. Tougher fishing conditions with sunshine through the afternoon seemed to push the fish down in the water column. On the bank buzzers were the order of the day with Mike Garner and Tom Rochford netting a brace each from Lincroft Point. Out on the boats Julian Hubbard and Rick Gray boated 26 fish between them using DI7’s and tube flies out over Y and N buoy. Mr Blythe and Mr Pete Taylor also used DI7’s up near Y buoy with boobies to net 5 fish.  Frazer Duffy and son had 11 fish on buzzers and a FAB up I n Rainbow Corner. Mr P Tanner had 9 fish to the boat on a humungus at various points around the reservoir.

Another warm sunny day Sunday, with the wind remained quite blustery at times. On the bank Luke & Dave Orton landed 7 fish between them fishing on the North shore. On the boats John Dunbar & George Leaton, landed 28 fish between them using Damsels and buzzers in Biggin Bay. Draycote member Richard Walker landed a dozen fish on a green snake on a 12ft sink tip, from Biggin Bay, Toft and the Farnborough Dam Wall. Also using snakes Mr W Parkes landed 9 fish on a white snakes fished on a Di 3 sinking line. James Maplethorpe and Trevor Moore used Olive Buzzer landing 14 with there best fish weighting 8lb 2oz. All water member Ed Doulgas landed 10 fish with 6 of them coming to dries, and the other 4 taking buzzers.

Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report – Lodge: 01536 770264 & Mob: 07834581424

Email: eyebrook@flyfishstore.co.uk

2023 Stocking Policy Details of our stocking policy for Eyebrook is explained on our website:

www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk/about-us-2/stocking-policy/

2023 Membership options visit our website www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk/about-us-2/season-permits/

Week Ending: 21 May 23       Rod Av: 4.7     Water Temperature:   16 °C

The week started with a stiff northerly wind that brought a distinct chill to the air. The wind remained blustery all day & coupled with it some extended periods of sunshine, this would make for some challenging conditions. When there was sufficient cloud cover the Dries fished very well with some very high catch returns recorded on the usual suspects, Yellow Owls, Big Reds & Foam Daddies. Down on a short break, Billy McGranaghan & his boat partner Alan Martin had a great day on the Dries landing a very high number of fish. Billy & Alan targeted the fish that were feeding on the abundant Hawthorn Flies here at Eyebrook by using small black Hoppers.  For further information on our Short Break Options please use the following link: https://www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk/about-us-2/short-break-packages/.  During the brighter the spells, the fish sat a little deeper where they were caught on the Washing Line with Red Ribbed Diawl Bachs on the Droppers, which was duly demonstrated by Mr P Nesbitt who landed 11 fish from the general area of Sam’s Dyke. Monday saw us host the Phillips Championship, which is a pairs competition fish to a 12 fish boat limit, with the heaviest bag of fish winning. Everyone caught fish & congratulations goes to, with an excellent bag weight of 25lb 3oz, the winning pair of Mr Chewter & Ormiston. Well done to all participants &we look forward to seeing you all again.

Tuesday brought with it clear skies, bright sunlight & a moderate north westerly breeze. The initial lack of cloud cover meant for a challenging start today which improved as the day wore on & the cloud cover built. The boats & the banks fished well, with some good bank returns being recorded from the area of the Chestnut down to the Cowshed. Buzzers, Daddies & Damsels fished on Floating lines were the order of the day from the bank with All Water Member Jim Greasley & regular visitor Stewart Normington landing 13 & 11 fish respectively. Another All-Water Member, Ed Douglas had a very successful day on the boats, landing over 30 fish from various locations, 20 of which came to the Dries. Washing Lined floating lines & Dries remain the percentage methods from the boats & there are still a good number of fish in the vicinity of Sam’s Dyke. Other areas that have been producing are Mucky Bay, The Island & over at Stoke Dry as the fish continue to feed well on the abundant aquatic life in Eyebrook. Terrestrials have also featured high on the fish’s menu of late with an early season hatch of Daddies & the Hawthorn flies becoming more & more prevalent.

Wednesday started with a light mist, which gave way to extended periods of sunshine with some patches of cloud cover appearing by mid-afternoon. There was also a light changeable wind which changed direction numerous times during the day which proved to make finding fish somewhat challenging. One area that has consistently held fish over the last few weeks has been Sam’s Dyke & Wednesday proved to be no different as some very good returns came from that area once again. The fish there were caught on Dries, Orange Foam Daddies & Yellow Owls, & Washing Lined Buzzers in as little as 4ft of water. Greg Meech enjoyed an 8hr Guided session with our resident Guide & fishery manager Lloyd Thompson. Targeting fish in top 12inches, Greg fished size 12 buzzers on short droppers on a Washing Lined Floating Line with a very buoyant fly on the point, to land a very high number of fish. For more information on our Guided Sessions, please use the following link. www.flyfishstore.co.uk/?s=Guiding&s_cs=true . It was obvious there was a lot of fish in Sam’s Dyke that were feeding hard on buzzers, taking them just under the surface. What else was blatantly obvious was there were also some fish in Sam’s Dyke that had turned their attentions to Damsel Nymphs with the amount of water that was being disturbed & moved as they fed.

Thursday was a warm, bright day with very little wind which resulted in the reservoir being flat calm for large portions of the day. Bright sunshine & a flat calm always make for challenging conditions. There was still a good number of fish caught in Sam’s Dyke on Dries & Buzzers from the boats fishing in shallow water. However, Eyebrook member Malcolm Thompson had a great day off the bank up by the Chestnut. Malcolm landed 14 fish in a relatively short session, all of which fell to Damsel Patterns. Yesterday’s hunch of the fish feeding hard on Damsels was indeed true. When fishing for Damsel Feeders there are a few key points that we must remember. The first point is an obvious one, Match the Hatch. Ensure that your Damsel Nymph patterns match the size & colour of the Damsel Nymphs that are swimming in the water. The other key point is that you need to be fishing where the Damsel Nymphs are, that is, close to the banks & around the weedbeds. The adult Damsel Hatches are not yet happening in full swing, but what is obvious is the Damsel Nymphs, driven by an increase in water temperature, are clearly starting to migrate to the areas from where they are going to hatch.

Friday’s weather was a very similar to yesterday except for more breeze which resulted in a healthy, inviting ripple. The reservoir fished well consequently with some good returns recorded from both the banks & the boats. Fish were caught on Buzzers, Damsels, Dries, FABs & Nymphs on floating lines. The Leicester Bank from the Lodge to Sam’s was the most productive bank area & from the boats it was Sam’s Dyke. Regular angler Garry Mickley had a great day off the bank landing a very high number of fish from Sam’s Dyke on the Nymphs. Whereas, from the boats John Cowell & his boat partner Ali Tait caught very well on a mixture of FABs, Damsels & Buzzers.

There was a misty start to Saturday caused by the low air temperature overnight. The early mist soon cleared, burnt away by the rising sun, to reveal a bright, clear sky that remained all day. These bright conditions & the moderate North Easterly wind made for challenging conditions. The bank anglers fared better early on before the sun got high in the sky with Eyebrook Member Roy Swinfield landing 13 fish from Sam’s Dyke on Buzzers. Another Eyebrook Member Malcolm Thompson also caught well from the bank, landing 6 from the Chestnut area. From the boats the most productive was 150m out from the Chestnut where All Water Member Kev Counihan & his boat partner landed well over 20 fish on Hare’s Ears out in the open water. Other successful patterns from the boats included Damsels & Red Ribbed Diawl Bachs. Saturday also saw us host another Tuition Course here at Eyebrook where we took 4 complete novices through the various elements of Fly Fishing, including knots, fly lines, rods, reels, tippets, flies & Fly Casting. Although conditions were far from ideal, they all had a great day culminating in a few hours fishing where plenty of fish were hooked but unfortunately none were landed. Thank you to Trevor, Oliver, Alan & Holly, it was great to see you & we look forward to seeing you again.

Sunday saw the weather conditions improve slightly; it was still bright & breezy but there were some periods of extended cloud cover. It was also more apparent on Sunday that the fish were beginning to on the Damsels in earnest with a few fish caught on Adult Damsel Patterns as well as on Damsel Nymphs. Eyebrook members Dean & Neil Shilton both enjoyed productive days in their Float Tubes landing 15 & 12 fish respectively. Dean caught most of his fish on Blue Foam Daddies over by the Willows. From the bank regular visitor Bill Livingstone & another Eyebrook Member, Dave Etty both caught very well in Sam’s Dyke on Buzzers & Nymphs, with Bill landing 20 & Dave 12. On the boats we hosted the latest round of the Alex Booth, Colwick & Foremark Fly Fishers competition which saw 19 anglers take to the water & catch 110 fish between. Which given the conditions, gave them a very respectable rod average of 5.8. Well done to all. There was a lot of fish caught today between the 2-3lb+ bracket which shows just how the fish are currently feeding.

With the weather for the week ahead forecasting lighter winds & some decent cloud cover, watch for the damsel feeding to really kick into gear….!!!

Thornton Fishery Weekly Report – 01530 230807

Email: thornton@flyfishstore.co.uk

2023 Stocking Policy Details of our stocking policy for Eyebrook is explained on our website www.flyfishthornton.co.uk/about-us-2/stocking-policy/

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Week Ending: 21^st May 2023   Rod Av: 2.4    Water Temperature: 16c+

Monday and a cold start to the week with a fresh northerly wind which blows directly into green bay & the stones. To get out of the cold wind anglers fished the shelter offered by the Markfield arm. Everyone caught 1 to 3 trout for their mornings visit but Norman Perkins found the method a blob &  black buzzers fished from the farm bank down to the tern rafts catching 10 trout

Tuesday and a warmer start to the day which didn’t last, by mid-morning a cooler fresher north wind arrived. Some rods fished green bay before the cooler north wind moved them to the shelter of the corner of the wood & down the Markfield arm. Martin Hosking caught 6 for his mornings visit on diawl bach & nemo patterns, P Cox caught 7 for his mornings visit with S Fairgrieve & K Cowen for their mornings visit catching 9 on cats whiskers & cormorant patterns on a variety of lines from a fast sinker to a floater.

Wednesday & milder conditions greeted the anglers with some heading towards green bay while others went towards the corner of the wood and down. Proved to be a trickier days fishing than expected Scot Wilson was top rod with 9 trout caught from green bay, Howard Davies caught 4 for his mornings fishing on olive buzzer with Rosemary Gunn & Rob Anderson catching 6 for their visit. J Foxall fished buzzer patterns to catch his 4 trout with some being caught close to the bank.

Thursday a warmer day but with little wind at times. Paul Havard fished buzzer patterns to catch his 6 trout, T Evans & J Evans fished buzzers & diawls to boat their 8 trout with Dave Slesser fishing his buzzers deep to catch his 5 trout.

Friday, the water clarity is excellent. Mark Hunt fished a single cdc pattern to catch his 13 trout, often the case a single fly will work better when the water clarity is good. Proved to be a mixed day for the other rods, John Bebbington caught 4 for his mornings visit with Mr Stringer fishing a black midge to catch 4 trout.

Saturday & bright day, warm in the sun out of the wind, but in the strong easterly wind it was surprisingly cold. It didn’t help that the wind direction changed a few times during the day. The fishing, challenging is a good description for the day. S Swinfield & S Zeleny fished a morning session catching 6 trout on a fast sinking line & booby with most coming within the shelter offered by the wood & Thornton arm. Tim Price fished a midge tip with cats whisker and small olive buzzer to catch 5 again out of the cold easterly wind.

It was certainly a mixed end to the week as the chilly north easterly, easterly wind persisted. Few fish to be seen on the surface with most been caught down in the water. Dave Skudder caught 4 for his mornings visit with them all taking a buzzer deep at around 15ft fishing out of green bay. Boobies on fast sinkers also caught with the drift out of the Thornton arm to the main car park being the most productive area.

Weekly Fishing Report: Draycote, Eyebrook, Thornton

Visit our Fisheries Websites: www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk   www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk  www.flyfishthornton.co.uk

Online Shop: www.flyfishstore.co.uk      Tuition & Guiding: www.flyfishtuition.co.uk

Fishery YouTube Channel: YouTube Flyfishstore

Draycote Fishery Weekly Report – 01788 812018

Email:  draycote@flyfishstore.co.uk

2023 Stocking Policy Details of our stocking policy for Draycote is explained on our website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/stocking-policy/

2023 Membership Options visit our website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/season-permits/

Exclusion Zone  Due to the work being carried out on the Hensborough Bank there is an exclusion zone in place, clearly marked with yellow buoys. Under no circumstances are anglers to enter this area as there are divers in the water.

Week Ending:     14^th May 2023      Rod Av: 7.2    Water Temperature:  13°C

Weekly fishing report

Another calm and overcast start on Monday saw the good sport continue here at Draycote Water. It’s an absolute buzzer fest down in Toft Shallows by the Swans Nest, and that sport continues through Lincroft Point and into Biggin Bay. There is also some good fishing to be had up in Rainbow Corner with a good stamp of over wintered fish sitting along the Flat Stones. Season permit holder Stephen Dewhurst fished from the bank to net 20 fish on buzzers from Toft Shallows. Mr Ross Davies had 15 fish to net from the bank  by the Swans Nest. All water season permit holder Lorenzo Serrano had over 30 fish from the bank in Biggin, Dunns Bay and Rainbow Corner.  Bill Brown and Ross Wilson had well over 30 fish to the boat during the final day of their 3 day break with us. The lads used buzzers and FAB’s in Biggin Bay and Rainbow Corner. Staff member Michael Hanlon caught a bakers dozen off the Farborough Dam using buzzers and a FAB on an Airflo 12 foot slow tip.

A warm start to Tuesday, with overcast conditions and a light breeze it was near perfect. However early afternoon we experienced some very heavy thundery downpours with lighting. Which brought all the boats back to the pontoon to wait out the bad weather. On the bank all water Lorenzo, enjoyed “his best day of the year” landing lots of fish from Toft at the Swan’s nest on a variety of flies. On the boats Draycote members Ian Richardson & Bob Smith landed 44 fish to the boat from Toft. The pair used a midge tip with buzzers on a washing line with a FAB on the point to take their fish. Fellow Draycote member bob Barfoot used the same tactics along the Farborough Dam Wall to land 19 fish. Peter Elliot & Lee Patten landed over 60 fish with the majority of them coming to washing lined buzzer. Although 6 of them did come to dry flies.

The wind increased in strength Wednesday, with overcast conditions for the most part. However, we did have some heavy showers later on the afternoon and then off and on again showers through the early evening. On the bank Draycote member John Dickens landed 6 fish using Damsels and buzzers on a floating line. John Pearson & Grant Ashby also fished from the bank landing 9 & 3 from the Swan’s Nest and further down the bank in Toft. On the boats Craig Middleton enjoyed a good days sport landing over 25 fish. On a variety of methods such as single blob on a Di 5 sinking line, washing lining buzzers and also dries. Dave Reynolds & Ron Howard enjoyed a good days sport down in Toft using superglue buzzers fished on floating and midge tip lines. John Tootell landed 9 fish from Toft and commented that he caught on a variety of flies. Alan Mcguire landed 34 fish using Diawl Bach’s on a washing line with FAB’s and Boobies on the point fishing down in Toft.

A changeable day with regards to the weather, the wind started in Southwest with rain showers before bright skies arrived in the afternoon and the wind swung into the North. On the bank Roger Davies landed 5 fish from Lincroft point on blue flash damsel. Draycote member Paul Walley fished on the bank in the afternoon to land 8 fish. Paul used a washing line to land his fish at the Cornfield with Daiwl Bach’s on the droppers being his best flies. Out on the boats Jim Dempsey & Rod Wilson used the rudder to land 16 fish in half a day across the middle. Draycote members Ian Richardson & Bob Barfoot landed 25 fish to the boat. Fishing in Rainbow Corner and also the Tower Bank using Midge tip with nymphs, also landing 5 “overwintered lumps” in the catch. Thursday also saw the fishery host the Barclays Bank fly fishing match with competitors from all over the country fishing. It was a momentous day for the competition, being the 50 year. A great day was had by all competitors as the fishery produced a 4.3 fish rod average. Winning the day was the Thames & Solent region with all 4 anglers taking their 6 fish limit. Top individual on the day was Neil O’Shea who landed 6 fish for 13lb 1oz using the bung at the Tower bank with a beaded green nymphs being his best pattern.

A cold North wind for the anglers out Friday with overcast skies and some showers in the morning. It certainly didn’t feel like spring was in the air. Draycote  member Tim Davies landed 11 fish from Lincroft on buzzers. Stan Hillman fished from the bank also at Lincroft with a booby and then cormorants on the droppers to land 15 fish. Fishing alongside Stan, Mick Cronin landed 18 fish also from Lincroft Point. Draycote member Mark Smith used Cat’s Whiskers to land 9 fish from the Cornfield. Kev Hart fished with John Hoskins with the pair landing 35 fish. Using a washing line with buzzers and Daiwl Bachs on either a floating line or a midge tip. The majority of the boats out on the water Friday were practicing for the Airflo Open the following day. As a result exact methods and areas were kept quite, however it was clear from speaking to the anglers coming off all had enjoyed good sport.

Another cool start to the day as the wind blew from the Northeast. However it did drop around 10 and later in the day warmed with the afternoon the sun came out. On the bank Draycote member Tony Broadway landed 7 fish using a floating line with buzzers and hares ear. Husband & Wife team Tony & Ruth Kirk also fished the bank landing 5 fish on buzzers, green pea and also a daddy. On the boats Draycote hosted the Airflo open qualifying round with 9 teams looking to qualify for the International final in October at Rutland and the Open Shield Final here at Draycote in September. The teams enjoyed some fantastic sport with the 54 anglers landed 532 fish for a rod average of 9.85. Winning the day was the Reservoir dogs with all 6 members landed their 12 fish limit. In second Elinor also had all 6 members land the 12 fish limit but where beaten on weight to 1^st place. Taking the final spot to the international final was the Osprey’s who had 5 team members landing the limit and the other falling just one fish short on 11. Then qualifying for the shield final was the Soldier Palmers and Orvis Team Rutland. There was a wide variety of tactics used and fish caught from most areas of the lake. Top rod on the day was Ed Foster who drifted from Toft along the Cornfield and had his 12 fish limit in 1 ½ hours. Ed, used a floating line with 3 buzzers and a nemo on the top dropper. With the fish taking deep to start with in the first 45 mins then came up with he last 5 fish all taking the top dropper. Other productive methods being the Bung in Dunn’s Bay and the Tower Bank. As the day progressed the fish came up in the water and a washing line off a 6ft slow tip caught well. A number of competitors commented on the large number of fish moving throughout the day, and on the quality of fishing they had enjoyed whilst practicing and on the competition day. Outside of the match Bob Askew landed 15 fish from the Saddle Bank on a floating line with buzzers on a washing line between 2 boobies. The Duffy’s also enjoyed a good day landing 23 fish on buzzers.

Sunday was a foggy start with very little breeze. This all soon burned off to leave us in bright sunshine and patchy cloud for the rest of the day. Although bright most of the time, Draycote fished well on Sunday. Once again the rod average was up there with the best of them, (7.7)  with good returns coming from several different points of the compass. Mr Colin Day caught 4 fish from the bank in Rainbow Corner on buzzers and remarked that the  boats out in front of him seemed to be doing very well. Paul Walley had 5 fish from the bank on diawl bachs. Paul caught his fish from The Tower Bank , Lincroft Point and the Swans Nest. Out on the boats Richard Walker caught 10 fish on a fast sinking line and olive snakes in Rainbow Corner and along the Draycote Dam. Season permit holder Graham Homer had 11 fish to the boat on buzzers along the Corn field and Toft Shallows. Simon Enstock used buzzers and diawl bachs on a 12 foot slow tip to boat a bakers dozen down in Toft, one of which was a lovely perch.

Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report – Lodge: 01536 770264 & Mob: 07834581424

Email: eyebrook@flyfishstore.co.uk

2023 Stocking Policy Details of our stocking policy for Eyebrook is explained on our website:

www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk/about-us-2/stocking-policy/

2023 Membership options visit our website www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk/about-us-2/season-permits/

Week Ending: 14 May 23       Rod Av:  7.7       Water Temperature:    14-15°C

After a very busy previous week, Eyebrook started the new week in excellent form with a great rod average for the day of 9.8. Fish were caught all over on Nymphs, Buzzers & Dries. From the banks, Eyebrook Member Dave Etty had a very productive day landing 18 fish on Diawl Bachs, Crunchers & Buzzers & regular visitor Tim Shepherd had a great late afternoon session landing 9 fish from Mucky Bay. From the boats, Mr Bland & Cobb enjoyed a very productive day landing over 30 fish on CDC Buzzer emergers & Mr Barns & Robinson also landed well over 30 fish on Straight Lined & Washing Lined Diawl Bachs. The most productive areas remain the entirety of the Leicester Bank from the Lodge to the Cowshed & the Seat area to Stoke Dry. Spring Craneflies are becoming increasingly prevalent here at Eyebrook, so a Foam daddy is worth a shot, especially if you are looking for a less conspicuous point fly on the Washing Line. Diawl Bachs, Crunchers & Buzzers continue to take a lot of fish whether that is under an indicator, on a Washing Line or Straight Lined. With regards to Dries, any CDC emerging pattern has been doing well; Grunters, Yellow Owls, CDC Shuttlecocks, etc…..

Tuesday saw the reservoir continue to fish very well despite some very heavy showers & episodes of thunder & lightning. For the second consecutive day Eyebrook has yielded a rod average of over 9 with fish caught from both the banks & the boats from various locations. Eyebrook member Keith Johnson landed 20 from the Cowshed on a small black Foam Hopper which the fish were undoubtably taking it as a Hawthorn. Keith caught consistently throughout his short session, sometimes taking fish in very shallow water. Elsewhere from the bank, another Eyebrook member Dave Searson, caught very well down by the Chestnut on Hares Ears & Diawl Bachs & Sam’s Dyke also produced some good returns. All Water Member Ian Jobe took to his Float Tube & was duly rewarded with a great return of 18 from various locations around the reservoir. Ian caught fishing Nymphs on a Di3 & found the fish to feeding at 2 depths with the larger fish feeding slightly deeper. From the boats fish were caught from the Willows to Stoke Dry & all along the Leicester Bank up to the Cowshed. The percentage method from the boats seemed to be Washing Lining a Floating Line with Nymphs on the droppers, which is exactly what Mr Solomons & Tetley were doing as they produced an excellent return of nearly 40 fish.

It was a bright, clear start to Wednesday with a gentle westerly breeze. By the afternoon, the bright sunshine was interrupted by intermittent cloud cover & early evening there was a heavy downpour. The warm air temperature ensured that there was a prolific hatch off very small flies which the trout fed on consistently all day. This preoccupation with an abundant food source, coupled with the changeable conditions, meant the fish did not surrender themselves as readily as previous days. Fishery staff member Andy Dermott dropped into the Cowshed on his way into work & landed a quickfire 5 from the bank on a washing line with a FAB on the point & Diawl Bachs above it. Regular visitor Jonathon Holmes had a very productive afternoon session landing 17 fish using a sunken Daddy with Nymphs above it. From the boats fish were generally caught high up in the water column on either a Washing Lined Floating Line or on the Dries. All Water Member Ed Douglas landed 15 fish, most of which came to the dries. Tony Gill & his boat partner Mark Marsden had a productive day landing 20 fish between them, as did Mr Seeber & his boat partner Mr Archbald. All along the Leicester bank remains a very productive area, as does the Seat to Stoke Dry.

Thursday began overcast with a light south westerly breeze. As the day progressed, the wind swing round to the north that brought with it some very heavy showers with occasional thunder & lightning. The fish continued to feed on buzzers & were caught throughout the day on Buzzers, Nymphs & Dries when the conditions were favourable. From the bank, All Water Member John Greasley had a productive session landing 10 fish from Sam’s Dyke on the Dries, landing all his fish on small F Flies. Thursday saw us host a Police Regional Qualifier for 2 regions on the same day. Congratulations to all those that qualified for their final & a special mention must go to the 2 winners from their respective regions: Mark Mathieson & Bob Seeber. Both caught their 14 fish limits relatively early in the proceedings. Well done to both. What made the difference when fishing over pressurised fish was scaling down fly sizes. Those that fished smaller flies caught better than those fishing larger ones.

Friday brought with a cold, blustery northerly wind which meant for a chilly start to the day, curtailing an early insect hatch. The wind remained consistent throughout the day before abating by early evening. Consequently there was a slow start to the day with the fishing improving as the day progressed. The one exception to this was All Water Member Mark Hunt who fished Dries in the sheltered water behind the Island in Sam’s Dyke. Mark had a very productive morning session landing 15 fish on CDC’s & Daddies in very shallow water. Another angler who had a great day in Sam’s Dyke on the Dries was Paul Ledbrook, who landed 28 over the course of the day on Big Reds & Olives & a few on the nymphs. Enjoying their second day of a short break was Alan McGuire & Eric Neal who fished Diawl Bachs & Crunchers to land a very high number of fish between them. We hosted an early evening BBQ for the Eyebrook Fly Fishers which would with them taking to banks for the last few hours. By then the wind was lighter & therefore not as cold as it had previously been. Those that attended were not disappointed with a very productive evening session. Dave Etty got into double figures & Mark Goodge & Shaun Higgins also got amongst a high number of fish.

Saturday provided some great fishing conditions; warm air temperature, overcast skies & a gentle breeze. Subsequently, the dry flies fished very well with some great returns recorded from both the boats & the banks. If the dries proved to be unsuccessful, a washing lined floater didn’t. Paul Ledbrook followed his previous day’s exploits with another exceptional day today. Sticking with the same formula that had served him so well previously, Paul landed well over 30 fish on Big Reds, CDC’s & Grunters. During the spells that weren’t conducive to fishing Dries, Paul continued to catch on Buzzers & Nymphs on a floating line. Another angler enjoying his 2^nd consecutive day on the Dries was Mark Hunt, who this time, brought with a novice to the Dries. Under Mark’s tutelage they went on to have a great day, landing nearly 30 fish between them. Concentrating on the use of a single fly, which is a great way to start fishing Dries, they found their most successful patterns to be Big Reds & Foam Daddies. From the banks, Dave Etty was a yet another angling enjoying his 2^nd consecutive day going on to take 15 fish all on Nymphs. Eyebrook member Mr Dickson, also enjoyed his bank session, being another to land 15. With once again Nymphs & Buzzers being the most successful patterns. The most productive areas remain the entirety of the Leicester Bank; Sam’s Dyke, Mucky Bay, Chestnut, etc…. & up at Stoke Dry.

The conditions Sunday was much the same as the previous day, although there were some prolonged periods of sunshine, particularly by early afternoon. By late evening, there was a gentle ripple with a good level of cloud cover. Eyebrook continued to fish very well wish fish caught on Washing Lined Floating Lines with Nymphs on the droppers & a Foam Daddy on the point & also on the Dries, with Yellow Owls, CDC’s & Suspended Buzzers all taking more than a few fish. Fish were caught all over the reservoir with the most productive areas being Sam’s Dyke, Chestnut, Stoke Dry & the Willows. From the banks, Mr Mickley landed 9 in a morning session & local angler Dale Birch had a productive Last 4-hour session landing 5. The boats produced some very high returns with a lot of anglers getting well into double figures & there was some very good fish caught. What was a notable, was that the older, larger fish were getting caught more on the Dries, as they fed very hard need the surface throughout the day.

Thornton Fishery Weekly Report – 01530 230807

Email: thornton@flyfishstore.co.uk

2023 Stocking Policy Details of our stocking policy for Eyebrook is explained on our website www.flyfishthornton.co.uk/about-us-2/stocking-policy/

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Week Ending: 14^th May   Rod Av: 5.3   Water Temperature: 15c

Monday an extra bank holiday due to the coronation, wasn’t a particular busy due with rain forecast and people away. However, the fishing was good with the washing line leading the way with #16 #14 #12 black buzzer, black buzzer red cheeks, Robs UV buzzer and diawl bach best patterns. Bob Menhams fished 3 hours in the morning catching 14 on washing line off the corner of the wood. K Hart & D Pacey caught 50+ to the boat for their days visit on washing line from in front of the wood in the morning and green bay in the afternoon. Overall average for the day an excellent 15+ Lots of daphnia in the water.

Tuesday and probably the warmest day of the year, although rain was forecast we didn’t get any until a thunder storm rolled through for an hour in the afternoon. Majority of fish were caught on a washing line or midge tip line with #14 green diawl bach, #14 #16 #12 black buzzer, olive buzzer & standard diwal bach with some fish falling to dries. Norman Perkins & Steve Orton caught 22 on blobs & buzzer, Dave Coote caught 8 on green diawl, Mark Cowley caught 7 on an orange daddy, standard daddy & diawl bach. Water clarity is good with large numbers of daphnia to be seen.

Wednesday rain at times was heavy but it didn’t put the fish down with most catching on floating lines and intermediate lines. Fish a definitely moving around the reservoir with the dam into green bay starting to fish well with fish at times to be seen moving across the main basin. P Hunt and J Thomson caught 7 for their mornings visit on a fab and a Kate Mclaren a little used but great traditional pattern. John Hall also fished a morning session with a damsel nymph catching 5 trout for him. Despite the rain water clarity remains good.

Thursday boats & float tubes split themselves into three areas, Green Bay, wood bank and corner or the wood into the Markfield arm. Intermediate, tip lines & floaters fished best with a variety of patterns #14 #12 olive or black buzzer, green or standard diawl, damsel, cats whisker, cormorants & dries. Andre Russell, Richard Dunnett & Garry Cragg fished from their float tubes collectively catching 55. Martin Hosking fished an intermediate with Diawl Bach, buzzer & fabs to catch 15. Jamie Scott fished buzzers & diawls to catch his 17 trout. Peter Mcormich, Jim Thorley, Derek & Tom Brady travelled from Scotland to fish a 3 day break at Thornton catching 112 fish for their visit with the Ally McCoist damsel fished on an intermediate catching a good percentage of their catch. Good evening rise, probably the best of the season so far.

Friday, cooler conditions greeted the anglers with the wind having swung into the north. Scott Wilson & Ricky Cotteril caught 18 for their visit, Bill Holland bought Kenny Henry a beginner for his second time out with Kenny catching 4 trout, well done. Thornton Fly Fishers fished their last 4 hour floating line competition fishing from 5pm to 9pm. Prior to going out they enjoyed burgers in a roll provided by the club. 15 members took to the water catching 36 trout for a rod average of 2.4 Eventual winner was Mark Cowley catching his 4 trout on cdc patterns and daddies. All anglers reported a good evening rise despite the cold northerly wind.

Saturday the strong northerly wind persisted, and it felt cold. It proved to be a challenging day with Stuart Thompson fishing the morning session catching 7 trout. Jan Webber caught 5, T Polito & P Polito boated 6 with Richard Smith fishing quill buzzers to boat his 4 trout during a mornings visit.

Sunday and a misty start with the mist not rising until 10.00am. As the mist rose the trout started to rise with anglers reporting fish moving off and on all day. Green bay, corner of the wood and down the Markfield arm past the end of the wood fished best to dries, buzzers, diawls and fabs. John Reynolds caught 14 for his mornings visit on black buzzer fished on a midge tip, Andy Lilley caught 8 for his mornings visit fishing a washing line with daddies and buzzers along the stone bank. Kevin Hart and Dave Pacey caught 21 on floaters and intermediate lines with fab, diawl bach and booby patterns.

Water clarity is good, increasing buzzer hatches and improving evening rise, lots of daphnia in the water.

Weekly Fishing Report: Draycote, Eyebrook, Thornton

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Draycote Fishery Weekly Report – 01788 812018

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2023 Stocking Policy Details of our stocking policy for Draycote is explained on our website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/stocking-policy/

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Week Ending:     7^th May 2023      Rod Av:  8.0    Water Temperature: 12 c

Event – Boatmen / Boatwomen required.

Draycote 19^th May hosts the seniors International with teams from England, Scotland, Wales & Ireland. We require boatmen / women for the event. You will receive £30.00 & a Draycote or Eyebrook boat voucher. If your interested or require further information contact Tom Bird at the Draycote Lodge 01788 812018

Weekly fishing report

It was a nice start to the day on Monday morning with the wind blowing a little harder than was forecast. This, coupled with a change in direction, made for more challenging conditions than we had over the previous couple of days. Once again the bank here at Draycote is fishing well with season permit holder Richard Walker netting 5 fish from the Cornfield on damsels. Mr M Hock caught 3 fish from the bank in Rainbow Corner on “tiny black buzzers.”  Out on the boats Debbie and Sean Gilbert had a dozen fish along the Draycote Dam on white humungus, tequila blobs and a black dancer. Season permit holder Simon Enstock caught 10 fish off Lincroft Point and the Cornfield. Simon was straight lining buzzers and diawl bachs to catch his fish.

Fantastic conditions Tuesday with light southeast winds and warm overcast skies. As a result the fish responded well with a rod average of over 10 fish per angler. On the bank beginner member Andrew Tasker enjoyed a great morning landing 6 fish from Lincroft point. On the boats john Hoskins fished with Kevin Hart with the pair landing 33 fish to the boat. Finding the majority of fish at Dougie’s Gap along the Cornfield and in Toft first thing in the morning. Draycote members Ian Richardson & Bob Smith enjoyed a great day landing over 50 fish to the boat. Using muskins on the droppers and either a booby or a FAB on the point in Rainbow Corner. Another angler using similar tactics was Brendan Thomas who used an Airflo 12ft slow tip, with Muskins, cruncher & FAB. Who boated 44 fish catching at everywhere he fished, Cornfield, Lincroft Point, Biggin Bay & Rainbow Corner. All water member Ed Douglas landed over 40 fish fishing with buzzers on a floater and also taking fish on CDC’s in the middle around X Buoy.

The wind remained in the same direction Wednesday, but was stronger than the previous day. With a clear night on Tuesday there was a definite chill in the air. However this didn’t seem to deter the fish with the anglers once again enjoying good sport. On the bank Colin Day landed a dozen fish using a floating lines in Rainbow Corner with Buzzers and Diawl Bach’s to land his fish. On the boats Jeff Ide landed 17 fish on a half day using red buzzers in Rainbow Corner. Commenting that the majority of the fish came on the hang. John Jones also fished for a half day in Rainbow Corner and the Draycote Dam landing 23 fish. Taking these on a floating line with traffic light buzzers or using a Di sinking line and a sunburst FAB. Draycote members Martin Foster & John Vyse used a washing line to great effect landing 22 fish with the majority taking the FAB on the point but the buzzers did also catch. Peter Elliot lost count of the number of fish he had using buzzers all day. Starting off in Rainbow Corner before heading down to Toft to finish the day and found the fish had risen slightly in the water and washing lining worked best. John Dickens also used buzzers to land 27 fish, however, found the fish also willing to eat a Damsel. Overall a great day with the rod average sitting just below 2 for the day.

Strong Southeast winds Thursday, with bright sunshine for the middle part of the day. As a result of these conditions the bank anglers struggled although a the best areas for the members out fishing was Toft using Damsels. On the boats the hotspot was certainly Toft, fishing further of the bank than the previous days as the fish pushed out into the slight deeper water. Down from Scotland Alex Borthwick & Ian Mackie landed 48 fish to the boat using the bung and black buzzers in Toft. While Grey Borthwick & Jim Malcolm fishing nearby landed 40 fish to the same tactics. Mark Close also fishing in Toft landed 17 fish with all of the fish falling to buzzers. All water member Paul Havard used a washing line to land a dozen fish with small Diawl Bach’s and buzzers taking his fish. Fishing at Lincroft Point, near E Buoy. Ronan Cusack & Richard Cameron from Ireland landed 63 fish all in buzzers. In Biggin bay Fraser Duffy Snr & Jnr fished on a half day to land 26 fish on blob and buzzers. Utilising the rudder Jim Dempsey & Rod Wilson landed 14 fish on snakes and tubes. With the best area being Y Buoy and Musborough Shoal, catching on Di 3, 5 and Di 7 sinking lines. With the majority of the fish being overwintered up to 5lb in weight.

A big swing in the wind, as it headed into the South, Southwest bringing much warmed conditions. It was a dry day in the most part, however we did experience some very heavy rain showers and thunder in the afternoon. The favourable change in conditions certainly got the fish feeding and some of the catches proved to be fantastic. Mr Taylor enjoyed a great day off the bank landing over 30 fish from Toft using Damsels to land his fish. All water member Paul Walker also enjoyed a great days sport lading a cricket score on Diawl Bach’s. Muskins and Damsel from Toft. Tim Davies fished at the Swan’s Nest using Damsels and various nymphs to land 13 trout. In the evening we saw the Draycote Fly Fishers fish the first evening match of the year. With the members enjoying great sport landing 62 fish between them. On buzzers and Damsels in Toft from the Willow Tree all the way to the Swan’s Nest. On the boats Richard Cameron & Ronan Cusack enjoyed a great day landing 37 fish on buzzers fishing in either Rainbow Corner or Biggin Bay. William Brown & Ross Wilson started their 4 day break in style landing 42 fish to the boat in Toft using black buzzers and FABs on a washing line. Draycote fishery guide and ranger Lee Henfrey fished with fellow member of staff Michael Hanlon. The pair landed over 30 fish using a 12ft slow tip with a washing line. The best area being the Farborough Dam wall and also fish coming from Rainbow Corner. All water members Craig & Rob Middleton landed over 40 fish to the boat, but kept the method quite due to fishing in the England qualifier on Sunday.

Light winds coming from the east Saturday, with drizzle forecast. Draycote member Mike Garner fished from the bank at Lincroft point landing 9 fish using fry patten based lures. Alec Thwaites also fished the bank for a short 4 hour session landing a dozen fish. Using a black tadpole on the point and buzzers on the droppers, taking 6 on each. On the boats there was some fantastic catches, all water member Rob Edmunds fished with Sam Smith with the pair landing 40 fish. The pair fished all over the lake with the best lines being either a Di 3 or Di 5 sweep line with a mix of cormorants, blobs and boobies. G Borthwick & A Borthwick fished buzzers in Toft landing 37 to the boat by 2pm before coming off and heading back up to Scotland. Ross Wilson & William Brown fished on their 2^nd of a 4 day break, landing 58 fish using a washing line with a FAB on the point and buzzers on the droppers from Toft. We also had a number of anglers practicing ahead of the England Qualifier the next day on Draycote. The anglers kept specifics on how they caught their fish quiet until after the match, but it was clear that good fishing was had by all. With the hotspots being Toft, Lincroft Point Biggin Bay and Farborough Dam wall.

