Weekly Fishing Report: Draycote, Eyebrook, Thornton

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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/

2022 Prices & details on our pre-payment visit our website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/day-permits/

Week Ending: Sunday 27^th March         Rod Av:  5.8       Water Temperature: 8 °C

Another lovely day Monday with the air temperatures reaching 16°C in the later part of the afternoon, however, a frost did make the fishing slow to start with. Dave Atkins fished from the bank along the Cornfield to land 4 fish using a 12ft slow tip with a Damsel on the point and Muskins on the dropper. On the boats John Dickens landed 12 fish using a black and green lure and buzzers. All water member Dave Smith landed 8 using small black buzzers fished under the bung and also landed one using a foam daddy with the fishing taking off the surface. The best catch of the day went to Ian Morris who used a floating line with Diawl Bachs and black buzzers to land 21 fish. Ian fished at Rainbow Corner, The Inlet and Lincroft Point to land his fish.

Once again the great fishing Draycote has seen in the previous few days continued Tuesday with a rod average of 7.2 fish per angler. On the bank Stan Hillman landed 5 fish from the various points around he reservoir on a team on buzzers. However, it looks like the last four hours with the sun dipping in the sky was the best time for the bank With John Hayden landing 10 fish from the Cornfield using a Damsel and a mini cat’s whisker. However, it was certainly a day for the boats as the sun pushed the fish out over the edge of the drop offs. Draycote season ticket holder Phil Waters enjoyed a good days sport landing 13 fish using a mixture of buzzers and nymphs. All water member John Duncan landed 11 fish on his first ever trip to Draycote. Ed Douglas fished in Biggin Bay using an Airflo 12ft Slow tip with a mixture of nymphs and a FAB to land 29 fish including a cracking 5lb 7oz rainbow. Kevin Hart also used buzzers and cruncher this time with a booby on the point to land 38 fish. Kevin fished at the Willow trees at the bottom of the Cornfield using a Di 3 to land his fish.

The sunny conditions remained on Wednesday, however there was a lack of wind. This lack of wind made the fishing drop off a little from the great sport we have been seeing, although the fishery still produced a number of good catches. Tom Cosford fished from the bank along the Cornfield using small size 14 black buzzers to land 7 fish. On the boats Iain Johnston landed 15 fish using a floating line with black buzzers, fishing along the North Shore with a very slow figure of eight retrieve. Draycote member Chris Discombe landed 10 fish from Biggin Bay using small black buzzers static. Mr Francis also used buzzers and a black and green lure to land 13 fish with his most productive area being D Buoy.

A very flat bright day here at Draycote, with saw the buzzer once again hatching in good numbers, however the majority small in size. As a result of the bright flat conditions it was certainly a day for the boats. Fishing for a morning session Emad, using sunk lines with boobies to land 13 fish from near Lincroft Point. All water season ticket holder Ged O’Donoghue fished with Steve Orton with the pair landing 22 fish to the boat using black buzzers on a floating line. Another all water member using black buzzers to great effect was Jamie Scott, who landed 22 fish, however Jamie had to use small size 12 & 14 black buzzers and fish them deep near the drop offs to land his fish.

We are beset with bright sunny conditions and light breezes here at Draycote water, but as long as the fishing stays the way it has been for the last few days, who cares! Rod averages from the boat and the bank are very good of late with most fish falling to buzzers and diawl bachs fished on either floating or midge tip lines. The best areas seem to be all along the north shore, with anglers strung out between Grays Barn and all the way up into Dunns Bay. You can if you wish, ply your trade up on the Draycote Dam where there is a good head of Perch mixed in with the odd trout, but trust me, it can be very frustrating. Mr C Massey chose to fish off the bank in the Cornfield and netted 8 fish on buzzers. All water season permit holder Mr Paul Walker had over 30 fish from the bank. Paul fished from Lincroft Point and the Cornfield using diawl bachs and buzzers on a floating line. Paul Walley fished an afternoon session and netted 5 fish from the bank in Biggin Bay, again on small nymph patterns. Out on the boats anglers were also fairing pretty well. Mr D and Mr T Moody had 20 fish to the boat along the north shore on black buzzers. John Dickens and Lorenzo Serrano had a bit of a red letter day with over 50 fish to the boat between them on cats whiskers.

Once again the sun was splitting the sky on Saturday morning, with a nip in the air to start with. As per the past few days report, the best of the fishing is to be had along the northern edge of the reservoir. In sunny conditions those fish will push out a bit into deeper water by the middle of the day, but it’s nothing that a bit of wading and a good cast won’t sort out. Whilst natural patterns such as buzzers, diawl bachs and crunchers are providing some good sport, pulling lures on a DI3 or a DI5 is also bringing some good fish to the net. Mr A Wheatstone caught 10 fish whilst bank fishing on the north shore on buzzers. Mr N Devine and his son took to the water for an afternoon session, netting 4 fish between them from the Cornfield on white minkies. Mr K Counihan and Mr M Kilford had 8 fish apiece to the boat on a mixture of humungus and blobs. Roy Palmer and Steve Jordan had a dozen between them using a pink FAB and buzzers. John and Dan Mcelligott used midge tip lines and buzzers with a FAB on the point to good effect to net over 20 fish, remarking that most fish took the FAB. Rob and Albert Edmunds had a good day out, netting well over 60 fish between them on booby snakes from various points around the reservoir.

Totally different conditions on Sunday morning with a foggy start and a definite cold snap in the easterly breeze, it wasn’t till around 1.30 when the sun finally broke through to give a bit of warm in the day. On the bank Ian Ross enjoyed a good day at the old pipe in Biggin Bay landing 6 fish on buzzers and Diawl Bachs. Draycote season ticket holder Paul Walley also fished in Biggin Bay on the bank landing 6 fish on Yellow Owl buzzers. On the boats Fishery Manager Tom Bird fished with Sam Smith with the pair boating 30 fish. They started the day in Biggin Bay with lots of fish moving to emerging buzzers, with the pair catching on a washing line set up. However, the wind swung slightly, and the fish dropped down so the pair swapped to a long midge tip to head down after them. Draycote member Ian Reeve landed 9 fish near E Buoy in Biggin Bay using a floating line with a Green pea on the point and Diawl Bach’s on the droppers. The best catch of the day came from the boat of James Maplethorpe & Trevor Moore, with the pair landing 57 fish. Fishing with buzzers on a long leader with a gold head hares ear on the point from a floating line. The best area was Biggin Bay anchored up about 40 yards off the old pipe and just inching the buzzers back to the boat.

