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:     12^th March 2023           Rod Av:  5.9        Water Temperature: 4-5°C

Weather Forecast

The national weather forecast for the UK is likely to have an impact on us this week, although as I write this report locally its not too bad. I’m often asked which weather forecast we follow, we use two

https://www.xcweather.co.uk/ which you can also download as an App, all you do is enter the fisheries post code

Thornton LE67 1AR,   Draycote CV23 8AB,    Eyebrook LE16 8RP

The other weather forecast we follow is https://www.windy.com/ and again all you do is enter the fisheries postcode

We find both to be pretty accurate 48h to 24hr before your visit.

Fishing Report

A cold start to the week with the temperatures dropping down to single figures and the a strong Southwest wind blowing. However, it didn’t seem to upset the fish to much as the rods who took to the water produced a 7.25 rod average. Draycote member Peter Elliot headed out on the bank using a black snake on a fast glass to return 16 fish from Dunn’s and the Cornfield. Another angler who found the fish at Dunn’s was Bob Barfoot who landed 7 fish on small buzzers in size 12 & 14s. New member Richard Collier also used the more natural approach landing a brace on Pheasant tailed nymphs with a further one on a viva. On the boats Brett Vinall & Andy Birkett started there first of a 3 day break returning 22 fish to the boat using boobies on sunk lines. Ian Morris also used a booby with some cormorants fished slowly at the Cornfield & Alberts Bottom landing a baker’s dozen. Anglers Bob Smith and Ian Richardson fishing in Toft and later in Biggin Bay also boating 13. With the best flies being bloodworm patterns, blobs and small snakes.

The cold weather continued Tuesday with very cold conditions 1°C mixed with some rain at the same time for the morning. Although in the afternoon the sun came out, making it much more pleasant day still cold but certainly more enjoyable to be out on the water. The previous days of colder weather and certainly knocked the fish off a little from the previous days. Season ticket holder Alan Grant fished for a few hours off Lincroft Point to land a brace using an intermediate with a damsel. Regular last four hour anglers Slav & Jony fished in Dunn’s again using various early season lures such as black & greens, snakes and cats whiskers. David Harrison fished from the boats with his best area being G Buoy in Toft fishing keep with a white snake. All water member John Kirk found the fish off Lincroft Point using the Bung and black buzzers. Brent Vinall & Andy Birkett fished for their second day landing 17 fish. The duo found that a Di 3 link with boobies to be most effective in the morning. While it was the Booby Basher in the afternoon that caught the fish. With the best areas being Toft, Biggin Bay and Lincroft Point.

An awful weather day Wednesday with North east winds fixed with snow and sleet showers for nearly the entire day, making it feel well below freezing. As a result we only had 3 anglers arrive at the fishery. Draycote member Dave Kennel fished off the bank to land a very welcome fish from the Cornfield. Then out on the boats we had Brent Vinall & Andy Birkett on the final day of their 3 day break. They once again used booby bashers and boobies. Landing 9 fish from around Farborough Spit including some cracking overwintered fish. Pictures of the fish can be seen on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/flyfishstore

Heavy snow and very inclement conditions put an end to any chance of fishing over Thursday and Friday, and indeed due to local road conditions Severn Trent closed Draycote over both days.

A light but cold north easterly breeze greeted us on Saturday morning, with the promise of reasonable fishing conditions throughout the day. Draycote did not disappoint from either the boat or the bank and is fishing well at the moment. Mr A Joseph fished from the bank in Toft Shallows to land 7 fish on a small orange lure. Mike Hunt landed half a dozen fish from the bank on an olive snake in the Cornfield. Out on the boats Mark Braun netted 16 fish using damsels on a fast glass in Toft Shallows. Ray Rawlings also boated 16 fish using green and black lures on a DI7 off the Cornfield. Young Mike Garner and Ian Ross had 20 fish to the boat between them using black and green lures fished along the northern shore.

The best day of the week arrived Sunday and the anglers who fished on the day enjoyed good sport with a rod average of 6.2 fish per angler. Bank angler and Draycote season ticket holder Jon Crowley landed 11 fish from Rainbow Corner using a blue flash Damsel fished on either a Di 5 sweep or on a midge tip. Also, fishing in Rainbow Corner Steve Orton using a brown buzzer to land 7 fish. Draycote member Richard Walker fished along the Northshore using a fast sinking line and a booby to also land 7 fish. Mr J Mackay fished in Toft in the afternoon from the bank to land 6 fish on blue flash damsels. On the boats all water member Kevin Hart fished with Dave Pacey landing 35 fish to the boat. The pair fished in Toft, Cornfield & The Farborough Dam with intermediate and medium sink lines. With the best flies being various boobies and tadpoles. All water members Fraser Duffy Snr & Fraser Duffy Jnr used Di 5 sinking lines and boobies to land 36 fish landing the fish from Toft, Cornfield & Biggin Bay. Jared Burton & L Jones fished from a boat along the Cornfield using Olive Snakes to land 28 fish.

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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: 12th March 23                    Rod Av: 3.0        Water Temperature: 5°C

The week started with a moderate northerly wind that saw both the air & water temperature begin to plummet. This made the trout fishing somewhat challenging & fish hard to come by, particularly from the boats. The banks fared better with All Water Member & Eyebrook regular Ian Jobe landing 11 fish from the bank on lure patterns. Ian started along the Hawthorns & he moved frequently further along the bank picking up fish as he went. Other catches from included Mr Hawley & All Water Member Jim Watt who had 5 & 4 fish respectively. From the boats the Pike anglers proved to be more successful than the trout anglers with quite a few fish to 8lb being caught. The big girls did not make a showing on this day, but it is only a matter of time before they do.

Tuesday proved to be even colder than the previous day & the water temperature had dropped to 4°C. The water was 1°C colder than the previous day which would have a detrimental impact on the fishing, so it proved. It made the fishing beyond challenging & therefore very few fish were caught. The trout did make an appearance but only in 1’s & 2’s.

The cold weather continued Wednesday & so did Eyebrook’s challenging start to the season. Robbo’s cabin did produce some fish however, where fish were caught from both the banks & the boats. The boat anglers caught using lures on sinking lines fished relatively slow. Whereas the bank anglers caught fishing small nymphs which contained a small element of some kind of flash. Targeting the naturally feeding fish these small flashy nymphs proved to be a convincing imitation of the Corixa the trout were feeding on.

The weather Thursday & Friday were very typical of a British springtime with numerous bouts of snow, wind, rain, frost & sunshine. These changeable weather conditions were enough to deter the very hardiest of anglers & the fishery remained extremely quiet.

It was a very cold & clear start to Saturday. The reservoir resembled a mill pond & remarkably, fish could be seen moving across the area of the Main Basin. The Hawthorns proved to be the most productive area with the bank anglers catching on Intermediate Lines & White Humungus Boobies.

Sunday saw an increase in air temperature & the fishing really kicked into life with the reservoir producing a daily rod average of 7.08. Fish were caught from both the bank & the boats with the most productive area being the Leicester Bank from the Lodge to Sam’s Dyke. Fish were caught on a variety of flies & methods from Black & Green Lures being pulled to Diawl Bachs fished static on a Washing Line.

The forecast for the forthcoming week is one of changeable conditions with strong winds. However, it is also one of increased air temperature & from a favourable direction for the bank fishing so the recent upturn in form looks set to continue.

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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: 12^th March    Rod Av: 4.5     Water Temperature: 7c

Fishing Report

Monday with a mixed forecast only one angler took to the water new Thornton member Martin Hoskins who was rewarded with 10 trout taken on a fast sinking line with a black and green booby.

Tuesday, how wrong could the national weather forecast be for the midlands, no rods and we had worst days in February when anglers went out fishing! By late morning the sun was out. Follow the local forecast.

Wednesday, snow flurries and a bitterly cold easterly. One angler member Carl Bond took a boat out for a few hours catching 1 fish on a fast sinker and a black nymph before the cold drove him off the water.

Thursday, Friday snow arrived causing local disruption to travelling with no anglers on the water. Saturday & following a quick thaw the reservoir level rose & water clarity was reduced to 1ft, with no rods out fishing.

Sunday following a bit of rain and the continued thaw the water level in the reservoir continued to rise with clarity reduced further. Couple of rods decided to give it a try, Richard Smith caught 1 and had other offers to a black humungus with John Reynold catching 6 on a fast sinker and a black and green booby.

With the reservoir running over the overflow due to the snow melt and rain our visibility is currently 1ft but will improve with this weeks forecast as always we recommend you call the lodge for latest updates

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:     5^th March 2023           Rod Av:   10.25       Water Temperature: 5°C

Draycote Opening Day video on our YouTube Flyfishstore Channel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHCabibdCIc

The season kicked off with a bang on Wednesday with 88 rods producing a rod average of 10.19. As expected with such a high rod average there was some massive catches from both the boat and the bank. On the bank the hotspots were Toft, bottom end of the Cornfield, Lincroft Point & in between Dunn’s and Biggin Bay. With some slightly different methods depending on the area in Toft, intermediates with blobs and black and green lures featured. While along the Cornfield it was slightly faster intermediates and Di 3 proving to be the most productive with snakes, and longer tailed lure and FABS scoring best. With both areas showing up a good percentage of overwintered fish. Further up the bank it was fast intermediates with snakes and black and greens taking the majority of the fish and the key being a fast retrieve such as a roly-poly. On the boats Toft, Biggin Bay, Croft Shoal and Lincroft point all scored well. With boobies fished on sinking lines proving to be successful along with snakes. However a number of fish did fall to buzzers across the lake and a high proportion of overwintered fish.