A cracking start to Sunday morning with what looked like perfect fishing conditions for all the anglers heading out on a busy day here at Draycote Water. The rod average once again proved to be holding it’s own from both boat and bank with some great returns coming from all over the reservoir. Paul Walley caught 14 fish from the bank near the Swans Nest using diawl bachs on a washing line. Ian Western also fished from the bank down in Toft to land 7 fish on buzzers and flash back diawl bachs. Draycote Regular Lee Cheshire caught 4 fish from the bank near the Valve Tower, once again on buzzers and diawls. Out on the boats The father and son pairing of Frazer Duffy senior and junior, used a mixture of boobies and black buzzers to net nearly 40 fish between them. Bill Brown and Ross Wilson had over 40 fish to the boat straight lining buzzers through various spots such as Rainbow Corner and Biggin Bay. We also hosted the Angling Trust Loch Style England Team qualifier on Sunday with 26 anglers taking part. 18 of the anglers “bagged up” with a total of 362 fish caught, giving a competition rod average of 13.9. Top rod for the day was Stephen Smalley with a total bag weight of 42lbs 9oz, in second place was Mike Laycock with 42lbs 5oz, and third spot was taken by Pete Eville,  with a bag weight of 42lbs 3oz.  There was a variety of methods used in the competition, from pulling a Di 5 sweep all the way to nymphs on a floating line. However the best method was buzzers, either on a washing line or under the bung. Diawl Bach’s or muskins on various midge tips with a FAB on the point also produced some good bags. The hotspots for the day were Toft Shallows from the Swan’s Nest to the Nature Reserve, then the Farborough Dam wall and near J buoy.

Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report – 01536 770264

Email: eyebrook@flyfishstore.co.uk

2023 Stocking Policy Details of our stocking policy for Eyebrook is explained on our website:

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Week Ending: 07 May 23       Rod Av: 7.6  Water Temperature: 14+°C

The week started with a warm spring day, light winds & consistent cloud cover. The Olives & Hawthorns have finally made an appearance & the first Mayfly of the season had been seen. Fish could be seen moving across the reservoir & consequently, there was some excellent returns from both the banks & the boats. From the banks, Eyebrook members Roy Swinfield & Keith Johnson landed 18 & 16 fish respectively from Sam’s Dyke on Straight Lined Nymphs & Buzzers. From the boats the most productive areas remain the shallower, warmer waters of the northern end of the reservoir with the fish well spread throughout. Eyebrook member Dave Etty had a very productive day landing 20 fish on Nymphs & Sam & Rob Edmunds also had a great day on Olive Buzzers straight lined. Dries have also been producing with Mark Hunt having a good day on Ginger Hoppers.

Tuesday brought with it a gentle north easterly breeze & plenty of cloud cover. The reservoir continued to fish well from both the boats & the banks with Sam’s Dyke & the middle of Stoke Dry proving to be very productive yet again. From the bank, All Water Member had 10 fish from Sam’s Dyke on CDC Yellow Owls & from his Float Tube Ian Jobe also landed 10 from various locations. On the boats, Stoke Dry continued to produce fish with the percentage methods being Straight Lined Nymphs or Dries. Tuesday also saw us host the first of four days of the RAF’s 2023 Festival Of Angling (FoA). With the onus on future squad developed we delivered a morning of casting tuition for those that required it, whilst other got out on the water to familiarise themselves with the water. By the afternoon, all anglers had taken to the water with experienced anglers being paired up with the less experience. With 19 anglers fishing, everyone caught & they produced a healthy rod average of 4.1.

Weather wise, Wednesday was a very similar day to the previous day with the exception that by late afternoon the overcast sky gave way to bright sunshine. The weather, on this occasion, did not impact the fishing as the reservoir fished extremely well with fish caught all over the reservoir. The whole of the Leicester bank fished very with fish caught from Dogwood Bay up to the Chestnut & everywhere in between with some very high catch returns being recorded. From the bank, washing lined floating lines with a FAB on the point & Nymphs above it fished well, as did straight lined Nymphs & Buzzers. It was a very similar story from the boats, with the additional method of pulling Boobies on medium sinking lines also taking a lot of fish. Day 2 of the RAF FoA saw 24 anglers taking to the water & producing a great rod average between them of 9.3. More importantly, all of them got into fish, which is not only great given the number of lesser experienced anglers fishing but it is also great for development.

Thursday started with a cooling north easterly breeze that fluctuated in wind speed during the day. The overcast early morning skies became intermittent with some periods of prolonged sunshine. The reservoir continued to fish very well with a lot of fish caught on Buzzers & Nymphs from the bank & the boats. Regular visitor, Dale Birch had a very productive last 4hr bank session landing 6 fish from the area of Sam’s Dyke. From the boats, All Water Member, Lynsay Bates & his boat partner, Rob Keeber, had a very productive day landing a very high number of fish all on Buzzers & small Muskins. Albert Coales popped down just for a few hours & caught well over 20 fish on a Fast Glass from the area of Sam’s Dyke. The fish are well spread & another productive area proved to be from the Seat, all the way down to Stoke Dry with fish caught all the way through. The most productive methods are fishing Buzzers & Nymphs either on the Bung, Washing Line or Straight Line. When the conditions are right, the fish do not need much encouragement to take flies off the surface or sat in the surface film.

Friday started with a light southerly wind & plenty of cloud cover. As it progressed, the day brought with it some isolated showers which were heavy at times. The reservoir continued to fish very well with plenty of fish caught from the bank & the boats. With the fish continuing to feed well on the Buzzers there were some excellent returns recorded. From the bank, Garry Mickley landed 30 fish on Buzzers from Sam’s Dyke which is an excellent return. Eyebrook members Keith Johnson & Dave Searson had 10 & 11 respectively from the bank, fishing Buzzers & Nymphs on Floating Lines & Dale Birch had 6 on a last 4-hour bank permit. From the boats, the fish were well spread getting caught all along the Leicester Bank, the Willows to the Tern Rafts & out in the middle also. The most productive methods from the boats have been Buzzers; Straight lined, on the Bung or Washing Lined & Nymphs on the Washing Line. Friday was the final day of the RAF’s FoA where 22 anglers caught 243 fish, giving a great rod average of 11. Everyone caught, including the novices & a special congratulations must go to the prize winners; Dave Eames was the top rod for the day & Dean Baker who was the top novice. Well done to all, it was great to host you.

Saturday was a very damp day, with a light southerly breeze. The England ladies enjoyed a training day where they caught 160 fish between 12 of them with fish getting caught on various methods, including Dries, from various locations around the Reservoir. All Water Member Lorenzo Serrano & his boat partner Eli enjoyed a very productive morning session landing well over 20 fish from Sam’s Dyke on Nymphs & Buzzers. Mr McLeod also caught well in Sam’s Dyke on Buzzers, Nymphs & on the Dries, landing 15 fish. Eyebrook member, Bob Margery, caught well from the bank down at the Hawthorns landing 11 in a very productive morning session. The most productive methods remain the Washing Line, Straight Line & with the right conditions, Dries. There has a been a few early season Daddies making an appear so when fishing the Washing Line, consider a Foam Daddy on the point rather than a FAB or Blob Booby.

There was a damp & overcast start to Sunday which gave way later to clear skies & extended periods of sunshine with the occasional spell of cloud cover. The conditions made the fishing somewhat more challenging than in previous days. Fish were still caught however from the banks & the boats. Due to the conditions the banks were a little slower to kick into gear but there were still excellent returns. Phil Caress landed 7 & Davis Eales landed 9, both caught on Nymphs & Buzzers, fished very slow, letting them naturally drift around. On the boats, the England Ladies had another very productive day, landing 128 fish between them & the Seabrook’s had a great day, landing over 40 fish between them. Chris Martin & his boat partner Neil Cohen also had a productive day with over 20 fish to the boat. The best methods from both the banks & the boats is to fish buzzers & nymphs on a Washing Line, Straight Lined or the Bung. The best areas remain the entirety of the Leicester Bank from the Lodge to the Cowshed & the Seat to Stoke Dry.

Thornton Fishery Weekly Report – 01530 230807

Email: thornton@flyfishstore.co.uk

2023 Stocking Policy Details of our stocking policy for Eyebrook is explained on our website www.flyfishthornton.co.uk/about-us-2/stocking-policy/

2023 Membership details Visit   www.flyfishthornton.co.uk/about-us-2/season-permits/ for details of our 2023 membership options

Week Ending: 7^th May   Rod Av: 5.8    Water Temperature: 13c+

Monday 1^st May and noticeably the majority of the trout were caught on floating and intermediate lines as the fish start to move higher in the water. David Skudder fished a morning session catching 8 trout, Dave Rowbotham also fished a morning session catching 10 on an intermediate and cats whisker. Andy Lilley & G England fished the morning catching 20 trout to a washing line with fab on the point & buzzer on the dropper. Kevin Hart & Dave Pacey fished intermediate lines with buzzer, cruncher & booby to catch their 32 trout for their visit. Fish are starting to move across the reservoir with green bay starting to hold some fish.

Tuesday and similar weather conditions to Monday with black buzzer patterns in a #16 #12 working best fished on a washing line, under a bung or straight lined. Howard Davies caught 12 for his mornings visit on a #16 buzzer, Barry Deeley caught 11 some on a booby with others on a buzzer same patterns used by P Hunt who caught 7, P Cox caught 7 for his mornings visit on buzzer with George Jackson fishing buzzers to catch his 6 trout.

Wednesday and an easterly wind direction that increased during the day which saw most of the boats fish in the shelter of the wood bank. All water member D Skudder on seeing the east wind headed down to the bottom of the Markfield arm to get some shelter finding good numbers of trout along the farm bank catching 11. Jim Carrier & Bradbury caught 11 with P Hunt & John Thomson on their first mornings visit of the year catching 11 on a washing line. Bob Jones fished a washing line to catch his 6 trout

Thursday fresh easterly wind with a noticeable chill to it compared to the previous few days. Anglers opted for the shelter offered by the wood or down the bottom of the Markfield by the farm bank. Richard Price fished a morning session catching 7 down by the farm bank on a floating line and cats whisker. Phil Cross & Steve Windram caught 13 for their mornings visit on cats whisker and diawl bach with Tony Lorrimer catching 13 for his visit on his yellow bunny. Anglers reported increasing numbers of fish in Green Bay and once the wind dropped late in the evening fish were moving from Green Bay across the middle.

Friday, light southerly breeze with milder conditions greeting the anglers. Lots of daphnia to be seen with fish that were spooned from March onwards showing that daphnia was a major food item for them. Buzzers in a size #14 #12 in black & olive are still working well fished on a washing line, under a bung or straight lined. A small daddy on the point worked well for Jackson & Middleton who caught 7 all on the daddy. C Sayer caught 11 on buzzers with P Mee catching 7 for his mornings visit. Some fish still coming to booby & fry patterns with J Bebbington for his mornings visit catching 14 on a cats whisker with a white minkie catching 6 for R Bowers. Best area Green Bay, wood, corner wood down the Markfield arm to the farm bank.

Saturday with milder if at times damp conditions provided an excellent days fishing with a rod average 7+ Majority caught on #14 #12 black or olive buzzer fished under a bung, washing line. Mark Hunt went for the dries, bobs bits & Big reds to catch his 20+. Martin Clay fished a traditional #12 black pennell to catch his 16 fish. Anglers fished in front of the wood, corner of the wood down the Markfield arm. Clarity is good with large numbers of daphnia to be seen.

Sunday milder day with a south westerly breeze, perfect for a spot of fly fishing with the fishery returning a rod average of 7 for the day. Buzzers #16 #14 #12 in black or olive produced the majority of the catch fished under a bung or washing line. John Reynolds fished a washing line catching 12 to 4lb+ on a black buzzer, Richard Smith caught 8 for his mornings fishing on buzzer under a bung, J Mackay & D Mackay fished buzzer and an orange fab to catch 19 with Ian Leach & Jack Gascon opting for a DI3 & DI5 with damsel patterns to catch 17.

Weekly Fishing Report: Draycote, Eyebrook, Thornton

Visit our Fisheries Websites: www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk   www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk  www.flyfishthornton.co.uk

Online Shop: www.flyfishstore.co.uk      Tuition & Guiding: www.flyfishtuition.co.uk

Fishery YouTube Channel: YouTube Flyfishstore

Draycote Fishery Weekly Report – 01788 812018

Email:  draycote@flyfishstore.co.uk

2023 Stocking Policy Details of our stocking policy for Draycote is explained on our website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/stocking-policy/

2023 Membership Options visit our website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/season-permits/

Week Ending:     30^th April 2023           Rod Av:  6.3   Water Temperature:  11 °C

Event – Boatmen / Boatwomen required.

Draycote 19^th May hosts the seniors International with teams from England, Scotland, Wales & Ireland. We require boatmen / women for the event. You will receive £30.00 & a Draycote or Eyebrook boat voucher. If your interested or require further information contact Tom Bird at the Draycote Lodge 01788 812018

Weekly fishing report

The week started with a day of North winds with showers in the morning then again later in the afternoon. On the bank Steve King fished on Lincroft Point using a midge tip line and a damsel to land 3 fish. Fishing from the boat Hamish Leeds and Tim Gunn landed 10 fish to the boat using snakes drifting off the North Shore. With a mix of pink and black & green snakes proving to be the best colours. The party of Irish anglers fishing their last day of a 4 day break used buzzers to land good numbers of fish coming from Biggin Bay and off Lincroft point.

An unseasonal frost first thing in the morning on Tuesday, teamed with a North wind and bright skies it was certainly a chilly start. As a result of this cold start the majority of the fish came a little later in the day once it had warned and a number of anglers reported that the flies needed to be fished deep. Peter Elliot & Lee Patten landed 30 fish to the boat using buzzers in Toft. With Peter saying the “buzzers needed to be deep and slow on a long leader” Fellow Draycote member Bob Barfoot landed 9 fish again on buzzers fished on a long leader but this time in Biggin. However, Bob did find the fish rose in the water column later in the day also taking a couple on washing lining. Mr J Bennett & K Vallance boated 20 fish, while taking advantage of our three day package break. Having fished Thornton on the Monday and heading to Eyebrook on the Wednesday.

Overcast conditions Wednesday, with light winds coming from the Southeast, with the sun coming out around lunch and leaving quite a warm day. Draycote member Dennis Tidmarsh fished down the Cornfield to land 7 fish using a cat’s whisker. On the boats Dave Smith fished at Dougie’s Gap along the Cornfield to land 7 fish on a RIO Midge Tip using buzzers. John Dickens also fished along the Cornfield and around Lincroft point using a damsel on the point and then buzzers to boat 23 fish. Richard Snape fishing as part of the Patsell Fly Fishers enjoyed a good day using snakes to land 8 fish which his brother Doug landed 4.

An early start for the fishery team as they stocked 3,125 fish in at 5.45 Thursday morning. The conditions Thursday stayed the same as the previous day with the inclusion of rain in the later part of the day. Alec Thwaites fished from the bank to land 4 fish with his first fish coming from Lincroft point a cracking overwintered fish of about 3lb taken on a blue flash Damsel. With the next three coming out of Toft at the Swan’s nest on the same fly. Draycote member, Richard Walker fished from a boat on a half day to lamd 10 fish using a green damsel nymph on an intermediate line along the Farborough Dam Wall. David Holding and Geoff Brooks landed 16 fish to their boat. Using midge tip lines with a green pea on the point at the Hensborough Bank. Ken Cooke & Gordon Bramwell took long drifts out in the middle concentrating their efforts on the shoals to land 22 fish to the boat.

The wind swung Friday, to a Southwest with drizzle to start the day, which cleared later in the day with some very welcome warm spring sunshine. On the bank Colin Day enjoyed a good days sport landing 8 fish from Biggin Bay using a floating line and a Damsel fished very slowly. On the boats there was some fantastic bags. Mr Ray Anderson from Scotland landed a catch an opening batsman would have been happy with. From the Hensborough Bank and the School slips on various different flies. Season ticket holders Tony Broadway & Jim Hall fished with a floating line and buzzers & Diawl Bachs to land 22 fish to the boat. Ian Richardson & Bob Barfoot fished in Rainbow Corner tight to the Dam Wall using buzzers. Either fished under the bung or a midge tip. With the majority of the fish taking the flies at 6ft under the bung. With a total catch of 47 fish to the boat. Household members Debbie & Sean Gilbert enjoyed a great morning fishing along the Draycote Dam using Black Dancers and Damsels. The best fish was a fantastic 5lb 3oz Rainbow. Jim Dempsey fished for a half a day on the rudder, and enjoyed fantastic sport. Landing a dozen fish with every fish being overwintered and bars of silver fishing with a Tube on a Di 7 sinking line.

Another fantastic day at Draycote with great numbers caught on both the boat and the bank. It was a warm cloudy day with a light southerly wind, almost ideal conditions. On the bank Mike Oliver fished with Lee and Dave with the 3 anglers landing 24 fish between them. They found the fish in Rainbow Corner and Toft catching on buzzers either fished on a washing line or straight lining as a team of 3. Stuart Bottomley also fished the bank in Toft landing 18 fish. Using a Damsel and then buzzers on a floating line. On the boats there was fish caught from all areas Mr Hodgekiss landed 20 fish from Biggin Bay and Rainbow Corner using black buzzers on a washing line. Draycote member Mike Garner fishing with Ian Ross lamded 38 fish to the boat from Rainbow Corner. The pair used a Damsel and Cormorants to land their fish as well as straight lining buzzers. Martin Faulkner & Simon Gurney landed 32 fish to the boat taking 25 on Diawl Bachs with a further 6 coming to dries fished out in the middle.

Similar weather conditions prevailed on Sunday with once again good returns coming from both boat and bank anglers, from various areas around the reservoir. Season permit holder Mr James Kelly had 25 fish from the bank in Toft using damsels on a floating line. Another season permit holder, John Dickens, caught 18 fish from the bank using buzzers and a FAB up in Rainbow Corner. Ian Western caught 8 fish from the bank once again on buzzers and a blue flash damsel. Daniel Baker and Pete Reynolds had well over 30 fish between them off the bank  down in Toft Shallows. Daniel and Pete used boobies on a midge tip line, as well as FAB’s, damsels and buzzers. Draycote stalwart Paul Walley used a washing line with buzzers and a FAB to net over 30 fish from the bank in between the Swans Nest and the bottom of Toft. There were also some great numbers of fish caught from the boats on Sunday with some of the best bags falling to anglers fishing in the Help For Heroes match, organised by the Draycote Fly Fishers. Some 32 anglers took part, catching a grand total of 406 fish between them, giving a competition rod average of 12.7. The winners of the competition were Chris Howkins and Steve Owen. Chris and Steve used buzzers on the bung up in Rainbow Corner to bring a total of 41 fish to the boat. A big thank you to the DFF for organising such a worthwhile competition, and well done to all those who took part.

Link to the Help For Heroes competition results organised by local angling club Draycote fly fishers is on their clubs Facebook page www.facebook.com/groups/1035267106806535

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Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report – 01536 770264

Email: eyebrook@flyfishstore.co.uk

2023 Stocking Policy Details of our stocking policy for Eyebrook is explained on our website:

www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk/about-us-2/stocking-policy/

2023 Membership options visit our website www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk/about-us-2/season-permits/

Week Ending: 30 April 23       Rod Av: 3.8   Water Temperature: 11-12°C

The week started with cool Northerly breeze that brought with it a good amount of cloud cover. The reservoir fished well with fish getting caught from both the banks & the boats. The fish continue to feed well on Buzzers & can be caught at all depths as they feed confidently through the layers. Those fishing the banks have been catching on Buzzers on the Washing Line or Straight Lined particularly early morning & early evening. The most productive areas from the bank have been the Chestnut to the Cowshed or over at Stoke Dry. From the boats, the most productive areas remain the middle of Stoke Dry down to the Willows & in Sam’s Dyke, 50 – 75m out from the Bird Hide. The boats have benefited from fishing the deeper areas in water between 9-12ft. The percentage methods from the boats have been Buzzers under an indicator, straight lined or fishing a deeper washing line between 4-8ft down. On the indicator, takes have been coming at all depths, 2-12ft & it is important to fish the indicator right back to the boat, as takes will often occur right under your rod tip.