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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/

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Week Ending: 27th March        Rod Av: 8.7          Water Temperature: 10C

Monday the 21^st March 22 started off still and cold. -2C according to the thermostat in the car on the way on to the Eyebrook. The conditions were hardly inviting as there was a distinct lack of wind and a cold mist on the water. Eyebrook Season ticket holder R. Swinfield opted to fish the Rutland bank in the morning and had a nice half dozen rainbows between Robbo’s Cabin and the end of the netted bank on small Diawl Bachs. By around 10:30am, a gentle southerly breeze was making a bit of a ripple on the water which in turn, started to produce a few fish for Mr D. Wall up by the Chestnut tree. At first, he didn’t think he was going to do any good up that far. But the fish have made it up in to those areas as well. Small Diawl Bach’s and Buzzers fished Washing Line Style was producing good sport. The day finished off with a rod average of just under 9, with a majority of fish being taken on Diawl Bach’s and Buzzer patterns as well as a few Blob’s and FAB’s There are still fish across the front of the casting platforms and the Hawthorne’s, Fish caught in Mucky Bay and along the front of the Chestnut Tree. On the other bank, there are still fish from the corner of the netted bank to the Robbo’s Cabin and there are also reports of fish up by the Willows.

Tuesday started off a little bit warmer than Monday but still had that spring chill in the air. As the temperatures are starting to get warmer, we are seeing that the fish are starting to move on to the buzzers. The warmer weather and buzzer feeding will see more anglers out on the water in the next few weeks. So, it’s a good time to start planning ahead and book your boat if you require one. F. Colman and J. Colman had a fantastic day out on the boats and managed well in to double figures each while fishing size 12 and size 10 buzzers. Eyebrook Season ticket holder D. Shaer managed double figures to the boat with buzzers and Damsels. Mr & Mrs Rawson managed 14 to the boat between them on the first day of their 3-day package.

Wednesday started off with a bit of a crisp chill in the air but looked like it was going to be a bright and calm day. Early morning discussions with Eyebrook season ticket holders in the lodge sparked intrigue from Fishery manager Jim, as 2 Season ticket holders had mentioned that fish had been actively feeding on Corixa as well as buzzers. These conversations happened at different times and independently of one another. One had witnessed the fish feeding, and the other found corixa in the gut of a fish he had taken for the pot. As the water temperatures start to rise, it’s always worth giving a Damsel nymph a swim. As we all know, Eyebrook does have some fantastic Damsel hatches.

Thursday started off pretty much the same way that Wednesday had. There was a slight change of wind direction, but the fish were still feeding in the same areas. Eyebrook season ticket holder Dave Lawrence had a nice morning netting 4 good fish from the casting platforms while fishing buzzers. J. Vasey and G. Curry rounded up a few days visit with 16 to the boat in a morning session before heading North again. Most of the anglers are becoming fixated with Mucky Bay and The Chestnut Tree areas. These are fantastic spots at this time of year due to the silty bottom providing great buzzer hatches that go on for weeks. There have been reports of some good over wintered fish that are 4lbs+ coming to the net. It’s amazing what buzzer season can produce out on the lake.

Friday was another lovely day out on the lake All Water Season ticket holders Phil Mee and Steve Fairgrieve had a cracking day with both getting into double figures. Phil Met Steve while helping with the All- Abilities Friendly Fly Fishers (AAFFF) and Phil has been showing Steve the ropes and seeing his steady progress out on the water since last Season. That’s what Fishing is all about. Lots of anglers were now starting to find that the fish are all over the lake and they are experiencing great sport from the bank and boat with a lot of anglers getting into double figures while fishing buzzers on a washing line.

Saturday saw calm weather at the start of the day with an easterly building as the day progressed.  Eyebrook played host to the England Ladies team who had an excellent day catching 173 fish between 11 anglers giving them a rod average of 15.7; the majority of which were caught on Buzzers around various areas of the reservoir. We also hosted 2 of our Taster Sessions throughout the day. In the morning father & son; Mark & Tom Haines, enjoy a successful session with both catching fish. Under the watchful of Fishery Guide Andy Miller Tom caught his first ever trout whereas his father Mark, thought he would raise the bar by landing a large pike on of all things, a Size 10 Black Buzzer. The afternoons Taster Session saw us host a group of 5 potential anglers who once again enjoyed a very productive afternoon. All participants caught trout & had a very enjoyable afternoon under the guidance of Fishery Guides Andy Miller, Lee Henfry & Fishery Manager Jim Wright. Overall, the reservoir fished very well on Saturday with some excellent catch returns being recorded from Boat, Bank & Float Tube. Season Ticket holder Neil Shilton had a great day in his Float Tube catching 20+ fish including a cracking Rainbow of 6lb 13oz. The fish are starting to disperse around the reservoir with the most productive areas being the Hawthorns, Sam’s Dyke, Mucky Bay down to the Cowshed. As the water temperature increases so is the aquatic life with most of the fish falling to natural patterns; Buzzers & Diawl Bachs fished either static or very slow.

There was a foggy start to Sunday that saw us host the England Ladies for a second day & the All Abilities Fly Fishers. Both parties had a very productive day with all anglers catching & some recording catch returns well into the 20s. Natural patterns, fished slow or static, either on floating lines or washing lined tip lines with a FAB or Booby on the point proved to be the most productive methods. In addition, Eyebrook hosted a Tuition Day for 6 budding fly fisherman who under a tutelage of Instructor Andy Miller had a great day. From starting the day as complete novices every participant went on to catch which is great achievement. By the end of the day, they had managed a very respectable 14 fish between the 6 of them. Well done all. The banks and boats remain equally productive with numerous fish caught from most areas of the reservoir. On the bank, Season Ticket holder Malcolm Thompson had a very good day fishing buzzers in Sam’s Dyke and there has been some excellent catch returns recorded from the Netted Bank to Robbo’s Cabin. In addition to fishing nymphs & buzzers on a washing line or floating line, Season Ticket holder Mark Hunt had a very productive day from the boat fishing Dries; Bobs Bits in Claret & Red. As the water temperature continues to increase the prospect of top of the water activity will also increase with the fish happy to rise in the water column in search of food.

With the obvious improvement to the water clarity, the Pike fishing this week has also improved. One of our regular pike anglers experienced a very productive day, landing over a dozen Pike up to 21lbs 8oz.