Similar conditions Thursday with the wind remaining in the Northeast, with an overcast start and the sun making an appearance later in the day. The good sport continued with the rod average for the day 9.25 fish per angler. It was the boats that took the lion share of the sport, as the bank anglers reported the fish moved further off the bank once the sun broke through. However, James Kelly did enjoy some nice sport in the morning from Toft. On the boats season ticket holder Rob Middleton and boat partner Darren Cox enjoyed a good day landing over 30 fish. Using black buzzers on a floating line drifting along the Cornfield landing some great overwintered fish amongst them. Craig Middleton also used buzzers and also egg flies under the bung to land 25 fish in Toft. A George & I George used blue flash damsels in Toft to land 52 between them. All water members Steve Windram & Phil Cross fished at the nature reserve buoys in Toft on a Di 3 sinking line with a cut throat cat and blobs landing 69 fish.

Another chilly day Friday with the wind staying in the same direction with a few light showers in the morning. On the bank Gary Russell landed 7 fish from Toft using heavy black lures fished on a floating line. Simon Ringer fished along the Cornfield landing 6 fish on buzzers. On the boats all water season ticket holder Jamie Scott landed 40 fish using a white booby on a Di 7 before changing to buzzers under the bung. Draycote member Ray Rowlings used a Di 3 & Di 7 sinking with a mix of snakes and snake boobies to land 23 fish.

A slightly warmer day Saturday with the wind speed dropping although the overcast conditions remained. Tim Burn fished the bank at the Cornfield and Dunn’s with Draycote member Paul Mitchell to land 11 fish while Paul landed 5. Using intermediate lines and Di 3 with snakes and black and green lures. On the boats it was a busy day with a number of anglers traveling from Scotland & Wales to make the most of the opening weekend and the great fishing. With them being rewarded for their journey the 12 rods from Scotland landed a very impressive 399 fish for a rod average of 33.25 fish per angler. The lads used snakes, blobs and other lures on sinking lines in Toft to land their great numbers. Rob Edmounds and Sam Edmounds landed 30 fish to the boat using Di 8 sinking line with tadpoles and boobies to land their fish. Sam Smith fishing with Ed Elix landed 61 fish on boobies. With the hotspot for the day certainly being Toft.

The wind swung Saturday to the Southwest, put remained a cold day. Draycote member Paul Walker fished off the bank to land 7 fish fishing from Dunn’s and the Cornfield. With the wind change a number of the anglers bank tried Rainbow Corner for the first this season. Draycote member Jon Crowley was one such angler who landed 10 fish. Some from The Cornfield and the rest from Rainbow. Jon used a blue flash Damsel and a black & green. All water member Andy Lillie also fished in Rainbow Corner landing 3 fish on black & green lures. Airflo’s Gareth Jones also enjoyed a day on the bank with Anthony Cartwright. The pair fished along the Cornfield with the hotspot being the top end where it’s a little deeper. Gareth had the correct method using a 12ft Airflo fast tip with a black and green to land 20 fish. While Tony landed 6 struggling to get the dept with just his floating line. On the boats the Scottish party of anglers continued to catch fish from Toft using the same tactics as the day before, but not quite the same number as the wind direction change slightly knocked the fish off. New all water member Fraser Duffy Snr & Jnr enjoyed a good first day on Draycote landing 39 fish to the boat using lures on sinking lines. Draycote member Ian Reeve also enjoyed a good day landing 16 fish using a small black & green lure teamed with a blob with his best areas being Toft, Dunn’s & The Valve Tower.

Overall its been a fantastic opening week with 2,406 fish caught giving a rod average of 10.25 for the week. Its been great to see both bank and boat anglers enjoying the good sport. We have another load of 1,805 fish arriving this week to help make sure the great sport continues.

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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: 05 Mar 23                    Rod Av: 6.1         Water Temperature: 5-6°C

The start of 2023 season brought with it a stiff North Easterly breeze with plenty of cloud. The pre-season stocking had been completed & due to the recent lack of rain the water clarity remained very good for this time of year. The reservoir fishing very well, yielding a rod average of 7.8, with some high returns being recorded from both the bank & boats. The common dominator was that anglers needed to be fishing extremely close to the bank which obviously favoured the bank anglers initially. In the areas that the boats could get close to the margins, there were some extremely rich pickings to be had. All water members Ian Jobe & Clive Moore had an extremely productive day. Fishing the north side of the tower up into Harrison’s corner, casting at the Dam wall & moving their flies back quickly using a roly-poly retrieve they were to record a very high catch return. On the banks, fish in high numbers were caught from various locations, from Dogwood Bay to the Island & over at Harrisons Corner to the netted. Harrisons fished well from the off with Eyebrook Member Bill Law catching 8 extremely quickly. Over the Leicester Bank, fish were caught steadily throughout the day from various locations. Regular visitor Nigel Woolnough landed 14 over the course of his visit, dropping in on various locations throughout the day.

Saturday saw the air temperature decrease & the stiff North Easterly breeze continue. Consequently, the water temperature had fallen to 5°C which meant the trout were in a somewhat lethargic mood. Fish were still caught however, with the bank fishing proving to be more productive than the boats. Sam’s Dyke to the Island was again a prolific area where Jim Bright caught his 5 fish on Diawl Bachs. Fish were also picked up along the Hawthorns. The boats continued to pick up fish along the Dam Wall, North side of the Tower into Harrison’s Corner & also along the Hawthorns into Sam’s Dyke. Sue Potts landed her 7 fish from both the Hawthorns & Dam Wall on Blobs & Boobies. Given the conditions, this was an excellent return.

On Sunday, the wind had swung round to a Westerly & reduced in speed, resulting in a slight increase in both the air & water temperature. As on the previous day, locating the fish was not the issue, being there when they decided to feed was. Eyebrook member Dave Etty benefited from being in the right place at the right time, landing 5 fish from the Hawthorns/Sam’s Dyke area. Fishing very slowly, Dave used Nymphs to tempt his fish. Whereas other bank anglers found that pulling lures as fast as they could was required to generate interest & elicit a response from the fish whenever they were in front of them. For consecutive days the bank has outfished the boats which is indicative of the time of year & where fish are likely to be found. With the forecast for the forthcoming week indicating cooler temperatures, the bank looks set to continue producing high catch returns.

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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: 5^th March   Rod Av: 2.8      Water Temperature: 7c

Lost and Found, we have a rod with a sinking line on it which was handed into the lodge. If you’ve lost a rod in the last few months call the lodge, we will need to know the make of rod, reel & type of fly line.

Monday, quiet start to the week with a cold north easterly & rain forecast. Only one boat ventured out & he caught 2 fish before returning to the lodge for a hot drink to warm up.

Tuesday & a busier day with lighter winds forecast. Anglers generally concentrated around the corner of the wood. Barry Deeley fished a sink5 & Humungus to catch 7. Martin Hoskins fished a DI7 with boobies to catch his 12 trout with T Johnson & D Ward boating 7

Thursday and a challenging day with the surprisingly cold wind chill seeing most rods off the water by early afternoon. Tiny Lorrimer and his bunny patterns were top rod with 6 trout on a white and yellow pattern.

Friday Chris Sayer fished a minkie booby pattern to catch 7 trout with all other rods picking up 1 to 3 trout on booby, green pea and cats whiskers.

Saturday and a bit of a better day although the colder than expected wind chill seeing most of the rods off early afternoon. B Sibley and Martin Clay caught 6 trout for their visit, Mark Hunt fished a 6ft tip line to catch 8 on olive or black buzzer. David Woodall fished his new standard midge tip line & buzzers and was rewarded with 2 fish.

Sunday and a calmer day, with a cold chill to it. Martin Rowson & Neil Deakin found the winning combination fishing off the corner of the wood boating 20 trout with snakes proving to be the best pattern. Andrew Wilson fished with booby & buzzer patterns to catch his 5 trout, reporting a small buzzer hatch during a short period of the day.

Water clarity is still good with the water temperature at 7c, cold chill to the wind most of the week. Sinkers with cats whiskers, snakes, black green fritz, boobies various colours worked best with a few fish taking buzzer. Trout are still some distance off the bank but are spread from the top of the Thornton Arm all the way down to the tern rafts

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

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

DRAYCOTE OPENS 1^st March

 Main gate and lodge open from 7.30am

Call the lodge to prebook boats, we will be asking for pre-payment, to speed up the process please have your debit / credit card to hand.

Details on Day Permit & Boat cost are on our website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/day-permits/

For bank anglers to take your vehicle around the perimeter road you will need to call and book one of the 30 car passes

Severn Trent have major works going on along the Hensborough Dam while the work continues access to and from the bank is from the barrier at the Farnborough dam.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

Sunday 9^th April

RIO & SAGE Day with Simon Gawesworth RIO, Peter Knox & Chris Anderson of SAGE & Jim Fearn of Guide Fly Fishing

FREE 1 to 1 casting session with Simon, Peter, Chris or Jim, Trout, Pike, Saltwater or Salmon with any SAGE Rod & RIO fly line you would like to try. Great opportunity for beginners or anglers wanting to improve.