Tuesday started with brisk northerly breeze with not a great deal of cloud cover. As the day progressed the cloud cover built & the initial breeze petered out & eventually moved round to a southerly. The extended periods of bright sunshine made conditions tough for the bank anglers as the fish moved out in the deeper water. From the boats however, plenty fish were caught on Buzzers, on the Washing Line, Straight Lined or on the Bung. John Watson & David Chalkley, out on a Guided Session with resident Guide & Manager Lloyd Thompson had a great day on the Buzzers catching a good number of fish on all 3 of the forementioned methods. They caught well up at Stoke Dry early afternoon both from the anchor & on the drift & then later in the day in Sam’s Dyke in what proved to be a very productive & informative session. For anyone interested in one of our Guided Sessions, please use the following link for more info. https://www.flyfishtuition.co.uk/guiding/

An easterly wind brought a cold start to Wednesday which resulted in a relatively slow start, especially down at Stoke Dry which was at the bottom of the cold wind. As the day progressed, the air temperature increased & consequently that area fished better in the afternoon than it did in the morning. Elsewhere, there were fish caught in Sam’s Dyke throughout the day & over by the Willows. Buzzers & Nymphs fished slow to static were the again the order of the day, either on the Bung, Washing Line or Straight Lined. Its best to use the Bung or Straight Line over areas of deeper water & the Washing Line in those shallower areas. If fishing on the drift, remember to drift along the edges of any wind lanes formed as these are “conveyor belts” of food for those naturally feeding fish. The banks, when the conditions are favourable, are still producing good numbers of fish, Eyebrook Member Roy Swinfield landed 15 from the Chestnut area, all took buzzers, fished static. From the boats, All Water Member Lorenzo Escobar & his boat partner Eli Snyman, had a very productive day on the buzzers, landing well over 30 fish between them from various locations.

It was a gentle south easterly breeze that welcomed anglers on Thursday which built as the day progressed & by early afternoon it was cold moderate wind. This meant that the air temperature up at the northern end of the reservoir was a few degrees lower than the southern end. Consequently there was a very little of a buzzer hatch up at Stoke Dry as compared to the area of Sam’s Dyke. Buzzer feeding fish were still caught up at Stoke Dry, across the open water, under the indicator at 3, 6 & 10ft & on the straight line on a relatively short leader of 12ft. Later in the afternoon the wind had subsided slightly which brought the fish higher up in the water column, so fishing the washing line with a small eyed Booby on the point was a more suitable method. Long drifts from the Seat area to the Cowshed, across the open water proved to be very productive, with fish caught all the way across. With the fish high up & looking up a few fish also fell to Dries. Fishing Yellow CDC’s All Water Member Mark Hunt had a productive day landing a good number of fish across the open water from the Seat area. Mark found that casting to feeding fish far more productive than waiting for the fish to come blind. A mobile approach, covering more water, has begun to pay dividends, rather than waiting for the fish to move to you.

Friday saw the wind change direction again from the previous day, from an easterly to a north westerly. All of this can initially make the fishing somewhat of a challenge as the fish get used to ever changing wind directions. Changing winds not only bring with them a direction change they can also bring a temperature change which can have an adverse effect on the hatching fly life. Despite all this there were some good returns. Fishery staff Steve Meacham had a very productive day fishing size 12 Diawl Bachs on a washing line & out filming for a Fulling Mill article, Rob Edmunds also had a very productive day. Rob chose to fish Buzzers & was rewarded with an excellent return for the day. The most productive areas remain Sam’s Dyke & from the Willows to Stoke Dry where there are a high number of naturally feeding fish, feeding hard on Buzzers at all depths.

There was an extremely bright start to Saturday & the reservoir resembled a mill pond. This flat calm could only mean one thing, yet another directional change to the wind. As the day progressed, a warm southerly wind began to develop & a few clouds started to fill the sky. Consequently, there was a good number of fish caught throughout the day with the most productive area being the northern end of the reservoir – Stoke Dry. With the intermittent cloud cover it was imperative to be flexible in your approach & change methods to suit the conditions. It takes 30secs to change a point fly.  By simply changing a point buzzer on a straight line set up, to a Booby or FAB you will fish a lot higher up in the water column. This simple & quick change will enable you to follow the trout as they move up & down the water column as they react to the changeable light conditions in their search of food. There are still some fish getting caught from the banks, although not in the numbers that they were. The fish have been moving out into the deeper water, usually by late morning, before moving back into the shallows in the evening in their search of food.

Sunday’s weather was very similar to the previous day with regards to the wind strength & direction. The only difference was that it was no way near as bright due to the more consistent cloud cover. Subsequently the fish were feeding high up in the water column & benefitting from this was All Water Member Mark Hunt who landed 12 fish, all on Dries. Mark chose a Big Red & tweaked it across the surface to great effect. Washing lined buzzers is also an excellent method for targeting those fish feeding nearer the surface. If a more subtle buoyant point fly is required, try swapping the colourful FAB or Booby for either a Foam Daddie or a Booby Eyed Nymph. Both will provide enough buoyancy to keep whatever is on the droppers high up. Another tweak to keep the Washing Line higher up, is to fish 2 buoyant flies, one on the point, the other on the top dropper. Elsewhere at Eyebrook, the banks fished slightly better this evening as the fish moved closer to the bank to feed. The most productive bank areas today were the Island, Chestnut to the Cowshed.

Overall, the Reservoir has fished well this week, especially the general area of Stoke Dry. During the changeable weather conditions of spring, it is of paramount importance that we change or tweak our approach to suit the ever-changing conditions, if we want consistency to our catch rate.

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Thornton Fishery Weekly Report – 01530 230807

Email: thornton@flyfishstore.co.uk

2023 Stocking Policy Details of our stocking policy for Eyebrook is explained on our website www.flyfishthornton.co.uk/about-us-2/stocking-policy/

2023 Membership details Visit   www.flyfishthornton.co.uk/about-us-2/season-permits/ for details of our 2023 membership options

Week Ending: 30th April   Rod Av: 11.2   Water Temperature: 12c+

Terrific start to the week with a rod average 18+ for Monday. Despite a large number of martins & swallows working the main basin all day the majority of the fish caught were taken on Sink3, Sink5 & Sink7 lines with buzzers deep, variety of boobies, cats whisker, damsel & fab patterns. Anglers continued to fish the area opposite the lodge, in front of the wood to the corner of the wood and across the entrance to the Markfield arm. With the weather forecast for Wednesday onwards giving light southerly to westerly breeze with daytime temperatures getting towards 15c we should start to see more top of the water sport. Andrew Wilson, P Wrigley, P Cross, S Windram, S Miller, J Junick, K Vallance, J Barnes, J Bennet & John Dickens all caught double figures.

Tuesday, frosty morning with a light breeze & another excellent day with a rod average of 12+. Angler caught using floating lines with an indicator, floating line straight line buzzers with a heavy buzzer on the point to midge tip, sink3 to sink7 with buzzers, damsel booby, cats whisker booby, humungus booby, diawl bach and a black and gold humungus. Mr & Mrs Ryalls caught 14, Arthur Olding 15, P Cox 29, P Hunt & Brian Deeley caught 21. Best area continues to be opposite the lodge, wood bank, corner of the wood. Water clarity is good.

Wednesday, good weather & excellent fishing with a rod average of 15+ for the day. Opposite the lodge, wood, corner of the wood and into the Markfield arm continues to fish best. As the previous few days a mixture of lines & methods caught, although a higher percentage are been caught on a floater with a bung, midge tip or washing line. P Martindale fished a morning session catching 10 trout on a cats whisker first thing but moved onto buzzers mid morning. Bob Jones fished a washing line to catch his double figure catch as did Martin Hosking & J Scott. A standard midge tip with a washing line setup worked for Kevin Hart with a blob on the point & buzzers on the dropper. Mike Litchfield has been introducing his friend from the Ukraine Mr Vasily into this wonderful sport of fly fishing with Vasily on his second trip catching 8 trout under Mike guidance. Our water temperature is 12c which is ideal for buzzers and we should see their hatches improve. Water clarity is good.

Thursday and surprisingly cold with a south easterly wind that increased during the day. We still averaged 4+ which on any other day is a good rod average, but following the exceptional fishing we enjoyed on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday it felt disappointing for the visiting rods. Buzzer & diawl bach patterns worked best on a washing line, under a bung or straight lined on a floating line, while other used a midge tip. Phil Mee, Mr Armstrong, C Burdett & M Huffer all caught 8 trout on buzzers & diawls. Keith Cowen fished a cats whisker & damsel patterns on a sinker to catch his 5 trout.

Friday, damp start but noticeably milder. Anglers continue to find good numbers of trout opposite the lodge, wood and corner of the wood but with increasing number of martins and swallows working over the deeper water this area is definitely worth a look. Mr Bishop party of 4 rods caught 69 trout off the corner of the wood & the end of the wood mostly on buzzer patterns. Jem Langley & his Son Harry caught 13 for their visit with a brown muddler pulled through the surface across the deeper water producing most. Chris Sayer fished along the willows and corner of the wood with buzzers to catch his 13 trout with J Bebbington fishing a buzzer & booby to catch his 10 trout for the morning session.

Saturday, and the first day since February 1^st I’ve not had to wear a fleece with daytime temperatures 16c+. Buzzers & diawls caught the majority of the trout fished as a washing line, straight line or under a bung although a damsel pattern & cats whisker on a sinker continues to catch a few. B Perrie caught 24 on black buzzers & diawls, Jan Webber caught 12 with Brian Sibley opting to fish the damsel pattern he ties to catch 10. Ian Leech & Jack fished a washing line with a fab and buzzers to catch 9 trout. Thornton bank hasn’t fished that well this year but all water member Jim Greasley fished the bank catching 3 on buzzers.

Sunday perfect conditions for the All Abilities Fly Fishing group who were visiting Thornton with 16 anglers returning a rod 9.8 with members catching. The wood, corner of the wood and Markfield arm fished best with buzzers, washing line, damsels and booby patterns best. Follow their report on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/groups/135416157257204/

Andre Russell fished from his float tube catching 20+ with a good number been caught close in to the bull rushes opposite the lodge on a midge tip line, diawl bach, cormorant and cats whisker.

Weekly Fishing Report: Draycote, Eyebrook, Thornton

Visit our Fisheries Websites: www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk   www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk  www.flyfishthornton.co.uk

Online Shop: www.flyfishstore.co.uk      Tuition & Guiding: www.flyfishtuition.co.uk

Fishery YouTube Channel: YouTube Flyfishstore

Draycote Fishery Weekly Report – 01788 812018

Email:  draycote@flyfishstore.co.uk

2023 Stocking Policy Details of our stocking policy for Draycote is explained on our website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/stocking-policy/

2023 Membership Options visit our website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/season-permits/

Week Ending:     23^rd April 2023           Rod Av:  2.9   Water Temperature: 9°C

Event – Boatmen / Boatwomen required.

Draycote 19^th May hosts the seniors International with teams from England, Scotland, Wales & Ireland. We require boatmen / women for the event. You will receive £30.00 & a Draycote or Eyebrook boat voucher. If your interested or require further information contact Tom Bird at the Draycote Lodge 01788 812018

A nice start to the week with overcast warm conditions with the wind starting from the Southeast before moving to the Northeast later in the day. On the bank Mike Nolan fished buzzers at Lincroft Point to land 5 fish. With fellow Draycote Fly Fisher, John Pearson landing 2 fish again on buzzers fishing along side Mike. On the boats Gordon Bramwell fishing with Eddie Mitchell landed 24 fish to the boat fishing in Toft using buzzers. John Pendleton & C Elliot also used buzzers to land 11 fish to the boat with black and red buzzers being their best pattern. Andy Birkett & Brent Vinall landed 14 fish to the boat while taking advantage of a 3 day package break. Using straight lined nymphs and buzzers and also landing fish on dries. All water member Ed Douglas used dries all day to land 12 fish with crippled midge and bob’s bits being his best patterns.

A much windier day Tuesday from the Northeast teamed with bright sun, certainly not the ideal conditions to be out on the water. All water member James Greasley landed 3 fish off the bank using buzzers at Lincroft Point, with Colin Day landing a brace. On the boats Lee Patten & Peter Elliot fished in Toft, the pair used buzzers on a midge tip and also snakes on a sinking line to land 20 fish to the boat. Tony Labrum and John Elderton landed 8 fish again using buzzers with a very slow retrieve. Chris & wife Aneta landed a dozen fish out on Biggin Bay. While on second day of a 3 day package Andy Birkett & Brent Vinall fished buzzers and Diawl Bachs on a midge tip in Biggin Bay to also land a dozen fish. Ahead of his afternoon shift fishery ranger and guide Lee Henfrey boated 16 fish just to the side of Lincroft Point near E Buoy. The key Lee said was to fish a long leader with 4 buzzers on a short line off the midge tip and fish it right to the hand with all of his fish coming on the lift at the end of the cast. With his best fly being as gold vicar.

The wind remained in the same direction for Wednesday but thankfully wasn’t as strong in the most part as the day previous. Will Hunt fished from the bank for the last four hours to land a brace of fish on buzzers and Lincroft while Jon Cousins landed 3. On the boat fishery ranger and guide Lee Henfrey took Jason Hermon out for a 4 hour guide. With Lee’s help Jason landed a dozen fish on buzzers either on a midge tip or under the bung. With the best area being Biggin Bay, for any tuition enquiries give Tom a call on 01788 812108. Fishing in Toft from a boat Tony Broadway & Pete Allen enjoyed a good day landing 20 fish to the boat using a floating lines with Hares ears and buzzers. Andy Birkett & Brent Vinall fishing their final day of a 3 day package landed 17 fish to the boat using a team of buzzers in Biggin Bay.

A bright and blustery day on Thursday with some heavy gusts made for difficult fishing at times. Mr S Morey had a brace from the bank, whilst Mr M Hock had 3 fish on buzzers from Lincroft Point. Season permit holder Paul Havard caught 8 fish whilst straight lining buzzers around the Valve Tower. Bob Barfoot caught half a dozen fish on black buzzers using a midge tip line in Biggin Bay. Frazer Duffy, (senior and junior) had 10 fish to the boat between them in Biggin Bay using white snakes.

It was a slightly damp start on Friday morning but cleared up as the morning progressed. The rod average for the day turned out to be an impressive 3.9, but that did not tell the whole story. Throughout the morning anglers reported seeing fish in the surface but found them very difficult to catch. It was definitely a day for plenty of patience and slow buzzers on a floating line. It was a slow day on the bank with only a brace caught here and there. Out on the boats young Paul Walker had 15 fish during an afternoon session using a combination of damsels and buzzers. Ken Williams and Ray George had 4 fish between them to the boat, all on buzzers. Martin Hancox ventured out for an evening session to net 4 fish from a drifting boat in Biggin Bay. Season permit holders Ian Richardson and Bob Smith had nearly 30 fish to the boat and remarked on a cracking day. Ian and Bob both used midge tip lines and buzzers.

Saturday was overcast and dry with a light northerly breeze. Once again a slow start to the morning soon developed into a good days fishing. Out on the bank Mr J Fox caught a brace on buzzers from Toft Shallows. Mr M Hock also caught a brace on buzzers from the bank but this time from the Old Pipe in Biggin Bay. Out on the boats Mr M Edwards and Mr C Taylor netted nearly 20 fish on buzzers from various areas around the reservoir. In house guide Lee Henfrey had 16 fish to the boat during a morning session. Lee drifted over Musborough Shoal using a barred olive booby snake on a DI5 sinking line. Saturday saw Draycote Water once again host one of our very successful tuition days with 6 students taking part. A good mornings classroom work was quickly followed by some casting practice behind the Farborough Dam, before spending the afternoon on the pontoon, where some of the participants got into some hard fighting fish the pictures for the day can be found on the Facebook page www.facebook.com/flyfishstore

A cloudy day Sunday, with rain arriving at midday with a North wind. On the bank The Draycote Fly Fishers Association held a morning bank match, with good numbers in attendance. Looking at the catch report it was clear that the best catches on the day came to the anglers who opted to fish a washing line. Fishing at the Cornfield and then the Old Pipe, Dave Atkins landed 5 fish washing line buzzers and crunchers. With Mark JJ also fishing the washing line, however, it was the tequila FAB that landed most of Mark’s fish using an 18 foot leader on a floater. Fishing at Lincroft Point Will Hunt landed 4 fish. On the boats new all water member Pete Webb using a Di 5 sinking with a pink snake to land half a dozen fish. Fellow all water members Frazer Duffy Snr & Jnr landed 13 fish also using Di 5 sinking lines with snakes. Just taking a morning boat David & Gary Turner used buzzers in Biggin Bay to land 8 fish. Draycote member Martyn Hancox used dries and also snakes in a short afternoon session to also boat 8 fish.

Looking ahead to next week, the weather looks great with light winds, overcast skies and warming air temperatures. Perfect conditions to get out on the water, with a further load of 3,000 fish arriving this week. We are expecting some great catches.

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Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report – 01536 770264

Email: eyebrook@flyfishstore.co.uk

2023 Stocking Policy Details of our stocking policy for Eyebrook is explained on our website

www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk/about-us-2/stocking-policy/

2023 Membership options visit our website www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk/about-us-2/season-permits/

Main Entrance Road Maintenance – The Great Easton Road main entrance to Eyebrook is now open as normal.

Week Ending: 16 April 23                    Rod Av: 5.7    Water Temperature: 11°C

The week started with a very light southerly breeze with plenty of cloud cover. Throughout the day there were some extended periods of bright sunshine which raised the air temperature & intensified the buzzer hatches. The reservoir fished very well with some very high catch returns recorded from both the banks & the boats. Eyebrook member Roy Swinfield had a great morning from the bank up at Stoke Dry fishing the old road. Roy landed 27 fish on a Washing Line with a Booby Cruncher on the point & Buzzers on the Droppers, which is a great return on the bank. From the boats, there were a lot of fish caught from Stoke Dry down to Robbo’s Cabin & out across the middle. Around the shallower areas, the Washing Line has been the method whereas, across the middle, straight lined buzzers have also taken a good number of fish. All water member Lorenzo Serrano fished over by the willows & had a very productive day on Washing Lined Buzzers, landing well over 40 fish. Mr Quigley & his boat partner Mr McGuigan down on a Short Break, drifted the open water between the Chestnut & the Willows & also landed over 40 fish on Buzzers & Dries. For one of our great valued short breaks please use the following link https://www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk/about-us-2/short-break-packages/.

Well what a difference a day makes. The warm, light southerly breeze of the previous day gave way to a strong, gusty, cold northerly wind, that brought with it extended periods of bright sunshine. The combination of bright sunlight & strong winds is rarely conducive to favourable fishing conditions. However, this seemed to be amplified given how the weather was the opposite of the previous day & we all know how trout like a weather change…? Subsequently, it was a slow start to Tuesday fishing wise, with very few fish caught in the morning. By the afternoon, the fish had become accustomed to the change in the weather & consequently, there was a lot more fish caught in the afternoon. Following on from their previous success, Mr Quigley & McGuigan fished buzzers to great effect, landing over 20 fish to the boat, most of which came in the afternoon. All Water Member Albert Coales also had a productive afternoon, landing 14 fish on dries & Hoppers.