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Thornton Fishery Weekly Report – 01530 230807

Email: thornton@flyfishstore.co.uk

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:  27^th March    Rod Av:9.0       Water Temperature: 10c

Monday & a great start to the week with a rod average 10.8 Majority of the anglers took to the boats with Paddy Fitch deciding to fish the bank for the afternoon & been rewarded with 16 trout caught close in on the margins opposite the lodge. From the boats P Hunt caught 14 with L Serrano catching 20+ with the majority of the boat anglers catching on Intermediate or fast sink lines with booby, cats whisker or diawls. Water clarity is 3ft.

Tuesday with our water temperature creeping closer to 10c+ mark when we would expect to see more fish coming to the floating lines as the trout switch onto the buzzer. Trout haven’t yet fully switched onto the buzzer with our catch returns indicating buzzer, diawls, blue flash damsel, bloodworm, blob, cats whiskers and booby patterns all taking fish with anglers fishing a midge tip down to a fast sinker. Opposite the lodge continues to fish well for the bank anglers with A Topping catching 15 and Paddy Fitch 13. From the boats a number of anglers caught double figure catches, P Mee, Tut & Bet Miles, P Cox, P Wrigley, R Dunster, P Walker & Steve Windram. Opposite the lodge, in front of the wood, corner wood into the Markfield arm fished best with the trout to be found either tight to the bank or as the day got brighter 30 yards off the bank. Another excellent day with the rod average 10+

Wednesday with the catch return showing increasing numbers of trout taking buzzer and diwal bach with the midge tip, intermediate and slow sink lines best. Steve Fairgrieve and P Mee shared a boat fishing buzzer an diawls to catch their 25 trout, Ian Leach a new All Water member Ian Brearley fished diawls an damsels to boat their 28 trout wit C & R Grice fishing damsels to take their 16 trout.

Thursday and a cracking warm March Day, flat calm with the bright conditions called for long leaders. Tony Lorrimer caught his 10 trout on his rabbit patterns, member D Rechtorik fished a midge tip with diawls & buzzers to catch his 16 trout with D Slessor and his son catching 18 for their visit. Dave & Sharon Ryalls fished a DI3 with an orange and tequila blob to catch their 13 trout. Opposite the lodge and wood remains favourite with anglers who are venturing further up the Markfield arm finding increasing numbers of trout.

Friday and another excellent day’s fishing. Sun was pleasant on your back and its helping to raise our water temperature and with-it increasing numbers of buzzer hatching. Most anglers concentrated their fishing opposite the lodge, wood and the corner with S Zeleny & S Swinfield going further into the Markfield arm been rewarded wit 12 trout. G Clark bank fished mainly along the corner with a damsel and an ace of spades, now there’s an old pattern you don’t hear of much, but it worked helping him to his 14 trout. Bill Watson had his best day ever catching 23 trout with J Law also catching well into double figures. With a daily rod average 9.8 most anglers enjoyed good catches. Intermediate long leaders with blue flash damsel, diawls and buzzers was the winning combination for most.

Saturday`s catch return was all buzzer, diawl, damsel patterns with the intermediate, sink 3 lines with long leaders and the flies fished slow catching best in front of the wood and down past the lonesome pine. David Inglis & Ron Fullelove caught 20 for their visit with A Lilley & G England having a great day catching theirs all on buzzers. Ian Leach caught 12 as did K Cowen. Our Water temperature hit 10c for the first time definitely going the right way.

Sunday the easterly breeze felt cooler but that didn’t stop the fishing with trout during part of the day to be seen feeding through the surface. Bob Jones fished black buzzer and blue flash damsel to catch his 20 trout with his boat partner S Brooks fly fishing for the first time catching 8, well done. Dave Slessor enjoyed another good day catching 20+ with George Jackson finding a small sparkler booby and small white booby helped to catch his 15 trout. C Burdett fished buzzers to catch his 6 trout finding a few fish out over the deeper water

Overall, an excellent weeks fishing

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/

2022 Prices & details on our pre-payment visit our website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/day-permits/

Week Ending: Sunday 20^th March         Rod Av:   9.0       Water Temperature: 7°C

A great start to the week, with a real feel of spring in the air and the trout responded well to the slightly warmer temperatures with the rod average finishing at 9.63 fish per angler.  All water members Steve Orton & Ged O’Donoghue landed 20 fish to the boat fishing buzzers and a blob at the school slips. Draycote members Ian Richardson & Bob Smith also enjoyed a good days sport landing 25 fish on a mix of buzzers, diawl bachs, muskins and blobs. The pair found the fish at the Hensborough bank, Farborough Dam and Cornfield. Andy Berkett & Brent Vinall enjoyed a great start to their three day break landing 37 fish to the boat using Midge Tip lines teamed with a blob and various Nymphs. Landing the majority of the fish from the Hensborough bank but also taking fish from Rainbow Corner and the Outlet. Fishery Manager Tom Bird fished in a boat with Ed Douglas with the pair enjoying a great day’s sport. Not only catching good numbers of fish but also some cracking overwintered fish up to 5lb. The key to their success was to fish the drop offs along the Farborough Dam & Hensborough Bank with Midge tips an 18ft leader, blob on the point and 2 black diawl bachs on the droppers.

Another great day Tuesday with a sunny start, light winds with cloud arriving later in the day. It really did have a very springlike feel, as a result of this better weather the water temperature has increased to 8°C. This increase in water temperature has really got the fish feeding hard and the fishing was even better than the previous day with a rod average of 13.0. Peter Elliot & Lee Patten fished in Biggin Bay near the old pipe landing 20 fish each using a Fast Glass teamed with an Olive snake. On the boats Mr Moore landed 35 fish anchored near the old pipe with all his fish taking size 12 black buzzers. Andy Birkett & Brent Vinall enjoyed a good second day on their three day package taking 39 fish to the boat. The pair fished the same tactics of the day. With the highlight being when the fish began to rise about 5.30pm and Andy managed to land a 5lb 9oz overwintered fish. Draycote members Dave Atkins & Richard Hanlon landed 49 fish to the boat with Richard going for a Di 5 sinking line and a snake will Dave used a midge tip and nymphs. All water member Ed Douglas also enjoyed a great day landing 39 fish from the bottom end of the Cornfield near the Willow Tree. Again like the day before taking them on nymphs fished on a midge tip with a blob on the point.