Also 1½hr FREE guided session with one of the Draycote guides fishing with a SAGE rod or RIO fly line of your choice

To book your spot call the Draycote Lodge 01788812018

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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: 26^th February    Rod Av: 5.3     Water Temperature: 6c – 7c

Monday, with a brisk cool wind anglers fished from the corner of the wood back up into the shelter of the Thornton arm. Mr & Mrs Warren decided to fish the sheltered water in front of the main car park catching 5 from this area. All Water member John Duncan caught 11 for his visit with Greg Weatherdon on his first visit of the year catching 7. Lee Henfrey returned and fished the 12ft slow tip line with bloodworm & buzzers to catch 17 for his visit.

Tuesday with a good forecast we had all of the boats out, milder day with our water temperature at 6c+. Bit of a mixed days fishing with a rod av of 3.4 Buzzer patterns caught a few mor fish with Steve Fairgrieve catching 6 on buzzer patterns, Bob Jones caught 7 for his visit on a mixture of cats whisker & buzzer patterns. Andrew Wilson fished out in front of the lodge with a DI3 and viva pattern catching 8 trout

Wednesday, although a bit cooler the weather was better than forecast with the fishery returning a rod average 5 for the day. Anglers are finding increasing numbers of trout past the end of the wood down to the tern raft and is well worth a look when the wind allows. 4 weeks into the season the Thornton arm and in front of the wood continues to produce well for the boats. All water members Ian Jobe and Clive Moore caught 14 for their visit with other rods catching on small minkie, booby, cats whisker, bloodworm and buzzers using a 12ft slow tip down to a DI7

Thursday, much cooler start to the day with a brisk northerly wind. With a north wind the end of the wood, lonesome pine down the Markfield arm offered some relief from the cold. It was a day for fast sinkers with a variety of boobies from a cats whisker, white, coral to pink. All Water member John Duncan fished with R Bedder boating 11 trout, Keith Cowen caught 6 on a cats whisker with J Scott catching 8

Friday and a colder northerly wind kept the rods off the water, a quiet day with S Hall & M Bishop on their first visit to Thornton catching 12 trout on a fast sinker & black booby with green eyes fishing along the wood bank & corner of the wood.

Saturday, and a daily rod average 9.1 with anglers finding fish from in front of the lodge, along the wood down the Markfield arm towards the tern raft, unfortunately majority of the trout remain a good way off the bank. Kevin Hart fished with D Pacey catching 23 on booby patterns on a fast sinker and a midge tip with buzzers. N Perrie caught 10 on a black and green fritz with Thornton member Jan Webber catching 11 on fast sinking lines and boobies. Sam & Rob Edmonds caught 20 on fast sinkers and booby patterns. The longer daylight hours are helping to move the water temperature upwards it now sits at 7c

Sunday, and a busy day with all of the boats out on the water. Lee Henfrey & Nigel Keeber caught 26 for their visit with Neil Deakin & Martin Rowson catching 25 trout for their visit. All Water member J Reynolds caught 15 with All Water members F Duffy jnr & F Duffy snr catching 25 for their visit. Fast sinking lines with various booby patterns caught the majority of the trout although Mark Hunt persevered with a midge tip & buzzers to catch 7

Water clarity is excellent, boat anglers are still enjoying the best of the sport with the area opposite the lodge in front of the wood and down the Markfield arm to the tern rafts fishing best. Water temperature is starting to creep upwards and was at 7c by the end of the week.

With only 2 days left for February we have enjoyed an excellent opening month from the boats with a rod average of 5.9 for February

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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/

Eyebrook Opens 3^rd March

Main gate and fishing lodge open from 7.30am

Call Lloyd to book your boat 01536770264 pre-payment required for the boat bookings. To speed up the booking process please have your debit / credit card to hand.

Visit the Eyebrook website for details www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk/about-us-2/day-permits/

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

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

DRAYCOTE OPENS 1^st March

Call the lodge to prebook boats, we will be asking for pre payment Details on Day Permit & Boat cost are on our website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/day-permits/

For bank anglers to take your vehicle around the perimeter road you will need to book one of the 30 car passes

Severn Trent have major works going on along the Hensborough Dam while the work continues access to and from the bank is from the barrier at the Farnborough dam.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

Sunday 9^th April

RIO & SAGE Day with Simon Gawesworth RIO, Peter Knox & Chris Anderson of SAGE & Jim Fearn of Guide Fly Fishing

FREE 1 to 1 casting session with Simon, Peter, Chris or Jim, Trout, Pike, Saltwater or Salmon with any SAGE Rod & RIO fly line you would like to try. Great opportunity for beginners or anglers wanting to improve.

Also 1½hr FREE guided session with one of the Draycote guides fishing with a SAGE rod or RIO fly line of your choice

To book your spot call the Draycote Lodge 01788812018

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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 Permit, Boat rates and pre-payment details www.flyfishthornton.co.uk/about-us-2/day-permits/

Week Ending: 19^th February   Rod Av: 6.3      Water Temperature: 5.5c

Monday and a milder start to the week with the boats still finding the best of the fishing 50yd+ off the bank. Some boats were into double figures while others were 4 or 5 fish to the boat, it seemed to be down to line choice with a sink 3 working best. All water member Richard Dayman fished a DI3 sweep catching 17 by 1pm on a Fab & cats whisker pattern. John Duncan caught 16 for his visit with Ian Jobe braving the 5c water temperature fishing from his float tube being rewarded with 18, overall rod average 7.6

Tuesday and a cold frosty, foggy morning which didn’t improve until after lunch, but once the sun had burnt away the fog we were left with a milder brighter afternoon. Fishing was slow during the morning but picked up once conditions improved. Andrew Wilson caught 7 on a cats whisker and buzzer, Barry Deeley, Pete Cox, Arthur Olding, Phil Mee all caught 6 fish each on cats whiskers, cut throat cat, humungus & fab patterns on a DI3, DI5 & DI7

Wednesday and another cold frosty start to the day. There are fish at the top of the Thornton and fish now pushing round towards the lonesome pine, but still frustratingly too far our for any reliable bank sport. Lee Henfrey fished with Kevin Hart catching 20 on boobies & humungus. All Water member Mick Glover fished the morning session catching 7 on a black & silver humungus with Ian Jobe & Clive Moore catching 14 for their visit. R Swan & A Trabankowski on their first visit to Thornton caught 11

Thursday, busy day with all of the boats out. Some of the boats pushed further down the Markfield arm with D Pritchard going down the arm catching 5 close to the bank. Keith Cowen fished a cats whisker booby to catch his 6 trout with Martin Hoskins on his first visit to Thornton catching 9 on a DI7 and boobies. R Swan & A Trabankowski returned for day 2 catching 12 with Tony Lorrimer using his rabbit patterns a yellow rabbit pattern on this occasion to catch 9 with Steve Fairgrieve fishing a cats whisker to boat 7 trout.

Friday, we missed the worst of the forecasted winds. Chris Sayer fished a white booby to catch his 7 trout with John Bebbington fishing the much calmer afternoon session catching 6 on a cats whisker. All water member C Middleton had an excellent day catching well into double figures on a white booby.

Saturday, milder day with the water temperature for the first time this season creeping upwards. Forecast of strong winds saw a number of anglers cancelling and inline with our boat fishing pre payment policy received a full refund or the day carried over to their next visit. As it happened similar to Friday the winds were nowhere near as bad as forecast with the anglers who went out returning a rod average of 12 for the day. Neil Shilton took to his float tube fishing a fast sinker with pink booby to catch his 15 trout. All water members Rob & Sam Edmonds caught 25 for their visit on DI7 and boobies with Jan Webber also fishing boobies on a DI7 to catch his 15 trout. Brian Sibley opted to fish a DI3 with black buzzers catching 7 trout with Mark Hunt fishing a 12ft tip line with olive and black buzzers catching 21

Sunday, All water members Fraser Duffy & Fraser jnr on their first visit to Thornton caught 11, Lee Henfrey making the most of his time before he resumes his fishery ranger / guiding duties at Draycote on the 1^st March, fished with N Keeber catching 21 trout to the boat during a morning session. Lee initially caught on DI7 & booby patterns before switching to a 12ft tip line with bloodworm patterns & buzzers. Richard Smith fished a morning session catching 6 on DI7 and booby patterns.

Main area continues to be down the Thornton arm, out in front of the wood and wood corner with some fish been caught all the way down the Markfield arm to the tern rafts. Fast sinkers with various booby patterns with the 12ft tip line with bloodworm & buzzer. Water clarity is good with the water temperature a cold 5.5c

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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/

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/

Eyebrook Opens 3^rd March

Call Lloyd to book your boat 01536770264 pre payment required for the boat bookings. Visit the Eyebrook website for details www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk/about-us-2/day-permits/

2023 Season

With a little over a week to go before we start the 2023 season at Thornton, if you’ve booked a boat can you call the Thornton lodge 01530230807 to arrange the required pre payment.

Lodges are open at 7.30am. Boats available from 8.30am but could be out sooner if the fishery staff have finished their early morning pontoon & boat checks earlier than expected.