The wind remained from a northerly direction for Wednesday. However, it was no way near as strong as the previous day & there was a decent amount of cloud cover. The reservoir fished very well with good numbers of fish caught from both the banks & the boats. Eyebrook member, Keith Johnson caught well from the bank, landing 15 fish from Stoke Dry fishing nymphs on a Washing Line. On the boats, enjoying their last day of a 3-day Short Break Package, Mr Quigley & McGuigan landed well over 20 fish on the Dries & Buzzers throughout the day. John Watt led a party of 8 anglers who landed over 91 fish between them on a mixture of Dries & Nymphs. The most productive area was the Northern end of the reservoir with good returns coming from Stoke Dry to the Willows. The fish continue to feed well on Buzzers & are willing to take Nymphs or Buzzers on the Washing Line or on Dries when the conditions suit. All Water Member Lorenzo Serrano & his boat partner, Eli, had a great half day session, landing well over 20 fish on Washing Lined Diawls with a Foam Daddy on the point. If FAB’s are not working as a point fly on the Washing Line, it is worth trying a more subtle alternative. Foam Daddies, Booby Hoppers & Booby Crunchers are always worth a shot.

It was a bright, clear & cold start to Thursday. The northerly moderate ensured that the southern end of reservoir remained a couple of degrees cooler than the north. The winds of late, seem to have cleared a high degree of the coloured water from the previous bouts of heavy rainfall. As the day progressed the wind intensified & brought with it extended periods of sunshine. This made for very challenging conditions, particularly from the bank where the effects of an unpredictable wind could be truly felt. The boats fared a little better & a few fish were caught in the morning, but the excessive wind made it difficult to fish your flies effectively. Much later in the day, the relentless sunshine gave way to overcast conditions, which had a positive impact the fishing with anglers catch rates gaining pace. The boats started to catch quicker & the banks switched on. Ed Solomons, fishing a Last 4 bank permit, landed 5 fish on what proved to be a very successful session. Overall, what started as a very challenging day turned into a very productive day for some as the reservoir produced a very credible daily rod average of 5.1.

There was a damp start to Friday which soon petered out leaving an overcast sky, with considerably less wind than on previous days. Subsequently, the reservoir fished well to the Dries with regular visitor Max Woolnough landing 7 fish on a black Shipmans Buzzer. Eyebrook Member Mick Farrell also enjoyed a productive day on the Dries, fishing a Claret Midas Mick landed 12 fish from various locations. It was obviously one of those days that the fish preferred Dries sat on the water rather than in the surface film. Off the bank, Gary Mickley had another productive session landing 12 fish from the Old Road up at Stoke Dry on a small Cats Whisker. Elsewhere, adopting a mobile approach, another Eyebrook Member Neil Shilton landed well over 20 fish from his Float Tube from various locations. Generally, the most productive area remains the Stoke Dry end of the reservoir with fishing Dries when the conditions are right &/or Buzzers fished static being the most productive methods.

Just as Friday had started, Saturday was also a damp start that dried out & brought a few bright intervals during the afternoon. Whatever light breeze there was, was now from the south, which was different to previous days, so there was sure to be a small period of adjustment with the fish’s feeding habits. The fish were still feeding on buzzers, but them seemed to be somewhat deeper than found previously. Regular bank angler Roy Swinfield decided to take to the boats & was joined by his regular fishing partner Lyndsay Bates. They had a very productive day landing over 30 fish on static Buzzers fished relatively deep. Another boat pairing to have over 30+ fish was Mr Turner & Mr Adams who also fished static buzzers deep to great effect. With the fish seeming to be feeding in the deeper water, the boats fared better than the banks today. There were still fish caught from the bank, but they were not being caught in the numbers they were previously.

Sunday had started the same as the 2 previous days, damp in the morning with light drizzle & dry in the afternoon. However, today the afternoon brought with it some extended periods of cloud which were brought in by a 180° direction change in the breeze. The fish continued to feed on Buzzers, moving further out & feeding in the deeper water, which made the bank angling challenging at times. Fish were still caught from the bank & in good numbers too. Eyebrook Member had 10 on washing lined nymphs & Ed Solomons enjoyed a very fruitful last 4-hour session, landing 9 on nymphs. Saturday also saw us host the Alex Booth, Colwick & Foremark joint club competition which saw 15 anglers take to the water, they landed 50 fish between them, giving them a rod average of 3.3. Elsewhere on the boats, fish were caught on a variety of methods from various locations. Nymphs & Buzzers are still taking a good number of fish, as are Dries when the conditions permit. Alternatively, lures will still catch plenty of fish; Gary Owen & Mick McLintic had a very productive day landing over 20 fish between them on a Pink Booby. The most productive areas remain, Sam’s Dyke to the Cowshed & the Willows to Stoke Dry. The fish are very respondent to the weather, sitting in deeper water when bright & moving in the shallower margins during periods of overcast spells to feed. It is important that we remember to fish the conditions, rather than what we think is going on, the fish will be there.

Thornton Fishery Weekly Report – 01530 230807

Email: thornton@flyfishstore.co.uk

2023 Stocking Policy Details of our stocking policy for Eyebrook is explained on our website www.flyfishthornton.co.uk/about-us-2/stocking-policy/

2023 Membership details Visit   www.flyfishthornton.co.uk/about-us-2/season-permits/ for details of our 2023 membership options

Week Ending: 23^rd  April   Rod Av: 5.4    Water Temperature: 11c+

Monday with a cooler than forecasted easterly wind, led to tricky fishing conditions. Most fished in the shelter of the wood and opposite the lodge. Stuart Thompson caught 3 for his mornings session fishing off the corner of the wood, Pete Hunt caught 5 fishing a bung opposite the lodge with A Wilson catching 8 on buzzers again opposite the lodge. Anglers reported fish moving off and on during the day. 

Tuesday strong easterly wind made for some difficult fishing conditions. Andre Russell on his first trip in the tube fished booby patterns to take his 6 fish. B Sibley and M Clay also fished boobies to boat their 9 trout for a morning session. Most anglers found the conditions difficult in the easterly wind with all the rods off the water by 3pm

Wednesday and another day with a strong easterly wind forecast, with only 1 rod Richard Price going out. Richard fished a fast sinker with a blue flash damsel booby and humungus booby to catch 8 trout for his mornings visit.

Thursday and yet another day when the cold easterly picked up around lunchtime, with the boats all heading towards the shelter of the wood. Despite the wind overall a good day with the rod average 4.5+ Mark Cowley and Ian Leach fished Sink3 & sink5 lines with buzzer, blob & booby patterns to boat their 12 trout, P Moore fished the Markfield arm during the morning catching 4 & losing just as many on a booby.

Friday and similar conditions to the last 3 days, lighter easterly winds to start the day which built to be quite windy from 11am onwards with the boats again fishing along the shelter of the wood and Thornton arm. Anglers reported seeing fish moving but found them easier to catch on sink 5 and sink 7 lines with booby patterns, cats whisker and damsel. John Bebbington caught 11 with K Cowen catching 6 for his mornings visit. By 6pm the wind was starting to drop and swinging to the south in line with the better forecast for the weekend.

Saturday and a flat calm greeted the rods at 7.30am, its been a while since weave had a flat calm! A few fish could be seen feeding off the surface with most of the anglers finding a fast sinker with various booby patterns, but especially blue flash damsel booby or cats whisker caught best. Keith Cowen caught 12, Jan Webber caught 20+ with Brian Sibley & Stuart Thompson boating 19 for their visit. Neil Bates fished a standard cats whisker to catch his 8 trout for the afternoon visit. Mark Hunt persevered fishing with straight line buzzers catching 8 including a rainbow of 3lb.

Sunday surprisingly wet conditions greeted the anglers, lots of birds working the surface. We hosted our local angling club Thornton Fly Fishers fishing their Spring Boat Pairs Competition. They fished the morning session 8.30am to 2.30pm fishing to a 4 fish kill permit & catch Release. Excellent mornings fishing as they averaged 7.3 catching in excess of 90 trout. Winners were T Smith & M Quilley with I Leach & M Cowley second. L Serrano fished the morning session catching into double figures, he went home for lunch returning later to do the same again. Despite all the birds on the water the most successful method was sinking lines with a variety of boobies but especially the blue flash damsel booby, blue flash damsel nymph & standard cats whisker

Weekly Fishing Report: Draycote, Eyebrook, Thornton

Visit our Fisheries Websites: www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk   www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk  www.flyfishthornton.co.uk

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Draycote Fishery Weekly Report – 01788 812018

Email:  draycote@flyfishstore.co.uk

2023 Stocking Policy Details of our stocking policy for Draycote is explained on our website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/stocking-policy/

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Week Ending:     16th April 2023           Rod Av: 4.1    Water Temperature: 8°C

Event – Boatmen / Boatwomen required.

Draycote 19^th May hosts the seniors International with teams from England, Scotland, Wales & Ireland. We require boatmen / women for the event. You will receive £30.00 & a Draycote or Eyebrook boat voucher. If your interested or require further information contact Tom Bird at the Draycote Lodge 01788 812018

With gusty strong winds and rain forecast it was a welcome sight Monday, to see the wind speeds down on what was forecast. However, this didn’t last long and the strong winds soon picked up in the later part of the morning. On the bank Draycote season ticket holder Stephen Dewhurst landed 4 fish on buzzers from the Swans Nest. On the boats member Ian Reeve took his Grandson Cian out with the pair boating 7 fish, with Cian landing 3 of them. They fished buzzers under the bung in Rainbow Corner, to see some pictures of Cian follow the link www.facebook.com/flyfishstore. Richard Walker fished with P Davies with the pair landing 5 fish with 2 coming to a white minkie fished on a sink tip and the other 3 coming to a black buzzer. Gordon and Cam Elder landed 5 fish on a hares ear from Rainbow Corner.

It was certainly a hit and miss affair at Draycote on Tuesday as the wind blew up and down and some heavy showers drifted through. Mr K Williams and Mr C Barkley had a brace between them to the boat , while Mr R Bannister also caught a brace. Season permit holders Bob Smith and Ian Richardson had 17 fish to the boat between them using buzzers on the bung, as well as white snakes fished on a DI 5 sinking line.

Another day plagued  by winds on Wednesday, with the strong winds resulting in the boats not being able to head out. However we did have some hardy souls venture out on the bank. Mr Mould landed a brace from the bank in Toft. With Mr Humphries enjoying a great day in the gusty conditions landing 9 fish all on buzzers fished down in Toft, a great catch in the wind.

A much nicer day Thursday with blue skies and the winds dropping back enabling the boats to take to the water once again. The wind was a little gusty in the morning from the Southwest but by the end of the day it had dropped back to leave much more pleasant conditions. Fishing from the bank Phil Cross landed a brace of fish on a cat’s whisker. On the boats Dennis Tidmarsh used the same flies to land 4 fish including a 4lb overwintered fish from the Draycote Dam also using a Cat’s Whisker. Ian Johnston fished for a half day in the boat to land 11 fish on buzzers, commenting that the fish were sitting at 5ft down. All water members Fraser Duffy Snr & Jnr fished for the second half of the day landing 16 fish, although left no comments on how they had caught their fish unfortunately.

Much lighter winds Friday, swinging to the Southeast, with showers throughout the day. As a result of the lighter winds the angler were able to get to areas and hotspots that had been difficult to fish comfortably in the previous day. All water member Norman Perkins fished from the bank to land 3 fish on buzzers in Toft. Draycote member Stephen Dewhurst fished for an afternoon on the bank landing 7 fish all falling to buzzers fished in Toft. On the boats Ed Douglas was pleased to find a large number of fish moving first thing in the morning from the Farborough Dam wall. Landing 6 fish in his first drift and going onto land 18 all on dries. Ed found that a size 12 crippled midge and a bob’s bits on the droppers the key to success. Fishing from a boat in Toft, Ian Richardson & Bob Smith landed 20 fish to the boat. Using a mix of methods some fish came to a Di 5 sinking line and a booby with the others coming to buzzers fished under the bung at 12ft. Father and son duo John and Dan McElligott landed 17 fish to the boat using buzzers on a midge tip in the morning then a pink snake in the afternoon.

Saturday dawned again with good fishing conditions and great returns from all across the reservoir. Draycote regular Stan Hillman had 3 fish from the bank whilst Mr T Ward caught a brace. Mr Steve O’Farrell caught 16 fish from the bank down in Toft Shallows using a combination of buzzers in the morning and snakes through the afternoon. Out on the boats Mr Nathan Brain had 8 fish to the boat once again using a combination of buzzers and snakes. Mr D Davies and Mr J Rydell caught 10 fish between them using size 16 buzzers fished around X and G buoy. Season permit holder Martin Hancox ventured out for an afternoon session in a boat to net 3 fish, and returned one in excess of 5lbs. Mr John McVay had 15 fish to the boat using red and black buzzers.

Good conditions for Sunday, with overcast skies teamed with light winds from the Southeast. On the bank Alan smith landed 6 fish with 2 of them coming to bung and buzzers and the other 4 falling to lures. On the boats husband and wife household members Debbie & Sean Gilbert enjoyed a great day. They landed 20 fish from Lincroft point on blue flash damsels and black buzzers in size 10. Fellow household members James Alexander and Alan Sharp landed 10 fish on black buzzers from Toft. Trevor Moore & James Maplethorpe fished in Biggin Bay near E Buoy landing 32 fish all on Buzzers. Fishing small size 12 & 14 black buzzers and commented “on a great day”. We also had both 2023 England squads for the home internationals out enjoying a squad get together. With the team enjoying good fishing using buzzers in mainly in Toft either straight lined or on the bung.

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Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report – 01536 770264

Email

2023 Stocking Policy Details of our stocking policy for Eyebrook is explained on our website

www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk/about-us-2/stocking-policy/

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Main Entrance Road Maintenance – The Great Easton Road main entrance to Eyebrook is now open as normal.

Week Ending: 16 April 23           Rod Av: 6.5    Water Temperature: 10°C

It was a relatively quiet start to the week & what a difference a day makes weather wise. The previous high pressure had succumbed to a low pressure that brought with it heavy showers & a moderate to strong south westerly wind. The fish continued to feed on the abundant buzzers, however the strong wind pushed the hatching buzzers out into the middle of the reservoir & the fish duly followed which made them difficult to locate initially. Once found, they would readily take black buzzers fished on a washing line or straight lined. Chris Hartley & his boat partner John Wilson had a great day finding buzzer feeding fish in the open water out from the Chestnut. They had over 30 fish between them on the washing line with a FAB on the point & Buzzers above it. Off the bank Eyebrook Member Dave Etty enjoyed a very successful session landing 9 fish on black & a Grey Boy Buzzer.

After an initial bright start Tuesday was a day of very heavy showers & a strong southerly winds. Chris Hartley & John Wilson returned for the 2^nd day of a 2-day package & enjoyed a very successful day on the boat, once again landing over 30 fish on Buzzers & FABs on the washing line. From the bank, Eyebrook Member Roy Swinfield fished Buzzers down by the Chestnut & landed 15 fish which is a great return. The Chestnut area & across to the Willows, is, as it does this time of year holding a lot of fish.

There was a clear bright start to Wednesday, which as forecast, deteriorated into a very wet & very windy day. The mean windspeed was just below our boat limit of 25 mph with buffeting gusts that brought a series of very heavy showers. The wind direction was a consistent southerly so the boat anglers that did venture out, found themselves fishing under imposed restrictions limiting them to the south of the Island & the main basin.  Fish were caught throughout the day on Tip Lines & Nymphs from various locations withing the Basin. From the bank, All Water Member Ian Jobe ventured up to the Chestnut & fished between there & the Cowshed. Fishing Nymphs on a Floating Line, Ian had a very productive day landing 17 fish which was a great return given the conditions.

Thursday saw a moderate to strong wind swing round to the West which brought with it some isolated heavy showers & periods of bright spring sunlight. These changeable conditions made the angling somewhat challenging as the fish continuously moved in & out of the margins & up & down the water column. During the overcast spells they would feed confidently in the margins & higher in the water column. Whereas during the brighter spells, as expected, the fish moved out & into deeper water. The bank anglers fared slightly better than the boats with some excellent returns. Eyebrook members Roy Swinfield & Keith Johnson landed 16 & 14 fish respectively, fishing between the Chestnut & Cowshed on the Leicester Bank. Both were fishing Buzzers & Nymphs on floating lines. Local angler Dale Birch landed 6 on what proved to be a very productive Last 4-hour session on the Buzzers & Nymphs along the Leicester Bank. A massive congratulations must go to Cameron Kell who whilst out fishing with his Grandad, James Vasey, hooked & landed his first ever Rainbow Trout. Well done, Cameron, that will be the first of many, we are sure.

The reservoir fished very well on Friday yielding a rod average a daily rod average of 12.2. The weeks earlier winds had coloured the Rutland bank meaning that any anglers would need to concentrate their efforts on the Leicester Bank. The most productive area was Sam’s Dyke with great catch returns being recorded from the banks & the boats. Eyebrook member, Dean Shilton had a very enjoyable day out in his float tube landing a very high number of fish on Lures & Nymphs. On the boats, Fishery Guide Lee Henfrey & his boat partner Martin Rowson also had a very productive day landing over 50 fish between them on the Diawls on the Washing Line. All Water Member Kev Hart got amongst the fish also, catching on Buzzers, Nymphs & Kev even managed to catch a few on the Dries. From the banks, regular visitor Gary Mickley had a great Last 4-hour session landing 17 fish on the nymphs. It is becoming increasingly obvious that the fish around the banks are very sensitive to weather conditions. When it is overcast, they will feed right in the margins but when there is an element of sunshine, & without any prominent weed beds to hold food, they will move further out into deeper water.

Due to the previous evening of heavy rain, Saturday saw Eyebrook’s water level raise significantly overnight. This did not seem to affect the fishing too much as the fish continued to feed hard the buzzers & were consistently caught from various locations. The most productive yet again though, seemed to be Sam’s Dyke, where fish were caught throughout the day on Buzzers & Nymphs on either the Washing Line, Straight Lined or the Bung. When the fish are feeding on the Buzzers it is worth noting that these buzzer feeding fish will in fact happily take nymphs, particularly Diawl Bachs & Muskins. You don’t need to fish buzzers to catch buzzer feeding fish. Saturday also saw Eyebrook host the Annual Dave Carter Masonic Charity Pairs Match in aid of Cancer Research UK. Fished to an 8 fish pairs limit with prizes for the Heaviest Pairs Bag & the Largest Fish, 14 anglers took to the water & caught 106 fish between them producing a rod average of 7.5 which was a great return. Well done to all participants, who not only fished very well but also managed to raise a significant amount for the chosen charity. Congratulations to the prize winners, Tony & Phil with a bag weight of 16lb 3oz & Mr Bingham who had the largest fish of 2lb 5oz’s.

Sunday brought with it a very light South-South Westerly breeze & intermittent bright spells. There was a lot going on at Eyebrook on Sunday what with the Eyebrook Fly Fishers holding a bank match, the All-Abilities Friendly Fly Fishers (AAFFF) out on the water & resident Instructor Mike Oliver held a bank tuition course. Mike took his course through all the basic elements of Fly-Fishing including Casting, Knots, Flies & Entomology that make up a Trout’s diet. For anyone interested in attending a tuition course, please use the following link https://www.flyfishtuition.co.uk/. The Eyebrook bank match was, as always, a keenly contested affair with the prizes for the biggest & smallest fish. Ian Jobe took the largest fish with a cracking Rainbow of 3lb 4oz. Whereas Clive Moore took the smallest fish with a Rainbow that was somewhat smaller. Between those attending, they produced a rod average of 7, which is a great rod average for a bank match. Well done to all. This was the AAFFF’s first visit of the season to Eyebrook, where 26 anglers of varying experience took to the water. They had a very successful day with everyone catching & the 26 anglers caught a total of 200 fish, giving a great rod average of 7.69. The reservoir continues to fish very well with fish feeding hard on buzzers. The most productive methods continue to be Buzzers or Nymphs fished on the Washing Line with a FAB on the point or Straight Lined; Buzzer on the Point & Diawl Bachs above it.