Wednesday saw a drastic change in the weather which resulted in a prolonged period of heavy rainfall. However, the wet weather did not dampen the fishing with those braving the elements being rewarded with some excellent fishing. Tim Grove had a cracking day with 38 fish to the boat, the majority of which were taken on buzzers on a washing line. Andy Birkett & Brent Vinall yet again had an excellent day & signed off their 3 day package in style with over 60 fish to the boat. This takes their tally for a 3 day break to 157 which is an excellent return. The successful tactics were to fish small Nymphs & Buzzers almost static on Midge Tips and they caught in all areas of reservoir.

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Hensborough, Draycote Bank, Lin Croft, and The Spit were all areas that produced good number of trout during Thursday with a variety of methods working from midge tip all the way down to a fast sinker. Increasing numbers taking buzzers patterns as the water temperature slowly starts to rise. Other patterns working were damsels, blobs and booby. Matt Crisp boat partner recorded a 6lb overwintered rainbow with Tony and Ruth Kirk taking overwintered rainbows of 3lb+ and 4lb+

Friday dawned bright and sunny with a cool easterly breeze. Once again the returns for both boat and bank anglers were pretty good with quite a few good quality over wintered fish being caught. Mr Andrew Farmer remarked on having an unbelievable afternoon, having not caught a fish from the bank until 1pm. After that they were coming thick and fast on white lures, with numbers in excess of 30 fish to the net. Young Mike Oliver also did well from the bank, netting 20+ fish on black buzzers. Both Rob and Craig Middleton had well over 30 fish to the boat between them on buzzers, from various points around the reservoir. Greg and Ken Williams also had over 30 fish to the boat using buzzers fished on a floating line. Dan Mcelligott and Bob managed 18 and 21 fish to the boat respectively, on midge tip lines and black buzzers.

It is nice to have some sunshine for a change but the easterly wind that was blowing on Draycote on Saturday could have cut corn. The rod average remains high at 5.8, with a good spread of fish being caught throughout the reservoir. Notable areas are The Farborough Dam, Toft Shallows, Grays Barn, Biggin Bay, The School Slips and The Hensborough Bank. Most of the fish seem to be coming from the top 8 feet of the water and falling to a DI3 and snakes, or a midge tip line with black diawl bachs and a blob on the point. Season permit holder Les Lerigo netted over 20 fish from a boat on black and green snakes down in Toft and noted that in the bright sunshine the fish were hard on the bottom. Ryan Gibson and Craig How had their 20 fish from the Hensborough Bank on lures fished on a DI5 sweep line.

Once again a lovely sunny day here at Draycote Sunday, with he wind dropping slightly from the day before put remaining in the East. On the bank Draycote season ticket holder Jon Crowley landed 7 in a half day. Jon, used a team of buzzers to land his fish with the best buzzers being a Vicar and a yellow owl buzzer. With Biggin Bay and Toft being his best areas, also, on the bank fellow season ticket holder Stephen Dewhurst enjoyed a good day. Stephen landed 5 fish again with the fish coming to buzzers. Out on the boats Lee Patten & Peter Elliot also found buzzers to be the best tactic landing over 40 to the boat. With the commenting the buzzers had to be fished deep on a midge tip. Richard Walked fished over in Biggin Bay landing 15 fish, Richard found the fish again sitting a little deeper. Using a midge tip line, 12ft leader and a single weighted black and green nymph. Greg Howe & Ryan Gibson used black and green snakes to tempt their fish landing 18 apiece.

Overall it has been a great week here at Draycote with 1,691 fish caught for a weekly rod average of 9.0 fish per angler. With the weather set to get even better this coming week we expect the fantastic fishing to continue.

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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/

2022 Prices & details on our pre-payment visit our website www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk/about-us-2/day-permits/

Week Ending: 20th March        Rod Av: 4.0          Water Temperature: 8C

As this week starts off, we are seeing a bit of improvement in the weather with lighter winds and brighter days. Spring is well into full flow and we are starting to hear more song birds in the trees and hedgerows as well as seeing snowdrops, daffodil sprouts and some blossom on a couple of trees.

The bank anglers seem to be doing better than the boat anglers at the moment, but occasionally a couple of boat anglers are having some great sport. Eyebrook season ticket holders L. Bates & K. Jones were top anglers on the day catching up in around double figures. W Couldrick had a great day afloat getting in to double figures as well. Varying reports are coming in about methods and flies, but the method on Monday was a floating line and fishing a gold head Montana or Ali McCoist according to L. Bates. Good Angling!!

Tuesday started off crisp and bright with a light south easterly wind that was nice for the anglers on the bank. Eyebrook Season ticket holder D. Lawrence had lots of nips and pulls from the casting platforms. New All Water Season Ticket Holder Peter Harris rounded off a 2-day visit to Eyebrook with double figures to the boat while fishing a blob on a washing line to great effect. On the Bank M. Woolnough and N. Woolnough searched along the banks to find the right spot and were justly rewarded with well into double figures each. It just goes to show, if you are prepared to move and work as a pair you can figure out the right lines, leader setup and flies to catch consistently throughout your visit.

Wednesday started off quite still and a little bit colder than it should have been. The forecast was showing light winds from the southeast which will be swinging through to a north westerly by the end of the day. The banks continue to fish well with Mr Hardy taking 8 fish on small black buzzers fished on a floating line almost static. It is becoming more noticeable that as the days progress, the warmer afternoons are increasing the water temperatures which are in turn increasing the aquatic life within the water. This results in more fish being caught on nymphs in the afternoons with Black Buzzers & Diawl Bachs being the best patterns. Robbo’s Cabin to the Willows remain one of the more productive areas with the fish laying in the deeper water during the colder mornings and moving up in the water as the water temperature rises.

Thursday saw the wind switch round to the west southwest. The warmer winds bought an improvement to the fishing with some healthy catches; into double figures, being recorded from the boat & the bank. As on previous days the fish were caught predominantly on dark lures in the morning & nymphs in the afternoon. The most productive areas remain Robbo’s Cabin to the Willows with the more grown on fish being found towards the Willows feeding on the abundant natural food in that area. Water clarity remains an issue in some areas which can make the fishing somewhat challenging.

The wind swung around to the southeast on Friday & completely dropped down to a gentle breeze by the afternoon. Coincidently, as the wind dropped the fishing dramatically improved with some excellent returns being recorded. Numbers into the high teens were recorded by both bank & boat anglers, predominantly from the afternoon session, with the best areas being the Bell to Hawthorns & over by Robbo’s Cabin. The remaining colour in the water means that dark flies are the most productive with larger profiled lures being more effective during the colder morning sessions. Whereas, during the warmer afternoons, Black Buzzers & Black Diawl Bachs fished on a Floating Lines or a Washing Lined Midge Tip being the most effective.