Opening dates 2023
Thornton 1^st February to book call the lodge 01530 230807
Visit the website www.flyfishthornton.co.uk and click on the “About Us” tab to see our 2023 stocking policy & permits.

Draycote 1^st March to book call the lodge 01788 812018
Visit the website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk and click on the “About Us” tab to see our 2023 stocking policy & permits.
Also for Draycote if your fishing the bank we recommend you call & book one of the 30 car passes which allow bank anglers, members & day permits to take their car around Draycote perimeter road. We will require your car registration & contact number.

Eyebrook 3^rd March to book call the lodge 01536 770264
Visit the website www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk and click on the “About Us” tab to see our 2023 stocking policy & permits.

During 2023 we will be producing a range of YouTube video, from general fishing videos at Draycote, Eyebrook & Thornton to instructional & tackle reviews & if organisers of competitions require we can video their events, all will be posted on our channel YouTube Flyfishstore
The latest video https://youtu.be/VncwnC8yNM0 gives you a short insight to some of the work fishery staff need to do once the season closes to ensure were ready for the next one.
Sale Items
On our online shop we have some sale items reduced by 60% click on the link and hopefully grab a bargain https://www.flyfishstore.co.uk/shop/category/sale-items/

Date for your diary
British Fly Fair International www.bffi.co.uk on the 11^th & 12^th February, we will have our usual stand in Hall 2 with, Snowbee, RIO, SAGE, Vision, Loon, Greys tackle, with some show deals.

Draycote, Eyebrook, Thornton

The 2022 season is completed, boats are off the water for their winter maintenance, engines away for the winter overhaul.

Following 2020 & 2021 covid impacted seasons it was great to get back to a full season without any restrictions.

All three waters enjoyed an excellent year’s fishing despite a long dry spell, lack of rain & a hot summer. We must thank our suppliers, Ex, Rainbow Valley, Torre & Westacre for their hard work keeping us supplied with trout during difficult conditions they experienced on the farms due to lack of rain, low summer water flows & high temperatures.

The change to our stocking policy at Thornton & Eyebrook back in 2020 has been vindicated with both fisheries annual rod average increasing despite the hot summer. Thornton averaged 3.9 for the year with Eyebrook returning an excellent annual rod average of 5.2

Thornton being the smallest of the 3 waters at 70acres is the first to open, opening on the 1^st February. Following a couple of seasons of low water while work to upgrade the overflow took place enjoyed a 2020 season with water levels at full for most of the season. Concerns that the low water levels would affect our buzzer hatches didn’t materialise with buzzer hatches, especially the smaller olive buzzer hatches during the summer keeping the fish high in the water.

Eyebrook with its extended season to the 20^th November was our best performing fishery with its impressive 5.2 rod average. As in past years it did produce large grown on browns & rainbows with our anglers fly fishing for the pike recording pike to 28lb. Huge damsel hatches provided superb dry fly sport to the blue damsel with the long awaited rain early September ensuring great daddy sport. It was interesting to see during our extended fishing into November that anglers were still catching on cdc patterns especially the yellow owl

Draycote has always been a consistent fishery returning a 4+ rod average every season with 2022 season rod average a respectable 4.4

Draycote hosted a number of high profile competitions, England Eliminator, John Horsey Anglers World, Airflo, 6×4 comp & the Angling Trust Team Loch Style.

For us however the superb fishing during October & November was outstanding with 3lb+, 4lb+ & 5lb+ rainbows been taken by boat & bank anglers in good numbers

Id like to thank our fisheries team, Alan, Tom, Lloyd, Lee, Andy M, Jim S, Michael, Derek, Martin, Steve, Andy D, Jason & Mark for their hard work during the year.

In 8 weekends it all starts again, the 2023 season at Thornton on the 1^st February, followed by Draycote 1^st March & Eyebrook 3^rd March

Permit prices, package prices & membership details for 2023 can be found by clicking the “About Us” tab located on the fisheries website home page

https://www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk/

https://www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/

https://www.flyfishthornton.co.uk/

We wish you all a very happy festive period and look forward to seeing you in 2023

Ifor

iforjones@gmail.com    Tel: 01530230807

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

Can we remind members & day rods of our pre payment policy for 2022. Details are on our website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/day-permits/

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: 27^th November 2022              Rod Av: 3.5    Water Temperature:  10°C

The works on the new overflow at the Hensborough Bank are due to start this Monday 24^th October. While the works are being completed there will be no access through to Rainbow Corner from the Sailing Club side.  We ask that all anglers enter and exit via the Farborough Dam barrier.

Monday dawned overcast with a bit more of a chill in the air. It was dry to start with, but we had as forecast some quite heavy showers through the latter part of the afternoon. The fishing was very good overall with a rod average of 5.8, with all of the fish falling to sinking lines and lures. The best areas are all at the western end of the reservoir, with the Flat Stones, the Valve Tower, A buoy and the front of the Hensborough Bank, all showing up on the catch return. Season permit holder Dave Smith had 4 fish on boobies and a DI5. Mr M Blythe and Mr P Tailor had 8 between them fishing over the deeper water on boobies. Mr Craig Middleton had 11 fish to the boat using small pink boobies along the Draycote Dam.

Tuesday started overcast and cold, with plenty of water in the boats from some heavy overnight showers. However, apart from a couple of occasional showers the day remained dry, with light winds from the Southwest. Fishing from the bank Norman Perkins landed 5 fish using a hares ear on the dropper and minkie on the point. Landing his fish from the Tower Bank and the Cornfield. On the boats season ticket holder Lee Pattern fished with Dave Kennel with the pair boating over 20 fish with a Di 7 and snakes being the way for Lee. While Dave opted for a 12ft fast tip with a sparkler booby on the point. Julian Hubbard fishing with son Chris landed a dozen fish on tubes fishing over the shoals. Another boat who did well over the shoals, John Cosford and his boat partner landed 18 fish on their fish ever visit to Draycote. Following the advice of fishery ranger Lee Henfrey the pair back drifted a DI 5 with an olive snake at Musborough shoal. Kevin Hart enjoyed a great day landing 28 fish, using a DI 5 in the morning with boobies before swapping to a fast glass and minkies in the afternoon.

A very wet start to the day with strong winds arriving after the rain had stopped by mid-morning. As a result it was a quite day at the fishery with a number of anglers opting to remain dry. Mr Francis fished from a boat and was rewarded with 8 fish to the net. Using a barred olive snake fished around A, B & D Buoy on a Di 5 sinking line. Eyebrook fishery ranger Martin Blakeston fished with Mark Goodge with he paid landing 9 fish to the boat. With the best flies being snakes and Humungus.

A nice start to Thursday with rain forecast later in the day, which turned quite heavy by later afternoon. On the bank David Rechtorik landed a brace from the Swan’s Nest using a olive snake. On the boats it was a windy day which make presentation a challenge. All water member Paul Havard landed 7 fish. Drifting from Rainbow Corner along the Draycote Dam watching on a white and silver humongous booby fished on a Di 3 sinking line. Alan Wither fishing with Neil Heath landed 6 fish using the same fly as Paul on a Di 5 sinking line. Fishery Ranger Lee Henfrey fishing with Kev Hart landed a dozen fish. With his best method being back drifting due to the high winds making anchoring a challenge. Landing his fish on various boobies fish on sinking lines around Y Buoy, M Buoy and N Buoy.

Friday turned out to be a lovely day out on the water, with light breezes and a spot of sunshine to warm the bones. Season permit holder John Dickens used minkie boobies on a sinking line to put 4 fish in the boat. Mick Cronin had 7 fish from the bank on floating fry patterns and a floating line. Brian Allwood had a “Good Day”, netting a brace from the bank, one of which weighed in at 4lbs. Draycote stalwarts Ian Richardson and Bob Smith put 19 fish in the boat between them using humungus on sinking lines and remarked on “A good days fishing”. Young Graham Homer netted 3 fish on an intermediate line and lures drifting off the Hensborough Bank.

The winds came from the southwest on Saturday blowing quite strong at times, thankfully with the rain holding off until later in the day once the anglers had come off the water. Rob & Sam Edmounds took to the water practicing ahead of the fur and feather the next day. The pair caught some nice fish by Y & N Buoy before calling it a day early and leaving the fish for the match the next day. Season ticket holders Richard & Jim Hall enjoyed a good day in a boat landing 9 fish to the boat, with some real crackers amongst them. With a 5 of them weighting over 4lb, the pair landed these on Minkies and floating fry around the outlet. Ben Bayliss & Dave Morris also fished from a boat landing 20 fish from around N Buoy in snakes fished on Di 5 sinking lines, landing some cracking fish with the biggest a Rainbow of 5lb 4oz.

Sunday started with light breezes and overcast conditions, and stayed that way for the rest of the day. All 32 boats took to the water in Draycotes Fur and Feather match, which turned in a good rod average of 3.3, and ended up being a very close run end of season competition. There was lots of excitement on the pontoon first thing as the anglers were getting ready, and everyone got away at 9 am sharp in good spirits. The prize for the biggest fish went to Mark Goodge and Shaun Higgins. Mark and Shaun caught several big fish around the pontoon area, of which the best weighed 5lbs 10oz. The boat voucher for the smallest fish went to John Brown and Andy Campbell and was received with a big round of applause and some good banter. In the overall competition, 3^rd place was taken by the father and son pairing of John and Sean Hanlon with a bag weight of 24lbs 2oz. In second position were Sam Edmunds and Pablo Mullins who weighed in 12 fish for 25lbs 9oz. The overall winners of the match were Rob and Albert Edmunds with a total bag weight of 27lbs 2oz. Well done to all those who took part.