Thornton Fishery Weekly Report – 01530 230807

Email: thornton@flyfishstore.co.uk

2023 Stocking Policy Details of our stocking policy for Eyebrook is explained on our website www.flyfishthornton.co.uk/about-us-2/stocking-policy/

2023 Membership details Visit   www.flyfishthornton.co.uk/about-us-2/season-permits/ for details of our 2023 membership options

Week Ending: 16^th April   Rod Av: 2.8    Water Temperature: 9c+

Monday was a damp windy day with no boats out.

Tuesday was a better morning which turned wet in the afternoon. Fish are starting to move around the reservoir with Martin Hosking catching 11 at various depths. Barry Deeley fished an intermediate with a green and white humungus to catch his 7 trout, with Paul Martindale catching his 7 trout on buzzers.

Wednesday, we cancelled the boats as average wind speed exceeded 25mph

Thursday & Friday with the forecast for rain, heavy at times and a blustery wind, few anglers took a boat out, those that did fished the morning session when the forecast was at its best. P Wrigley caught 4 for his mornings fishing with John Bebbington catching 5

Saturday with the heavy rainfall during Friday afternoon & into the evening raising the level by 2 inch & reducing the clarity. Sinking lines with white & green booby, sparkler booby & UV Damsel produced best. Bob Jones caught 11, Keith Cowen caught 9, B Sibley caught 8 with J Webber catching 7 mostly on Sink 7 lines and booby. M Needham fished an uv damsel for his 5 trout.

Sunday, clarity continues to improve with a few trout to be seen feeding across the main basin. Most found success with fast sinkers and booby patterns, black and silver, cats whisker booby and orange booby. S Swinfield & S Zeleny caught 6, S Parnham & L Lawrence caught 7 with A Lilley catching 6 for his mornings visit. Most fished 30 to 80yds off the bank opposite the lodge, wood and around the corner towards the end of the wood. A few fish were taken during the late afternoon by boats drifting across the main basin.

Weekly Fishing Report: Draycote, Eyebrook, Thornton

Visit our Fisheries Websites: www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk   www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk  www.flyfishthornton.co.uk

Online Shop: www.flyfishstore.co.uk      Tuition & Guiding: www.flyfishtuition.co.uk

Fishery YouTube Channel: YouTube Flyfishstore

Draycote Fishery Weekly Report – 01788 812018

Email:  draycote@flyfishstore.co.uk

2023 Stocking Policy Details of our stocking policy for Draycote is explained on our website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/stocking-policy/

2023 Membership Options visit our website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/season-permits/

Week Ending:     9th April 2023           Rod Av: 4.4     Water Temperature: 8°C

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Monday turned out to be a good day for fishing with good cloud cover through most of the day, and a light  south easterly breeze. Season permit holders Peter Allan and Tony Broadway had 7 fish to the boat in Biggin Bay, all on hares ears. Ed Douglas had 9 fish to the boat on buzzers fished static on a floating line.

Ian Reeve and Ian Hibberd had over 20 fish to the boat and were able to show us some cracking photos on the pontoon yesterday evening. The fish fell to buzzers and black and green snakes. It was good to see Eugene Hughes back out on Draycote. Eugene netted over 20 fish to the boat using humungus fished on a DI 7 line around M, Y and P buoy. Bob Smith and Ian Richardson had 10 fish to the boat between them near the Tower Bank. The pair caught their fish using a mixture of boobies fished slow on a DI5, and buzzers fished on the bung.

Tuesday was a beautiful day to be out on the water. Light breezes and good cloud cover meant that through the early part of the day fish could be seen moving in the surface of the water. There is now a good spread of fish throughout the reservoir with reports of good catches coming from a wide variety of areas. Draycote regular Stan Hillman fished from the bank to net a brace on damsels fished on an intermediate line. Lee Henfrey and fishery manager Tom Bird took to the water to net over 20 fish on a mixture of buzzers and hares ears during a morning session. The pair fished along the Farborough Dam and down in the Cornfield. Season permit holders Paul Walker and John Falconbridge had nearly 30 fish to the boat between them but said that it was a struggle through the early part of the day. A of their fish came to damsels and black buzzers at the western end of the reservoir. James Maplethorpe and Trevor Moore plied their trade in Biggin bay and the Cornfield netting a god number of fish on black buzzers fished on a floating line.

A southerly wind Wednesday which did later swing into a Southwest, with the day starting overcast with rain starting late morning. On the bank Draycote season ticket holder Mark Smith landed 6 fish on a Cat’s Whisker fished on a floating line. With fellow season ticket holder Jim Kelly landing 5 fish on buzzers and a green lure. Taking 1 fish in Rainbow Corner, with the others coming from Toft later on in the day. Andy Berkett & Brent Vinall out on the boats landed 23 fish using buzzers and then pulling with snakes. Draycote member James Alexander landed 10 fish using olive snakes from Toft. Mr N Whatton & T Waddington enjoyed a great day landing 34 fish on buzzers and Diawl Bachs from Toft and then along the Cornfield. Mr T Rowley & G Beagarie landed 27 to the boat catching on buzzers in the morning along the Farborough Dam wall before heading up to the Draycote Dam wall and catching on lures.

A wet start to Thursday with the wind remaining on the Southwest before swinging into the Northwest later in the day, with the sun making an appearance in the afternoon and thankfully Draycote avoided the heavy local showers. On the bank season ticket holder Bob Askew enjoyed a great days sport landing 17 fish from the Swan’s Nest using a Cat’s Whisker. Out on the boats Draycote members Ian Richardson & Bob Smith enjoyed a good day landing 29 fish to the boat. The pair also recorded “plenty of overwintered fish up to 4lb” They fished the Tower bank and used Buzzers under the bung to land their fish. Felicity Appleton & Derek Moore fished at the Swan’s Nest in a boat landing 38 fish and like, Bob who was on the bank used Cat’s Whiskers to great effect. Andy Berkett & Brent Vinall fished their final day of a 3 day break boating 37 fish. The pair opted to fish straight lined buzzers all day and remarked it had been a “great 3 days”

A frosty start to Good Friday which soon warmed up leaving a beautiful warm spring day, with light winds from the Northwest. Fishing from the bank John Hall landed 4 fish from the Cornfield using a Damsel. Taking advantage of the last four hour ticket from the bank Mr J Mackay landed 7 fish all on buzzers from Toft, a great catch in a short 4 hour session. On the boats David & Gary Turner landed 22 fish to the boat using buzzers. They found the fish in the morning tight along the Cornfield at Dougie’s Gap where the trees come down to the waters edge. Then in the afternoon at the Tower Bank, with both anglers commenting that the fish while tight to the bank were sitting deeper that expected. Draycote member Ian Reeve fished with Colin Granger with the pair boating 13 fish. With the best flies being buzzers and a small Cat’s Whiskers, landing fish from Toft, Farborough Dam Wall and Biggin Bay. Another boat that used Cat’s Whisker to great effect was that of P Sutton & R Andrews who landed 22 fish. Draycote member Martyn Hancox used a white tadpole to land 11 fish in a 5 hour session. Fishing up around the Tower Bank and then later in the day at the Flat Stones Paul Newnam & Matt Crisp boated 16 fish all taken on buzzers including 2 cracking fish at 6lb.

A near identical day weatherwise as the day previous, as a result of the 2 warm days, there had been huge of large buzzers. On the bank Mr J Fox enjoyed a great days sport landing 12 fish all on buzzers, from Toft. Tom Rochford also fished from the bank landing 4 fish on buzzers and Diawl Bachs. Out on the boats Chris Tuck and Christopher Jarratt landed 23 fish with the best method being the bung. With the key to fish the flies deep with most of the fish taking at 12ft. The best area the lads found was along the Tower Bank. Andy lane fished a midge tip with a team of buzzers in Biggin Bay and the Cornfield to boat 22 fish with his best flies being a crisp packet buzzer. Ben Beckwith & Dave Dixon also fished buzzers to land 14 fish between them. Ian Spicer landed 14 fish all of which took black buzzers on a midge tip with his best fish a fantastic overwintered rainbow which can be seen here www.facebook.com/flyfishstore

Sunday started fairly bright and calm and stayed that way through most of the day. Season permit holder Andy Jordan caught a brace from the bank on red cormorants. Local angler Paul Lloyd caught half a dozen fish from the bank. Paul fished at the Swans Nest using 12 foot slow tip line and black buzzers. Draycote regular Stan Hillman caught 9 fish whilst bank fishing from the Tower Bank using blood worm patterns, black buzzers and hares ears. Out on the boats season permit holder Les Lerigo netted a total of 10 fish from the Cornfield on a mixture of snakes and buzzers. Jim Smith and Ed Douglas had over 30 fish to the boat using buzzers and dries at various points around the reservoir.

On Sunday we ran our very popular Rio and Sage day. This is a day when we are visited by Simon Gawesworth of RIO, Peter Knox and Chris Anderson of SAGE along with Jim Fearn & Martin Robinson of Guide Flyfishing. It’s an opportunity for anglers to come along and meet the people who help design RIO & SAGE products, with the opportunity under their guidance to try out various RIO lines and SAGE rods. There was also the opportunity to go out fishing with RIO & SAGE products under the guidance of our Draycote guiding team, Lee Henfrey, Jim Sheehan & Tom Bird. The day was both extremely busy and successful with all staff and guides fully booked throughout the day. A quick lunch was eaten on the move in between the morning and afternoon sessions before things finally came to a close at 6pm in the evening. At this point in time, just to show how keen they are, our visitors from across the pond went out fishing for a couple of hours, with all of them hooking into some good quality trout to finish off what was a very successful day.

Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report – 01536 770264

Email: eyebrook@flyfishstore.co.uk

2023 Stocking Policy Details of our stocking policy for Eyebrook is explained on our website

www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk/about-us-2/stocking-policy/

2023 Membership options visit our website www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk/about-us-2/season-permits/

Main Entrance Road Maintenance – The Great Easton Road main entrance to Eyebrook is now open as normal.

Week Ending: 09 April 23                    Rod Av: 9.0    Water Temperature: 10-11°C

There was a cold, clear start to Monday which warmed as the day progressed. More importantly though, it was dry which given the weather at the weekend was a welcome break. The water clarity was still in a state of deterioration at the start of the day but by late afternoon it was starting to clear. It was a quiet start to the week & out of those venturing out, All water member Ian Jobe had a very productive day. Fishing from the float tube, Ian landed 14 fish, catching along the margins up the Willows & Stoke Dry on nymphs.

After a frosty start, Tuesday developed into a right & sunny, spring day. Once the air temperature had increased & the sky had begun to fill with Buzzers the fish started to feed. Fish were caught from both the boats & the banks with various methods. Stewart Normington straight lined Nymphs from the bank & had a very productive day landing 17 fish from the Hawthorns/Sam’s Dyke area. Max Woolnough worked out the fish preferred Buzzers fished static, so he opted to fish black buzzers under the Bung for his 10 fish. Elsewhere, Eyebrook Member Gareth Brooks & his boat partner Clive had 19 fish to the boat fishing the early season favourite, Black & Green lures down the Hawthorns. The Eye brook is now running clear which means the water clarity up the top end of the Reservoir will start to dramatically improve.

Wednesday brought with it a light south westerly breeze & plenty of cloud cover. By late morning/early afternoon there was a light drizzle that developed into light rain brought in by a now moderate south westerly wind.  As predicted, the water clarity up the top end of the reservoir had improved & consequently this whole general area fished very well. Experienced & knowledgeable Fishery Guide Lee Henfrey was out with All Water Member Ed Douglas, knowing that the top end of the reservoir would more than likely clear first, they headed up to Stoke Dry. Getting into fish straight away they had a very productive session landing a high number of fish on Washing Lined floaters with a FAB on the point & nymphs above it. Also on the boats, fishing day 2 of a 5-day short day package, Fergie Ferguson caught a lot of fish 3ft down on the Bung. Fergie was also fishing the Rutland Bank, but a bit further along from Stoke Dry towards the Willows. The fish along the Rutland bank were feeding hard on Buzzers & were getting caught consistently throughout the day. The most productive methods for these fish were either straight lined buzzers, washing lined buzzers or the bung. From the bank, Eyebrook member, Keith Johnson had a good session landing 6 fish on small black Muskins from Sam’s Dyke. The fish seem to be moving slightly further out from the margins & those wading seem to be the more successful.

It was a very damp start to Thursday, with the rain giving way to bright sunshine in the afternoon. The wind had swung round to a North Westerly by late morning & built in strength as the day progressed. Bright sunshine & a strong wind always makes the fishing more challenging. Given the conditions, the reservoir fished very well with fish caught from the boats & the banks. Those on the bank found it more of a challenge when the wind changed & began to colour the Hawthorns & Sam’s Dyke. Eyebrook member Roy Swinfield had a productive day, fishing natural patterns on floating lines, down at the Hawthorns & Sam’s Dyke. Max Bazeley & Keith Johnson both landed 6 fish from the same area, which was very respectable, given the cold winds & conditions. There were some great catch returns from the boats with the visiting Paisley Patterns Fly Fishing Club enjoying the first day of a 3-day short break landing 90 fish between 5 of them. Rob Green also had a great day, landing over 20 fish whilst teaching his daughter to fly fish. The fish have been feeding hard on the buzzers & have been caught on the Bung, Washing line & straight-lined buzzers. The most productive boat area has been the Rutland bank from the Willows to Stoke Dry.

Despite an overcast start, Friday developed into a great example of a warm spring day with hardly any breeze. This saw the fish continue to feed hard on the buzzers throughout the day & subsequently Eyebrook again fished very well. There were some very high catch returns recorded from various locations, but the most productive area remained the Willows down to Stoke Dry. Fish fell to Buzzers fished in all manner of methods, Washing Line, Straight Line & under the Bung. Those on the washing line found the Nymphs to be more successful than Buzzers. Being lighter, they remained in the fish feeding depth for longer with the black Muskins proving to be a particularly effective fly when fished on the washing line. Which is particularly useful when fishing the shallower areas. There were a few anglers out practicing for the forthcoming Greys Pairs qualifying round & some fish were found in the Main Basin, Dogwood to Sam’s Dyke area. Now this could well be a case of that the fish from the latest stocking, were finally beginning to make an appearance, time will tell.

Saturday was a very similar script to Friday, both weather wise & fishing wise. The only real variation was that the fish that were found previously in the basin & along Dogwood to Sam’s Dyke were now very prominent & showing up in great numbers. This would surely pose a question or two for the Competitors of tomorrows Greys Pairs about where to start. What would not help with this, was that there was still plenty of buzzer feeding fish getting caught on Buzzers & Nymphs over along the Rutland Bank, from the Willows down to Stoke Dry. Today also marked the last day of a 3-day visit for the Paisley Patterns party who had an exceptional 3 days on Eyebrook. Between the 5 of them they had 255 fish between them over the 3 days. Well done all, we look forward to seeing you all again in September. From the banks, Eyebrook members Bob Margery & Steve Lawrence had 7 & 6 fish respectively in Dogwood Bay, fishing the Washing Line with a Fab on the point & Nymphs above it.

Sunday saw Eyebrook host the latest round of the Greys Pairs. Fished to a 12 fish boat limit, with a time bonus, all 19 boats reached their limit. In the build up to the Competition the Willows to Stoke Dry had fished really well & fish were beginning to show from Dogwood to Sam’s Dyke. On the day the Rutland Bank just did not fish, probably succumbing to weeks previous angling pressure. The Leicester Bank, however, did fish, with all the Pairs getting finished there, even those who initially started on the opposite bank. Fish were caught on a variety of methods, pulling on sinking lines, nymphs under the bung, washing lined nymphs & straight-lined buzzers. Well done to all competitors & congratulations to all those that qualified for the 2023 Final on Lyn Brenig. Elsewhere, Eyebrook member Malcolm Thompson landed 8 fish off the bank down the Hawthorns to Sam’s Dyke on nymphs. It has been best to remain mobile to find the fish, even on the banks, if you have had no interest in 30mins….. move.

Thornton Fishery Weekly Report – 01530 230807

Email: thornton@flyfishstore.co.uk

2023 Stocking Policy Details of our stocking policy for Eyebrook is explained on our website www.flyfishthornton.co.uk/about-us-2/stocking-policy/

2023 Membership details Visit   www.flyfishthornton.co.uk/about-us-2/season-permits/ for details of our 2023 membership options

Week Ending: 9^th April   Rod Av: 4.3      Water Temperature: 9c+

Monday and at last a decent weather forecast. Fishing proved to be trickier than expected although Howard Davies found the winning combination of black diawl bach which caught him 11 trout. Other anglers caught with floating or midge tip lines with #14 #16 black buzzer, cruncher, diawl bach. With the lighter winds it must be worth looking down the Thornton arm.

Tuesday & a better days fishing with a 5.0 rod average. Anglers took our advice with the better forecast allowing anglers to comfortably fish the Markfield arm. Anglers caught using a DI5 with black & green or silver black humungous or fished a midge tip or floating line with #14 black buzzer, #12 cruncher. Mark Stone caught 5 for his mornings visit, S Fairgrieve & K Cowen caught 12 with H Wood & P Mee catching 16. Dave & Sharon Ryalls fished an indicator to catch their 10 trout with P Broad fishing a diawl bach to catch his 8 trout. D Gillfillan also fished a morning session catching his 8 on humongous patterns.

Wednesday, fish are opposite the lodge, wood & corner of the wood with anglers also finding fish down the Markfield arm to the Tern raft. Yesterday afternoon martins were working the main basin all afternoon, a sure sign that a hatch was taking place. Richard Dayman caught 20+ with the majority down the Markfield arm past lonesome pine on his white & green pattern. Greg Weatherdon caught 6 off the corner of the wood on damsel and diawl bach with Martin Hosking catching his 6 on various patterns, cats whisker, fab, cormorant & crunchers.

Thursday and a wet start to the day, which improved by 9.30am. Anglers took our advice and fished the corner of the wood down into the Markfield arm. Our guide Lee took Chloe & her grandfather out for a two hour experience session catching 6 on buzzers under a bung, photographs on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/FlyFishStore Dave Pritchard fished buzzers in front of the lonesome pine catching 4 trout with T Lorrimer catching the majority of his 6 trout down the Markfield arm.

Friday an early frost gave way to a light wind and at times warm sunshine. Majority of the anglers fished from the corner of the wood and down the Markfield arm using sink 3 lines or floaters. The bung is also working, 6ft leader below the bung with top dropper 3ft point fly 6ft. Black buzzer #14 #12, small cats whisker, blue flash damsel were the top patterns. S Wilson & D Dyer caught 12. Ian Leach & M Cowley boated 13 for their visit with L Serrano catching 12. John Bebbington fished black buzzers to catch his 8 trout with Chris Sayer catching 7 for his mornings visit on a variety of patterns.

Saturday with another early morning frost it was mid morning before the fish started to feed. Opposite the lodge and down the Markfied arm. Sink 3 lines with blobs, cats whiskers and buzzers or a floating line with diawl bach, small black nymph patterns and buzzers. Howard Davies caught 15 for his mornings visit on a black diawl bach, Keith Cowen fished a cats whisker to catch his 6 trout with B Sibley & M Clay catching 11. Mark Hunt fished an afternoon catching 9 on diawls and bobs bits. Bobby & George caught 30 on boobies and buzzers.

Sunday with a south westerly offered good conditions. B Perrie caught 11 on black buzzers, All Water member J Reynold caught 10 also on black buzzer with N Organ and Mick Revell fishing from their float tubes catching 19 on diawls, cruncher and damsel. With the area opposite the lodge and down the Markfield arm best with the majority catching 30yds+ off the bank.