Saturday was greeted with a stiff easterly wind that cooled the air temperature and the water clarity was down to 2ft. All of which made for challenging fishing conditions. Braving the elements in his Float Tube was season ticket holder Neil Shilton who had found a good number of fish up by the Willows area, relatively close to the bank & it is worth noting that these fish were sat in extremely coloured water. This serves as a gentle reminder that if a known fish holding area is indeed coloured, do not immediately discount it; it could well be worth a look.  The settled weather forecast for the coming week will result in an increase in the water clarity, this coupled with the warmer temperature it should be an excellent week for taking fish on natural patterns at Eyebrook.

Sunday saw another Easterly wind on the lake. The ideal locations were along the Rutland bank if you were looking for a bit of shelter for a calmer day’s fishing. Top rod on the day was Sam Edmonds who was in to double figures while fishing the Diawl Bach’s in the coloured water by the willows. Bob Margery managed a cool 9 to the bank on Blobs and Black & Green Lures. There are clear signs that the fish are starting to move towards feeding on the buzzers. There have been a few clouds of small black buzzers around. The fish have also been more likely to take lures in the morning and small nymphs in the afternoon.

The Week ahead looks to be warming up slightly and should see the buzzer life spring in to action, then after that hopefully we will have a return to some great dry fly sport. But don’t discount trying a few lures when the going gets tough.

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Thornton Fishery Weekly Report – 01530 230807

Email: thornton@flyfishstore.co.uk

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:  20^th March   Rod Av: 6.5     Water Temperature: 8c

With an improving forecast and our water temperature creeping upwards, our fishing has certainly picked up with intermediate lines with buzzers and diawls featuring in Mondays catches. P Mee, L Serrano & H Davies all caught double figure numbers mainly on buzzers and diawls. Opposite the lodge along the Thornton arm, down to the corner of the wood and into the Markfield arm.

Tuesday water clarity 4ft+ with the water temperature creeping above 8c. Catch returns indicate intermediate with blue flash damsel, black buzzer and diawls taking the majority of the trout along the shallows of the Thornton arm, wood and down past the lonesome pine. This time of year the bank fishing at Thornton can be good with All Water Member Norman Perkins catching 13 for his bank fishing session, a word of advice, bring waders. Good catches from the boats with Carl Bond catching a personal best rainbow of 5lb2oz. P Mee fished again today catching into double figures on diawls and buzzer with his best rainbow weighing 4lb5oz

Wednesday once the rain arrived it rained all afternoon. With a rod average 2.2 for the day it was a bit more of a challenge than the day before. The successful patterns from the day before were replaced with booby and green peas patterns working best. By the end of the day following the rain our water level had risen but the clarity remained 2.5ft+

Thursday and an improvement with the rod average 3.5 with the afternoon fishing better than the morning. P Cox caught 8 with 3 of the trout caught in Green Bay. Robert Morton fished opposite the lodge with his best fish weighing 4lb12oz. The majority of anglers continue to fish opposite the lodge and down past the wood, as the clarity improves and our water temperature climbs we would expect to see the farm bank start to produce a fish or two.

Friday and a much better day considering the influx of rainwater two days previously with Friday producing a 4.4 rod average. As the clarity improves from the bank outwards Alan Topping fished black & green lures to catch 11 from the bank with G Clark catching 8 & S Proffitt catching 5 on a hot head damsel also from the bank. From the boats all water member D Slessor caught 14 for visit with Alan Johnstone fishing a fast sinker & booby to catch his 6 trout. A mixture of patterns worked during the day with boobies, green pea, damsel & diawl bach.

Saturday with a much stronger easterly wind developing during the day made fishing conditions uncomfortable but the anglers still returned a rod average 4+. Jan Webber fished an orange booby to catch his 12 trout with Mark Hunt fishing a Dawson olive booby to catch his 10 trout with Neil Bates fishing his old favourite, the cats whisker to catch his 10 trout during his afternoon visit.

Sunday with a breezy cold easterly during the morning giving way to flat calm conditions by late afternoon. Booby patterns worked best during the day with anglers using booby patterns from a midge tip line down to fast sinkers. Pam Shuttlewood & Steve Jordan caught 9 on boobies fished on fast sinkers drifting from the corner of the wood along the wood with D Slessor fishing a cats whisker booby from an anchored boat using a midge tip line to catch his 13 trout for his afternoons visit.

Considering the weather from Wednesday onwards wet, breezy and cold easterly winds I’m pleasantly surprised how well Thornton has fished this week

Water clarity is improving & will improve this week especially with the excellent weather forecast

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/

2022 Prices & details on our pre-payment visit our website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/day-permits/

Week Ending:  13^th March 2022              Rod Av:   5.8       Water Temperature: 6 °C

The wind remained in the Northeast, Monday so again it wasn’t the warmest of days for the anglers out on the water. Draycote season ticket holders Peter Elliot & Lee Patten fished from the bank enjoying a good day’s sport landing 14 and 11 fish each. The pair found the fish at Carpark 4 the top end of the Cornfield, using midge tip lines and hothead Damsel patterns. All water season Andy Lillie fished at Carp Park number 8 near Dunn’s Bay to land 5 fish on a yellow boobies fished on a sinking line with a slow retrieve. On the boats Dave Parkes & M Roberts landed 15 fish to the boat fishing along the Cornfield on sunk lines and lures. Ed Doulas enjoyed a good days sport landing 17 fish, fishing down in Toft near the nature reserve buoys using an Airflo 12ft Slow Tip. Ed teamed the line with a mix of cormorants and nymphs, to take his fish.

A cold start Tuesday with a frost and an East wind once again, as a result the water temperature started at a cold 5°C. These cold water temperatures made the fishing a challenge, as the fish were very lethargic. On the boats all water season ticket holder Lorenzo Serrano landed 5 fish using various lures fishing along the nature reserve buoy in Toft. With John Poote also landing 3 fish put not sure on his tactics.

Again another day with the wind in the East this time a strong Southeast this made the fishing along the Hotspots on the Northshore a real challenge and as a result the fishing was tough. Bob Askew fished from a boat in Toft to land 4 fish along the Nature reserve buoys. With beginner season ticket holder and fly fishing newcomer Simon Enstock landing his first fish of the 2022 season also from Toft on a cats whisker snake.