There are still a couple of days left until the end of the season, and with good forecasts given for the week, why not come along and take advantage of the good fishing we are having here at Draycote at the moment.

Date for your diary 

We are now taking bookings for the 2023 season. To make a booking for either boat or bank fishing please call Tom in the lodge on 01788 812018.

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:  27^th November   Rod Av: 0.8     Water Temperature: 10C

Following the dry spring, summer and early autumn we needed rain, and we’ve certainly had some these past few weeks and especially the last week. Thornton is full, its above normal levels and running over the overflow. With the high water our clarity was reduced although not as bad as we expected with clarity around 18inch

Not surprising therefore that few rods ventured out this week, those that did fished sinking lines with minkie, cat’s whiskers and booby patterns in front of the wood, stones, green bay and the main car park.

Our water clarity continues to improve and with light winds forecast and our records indicating a head of 6,900 trout still in the reservoir were hoping the fishing picks up for our last 3 days with Thornton 2022 season closing on November 30th

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/

The 2022 season at Eyebrook has now closed.

During December either Lloyd or Ifor will be at the Eyebrook lodge on Sundays between 9.00am & 2.00pm

2023 Membership details are available by emailing iforjones@flyfishstore.co.uk it will include the members newsletter which explains our stocking policy & rates at Eyebrook, Draycote & Thornton for 2023

Local Angling Club Eyebrook Fly Fishers

During the winter we will be hosting the local angling club Eyebrook Fly Fishers at the Eyebrook lodge starting with the clubs AGM followed by a fly tying demonstration by Mark Hunt, Lyndsey Bates & Martyn Blakeston. Meeting from 10.00am – 1.00pm

The Club will be holding fly tying lessons for beginners & improvers on 11^th Dec 2022, 8^th January 2023, 23^rd January, 29^th January & the 19^th February with a guest speaker on the 23^rd February 2023

Date for your diary

2023 Season Opens 3^rd March

We are taking bookings for 2023. Call the lodge on 01536770264 and speak to Lloyd.

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

Can we remind members & day rods of our pre payment policy for 2022. Details are on our website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/day-permits/

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: 20^th November 2022              Rod Av:  3.4   Water Temperature:  10°C

The works on the new overflow at the Hensborough Bank are due to start this Monday 24^th October. While the works are being completed there will be no access through to Rainbow Corner from the Sailing Club side.  We ask that all anglers enter and exit via the

A foggy start to Monday with light winds, when the fog did clear it left a very mild day with light winds coming from the South. Draycote member Tony Broadway fished off the bank to land 4 fish using a Snowbee buzzer tip and a Grey Minkie. Colin Day fished the corner of the Hensborough Bank to land 4 using a black and white snake using a roly-poly retrieve. On the boats the fishery team took out various staff members from the Rangers, New leaf catering and the Sailing club for our annual fishing day. A great day was had by all with some fantastic fish caught. Lee Henfrey fishing with Sarah (New Leaf) landed the most fish to the boat with 11 fish. Fishing at M Buoy near the Hensborough Bank on a Di 5 sinking line and various booby fry patterns. Jason from Eyebrook fished with Ellie (ranger) who landed 4 fish for a cracking 12lb 13oz the best bag weight and also the largest fish of the day with a 5lb 2oz Rainbow. Andy Miller out with Tilley (New Leaf) landed 7 fish with Tilley landing a cracking 4lb 9oz Rainbow. The big fish continued with Paul (Ranger) landing a 4lb 11oz fish. Overall it was a fantastic day and a great way for the fishery to thank all the staff for their help over the season. Outside of this there were also a number of other great catches. Kevin Hart fished with John Hoskins who boated 21 fish at Y Buoy. Using DI 5 sinking lines and fast intermediates with minkies and snakes. Draycote member Lee Patton fished with Alex Urquhart landing 26 fish to the boat using olive snakes on intermediates and Di 5 sinking lines at the Hensborough Bank, Y Buoy and Lincroft point. Mick Nicols landed a cracking fish while out in the boat of 7lb 5oz taken on a white lure fished at the Draycote Dam. To see pictures of this fish and the staff fishing day please visit www.facebook.com/flyfishstore

What a difference a day makes, after the lovely day Monday, Tuesday saw a very wet and windy day. As a result there was only season ticket holder Ray Rawlings who opted to head out on the water. Ray landed a brace of fish using a Di 5 sinking line and a white and green snake. A nice reward for persisting in some very challenging conditions, for both angler and waterproofs.

The winds came from the Southeast Wednesday with blue skies in the morning before cloud arrived later in the day. On the bank all water member Paul Walker landed 6 trout fishing at the Overflow including one between 5lb 8oz and 6lb in weight. Fishing along side Paul, John Falconbridge used minkies to also land 6. Richard Walker fishing from the Outlet using a white minkies landed 5 fish including a cracking rainbow of 4lb 4oz. On the boats Draycote member John Dickens landed 7 fish using a Di 5 sinking line and a minkie booby with the best area being the Hensborough Bank towards M Buoy. Julian Hubbard fishing with son Chris landed 12 fish using various lures and fry patterns fished on a Di 3 & Di 5 sinking line. Kevin Hart fishing with childhood friend Steve Burns landed 15 fish to the boat using minkies and zonkers on DI 5 and fast intermediate. With the best areas being around Y & N Buoy.

A horrible day Thursday with strong winds and heavy rain for nearly the whole day. Once again it was a quite day with only 8 anglers venturing out in the wind and rain. On the boats all water members Phil Cross & Steve Windram landed 5 fish drifting from the top dam wall towards B Buoy including a cracking fish of 5lb in weight. Draycote members Ian Richardson and Bob Barfoot enjoyed “good fishing, rubbish weather” while out in a boat landing 13 fish to the boat. The pair used Di 5 sinking lines with snakes and humungus at the Hensborough Bank to land their fish.

After the wet windy,  we had much more settled weather Friday with overcast skies and a westerly wind. On the bank Tony Broadway landed 4 fish using hares ears fished on a Snowbee buzzer tip at Lincroft point and the Cornfield. Dave Kennell fished from the boats landing 6 fish using a 6ft Airflo fast tip with a sparkler booby and a FAB landing some cracking fish the best being a 4lb 11oz Rainbow. All water member Peter Harris landed 5 fish from P Buoy using a black booby snake on a Di 7 sinking line. Beginner member Simon Enstock to his new Di 7 sinking line to great effect landing 4 fish including a new personal best. A rainbow of over 5lb taken on a booby humungus at A Buoy. Fishery ranger and guide Lee Henfrey fished with Kevin Hart landing over 20 fish to the boat using a DI 7 sinking line with boobies and snakes fished with a very slow figure of eight retrieve. The pair finding the fish at the Hensborough Bank, M buoy and N Buoy. Andy Miller out fishing with Trout & Salmon editor Andrew Flitcroft for an article on Draycote fry feeders. Landed 14 fish to the boat using snakes and suspender minkies. Mr Lowe also found suspender minkies a good pattern landing 9 fish.

Saturday turned out to be a reasonably good day here at Draycote despite the forecast. Although the wind was blustery at times, it was blowing from the west, giving anglers some respite whilst fishing under the Draycote Dam. There are some good fish being caught at the moment, with both boat and bank anglers regularly returning fish of 4,5, and 6lbs in weight. The bank is currently producing some good catches with Mick Cronin landing 4 on minkies from the Tower Bank. Jim and Richard Hall had 11 fish between them from the bank using lures on intermediate lines. Mr Adam Vicary used much the same method to take a brace from Toft Shallows and the Tower Bank. Out on the boats James Alexander bagged 4 on black boobies around C buoy. Mark Braun caught a grand total of 17 fish for the day utilizing a DI5 sweep line and a white humungus. Mark plied his trade in Biggin Bay, around the Valve Tower and C buoy. Draycote stalwart Mark Johnson  Jones and his boat partner Dale had 5 fish to the boat around M buoy. Both anglers were using intermediate line and minkies.

Sunday started dry and overcast but brightened up as the morning progressed.  Season ticket holder Paul Walley fished from the bank to land a brace of fish on a natural snake fished at the overflow. On the boats Jon Crowley fished his regular half day boating 7 fish. Landing his fish from Biggin Bay and also Rainbow Corner towards A Buoy. Using a Di 5 with a minkie booby on the point and cormorants on the droppers. Ian Reeve landed 8 fish using a white booby snake on a Di 5 around the Outlet landing fish to 4lb 8oz. Martin Rowson fished with Neil Deakin with the pair landing 19 fish to the boat on various fry patters fished on sunk lines around Biggin Bay, Musborough Shoal and the Hensborough Bank. Kasidit Leoviriyakit fishing with Neil Lyons boated a dozen fish. Landing their fish high in the water with slow or fast intermediate and boobies fished across the surface.