Weekly Fishing Report: Draycote, Eyebrook, Thornton

Visit our Fisheries Websites: www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk   www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk  www.flyfishthornton.co.uk

Online Shop: www.flyfishstore.co.uk      Tuition & Guiding: www.flyfishtuition.co.uk

Fishery YouTube Channel: YouTube Flyfishstore

Draycote Fishery Weekly Report – 01788 812018

Email:  draycote@flyfishstore.co.uk

2023 Stocking Policy Details of our stocking policy for Draycote is explained on our website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/stocking-policy/

2023 Membership Options visit our website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/season-permits/

Week Ending:     2^nd April 2023           Rod Av:      Water Temperature: 7°C

A lovely start to the week, with what could have been the nicest day of the season so far with warm spring sunshine. However, there was a distinct lack of wind in the morning. These teamed with bright sunshine pushed the fish off the banks making it a day for the boats. However, when the wind did increase Draycote Member Bob Barfoot landed a brace from Biggin Bay on buzzers. On the boats Andy Axon & Sean Porter landed 52 fish to the boat using Buzzers from Biggin Bay and Toft. All water member Ed Douglas again using buzzers but this time straight lining landed 22 fish from Biggin Bay, Lincroft Point and Croft Shoal. Including some cracking fish weighted at 4lb and 6lb taken on the buzzers. Also fishing at Lincroft Point and shoal Sam Smith landed 35 fish using buzzers under the bung. Brendan Thomas & Gary Murray landed 48 fish to the boat again also on buzzers from Toft, Biggin Bay and Lincroft.

Well after one nice day, the weather reverted back to windy and rainy, the same conditions we had for most of the previous weeks. Thankfully the wind was lighter than forecast to start with and remained in the South giving the anglers access to Toft. On the bank all water member Ken Key landed 4 fish using black and green tadpole and buzzers on the droppers. While Alan Topping landed 6 fish from the bank, using buzzers then a Damsel on the point. With the Swan’s Nest proving to be Alan’s most productive area. On the boats Tim Grove fishing his first day on a three day package landed 22 fish. Using black Buzzers in toft and also around Lincroft Point and Shoal in the morning. Chris Reeves and Ian McKenzie also fished in a boat landing 10 fish from Toft.

The wind’s Wednesday certainly did not reach the forecasted speeds which was a welcome surprise, although we did get treated to the rain during the morning. Season ticket holder Richard Collier fished from the bank in Toft landed a brace of fish using a Damsel pattern including a lovely 3lb rainbow. On the boats Tim Grove on his second day of three landed 9 fish on black buzzers. Also on the water we had the Civil Service fishing their regional qualifier for the final later in the year. 17 anglers took to the water landed 113 fish for a rod average of 6.6. With a number of anglers having the 16 fish limit for the competition which was made up of 4 kept and 12 released. The best tactics on the day being buzzers on the droppers with a blue flash damsel on the point on various different midge tips. With the majority of the fish coming from the Cornfield, Lincroft and Toft.

Another unpredictable day as regards the weather on Thursday, with some strong southerly gusts skimming across the surface of Draycote Water. Under such conditions it’s good to see that Rainbow Corner is producing some good catches, particularly on buzzers. Paul Havard had 9 fish from Rainbow Corner using a midge tip line and a mixture of black buzzers and muskins. On the Third day of his fishing trip, Tim Grove caught a dozen fish using buzzers and hares ears on the bung. Mike Oliver caught 3 fish whilst bank fishing near the Old Pipe in Biggin Bay.

Lighter breezes on Friday allowed both boat and bank anglers to take advantage of the good sport to be had along the northern shoreline. Mr S Hill caught half a dozen fish from the bank on damsels and black buzzers, taking fish from the Tower Bank, Biggin Bay and the Cornfield. Leigh Cheshire and Paul Denton had 9 fish from the bank between them using buzzers in the Cornfield. Season permit holder Stephen Dewhurst also took to the bank to net 3 fish in the Cornfield on Nymphs. Ray Rawlings caught 8 fish from a drifting boat in the area of the Swans Nest and the Cornfield, using nemo crunchers and white snakes.

A mixed day weatherwise Saturday with warm spring sunshine at times and some showers later in the day. On the bank  Stan Hillman used buzzers and a Damsel on the point to land 11 fish. David Hoppe also used buzzers to enjoy a good day on the bank landing 7 fish. With buzzers also proving to the way for Mark Parsley with 6 fish. On the boats John McVay landed 15 fish with a black and red buzzer being his most productive patten. With he hotspots being School Slips, Inlet & Cornfield. Fishery ranger & Guide Lee Henfrey fished from a boat in the morning landing 17 fish on Buzzers fishing down the Farborough Dam including some cracking fish with the best a rainbow estimated at 8lb. New fishery ranger Mark Braun also fished for a morning landing 8 fish all on black buzzers taken along the Cornfield. John Jessop on the boats landed 13 fish using buzzers and FABs along the Cornfield. Draycote season ticket holder Martyn Hancox landed 10 fish on a half day boat using a white tadpole.

A colder feel to the day Sunday with a North wind and overcast skies first thing in the morning. Which later in the day give way to some very welcome spring sunshine which resulted in a good buzzer hatch. On the bank we saw the Draycote Fly Fishers Association, fishing their first bank match of the season with 17 anglers fishing. It proved to be a challenging day on the bank which surprised most given the conditions. Winning the match was Mike Nolan who used buzzers on the Tower bank to land 4 fish including a cracking rainbow which can be seen by following the link www.facebook.com/flyfishstore In Second place was Kevin Jones, a new fishery ranger with 3 fish again taken on buzzers. Outside of the match there was a couple of other noticeable catches. Alan Grant landed 6 fish from Lincroft Point on buzzers. Then just down the bank at Dougie’s Gap Simon Ringer landed 8 fish on buzzers. On the boats Kevin Hart & Dave Pacey landed a dozen fish from the Farborough Dam wall with every one being overwintered with he fish falling to boobies fish on sunk lines. Rob Middleton who was later joined by his brother Craig boated over 20 fish using buzzers with Toft, Cornfield and Farborough Dam proving to be the best areas. All water member Ed Douglas straight lined buzzers all day landing 24 fish with Cornfield and Toft being his best areas.#

Event – RIO SAGE day at Draycote Sunday 9^th April, we have Simon Gawesworth from RIO, Chris Anderson & Peter Knox from SAGE & Jim Fearn from Guide Flyfishing onsite from 10.00am to 4pm.

If you’re looking for advice on any RIO or SAGE products call in, we are providing light refreshments

Event – Boatmen / Boatwomen required.

Draycote 19^th May hosts the seniors International with teams from England, Scotland, Wales & Ireland. We require boatmen / women for the event. You will receive £30.00 & a Draycote or Eyebrook boat voucher. If your interested or require further information contact Tom Bird at the Draycote Lodge 01788812018

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Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report – 01536 770264

Email: eyebrook@flyfishstore.co.uk

Stocking Policy Details of our stocking policy for Eyebrook is explained on our website

www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk/about-us-2/stocking-policy/

2023 Prices & details on our pre-payment visit our website www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk/about-us-2/day-permits/

Week Ending:     2^nd April 2023           Rod Av:      Water Temperature: 7°C

A lovely start to the week, with what could have been the nicest day of the season so far with warm spring sunshine. However, there was a distinct lack of wind in the morning. These teamed with bright sunshine pushed the fish off the banks making it a day for the boats. However, when the wind did increase Draycote Member Bob Barfoot landed a brace from Biggin Bay on buzzers. On the boats Andy Axon & Sean Porter landed 52 fish to the boat using Buzzers from Biggin Bay and Toft. All water member Ed Douglas again using buzzers but this time straight lining landed 22 fish from Biggin Bay, Lincroft Point and Croft Shoal. Including some cracking fish weighted at 4lb and 6lb taken on the buzzers. Also fishing at Lincroft Point and shoal Sam Smith landed 35 fish using buzzers under the bung. Brendan Thomas & Gary Murray landed 48 fish to the boat again also on buzzers from Toft, Biggin Bay and Lincroft.

Well after one nice day, the weather reverted back to windy and rainy, the same conditions we had for most of the previous weeks. Thankfully the wind was lighter than forecast to start with and remained in the South giving the anglers access to Toft. On the bank all water member Ken Key landed 4 fish using black and green tadpole and buzzers on the droppers. While Alan Topping landed 6 fish from the bank, using buzzers then a Damsel on the point. With the Swan’s Nest proving to be Alan’s most productive area. On the boats Tim Grove fishing his first day on a three day package landed 22 fish. Using black Buzzers in toft and also around Lincroft Point and Shoal in the morning. Chris Reeves and Ian McKenzie also fished in a boat landing 10 fish from Toft.

The wind’s Wednesday certainly did not reach the forecasted speeds which was a welcome surprise, although we did get treated to the rain during the morning. Season ticket holder Richard Collier fished from the bank in Toft landed a brace of fish using a Damsel pattern including a lovely 3lb rainbow. On the boats Tim Grove on his second day of three landed 9 fish on black buzzers. Also on the water we had the Civil Service fishing their regional qualifier for the final later in the year. 17 anglers took to the water landed 113 fish for a rod average of 6.6. With a number of anglers having the 16 fish limit for the competition which was made up of 4 kept and 12 released. The best tactics on the day being buzzers on the droppers with a blue flash damsel on the point on various different midge tips. With the majority of the fish coming from the Cornfield, Lincroft and Toft.

Another unpredictable day as regards the weather on Thursday, with some strong southerly gusts skimming across the surface of Draycote Water. Under such conditions it’s good to see that Rainbow Corner is producing some good catches, particularly on buzzers. Paul Havard had 9 fish from Rainbow Corner using a midge tip line and a mixture of black buzzers and muskins. On the Third day of his fishing trip, Tim Grove caught a dozen fish using buzzers and hares ears on the bung. Mike Oliver caught 3 fish whilst bank fishing near the Old Pipe in Biggin Bay.

Lighter breezes on Friday allowed both boat and bank anglers to take advantage of the good sport to be had along the northern shoreline. Mr S Hill caught half a dozen fish from the bank on damsels and black buzzers, taking fish from the Tower Bank, Biggin Bay and the Cornfield. Leigh Cheshire and Paul Denton had 9 fish from the bank between them using buzzers in the Cornfield. Season permit holder Stephen Dewhurst also took to the bank to net 3 fish in the Cornfield on Nymphs. Ray Rawlings caught 8 fish from a drifting boat in the area of the Swans Nest and the Cornfield, using nemo crunchers and white snakes.

A mixed day weatherwise Saturday with warm spring sunshine at times and some showers later in the day. On the bank  Stan Hillman used buzzers and a Damsel on the point to land 11 fish. David Hoppe also used buzzers to enjoy a good day on the bank landing 7 fish. With buzzers also proving to the way for Mark Parsley with 6 fish. On the boats John McVay landed 15 fish with a black and red buzzer being his most productive patten. With he hotspots being School Slips, Inlet & Cornfield. Fishery ranger & Guide Lee Henfrey fished from a boat in the morning landing 17 fish on Buzzers fishing down the Farborough Dam including some cracking fish with the best a rainbow estimated at 8lb. New fishery ranger Mark Braun also fished for a morning landing 8 fish all on black buzzers taken along the Cornfield. John Jessop on the boats landed 13 fish using buzzers and FABs along the Cornfield. Draycote season ticket holder Martyn Hancox landed 10 fish on a half day boat using a white tadpole.

A colder feel to the day Sunday with a North wind and overcast skies first thing in the morning.

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Thornton Fishery Weekly Report – 01530 230807

Email: thornton@flyfishstore.co.uk

2023 Stocking Policy Details of our stocking policy for Thornton is explained on our website www.flyfishthornton.co.uk/about-us-2/stocking-policy/

Week Ending: 2^nd April    Rod Av: 5.3      Water Temperature: 9c

Monday, with light winds forecast a busy day with all the anglers fishing the shallows of the Thornton arm, wood, corner of the wood with floating lines, black green fritz, black gold humungus, cats whisker, bloodworm, black buzzer, diawl bach patterns. Trout are tight on the bank with most been caught within 12ft of the bank. All water member Ian Leach & M Cowley caught 24, L Serrano caught 28, Pete Hunt caught 10 with Andrew Wilson and Carl Bond both catching 8. Anglers reported lots of gentle and missed takes.

Tuesday damp day at times. Again the shallows of the Thornton arm was the area anglers fished with P Wrigley catching 9, Bob Menhams fished a 4 hour session catching 4. It was surprising how the temperature dropped when the rain passed through.

Wednesday mixed weather forecast, nice at times with spells of rain when the temperature dropped, wind was ok, shame therefore anglers cancelled or moved their booking with the day averaging 5. The anglers who did go out took advantage of our morning session fishing 8.30am to 2.30pm. The shallows opposite the lodge continue to fish close in along the margins to floating lines small hares ears, cormorants, black buzzer with black green fritz tadpole or cats whisker.

Thursday another quiet day due to a mixed forecast, it wasn’t that bad, and we enjoyed an excellent day with P Cox catching 11 & J Scott 14. Continuous to be along the shallows with floating line, small viva, hare’s ear and increasing number trout taken on a clack buzzer. An indicator with black buzzers fished at 4ft & 6ft worked well.

Friday with light rain on & off all day we did see a small rise in the water level although clarity wasn’t affected too badly. Steve Proffitt fished the bank opposite the lodge catching 8 on a #12 UV cruncher, diawl bach. John Bebbington caught 7 from a boat. Generally black buzzer & nymphs worked best.

Saturday #12 #10 black buzzer, #12 diawl bach were the top patterns with anglers still concentrating their efforts opposite the lodge, wood & corner of the wood. M Clay caught 8 with Brian Sibley catching 5 with Ian Ash fishing Thornton for the first time from the bank catching 4.

Sunday proved to be a challenging day, everyone caught but they all reported more fish lost or missed takes than fish landed. Clarity is 18inch & improving.

Overall, not a bad week with a 5+ rod average for the week, the rain on Friday did raise the level by a few inches but its nearly back to normal level as I write this report. Looking forward we have good weather for the coming week

Weekly Fishing Report: Draycote, Eyebrook, Thornton

Visit our Fisheries Websites: www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk   www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk  www.flyfishthornton.co.uk

Online Shop: www.flyfishstore.co.uk      Tuition & Guiding: www.flyfishtuition.co.uk

Fishery YouTube Channel: YouTube Flyfishstore

Draycote Fishery Weekly Report – 01788 812018

Email:  draycote@flyfishstore.co.uk

2023 Stocking Policy Details of our stocking policy for Draycote is explained on our website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/stocking-policy/

2023 Membership Options visit our website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/season-permits/

Week Ending:     26^th March 2023           Rod Av: 5.8      Water Temperature: 7°C

A mild start to the week with the temperatures hitting double figures with the wind coming from the Southwest which was a little gusty at times. On the bank Draycote member Tony Broadway fished for his first trip of the season. Landing 6 fish on size 12 black buzzers fished on a floating line from along the Cornfield. Fishing from Toft on the bank John Dickens landed a dozen fish on the morning using tadpoles and snakes before taking a boat for the afternoon and landing another 18. Mr J Cheeny fished from the bank on his first ever Draycote Bank visit and landed 6 fish. Using a black and green lure first thing and then buzzers in the afternoon, with Rainbow Corner being the best area. On the boats fishery guide and ranger Lee Henfrey took Mike Kennedy out for a 4 hour guided session. With the aim to show Mike how to catch more fish using sinking lines and understand how they fish. With Lee’s help this is exactly what happened. With Mike, landing 11 fish using sunk lines with Croft Shoal being the hotspot. If you’re interested in any guiding please contact Tom on guiding.tuition@flyfishsotre.co.uk All water member Lorenzo Serrano landed a good cricket score using lures down in Toft near the nature reserve buoy. With former fishery manager Kevin Hart using a Di 5 in the morning and buzzers in the afternoon to land 33 fish from Middle Shoal.

A windy day Tuesday coming from the Southwest again and even stronger than the previous day. As a result it made getting on the current hotspots a little uncomfortable. On the bank Draycote member Alan Grant fished in Toft with a blue flash damsel using an intermediate line to land 5 fish. All water member Jim Greasley also fished in Toft using a green pea to land 10 fish. On the boats Sam Smith fished with Albert Coales with he pair boating 18 fish, using a Di 8 sinking line and boobies with the hotspot being Croft Shoal. With some nice overwintered fish also making an appearance in their catch.

More strong winds Wednesday made it a difficult day for the anglers to be able to once again get on the hotspots. Fishery Ranger & Guide Lee Henfrey fished with Martin Rowson with the pair landing 8 before deciding to call it a day early due to the strong winds. First thing in the morning the took fish from Croft Shoal then once the wind picked up, fish came from Farborough Dam and Rainbow Corner. Using a Di 5 sweep with a mix of boobies and cormorants. Draycote member Graham Homer fished in Rainbow Corner out of the wind to land 8 fish on Diawl Bach’s & Buzzers. With All Water member Pete Eville also catching up there boating 8 fish taking advantage of the last four hour members boat.

The same as the previous days, Thursday was a windy day with heavy showers in the afternoon as well. Due to this only a few anglers headed out to brave the wind and the rain. Ian Spicer fished from a boat landing 4 fish from Rainbow corner using a washing line set up with buzzers and a FAB on the point. Draycote members Ian Richardson & Bob Smith landed 9 fish from Rainbow Corner including 2 cracking overwintered fish caught by Bob. The best method was to us a Di 5 sinking line with a humungus, however Ian did land one using the bung with buzzers.

Friday followed the same pattern as the previous few days, with winds set to abate on Sunday. Most rods once again headed for the shelter of the Draycote Dam and Rainbow Corner, and whilst these aren’t seen as current hotspots, they are producing. Rob and Craig Middleton headed out in a boat for a couple of hours to net half a dozen fish between them. Season permit holder David Stott had 7 fish to the boat using buzzers on the bung. Brendon Thomas and Gary Murray caught half a dozen fish using snakes fished on a DI3 around the Inlet in Rainbow Corner. Draycote regular Martin Ashby used buzzers on the bung in much the same area to net a total of 5 fish.

Saturday was once again a hard days fishing with heavy winds blowing in to Toft. Those who ventured out mainly spent their time in Rainbiow Corner,to with the odd drift through Biggin Bay when the wind allowed it. Phil Mee and John Kirk had 10 fish to the boat which was very good considering the conditions. Phil and John used a mixture of buzzers, nymphs and snakes  to tempt their fish to the boat. Mr T Long had 4 fish to the boat on buzzers, all from Rainbow Corner. Season permit holder Graham Homer netted half a dozen fish from a  boat using diawl bachs fished on a floating line.

A much better wind Sunday with it swinging to a Northeast with showers in the morning but thankfully these cleared up as the day progressed. While the Northeast wind meant the anglers where able to get on the hotspots of the previous weeks it was a very cold day. On the bank fishing for the afternoon season ticket holder Martyn Hancox landed 10 fish from along the Cornfield and Toft. Using a black and green tadpole on the point and buzzers on the droppers. The boats enjoyed good sport with Buzzers featuring well on the catch report. Ed Douglas landed 24 using buzzers on the bung from Biggin Bay. All water members Fraser Duffy Snr & Jnr landed 34 fish to the boat with buzzers also being their nest tactic. Steve Cullen fished with Tony Baldwin with he pair landing 35 to the boat using buzzers and boobies in Biggin Bay. The All Abilities Friendly Fly Fishers had their first club day, with 23 anglers landing 158 fish for a rod average of 6.87 with Buzzers proving to be the most popular and successful tactic. The main hotspot for the AAFFF was down in Toft near the nature reserve buoys.