The fishing improved Thursday with the water temperature rising by a degree to 6°C, with the strong Southeast winds which later swung to a full South the bank anglers struggled and for the first time this season the boat anglers had the lion share of the sport. Dave Kennell landed 3 fish from Toft fishing at the Swan’s Nest. On the boats Dave Atkins & Richard Hanlon landed 22 between them the pair found the fish at S Buoy near Croft shoal. With their successful tactics being a Di 5 sinking line with snakes, they also landed some cracking fish of 3 & 5lb. Ian Reeve landed 12 fish taking his fish from the Hensborough Bank and also Biggin Bay using a fast intermediate and a booby snake in olive. Ifor Macary enjoyed a great days sport landing 18 fish drifting along the Farborough Dam using a floating line with a Cat’s Whisker on the point.

Once again blustery winds and light showers meant that we were a bit light on the rod numbers for Friday.

Those who wrapped up warm and braved the conditions were however rewarded with some very good sport from both boat and bank alike. The Cornfield produced well for Mr Neil Ledbrook, who netted half a dozen fish on black and green boobies and tequila blobs on a DI3. Season permit holder Ray Rawlings had 18 fish to the boat. Ray also used a DI3, fishing snakes tight in on the Cornfield. Another season permit holder, Mr Craig Middleton, pulled well over 30 fish to the boat using a 12 foot slow tip and a single blob.

Saturday dawned as forecast, with overcast conditions and a light but cold southerly blowing across the reservoir . It turns out that there were a lot of fish holding on the Farborough Dam and up on the Hensborough Bank, and most of these seemed to be getting caught in the top 8 feet of the water column. Popular lines on the day were midge tips down to DI3’s, with anything from lure patterns through to buzzers and diawl bachs showing up on the catch return. Young James Kelly caught 9 fish from the bank, using black and green lures and damsels down in Toft Shallows. Season permit holder Paul Walley caught ten fish from the bank using a gold humungus, again in Toft. Lee Cheshire also took to the bank and fished up in Rainbow Corner, using black and green lures to net 3 fish, one of which weighed 3 and a half pounds. Out on the boats Rob, Sam and Albert Edmunds all got well into double figures using cats whiskers, blobs and fab’s. Mr Andy Campbell and Mr John Brown had a good day, netting well over sixty fish between them. Andy and John tried a few different spots before settling up near the Hensborough bank .

Sunday started bright and breezy but threw a few light showers our way just to keep us on our toes. The wind never really got up to what was forecast, so overall a nippy, but fairly comfortable day. The fishing was once again top notch, with many good bags coming to both boat and bank anglers from various points around the reservoir. The best spots again on the southerly wind were Farborough Dam, Toft Shallows, (drifting off the dam wall), and the Hensborough bank. Season permit holder John Crowley fished bank fished in the corner of the Hensborough Bank to net 7 fish on a yellow dancer and diawl bachs using an intermediate line. Mr H Lambert and Mr D Robson had over 20 fish to the boat using a mixture of cormorants and humungus . The All Abilities Fly Fishers ventured out onto the reservoir with a good attendance, under the guidance of Mark Goodge and Shaun Higgins. A grand total of 15 rods caught 122 fish, giving them a club rod average for the day of  8.1. Well done to all those who took part.

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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/

2022 Prices & details on our pre-payment visit our website www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk/about-us-2/day-permits/

Week Ending: 13^th March        Rod Av: 4.5          Water Temperature: 7C +

Monday saw the cold weather from the previous week continue with a stiff easterly breeze reducing the air temperature further. The water clarity is improving daily; currently at around 2 ½ ft which will improve due to the predicted forecast of dryer weather. The Gillespie brothers had a productive day from the boat, landing 18 fish between them, fishing bright flies relatively slow. The Netted bank, Robbo’s Cabin & the Willows were their most productive areas once the air temperature had increased & the wind had dropped. Other productive areas included along the platform’s frontage & the Hawthorns with fish getting caught from the bank & boat.

With Tuesday’s warmer settled weather, the water clarity continued to improve. All water member Ian Jobe had a very productive day from the bank, picking up 11 fish from various locations with the Bell to the Hawthorns being his most productive area. He found the fish from the netted bank to the Willows which were more widespread, having to adopt a mobile approach to pick up fish. Whereas the fish on the Bell to Hawthorns area were more condensed; on occasion hooking 2 at a time. The best method remains fishing your flies very slow & relatively deep. Either black or very bright neon type flies have proven best given the water clarity. Each day has seen the water clarity improve and this should continue as the week progresses.

Wednesday seemed to make the fish a little more elusive for quite a few of the anglers as a lot of them struggled to locate the fish in the morning. As the afternoon broke, the fish seemed to become more active and the Anglers started to pick a few more fish up as the day progressed. Yet again, the same fly combinations in the same areas as previously mentioned were producing results.

Thursday saw Eyebrook adopt another truckload of stunning Rainbows from Westacre. They settled in quickly and headed off up the Leicestershire bank and straight across the dam towards the netted bank. Some of the anglers couldn’t quite get in on the action from the bank or boat. But there were a few exceptions that found fish and got into good numbers. Olly Mills was fishing single tadpole type patterns and getting a lot of interest as well as fish to the net. D. Brocklesby’s group took a while to find fish on their first day out on the reservoir, but soon enjoyed the sport once certain areas had been identified.

Friday seen Eyebrook being hit with swirling winds that made choosing a spot to fish, quite deceptive. The wind always looked good until you got into that spot and then it would change. The most sheltered area of the reservoir was along the netted bank and Robbo’s area. This left bank anglers and boat anglers jostling for position. Remember, boats should give bank anglers at least 50 yards clearance. It’s good etiquette. Shelter was only one reason for that corner being that busy, there’s lots of fish in that area as well, and it has been producing some good sport, mainly for the bank anglers as long as the wind is in the right direction.

The productive bank fishing continued Saturday with several anglers catching good numbers of fish from various locations; Bell to Hawthorns & over at the netted bank to Robbo’s cabin. David Rechorik enjoyed an excellent day with 11 fish taken on Minkies & various booby lures fished on a floating line & midge tip respectively. Other productive methods include washing line buzzers with a colourful FAB on the point particularly on the warmer leeward bank, to twiddling dark coloured lures on intermediate lines. Those taking to the boats have found that fishing lures on intermediate to sinking lines to be the more productive approach, concentrating their efforts fishing over deeper water.