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: Sunday 20 Nov 2022       Rod Av:   0.8     Water Temperature: 9°C

It was a quiet start to the week with only a few boats venturing out. Of those taking to the boats, fishing the upper layers with Blobs & FAB’s, Jude Tuff landed 3 fish from the Basin area. All Water Member John Duncan took to the bank, concentrating on the Dam area John went looking for Fry feeding fish. Fishing Floating fry around weed beds & the margins John landed 3 hard fighting fish & had many other offers.

Tuesday’s autumnal weather got the better of the anglers & none ventured out.

Wednesday saw fish getting caught from the boats at various locations of the Main Basin. Eyebrook member Keith Johnson caught 3 fry feeding trout on Pearly Pheasant Tail on a Washing line. All Water Member Ray Jordan had 2 fish on a Cat’s Whisker & Clive Moore, also an All-Water Member, also had 2 on Minky Boobies. Clive looked for large concentrations of fry before deciding to fish an area, which proved to be a sound decision

Thursday was another very quiet day with Eyebrook Member Neil Shilton in his Float Tube being the only one to brave the wind & the rain. Neil spent his day targeting the deeper lying fishing with fast sinking lines & Minkies. Neil landed a nice Rainbow, lost another & had a good Perch by the end of the day.

Friday’s weather was far more attractive to anglers as consequently it was a busy day. The recent rainfall had not only risen the Reservoir over a foot, but it had also coloured the water somewhat & those that found clear water benefited most. Fish were caught on Fry patterns as this seems to be the trout’s main concentration of a food source. The banks fished well where Eyebrook Member Dave Etty fished the southern corner of the Dam & landed 3 cracking fish for a total bag weight 8lb 10oz, which is a great bag weight off the bank. The Pike anglers have also been getting a few fish with a lot of mid-high doubles getting caught. The bait fish have moved out of the old stream bed & the Pike have duly followed.

Saturday brought with it a light to moderate West-North Westerly breeze with plenty of cloud cover & light showers. The water clarity remained an issue & visibility was down to 1ft in the worse affected areas so finding clear water was critical to anglers’ potential success. Those who did find clear water, caught predominately on the Dries or a Washing Lined floater as the fish could be seen moving subsurface. All Water Members Ed Douglas & Mark Hunt caught 6 & 5 fish respectively on what was a very challenging day. Both fished their Dries effectively & found small patterns to be more successful.

Sunday saw the water clarity decrease even further which had a detrimental impact on the trout anglers who found the fishing extremely challenging. The Pike anglers fared slightly better with a few Jacks coming to the net.

Well, as the season here at Eyebrook draws to a close, I would just like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has visited & spent time with us this season. It has been an absolute pleasure to have you here & we look forward to seeing you all next season. In the meantime, we would just like you to be aware that there will be someone in the lodge most Sundays through December from 9.00am to 2.00pm to assist with any queries you may have, give us a call beforehand to confirm we are there.  Additionally, we will be hosting some Eyebrook Fly Fishers events on 11 Dec, 08 Jan 23, 29 Jan 23 & 19 Feb 23. More details to follow.

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:  20th October   Rod Av: 1.8      Water Temperature: 11C+

Monday a foggy start to the day with little breeze. Fry patterns and lures on sink 3, 5 or 7 worked best. P Mee caught 4 with Howard Davies fishing a cats whisker booby to catch his trout. P Hunt fished a Dawsons olive which has caught a number of fish for him these past few weeks along with a white snake booby on this occasion catching 5 trout. Our water level is nearly full, despite the rain water clarity remains good.

Tuesday no rod out due to the wind and rain. Wednesday 4 boats out returning a rod average 2.0 with most fishing the morning session. Barry Deeley fished a DI7 with a green & white booby to catch 4 trout. John Reynolds fished a DI5 with a green baby doll, now there’s an old pattern you no longer see fished very often, but it worked for John catching 3 trout.

Thursday another wet, very wet day with no rods out. Friday anglers arrived to find the reservoir full following the rain, thankfully our water clarity in the main was good. Chris Sayer caught 6 on his home tied Minkie booby a pattern he gave to Richard Price who went on to catch 3.

Saturday a bit more colour in the water but that didn’t stop Jan Webber catching 5 on a tequila fab & orange booby on a DI7 along the wood bank

Sunday a quiet day due to the poor forecast with only the 1 rod, John Reynolds who fished a fast sinker with a Fire Cat (similar to a cut throat cat) catching 4 trout

Thornton 2022 season will close on Wednesday 30^th November

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

Can we remind members & day rods of our pre payment policy for 2022. Details are on our website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/day-permits/

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: 13^th November 2022              Rod Av: 3.6   Water Temperature:  11°C

The works on the new overflow at the Hensborough Bank are due to start this Monday 24^th October. While the works are being completed there will be no access through to Rainbow Corner from the Sailing Club side.  We ask that all anglers enter and exit via the Farborough Dam barrier.

A very bracing start to Monday morning with strong southerlies blowing across Draycote Water. Luckily enough The Hensborough Bank and Rainbow Corner are fishing well for those seeking shelter from the wind, whilst other brave souls ventured over to the northern shore to also catch some good fish. In house guide Lee Henfrey and Nigel Keeber had well over 20 fish to the boat during a morning session. Lee and Nigel were using DI7’s and minkie boobies out over the open water and on Musborough Shoal near N buoy. Season permit holders Bob Barfoot and Ian Richardson again had well over 20 fish to the boat on midge tip lines with snakes and cormorants. Bob and Ian concentrated their efforts along the Hensborough Bank and remarked on the quality of the fishing, having netted some fish over 5lbs in weight. Michael Ravenscroft fished the bank from the Swans Nest, netting 7 fish using snakes, the best of which was about 4lbs. Norman Perkins also took to the bank in Rainbow Corner to catch a brace on minkies.

A windy day with heavy showers at various points across the day Tuesday. Draycote member Ray Rowlings landed 4 fish using snakes on a fast glass with a slow roly-poly retrieve. Mark Goodge fished with all water member Phil Mee with he pair landing 5 fish from around the outlet including some cracking fish of 4 & 5lb. Draycote member James Alexander fished at the Hensborough bank from a boat landing 6 fish all on popper fry patterns. Mr A Lafferty & P Edwards also fished in the same area using popper fry and also snakes to land 9 fish including some cracking fish of up to 4lb.

Wednesday saw the wind coming from the Southwest with sunny intervals throughout the day. Draycote member Pete Allen fished in Biggin Bay out the Old Pipe in Biggin Bay to land 3 fish on suspender Minkies. Fishing just up from Pete was Tony Broadway who landed 5 fish. Just line Pete, Tony opted for suspender Minkies fished on a floating line to land his fish. On the boats John Mills fished Mr S Halliday with the pair landing 9 fish using a slow intermediate and a white humungus fished in the top couple of feet at the Hensborough Bank. Draycote member Joh Dickens used Minkies boobies to land 8 fish from the Hensbrough Bank and also Rainbow Corner.

Another gusty day with the win remaining in the same direction Thursday. Bank regulars Mick Cronin and Stan Hillman fished suspender minkies at the Old Pipe in Biggin Bay and the outlet to land 7 fish between them. Another angler who enjoyed good sport on the bank was Alex Thwaites who landed 4 fish with all of his fish being between 3 & 4lb. Draycote member Bob Smith fishing on the boats enjoyed a good day landing 13 fish using white and silver humungus boobies. Fishing around the Outlet and Hensborough Bank commenting on “the lovely fish up to 5lb”. All water member Paul Havard landed 7 fish also commenting on the “lovely fish”. Paul used a mix of flies taking some of suspender minkies, olive barred snakes and also white and silver humungus. Landing his fish from the Outlet and also Musborough Shoal. Dave Kennel used a 12ft fast tip with a sparkler booby on the point with cormorants to land 10 fish. With his best areas being the Outlet, Hensborough Bank and then N Buoy drifting towards Y Buoy. Fishery ranger and guide Lee Henfrey fished with former manager Kevin Hart taking over 20 fish to the boat. They found the best line to be a Di 7 with 2 boobies and searched the water taking them on anything from a 10 second count to a 30 second count with a figure of eight retrieve.

Friday was yet another windy day on Draycote Water. Andrew Tasker Ventured out onto the bank to net 4 fish on snakes and minkies from Rainbow Corner and Biggin Bay. Draycote regular Alan Grant fished a morning session from the bank and netted a brace. Out on the boats Dave Adkins and Richard Hanlon had 14 fish between them using floating lines and popper fry patterns. Dave and Richard concentrated their efforts around the Valve Tower and along the Draycote Dam. Mr J Beecon had 18 fish to the boat using cats whiskers and a large viva. Mr Clive Wilkins had 8 fish to the boat on a DI7 line and white minkie boobies.

A busy day Saturday with a number of boats out taking advantage of the unseasonably mild weather, which provided warm sunny conditions with light winds. Also out on the day we had a number of boats practicing for the 6X4s competition the next day. On the bank also taking advantage of the nice weather, was Alan Smith. Alan used various fry type lures to land 7 fish. Mick Cronin fished from the bank using popper fry to land 6 fish from Tower Bank and the Outlet. Fishing from the Outlet Stan Hillman landed 10 fish using hares ears on a floating line. On the boats Mark Braun landed 23 fish using a grey snake using a Di 7 sinking line around the Valve Tower. Draycote member Ian Reeve enjoyed a good day landing 17 fish, Ian found his fish drifting from the Outlet going across to the Inlet. Using a Di 5 sinking line with a black and green snake booby, including a number of cracking fish up to 4lb. The anglers practicing for the 6X4s also enjoyed a good days practice catching at various point across the lake with the best flies seeming to be popper fry or sparkler boobies.