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Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report – 01536 770264

Email: eyebrook@flyfishstore.co.uk

Stocking Policy Details of our stocking policy for Eyebrook is explained on our website

www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk/about-us-2/stocking-policy/

2023 Prices & details on our pre-payment visit our website www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk/about-us-2/day-permits/

Week Ending: 26th March 23                    Rod Av: 4.2     Water Temperature: 8°C

Monday at Eyebrook saw the water clarity on the windward area of the Hawthorns & Sam’s Dyke improve to 4-5ft in some parts & consequently those areas fished well. Eyebrook member Roy Swinfield landed 12 from the Hawthorns fishing a floating line & 3 black Diawl Bachs & Mr Hawley landed 6 from the same area on small black Buzzers & a Iven’s Green & Brown. First time visitor Mateusz had a day to remember Fly Fishing for Pike, on only his 3^rd cast Mateusz hooked into one of Eyebrook’s many larger females. After a hard fight she came to the net & tipped the scales at 23lb. It just goes to show that the big girls are starting to move.

There was a blustery damp start to Tuesday which developed into very bright conditions & a strong south westerly wind. Strong winds & bright is never a good combination & made fishing somewhat challenging. The water clarity remained the same as the previous day, particularly around the margins & as a result the Hawthorns yet again fished well. There were 24 fish caught between 5 rods giving a bank rod average of 4.8, which is a great return given the conditions. Top rod on the day was All Water Member Norman Perkins who fished a Blob on the point & small black nymphs on the droppers & finished the day with 11 fish. The boats are finding it more challenging due to the water clarity with the clearer water being found close to the bank.

Wednesday’s morning damp, overcast, blustery conditions gave way to bright, warming spring sunshine in the afternoon. At 5-6ft, the water clarity had improved on the previous days & this was reflected in the catch returns as the reservoir fished well from both the banks & now the boats. The Hawthorns continued its fine form with some good bags coming from that area, especially for those fishing small black nymphs slow – static on Floating Lines. Letting your flies swing round naturally in breeze can be deadly method as the fish find them hard to resist. It was clearly apparent that those intent on fishing quick from the bank struggled. From the boats, All Water Members Clive & Ian found a lot of fish in front of Pens at the Chestnut area off the Leicester Bank. By the end of the day they had a high number of Fish from that area on a variety of methods & techniques. The fish were relatively high in the water column & the most productive lines proved to be Floating Lines & Short Tip Lines with dark nymphs being their most productive flies. It was great to see the boat anglers doing well & with the water clarity improving day by day, the prospects are looking great.

Thursday saw the reservoir continue to fish well, with fish still being caught along the Hawthorns on small dark natural patterns fished slow to static. Eyebrook member Dave Schofield had great short morning session landing 10 on bloodworm patterns fished on a floating line. Another Eyebrook member, Dave  Searson, landed 5 as to did Fishery Guide Mike Oliver. Both fished floating lines & nymphs to tempt their fish. First time visitor Karen Walker also had a productive day landing 4 fish, again from the Hawthorns area. Glad you enjoyed your visit, Karen; we hope to see you again soon.

Eyebrook fished very well on Friday yielding a daily rod average of 7.6. The Hawthorns to Sam’s Dyke area was yet again the most productive bank area where dark nymphs fished slow to static either straight lined or washing lined was the order of the day. Eyebrook member Roy Swinfield had a very productive day landing 22 fish straight lining Diawl Bachs & was closely followed by Max Woolnough & Mick Farrell who had 18 & 14 fish respectively. Max chose to fish Diawl Bachs & Crunchers on a washing line whilst Mick opted for black Muskins to tempt his fish.

Saturday started with a strong south westerly wind that brought with it periods of bright sunlight & isolated showers. The unsettled start to the day did not deter from the fishing as there were caught from the very start all the through the day to the end. Fish were caught on a variety of methods from both the boats & the bank. From the bank, the washing line featured very heavy on the catch returns with fish mainly falling to the nymphs; Crunchers, Diawl Bachs, Muskins & Buzzers. If they were dark & fished slow to static, the fish would find them hard to resist as they cruised up & down the banks. During the brighter spells it was noticeable that they would sit further out & move into the shallows when it was overcast. Eyebrook member Mick Farrell built an excellent bag of fish from Mucky Bay, catching 10 on the washing line. Mick also managed to tempt 4 of his fish on CDC’s later in the day as the wind subsided. Garry Mickley had 12 fish from the Hawthorns on Diawl Bachs & Keith Johnson had 10 from the same area on black Diawl Bachs & Muskins. From the boats, Sam Edmunds had a very productive day, landing 15 fish on a variety of methods from various areas. Sam caught on the washing line, pulling on a mid-glass & also on dries, with the most productive area being Sam’s Dyke. Covering a lot of water, fish were also caught up past the Chestnut & off the Island.

Sunday brought with it a wind change of 180° with the previously prolific Hawthorns Area being initially subjected to a still North Easterly. As the day progressed, the wind swing round to a Northerly which made this more accessible to bank anglers. Fish were caught throughout the day from various locations including a cracking Brown Trout from Stoke Dry for Luke Maylin. Luke fished a Black Snake in relatively shallow water to tempt the magnificent fish which wasn’t weighed & it returned strongly. Elsewhere, Eyebrook member Neil Shilton had a productive day out on his float tube. Neil concentrated his efforts at the northern end of the reservoir, landing 13 fish on a variety of methods. Off the banks, Sam’s Dyke & later in the day, the Hawthorns, continued to be productive. Fishery Members Dave Etty & Lynsay Bates fished small buzzers in Sam’s Dyke for the majority of the day & were rewarded landing 8 & 7 fish respectively.

Eyebrook also hosted it’s first tuition day of the season, where under the tutelage of Instructors Tom Bird & Mike Oliver, 3 participants were taken through the basics & taught how to cast a fly rod. Taking to the boats in the afternoon all 3 went on to catch their first ever trout on a fly rod. All of them had a great day, despite the very cold Northerly wind. Well done to all. For anyone interested in our Tuition Courses please follow this link: https://www.flyfishstore.co.uk/?s=tuition&s_cs=true

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Thornton Fishery Weekly Report – 01530 230807

Email: thornton@flyfishstore.co.uk

2023 Stocking Policy Details of our stocking policy for Thornton is explained on our website www.flyfishthornton.co.uk/about-us-2/stocking-policy/

Week Ending:26^th March 2023    Rod Av: 5.4    Water Temperature: 8c

Monday and a quiet start to the week with angler moving their bookings due to the forecast. Although we had some rain in the morning by lunchtime the wind had dropped and the sun was out. With the water clarity 18inch+ the trout have moved into the clearer water along the shallows. Bob Menhams caught 4 for his 3 hour visit with Andrew Wilson catching 16 for his full day visit. Both found fishing a floating line with a black & green tadpole or cats whisker on the point with a diawl bach on the dropper anchored 30 yards off the bank casting tight to the margins is where they found the fish with most hooked 10ft off the bank.

Tuesday, some overnight rain had reduced the clarity by a few inches but the shallows along the bank opposite the lodge in front of the wood to the corner of the wood was the area to fish. Again, a floating line with black & green tadpole with diawl bach on the dropper cast tight to the bank produced the fish. P Cox caught 9 on diawl bachs, P Wrigley caught his 7 on black & green with Pam Shuttleworth catching 3.

Wednesday and a brighter with a few showers. Visibility is still 18inch+ and we advised everyone to fish floating lines, black and green lures with yellow blob, diawl bach on the dropper and fish close into the margins opposite the lodge and wood. Jason Bishop and Carl Bond caught 6 with B Deeley catching 5 with the overall average for the 4.0

Thursday with the wind forecast as brisk south westerly the Thornton arm with the shallow bank opposite the lodge and in front of the wood offered the best fishing out of the wind. Water level keeps dropping and our clarity is around 2ft. All Water member Jim Greasley bank fished opposite the lodge catching 10 trout, Ian Leach and Mark Cowley caught 8 with L Serrano catching double figures. They all fished floating lines with various patterns working, black and green fritz, green pea, cormorant, black cruncher, diawl bach with most of the trout caught within 12ft of the bank.

Friday and another day with the brisk south westerly with boats fishing the calmer water opposite the lodge and concentrating their efforts close to the bank. Same method as the day before working with Dave Pritchard catching 8, J Bebbington caught 4 with some of his fish coming from the middle of the Thornton arm with L Serrano catching 17 close along the bank.

Saturday and the first of the summer visitors have arrived the sand martins, busily working across the main basin. Change to the wind direction with a strong colder north, north westerly greeting anglers. Certainly a more challenging day than earlier in the week with anglers picking up some fish in the middle of the Thornton arm. Sinking lines with green & black booby & small black snake on sink 3 & sink 7 lines.

Sunday with a poor forecast anglers moved their bookings to another day

With our water level dropping back to its normal level & our clarity improving it was good to see at long last the trout moving back into the margins especially on the milder days when we had the south westerly winds. Despite the weather an excellent rod average 5.4 for the week

Weekly Fishing Report: Draycote, Eyebrook, Thornton

Visit our Fisheries Websites: www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk   www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk  www.flyfishthornton.co.uk

Online Shop: www.flyfishstore.co.uk      Tuition & Guiding: www.flyfishtuition.co.uk

Fishery YouTube Channel: YouTube Flyfishstore

Draycote Fishery Weekly Report – 01788 812018

Email:  draycote@flyfishstore.co.uk

2023 Stocking Policy Details of our stocking policy for Draycote is explained on our website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/stocking-policy/

2023 Membership Options visit our website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/season-permits/

Week Ending:     19^th March 2023           Rod Av:   13.92     Water Temperature: 5-6°C

After the snow and cold weather of the previous week, we all hoped that the bad weather was behind us and that spring would start to spring in earnest. Although, the Great British weather had other ideas with strong winds over 30mph stopped the boats going out. When this was teamed with heavy rain showers it certainly was a day for the hardy anglers. Two such anglers were D Clawson & D Bray, the pair fished in Rainbow Corner and enjoyed great sport landing 24 fish between the two. Using a floating line with a black and green goldhead. Great angling on what was certainly not a very pleasant day on the water, but it beats being stuck in an office at work.

The wind swung to the Northwest, Tuesday and dropped considerable from the previous day with the temperatures also hitting double figures, although the wind did make it feel cooler. Fishing from a boat Mark Frost & Richard Webb enjoyed a good days sport landing 27 to the boat using black & green lures and also Diawl Bachs, with their best area being Biggin Bay. All water member Pete Eville fished from a boat enjoying a good day’s sport landing 16 fish. Using a tequila booby fishing along the Farborough Bank, with the same tactics also accounting for some fish out of Biggin Bay. On the bank new member Peter Jefferies fished for his first ever time on the bank. Only fishing for a couple of hours before the cold got the better of him, Peter landed 1 and lost one more. Using a black and green lure from Rainbow Corner with the one landed being a great 3lb rainbow.

It was dull and overcast for most of the day on Wednesday with light breezes and the odd spot of rain through the afternoon. The bank anglers have been faring well over this early part of the season with some good returns coming from the north shore and Toft Shallows. Young James Kelly had a bakers dozen from Lincroft Point on black and orange lures, while Mike Garner caught his fish from the Cornfield. Peter Elliott and Lee Patten had an absolute hat full of fish from the bank down in Toft Shallows using DI3’s and snakes. Out on the boats anglers were also doing extremely well Adam Larbalester and Ben Bayliss had over 30 fish each to the boat using a mixture of snakes, nymphs and lure patterns. Ian Morris plied his trade around the Valve Tower and Lincroft Point on small boobies fished deep and slow to net 16 fish from a drifting boat.

A windy day with rain in the afternoon on Thursday, which deterred some anglers from venturing out. Although those that did enjoyed great sport, Mike Oliver fished on the bank in the afternoon from 1pm onwards. Landing 27 using a black lure on the point and then pheasant tail nymph on the droppers and buzzers. The best area Mike found was down the Cornfield all the way up to Lincroft point and then in Biggin Bay as well. On the boats Lianne Frost & Chris Bobby landed 32 fish using a DI 5 sinking line and various boobies and blobs. Also using Di 5 lines to great affect, Fraser Duffer Snr & Jnr who landed 40 fish to the boat. The hotspots for the boat anglers seemed to be Toft, Lincroft Point and Biggin Bay.

A much improved day weather wise on Friday with mild conditions and a touch of spring in the air. And the mood these fish are in will definitely put a spring in your step here at Draycote because once again the rod average is through the roof. (14.9). The best of the fishing for both bank and boat anglers is along the northern shoreline running from Biggin Bay down to the Cornfield. Season permit holder Mr Paul Walker netted 26 fish from the bank . Paul used minkies and diawl bachs to catch his fish in Biggin Bay. Another season permit holder Mr Paul Walley caught a dozen fish from the bank at Lincroft Point using a Pitsford pea. Mr M Baggott and Mr D Jinkins also took to the bank to net 16 fish between them on black lures from Toft Shallows and the Cornfield. Young Ian Richardson and Bob Smith had an unholy amount of fish to the boat yesterday 88 in all. The lads used cormorants fished on sinking lines in Dougies Gap to tempt their fish and remarked on a red letter day. Mr David Mason had 20 fish to the boat using boobies and buzzers. Mr James Carr and Mr Tony Rowley had nearly 40 fish to the boat between them on buzzers and boobies and remarked on a great day.

Saturday morning dawned with overcast skies, and light showers. It was a fairly mild day overall with quite a few anglers taking to the water. Mr N and Mr M Hollingshead ventured out on to the bank to catch 19 fish between them. They fished mainly in the Cornfield using a mixture of patterns such as damsels, diawl bachs and crunchers. Season permit holder Simon Ringer caught 8 fish from the bank during a morning session, all on buzzers. Mr John Hartley also fished buzzers from the bank to net 7 fish from Biggin Bay. Draycote regular Stan Hillman caught 15 fish from the bank on lures from various points along the northern shoreline. Saturday was the practice day for the 6 x 4 competition so some anglers were playing their cards very close to their chests. However we still managed a rod average of 8, with once again lots of fish being caught from the boats in Toft Shallows, along the Cornfield and in Biggin Bay.

A fantastic day at Draycote Sunday with all anglers enjoying great sport. On the bank manger Tom Bird & fishery instructor and guide Mike Oliver hosted the first beginner bank day of the season. A great day was had by all the participants, and they went on to land 12 fish from Lincroft Point. With the best flies being a white and chartreuse tadpole fished on a floating line. Member Paul Walley fishing along the Cornfield landed a bakers dozen using a black and green booby on an intermediate line. With fellow member Mark JJ landed 6 alongside Paul, again on a black and green lure. Fishing at Lincroft Point in the morning Richard Walker landed 6 fish using black buzzers. On the boats we hosted the first round of the 6X4 competition. Who informed us that the there had been some very impressive catches the day before and that they expected the water to fish well again on Sunday. This proved to be the case with the 56 anglers producing a rod average of 21.4 fish per angler. With the best area’s being Toft, Croft Shoal, S Buoy and Lincroft point with the majority of anglers catching fish on Di 5 & 7 sinking lines with boobies, cormorants and blobs. Although Buzzers also featured well on the catch report with a 3ft Midge Tip and a team of buzzers working well. If you want to see any pictures and posts about with either the tuition day or competition please visit www.facebook.com/flyfishstore

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Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report – 01536 770264

Email: eyebrook@flyfishstore.co.uk

Stocking Policy Details of our stocking policy for Eyebrook is explained on our website

www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk/about-us-2/stocking-policy/

2023 Prices & details on our pre-payment visit our website www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk/about-us-2/day-permits/

Week Ending: 19th March 23                    Rod Av: 2.3        Water Temperature: 6-7°C

Monday at Eyebrook was dominated by the weather. With heavy rain, very strong winds there was no anglers venturing out.

Due to the recent weather the water clarity was very poor with visibility down to around 1ft. This did not deter George Hall from taking a boat for a short session. George managed 3 fish from the Hawthorns to Sam’s Dyke area which is a great return given the lack of water clarity.

Wednesday was another quiet day on Eyebrook. The water clarity remained an issue, however it did improve as the day wore as the colour started to drop out. By mid-afternoon the visibility was between 1 & 2ft.  Those that did venture out still caught however where the Hawthorns remained the most productive area with fish getting caught on Buzzers & Lures fished from the bank.

It was a damp start to the day Thursday with light southerly winds which made for favourable bank conditions. The water clarity is improving day by day with the shallower area around banks being first to clear as the sediment particles begin to drop through the water column. Eyebrook member Mick Farrell had a very productive bank session landing 6 fish & reporting a lot of interest throughout the day. Mick used a Di3 & Boobies with a slow retrieve to tempt his fish.

Fridays start was damp & cold which developed into a warm, bright spring afternoon. The wind was a light southerly which remained consistent all day. The water clarity continued its improvement with visibility now being at 2ft +. Subsequently, the reservoir fished very well off the bank with fish getting caught all down the Hawthorns to the Island. Fish were caught on a variety of lines with black flies proving to be more successful than lighter coloured ones. The key seemed to be to fish your flies slow, giving the fish plenty of opportunities to see them. Garry Mickley had a very productive day, landing 18 fish on a 5ft tip line with a Black lure on the point & Black Diawl Bachs above it. Eyebrook member Keith Johnson had 10 fish on a Kate McLaren & Black Diawl Bachs.

Saturday saw both the boats & the banks busy. With the water clarity now at 3ft, fish were caught from both. Those fishing the margins faired better than those on the boats opting for open water. As previously mentioned, the sediment clears from the shallower areas first as it has less distance to fall. So at this time of year, when there is sediment in the water, the banks & margins are areas that with have the better clarity of water & affords the greater possibility of fish seeing your flies.

Sunday was a very quiet day with a few fish caught from the boats & banks but in no great numbers. With the weather for the forth coming week looking increasingly unsettled, targeting the areas that have better water clarity will become of paramount importance.

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Thornton Fishery Weekly Report – 01530 230807

Email: thornton@flyfishstore.co.uk

2023 Stocking Policy Details of our stocking policy for Thornton is explained on our website www.flyfishthornton.co.uk/about-us-2/stocking-policy/

Week Ending: 19^th March 2023    Rod Av: 0.9      Water Temperature: 8c

Quiet start to the week with average wind speeds exceeding 25mph our cut off point for allowing boats out. Reservoir levels are high due to the snow melt & rain with visibility around 1ft. Although it’s disappointing to lose days to the weather we need the rain to ensure ground water levels are normal or above normal to ensure any high summer temperatures have as little impact as possible on reservoir levels. It’s the joys of earning a living around the weather.

Tuesday to Thursday with the high levels & coloured water we recommended that anglers didn’t fish or went to Draycote.

Friday, water level was returning to normal, visibility was improving with two members deciding to fish the morning session. J Bebbington caught 2 up the Thornton arm with L Serrano catching 3 from the corner of the wood. Sinking lines with black coloured boobies worked best.

Saturday morning with the level continuing to fall our clarity is around 18inch. Fishing wasn’t easy with anglers picking up an odd fish along the wood and corner of the wood with black booby or black humungus best on a fast sinker.

Sunday with our clarity at 18inch+ and as the colour / sediment drops from the top downwards it meant the clearer water would be closer to the bank. Bob Jones caught his 4 fish limit doing just that, catching his first fish on a fast sinker & booby but due to catching weed changed to a floater & a black & green lure. Fishing opposite the lodge and casting tight to the bank he caught a further 3 & missed a few as the takes were tentative.

Challenging week due to snow melt & rain which raised the level & bought in dirty water. Currently our level is dropping & returning to normal, clarity is improving daily & currently 18inch+. Last weeks stocking has increased the head of fish to 3450 rainbows we would therefore weather permitting expect to see the fishing improve. Contact the lodge for latest updates.