Sunday saw Eyebrook host a Thornton Fly Fishers bank match. Every angler caught fish and overall top rod was Norman Perkins with 4 fish which were caught over by the Netted Bank/Robbo’s Cabin area on a mixture of Fabs & Nymphs. What was noticeable was that as weather warmed throughout the day the fishing improved with Season Ticket holder Dave Etty landing 10 fish on Diawl Bachs over by Robbo’s Cabin to the Seat area. Boat anglers continue to have success fishing the slightly deeper water further out of the Hawthorns & Robbo’s Cabin with Ian Dalby taking 9 fish in a short morning session. As the remanding colour continues to drop out the water and the water temperature increases the forecast for the coming weeks looks excellent.

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Thornton Fishery Weekly Report – 01530 230807

Email: thornton@flyfishstore.co.uk

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:  13^th March   Rod Av:  6.0    Water Temperature: 7c+

Slow start to the week with not many rods out on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday with the rod average for the first three days of the week 2.0 Clarity is improving with some improvement to the water temperature which should see our fishing improve as the week progresses.

Thursday and all the rods caught using a variety of method from a floating line, slow intermediate to a fast sinker. P Harding fished opposite the lodge and caught steadily all day using a slow intermediate with candy blob on the dropper and small pink snake on the point. Mark and Sam Gee caught 6 fishing buzzer and olive nymphs close into the margins opposite the lodge. George Jackson fished the corner of the wood with a fast sinker and booby patterns for his 6 trout. Good to see some of our trout starting to take the buzzer, a sign of improving conditions and improving water temperature. Water clarity is pushing 3ft.

Friday, windier than forecast! Although wind strength was more than forecast with the wind coming from the south the air temperature was warmer than the day before. Our water temperature was 7c+ we should see a steady increase the closer it gets to 10c+ the higher in the water column the fish will be. Not many rods on the water due to the weather but the three members who decided to go out were rewarded with a rod average 8 with fast sinking sink 7 or the slower sinking sink 3 with booby, blob and cats whisker taking the majority of the trout. Water clarity is a good 3ft

Saturday and a nice start to the day although the wind did pick up during the day. With our water temperature at 7c+ and improving, our water clarity is 3ft and improving daily the trout were keen to take the fly. Opposite the lodge, wood and corner of the wood fished best with anglers catching on intermediate all the way down to sink 7 lines. Although the standard booby, snakes and cats whisker patterns are working we have during the last few days seen increasing number trout on small lure patterns, cormorants, buzzers and diawls. Brian Sibley. Martin Clay, Jan Webber and Mark Hunt all recorded double figure catches.

Sunday and with a poor weather forecast which proved to be wrong we had few rods on the water, a shame as it fished well with M Vickers fishing the morning session catching 8

Water clarity is improving and very fishable as our rod average 6.0 indicates. As our water temperature improves a bit every day we will soon be at 10c+ when we should start to see our buzzers begin to hatch.

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/

2022 Prices & details on our pre-payment visit our website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/day-permits/

Week Ending: Sunday 6^th March                   Rod Av: 3.6         Water Temperature: 5.5°C

A cold Northeast greeted the anglers for Draycote’s opening day on Tuesday. Although thankfully the rain that has been forecast earlier in the week held off. With the cold wind the surface water temperature was a cold 5°C and 2ft down it was still only 6°C. As a result the fish were very lethargic, and it took a while for the sport to get going. On the bank Dennis Tidmarsh faired the best landing 28 fish all taken from Lincroft Point. Dennis used a fast sinking intermediate with a Humongous to start before switching to a Cats Whisker later in the day. Just up from the bank from Dennis, Alan Grant used very similar tactic to lands 14. Fishing down the Cornfield season ticket holders Lee Patten & Peter Elliot landed 20 & 17 fish each. The pair opted to use midge tip lines with a mix of boobies and lures to land their fish. The best fish of the day went to Draycote Fly Fisher member Paul Sly who laded a cracking fish of 9lb 8oz taken on a Cat’s Whisker from Toft. Pictures of this great fish can be seen on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/flyfishstore. On the boats the best tactic was to fish just off the drop off close to bank using sunk lines with various lures and boobies. Kevin Hart fished with John Hoskins along the Cornfield near the Willow Trees to land near 40 fish to the boat. Traveling Welsh angler Gary Warton landed 14 fish from the Buoy line if Toft using an intermediate line and a white Humongous. Ben Bayliss & Brian Shields found snakes the best tactic drifting around various marks on the lake. James Maplethorpe & Trevor Moore found some shelter out of the cold wind in Albert Bottom in Biggin Bay. Here the pair found Buzzers to be hatching and landed 18 fish to the boat all on static buzzers fished on a long leader.

A warmer day Wednesday with the wind swinging to the Southeast, however, there was consistent drizzle all day. Which certainly made for unpleasant conditions for the anglers out on the water. On the bank Draycote season ticket holder Paul Walley landed 6 fish using a Di 3 sinking line with a green lure taking his fish from Lincroft point. Alec Twaites also fished here taking 4 fish in a morning session. On the boats Lincroft shoal was the hotspot for the day with B Marston fishing on his own landing 13 fish using a Di 5 sinking line and a black booby snake. Draycote member Dan Mcelligott also fished Croft Shoal with boat partner John Edmunds with the pair landing 19 fish again taken on a Di 5 sinking line and black snake. All water season ticket holder John Kirk fished with Jake Wenman landing 10 fish to the boat fishing around Lincroft Point and down the Cornfield on Humungus.

Much improved weather Thursday with warmer air temperatures, light winds, and dry conditions. On the bank Phil Cross landed 8 fish using a black cat’s whisker and landed a cracking fish of 4lb. Emad also fished from the bank to land 5 fish. On the boats Steve Rainbow landed 11 fish using a Di 5 sinking line with a barred olive snake. All water member Jamie Scott also fished using a sinking line in the form of a DI 7 to boat 13 fish using a Cat’s Whisker and also a Candy booby. Roy Palmer decided to fish over the open water around X & Y Buoy looking for some overwintered fish, which he did landing 5 fish all on deep fished lures.

A bit of a damp start on Friday with a chilly north wind again saw most of the sport being had on the north shore. Alan Grant had 10 fish from Lin Croft point on a sinking line and lures, whilst season permit holder Paul Walker used much the same method to net 14. John Dickens also fishing from the bank, netted 7 fish on damsels and black and green lures. Out on the boats Will Hunt had a good day, netting a bakers dozen on green snakes and boobies off Lin Croft Point. Mr C Marriott also did well, netting 5 fish on white snakes, boobies and black and green lures fished on a sinking line.