Once again a busy day Sunday with all the boats taking to the water. With the 6×4 round 5 taking place with 13, 4 man teams competing. The match is fished to international rules, so all the flies must measure 15/16^th of an inch. A slightly issue when the majority of the fish are eating 2-3 inch long fry. However, the anglers got the smaller flies working to great effect with the 52 anglers producing a rod average of 5.3 fish per angler. Speaking to the anglers the fish moved up and down throughout the day with Di 7 & Di 5 lines working as well as slow intermediates and midge tips. The best flies throughout the day being cormorants, sparkler boobies, cat boobies, and small popper fry. Around Y Buoy, N Buoy, K Buoy and Farborough Spit. Draycote member Paul Walley used a natural snake and the Tower Bank and the Overflow to land 7 fish including some cracking fish of 4lb 8oz and 5lbs. Jon Crowley fished for a half day landing 5 fish using a Di 5 sweep and cormorants drifting from B Buoy to the Draycote Dam.

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: Sunday 13 Nov 2022       Rod Av:        Water Temperature:

Eyebrook Season extended to 20^th November 2022 – The Eyebrook season has been extended to Sunday 20^th November. We are operating a reduced boat fleet, of 10 boats & wheely boat, bank anglers are limited to the Dam Wall, Harrison’s corner, netted bank down to Robbo`s Cabin. We recommend you call the lodge & prebook.

The week started with a moderate southerly, that brought with it an increase in air temperature & consistent cloud-cover all day; a perfect day for fishing dries one would assume. And so it proved, with All Water Member John Duncan having a very productive day fishing CDC Emergers. John started his drifts from either the line of buoys outside the harbour or Dogwood Bay & drifted into the Middle of the Main Basin. John went on to land 13 fish, all of which came to the Dries which is a great return for the day. The Pike at Eyebrook are really starting to move with double figure fish getting caught daily & fish of 20lb plus are appearing with increased regularity. The Pike in Eyebrook are in fantastic shape, very fit & strong & give an excellent account for themselves on a fly rod.

The inclement weather that was previously forecasted for Tuesday had deterred the boat anglers. Eyebrook member Keith Johnson ventured out of the bank & found success in the southern corner of the Dam. Keith caught 3 fry feeding, resident trout on a white, pearly lure fished on an intermediate line.

Wednesday saw Eyebrook’s fine form continue yielding a rod average for the trout anglers of 4.6 which is excellent for this time of year. Catching on washing lined floaters with small nymphs & Intermediate with Snakes & Minkie Boobies, the most productive area was the main basin, particularly around the Tower & Buoy Line outside of the harbour. All Water Members Clive Moore & Ian Jobe had a very productive day landing 15 fish between them, as to did Eyebrook Members Ian Steele & Bill Law who had 11 to their boat. It has been noticeable of late that the fish have been becoming more & more focussed in on the abundant fry that is occupying the Main Basin. The Pike anglers have also been doing very well with Pike to 20lb coming out on what seems to be a daily basis with plenty of hard fighting, very fit mid-upper doubles. The area of the old stream bed seems to be a key feature when it comes to locating & targeting these fish with anglers working the axis of the stream bed hard.

Thursday brought with it a moderate to strong gusty, southerly wind & plenty of cloud cover. The reservoir continued to fish well for both trout & pike with the trout anglers producing a great rod average for this time of year of 6.7 & the reservoir producing yet another fly caught 20lb+ pike. The Main Basin was the most productive trout area with fish getting caught up in the upper layers on imitative fry patterns & small nymphs; Crunchers & Diawls. All Water Member Paul Walker caught 12 from the area of the Dam & Tower & Dale Birch had a great afternoon session landing 8 from the weedbeds just outside the harbour. The old stream bed remains prominent in locating fish amongst the pike anglers with plenty of fish being found along its course. The many micro features of the reservoirs bed are also proving to be very productive in the search of old Esox Lucius.

Friday despite the wind a good day for the trout anglers who averaged 4 with the anglers fly fishing for the pike reporting fish to 23lb. Noticeably more trout smashing into the fry especially from the tower towards Harrison’s. For the trout some fish still taking cdc patterns during this mild weather although the popper minkie, snakes & fry patterns are starting to take the lion’s share of the catch. Water clarity is excellent you will often find a long leader & single fly will work best this time of year

Saturday and a beautiful autumn day, little wind & sun, it was probably too nice for the fishing with a rod average 2.5 for the day. Members Bob Margery & S Lawrence caught 7 for their mornings visit with Pete Line & B McMullan catching 6 for their visit. Tim & Paul Polito fished CDC & pearly pheasant tail to catch their 11 trout. Most anglers fished the main basin around the valve tower, dam wall towards Harrison. Water clarity is good.

Eyebrook continued to fish well for the Pike on Saturday, with one angler having very much a red-letter day landing 3 fish over 20lbs, which is an excellent return. It surely is only a matter of time before one of Eyebrook big girls makes an appearance. Trout wise, it was a challenging day where getting the right method proved to be critical. Those fishing deeper found fish harder to come by, whereas those fishing higher up had greater success. All Water Member Mark Hunt had another great day on the Dries. Fishing a single size 14 Yellow Owl, Mark caught consistently through the day landing 10 fish from the area of the Main Basin. There are still plenty of fish in the Main Basin but how they can be caught is very much weather dependant. The weather plays an important role in where & how trout can be caught, even more so in winter.  With the right conditions they can still be taken on small dries & if the cloud cover is intermittent or even absent, drop down to an intermediate & fish white fry patterns & you will catch.

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:  13^th November   Rod Av: 2.3      Water Temperature: 12c+

Monday & Tuesday we had a brisk to strong at times wind from the southwest which blew down the Markfield arm. Anglers on sinking lines with booby, snakes and fry patterns. Andrew Wilson caught 3 on orange booby with P Cox fishing down the windy Markfield arm catching 3 but reporting a good number of fish down there. Arthur Olding caught 6 concentrating his efforts across the main basin to the wood.

Wednesday and another breezy day. Sink 3, 5 & 7 lines we the most popular with sparkler booby, minkie booby, humongous & cutthroat cat. J Reynolds caught 10 for his mornings visit fishing a DI5 & cutthroat cat with fish up to 4lb+. Jack Hives caught 5 with D Slessor catching fish to 3lb+ Water level is back up to normal, clarity remains good.

Thursday & Friday with a strong south westerly forecast rod numbers were low. Chris Sayer was top rod with 9 fish during a morning session

Better weather Saturday with snakes, booby, cats whiskers catching best. J Webber caught 6 for his visit on a cats whisker booby and uv black booby. B Sibley caught 9 with his boat partner M Clay catching 7. Another Thornton member P Wrigley caught 6

Sunday only a few rod out with Karen Thompson on her first full season fishing the last 4hr session catching 2 on what proved to be a challenging day for the other rods.

This coming Saturday 19^th & Sunday 20^th from 10.30am to 2.30pm Ifor will be at the Thornton lodge to discuss our plans for the 2023 season. Day Permit prices, 2023 membership options and our stocking policy. Hot drinks and mince pies provided.

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

Can we remind members & day rods of our pre payment policy for 2022. Details are on our website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/day-permits/

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:  6^th November 2022              Rod Av: 4.4    Water Temperature:  13°C

The works on the new overflow at the Hensborough Bank are due to start this Monday 24^th October. While the works are being completed there will be no access through to Rainbow Corner from the Sailing Club side.  We ask that all anglers enter and exit via the Farborough Dam barrier.

Monday dawned at Draycote Water with good cloud cover and a gusty south westerly wind. The reservoir has given us some top class fishing days lately and Monday was no exception. With the rod average topping out at 7.0, there were some good returns coming from all over the water. During a 5 hour session out on the water in house guide Lee Henfrey and his boat partner put two dozen fish in the boat. The pair fished in Rainbow Corner using fast glass lines and tubes and commented that the whole area was teaming with with good quality “lumps”, the smallest of which was about 3lbs. The boat pairing of Lee Patten and Peter Elliott put nearly 40 fish in the boat using olive snakes fished on intermediate lines. Lee and Peter kept on the move, fishing around the Valve Tower, Lincroft point, The Hensborough Bank and the Farborough Dam. Season permit holders Bob Barfoot and Bob Smith also had a good day out, netting 23 fish between them on snakes, cormorants and minkies again fished on intermediate lines. Jim Hall and Tony Broadway used white mini snakes fished on a DI3 to net 17 fish between them from various areas around the reservoir. In house guide Andy Miller took Mr Tim Gameson out for a 2 hour experience session and concentrated his efforts around Y buoy. The pair caught 3 fish on minkie boobies fished on DI3 lines.

Due to the adverse weather conditions Tuesday was a very quiet day here at Draycote. The strong south westerlies meant that the anglers all took to fishing in the lee of the wind along the Hensborough Bank and up in Rainbow Corner. Both boat and bank anglers all caught good numbers of fish as it has been fishing well in this area for the past few weeks. Season permit holder Ken Key caught half a dozen from the bank using cats whiskers and floating fry patterns. Mr Alan Topping, who also fished from the bank netted a brace in much the same way. Draycote regular Mr Derek Brooks had 5 fish from the bank, all on white popper minkies. Ian Morris ventured out in a boat to net 7 fish on floating fry patterns and snakes from Rainbow Corner. Alan Johnson using similar patterns to net 4 fish from the same area. Neil Berry and Nick Whatton had 5 fish between them using fry patterns along the Hensborough Bank and up past the Overflow.

With the wind speed being above our limit of 25mph, there were no boats out on Draycote on Wednesday. The strong south westerlies Alan Smith found the best area to be Rainbow Corner with the wind coming over his back landing 4 fish on a Humungus. Fishing for the last four hours Will Hunt land a brace opting to fish at the Swan’s Nest using a black and gold Humungus.

A wet start Thursday which soon cleared leaving overcast skies with the sun making an appearance later in the day with he winds from the Southwest. On the bank Stan Hillman had “super fishing” landing 9 fish all between 3lb 8oz and 4lb 8oz fishing at the outlet on suspender Minkies. Fishing along side Stan on the bank was Mick Cronin who landed 8 fish. On the boats Graham England and Andy Lillie landed 14 fish using Minkies. Saying that they caught all over the lake but it needed to be tight into the weed or the margins. All water member Peter Harris fished around E Buoy using snakes to land 8 fish. With Draycote member John Dickens also fishing in the same area to land 15 fish. Also landing 15 fish was Ed Douglas who fished various marks across the lake using a 12ft midge tip with snakes and humungus.

The winds swung to the North west Friday with bright skies and a chill in the air. Fishing from the Tower Bank season ticker holder Peter Allen landed 3 fish on floating fry patterns with Tony Broadway landing 4. Brian Joseph also fished at the tower bank landing 3 cracking fish using a brown minkie on a floating line. Mark Diamond fished from Lincroft point on the bank to land 9 fish using a minkie. On the boats Dave Kennell landed 9 fish using a 12ft fast tip and a sparkler booby. Draycote season ticket holder Bob Barfoot & Bob Smith landed 11 fish to the boat using various mini snakes and cormorants. Taking their fish from Rainbow Corner, Biggin Bay, X Buoy and the Farborough Dam. Ian Reeve fishing with Colin Granger used a barred olive snake booby on a fast glass catching “all over” to boat 13 fish. Ed Douglas once again took the water using snakes and humungus on a 12ft midge tip to land 19 fish. Fishing near E Buoy, Lorenzo Serrano landed 14 fish on snakes fished on a Di 3 sinking line.

Quite a blustery day Saturday from the South which later swung slightly more to the Southwest. On the boats Mr G Bridge landed 8 fish on snakes with an orange blob on the dropper. John Brown and Andy Campbell made the trip down from the Northeast hoping for a good days sport and that is what they got landing 34 fish. The pair used snakes, cormorants and popper fry to land their fish. With the best areas being Farborough Dam, J & T Buoy then drifting off the Hensborough Bank towards M Buoy. Ewan Clark on his first ever trip to Draycote enjoyed a great day landing 19 fish. Using olive or black snakes and large silver and white humungus on a fast intermediate landing fish from various marks across the reservoir.

A dry windy start to Sunday which lead into some heavy showers through the afternoon. The reservoir fished pretty well overall for those who stayed out through the rain. Jon Crowley made good use of the morning with a dozen fish to the boat on popper fry and minkies fished on floating and intermediate lines. Jon fished around the Valve Tower and along the Draycote Dam where he said the fish were holding in good numbers. Richard Walker had 4 fish for the morning on a DI6 and black snakes in Rainbow Corner and along the Flat Stones. Debbie and Sean Gilbert concentrated their efforts in Dunns Bay, netting 4 fish using black snakes fished on intermediate lines. Tim Burn and Paul Mitchell had 11 fish to the boat between them from quite a few different areas around the reservoir.

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:  6^th November   Rod Av: 2.2      Water Temperature: 12c+

Monday water level up a tad following the rain, our water clarity is good with the water temperature not far off 14c. It seems as if we have some fish that have realised its late October & are on the fry whilst others due to the warmer than expected conditions feeding on the hatches of small buzzer. Keith Cowen caught 4 for his visit fishing out in front of the lodge on a cats whisker booby. Andrew Wilson fished an orange booby & cats whisker catching 2 but missing numerous offers.

Tuesday much needed rain, which fell heavier than forecast with all rods off the water at 1.30pm. Top rod was P Wrigley with 3 trout. Wednesday strong wind replaced the rain, with the wind stronger than forecast had the rods off the water by 1.30pm. Barry Deeley was top rod with 4 trout to a black & Green humungus fished on a fast sinker.

Thursday with the reservoir level nearly at the full mark following the rain the clarity of the water remains good.  Lures and fry patterns on sink 5 & sink 7 lines worked best with anglers reporting plenty of taps and follows. K Cowen caught 4 on a cats whisker booby, Greg Weatherdon fished a booby to catch his 4 trout with Ian Leach fishing a fulling mill barred olive snake to catch his 4 trout.

Friday a busy day but a mixed days fishing. Chris Sayer fished a morning session catching 4 on a snake, Carl Bond caught 5 on a montana and small silver muddler with P Hunt fishing a dawson olive to catch his 3 trout.

Saturday few rod out on what turned out to be the best day of the week. Jan Webber caught 7 on DI7 & orange bobby & Fab. Martin Clay & Brian Sibley fished a DI5 with a Cats Whisker to catch their 13 trout.

Sunday with a poor forecast we had a quiet day with member Richard Smith catching 3 before the winf picked up

 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: Sunday 06 Nov 2022       Rod Av: 1.4        Water Temperature: 10-11°

Eyebrook Season extended to 20^th November 2022 – The Eyebrook season will be extended to 20^th November. We will be operating a reduced boat fleet, only 10 boats & wheely boat with bank anglers limited to the Dam Wall, Harrison’s corner, netted bank down to Robbo`s Cabin. We recommend you call the lodge & prebook.

Monday bought with it some favourable conditions, good cloud cover & a moderate south westerly breeze. Only a few boats ventured out & found the fish in the Main Basin somewhat finicky. There were a few fish caught on the Dries but there was a lot more opportunities missed. There were also a few pike anglers venturing out who were rewarded with fish went into double figures. They also reported that the bigger fish are starting to be more active, following flies with some intent but not quite committing.

There was a strong & blustery southerly wind on Tuesday which made fishing somewhat challenging. A few boats ventured out with all the anglers catching. Max Woolnough had the most productive day, landing 5 fish on a variety of methods from the area of the main basin. He caught on a White Snake & when fish started to move. he caught on the Dries. This demonstrates the importance of fishing what is in front of you & being flexible in your approach; changing when the situation dictates. This can often make all the difference when it comes to catching consistently.

Due to excessive wind expected, all boats were cancelled on Wednesday.

Thursday started with a flat calm which built to a gentle southerly as the day progressed. The Main Basin is still holding plenty of fish & these could be seen moving in large pods throughout the day. These fish proved once again to be tricky to catch. All Water Member John Duncan & his boat partner Rich Beddar had a productive day, landing 7 fish between them from the area of the Main Basin. They fished a variety of methods to find one that would work for the fish in front of them, which is an excellent approach for this time of year. It is so important to maintain a flexible approach & sometimes it will pay dividends if you change or tweak a method to ensure you continue to catch. A method that works in one part of reservoir may not work in another & if you add in variables such as the weather, it becomes even more important to ring the changes to find what is working in the area you are fishing. Those who have ventured out in search of the Pike have been rewarded with some good hard fighting fish well above 20lb.  As the cooler weather continues, as we advance further into November, Eyebrook’s renowned, bigger specimens will undoubtably begin to feed in earnest & become more active.

Friday & a more difficult day compared to Thursday, with few fish moving unlike the day before. Eyebrook member Keith Johnson was one of the few anglers who caught catching 4 on an olive minkie in Dogwood Bay.

Saturday and our rollercoaster of a fishing week continues with Saturday producing a rod average 4.2. Neil Shilton fished from his float tube catching 7 trout on white fry patterns, Eyebrook members Steve Lawrence & Bob Margery fished a morning boat catching 13 on snakes & buzzers. Mick Glover took his boat to the other side of the island catching a fish that on spooning, had been feeding on damsel nymphs.

There were a few fish caught on Sunday, with All Water Member Mark Hunt have a productive day fishing his single CDC’s to great effect. Mark landed 7 fish, all on Dries which is a great effort given the time of year & weather conditions. Elsewhere, Eyebrook Member Dave Etty ventured out to target the Fry Feeders. Concentrating his efforts around the weed beds, Dave fished a Popper Minkie & was able to land 2 fish & he also lost a couple too.

With the cooler weather looking set to continue & the water temperature continuing to drop, the fish will start to drop down the water column & sit slightly deeper to what they have been. If the conditions are right, fish will still get caught off the surface, but the angler’s approach will have to be scaled down for them to be successful. The most productive method over this week has appeared to be fry patterns fished on Intermediate & slow sinking lines. The cooler water temperatures have also triggered the Pike into action with some good sized fished being caught this past week & that will continue as we advance further into November.