Saturday was a very different day with a very cold north westerly which brought with it some very uncomfortable conditions. Whilst some anglers braved the conditions out in open water early on, most headed for the shelter of the north shore by mid-morning. The group of Scottish anglers, led by Bruce Callander, seemed to be doing well drifting in Biggin Bay, using sinking lines and a Dawsons Olive, with the best boat landing 26 fish. Season Permit holder Mark Braun had 10 fish to the boat down in the Corn Field fishing damsels on a DI7. Local Angler Eddie Kirk only fished for half a day in a boat, but managed to catch 5 fish in Biggin Bay on black and green lures. Mr W Propert and Mr S Spencer caught 9 fish between them using sinking lines and cats whiskers in the Corn Field.

Another cold day Sunday with a cold Northeast wind and overcast conditions. Fishing from Lincroft Point Draycote season ticket Alan Grant landed 11 fish using a roly-poly retrieve and a black and green lure. Tim Burn fished at the top of the Cornfield from the bank to land 13 fish. Another angler doing well from the bank was Kev Hart who landed 8 fish using a forty plus Di 3 sinking line and a couple of boobies, Kevin found the fish in Dougie’s Gap just down from Lincroft Point. On the boats the Bruce Callander party caught well landing 83 fish. The anglers found the fish to be tight all along the North Shore from Lincroft down to Toft. With their best fly being a black snake fished on either a Di 3,5 or 7 sinking with a roly-poly retrieve.

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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/

2022 Prices & details on our pre-payment visit our website www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk/about-us-2/day-permits/

Week Ending:  6^th March 2022          Rod Av:  7.1        Water Temperature: 7°C

he Season began with welcoming a few familiar faces and a few new ones in the mix. Our anglers were met with weather that was straight out of a Charles Dickens novel. Despite the weather being so dreary and cold, and colour in the water. We were getting some early reports back that a few anglers were doing really well between The Bell and The Hawthorne’s. There were fish being caught further up towards Sam’s Dyke and along the frontage of the Bird Hide between Sam’s Dyke and The Island.

A lot of anglers were opting for black and green lures or Cat’s Whisker type patterns on a floating line. Others opted for small black Nymphs or Buzzers, they fished them on a washing line or straight through. The regular season ticket holders were doing fantastic and enjoying the great sport.

Saturday was a really windy day with wind speeds at 21mph from the North. This made fishing really difficult for a lot of anglers with a majority of anglers calling it quits and heading for warmer more comfortable conditions to enjoy.

Sunday started off with a biting North Easterly wind which coloured up the water along the Leicestershire bank. A majority of the anglers headed for the Netted Bank and Robbo’s Cabin area as the water was clearer and there was shelter from the wind. Olly Mills and Jobe Burnham were in to double figures off the netted bank area All water ticket holders Steve Jordan and Adam Gunby had a a cool 20+ fish to the boat while fishing along the same areas as previously mentioned.

Black and Green lures have been getting the best results, but cats whisker patterns as well as Diawl Bach and buzzer patterns have taken their fair share of fish in the past few days.

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Thornton Fishery Weekly Report – 01530 230807

Email: thornton@flyfishstore.co.uk

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:  6^th March       Rod Av:2       Water Temperature: 5.5c – 6c

Start of the week and were greeted with a poor weather forecast for most of the next 7-day period.

Monday all water member J Scott caught 9 on a white cat’s whisker booby in a fast sinker catching fish to 4lb+.

Tuesday a few more rods about with Greg Weatherdon also fishing a cat’s booby on a fast sinker to catch his 7 trout with P Hunt and Arthur Olding taking 4 fish each.

Wednesday and more rain which bought the level of the reservoir up and reduced the clarity to 16inch which hampered the fishing during Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

D Slessor caught 5 for his visit with P Wrigley catching 6 with S Palmer taking to his float tube for his 4 trout taken on a cats booby and tequila booby. George Jackson also fished a cats booby to catch his 5 trout

Water levels are returning to normal level with our clarity improving daily, currently 2ft. Best area most of the week was in front of the wood and corner of the wood with anglers finding fish along this area tight to the bank to 50yds off the bank

Weekly Fishing Report: Draycote, Eyebrook, Thornton

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

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

Fishery YouTube Channel: YouTube Flyfishstore

Draycote Fishery Weekly Report – 01788 812018

Email:  draycote@flyfishstore.co.uk

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

We are taking bookings call the lodge 01788 812018

Draycote Membership details for 2022, click on the link www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/season-permits/

Details on 2022 permit prices and prebooking details follow the link www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/day-permits/

 BFFI Show. We will have our usual stand at the BFFI Show www.bffi.co.uk/ this coming weekend Saturday 12^th & Sunday 13^th February, with show offers on RIO, SAGE, Vision & Snowbee tackle.

Ifor, Tom & Jim will be on the stand with latest 2022 season details on Thornton, Eyebrook & Draycote

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Thornton Fishery Weekly Report – 01530 230807

Email: thornton@flyfishstore.co.uk

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

Rod Average: 5.5     Water Temperature: 5.5c – 6c

The 2022 season opened on the 1^st February. Good water clarity with the water temperature 5.5c

Fish as expected were on the shallows opposite the lodge, in front of the wood but also down the Markfield arm to the lonesome pine. What we didn’t expect to see was the number of fish in the middle of the Thornton arm, John Bebbington caught 8 from 8.30am to 2pm but also on the lodge bank, Lee Henfrey caught 30 trout 40 yards in front of the lodge on DI7 cats & booby. Wind was gusty & strong at times blowing down along the shallows of the Thornton arm which made for difficult fishing conditions at times. Rod average was 5.4 with sink 7 or sink 5 lines with cats whisker, green pea & booby

Day two, better conditions less windy. Trout are on both banks of the Thornton arm, down the middle of the arm, wood bank and lonesome pine. Sink 7 and 5 lines with booby, cats whiskers, green pea, tadpole, fab patterns were generally best. During the afternoon, warmest part of the day a few anglers fished a floating line 12 to 14ft leader and a small weighted cats whisker.

Thursday proved to be the best day of the week for weather with the fishery returning a rod average 8. In front of the wood, corner of the wood & down past the lonesome pine produced best to Sink 7 or 5 lines with the typical early season patterns, booby, cats whisker, tadpole. Alan Wither & Rob Keeber shared a boat catching 25 on a cut throat cat & white snake, Thornton members R Dunster & P Wrigley caught 21 for their visit with new Thornton member Paddy Fitch catching 22 from the bank.

Friday a return to colder conditions but we still returned a 4.8 rod average. All Water Member C Middleton visited Thornton for the first time catching 18 for his visit, Mr Wenman fished a cut throat cat a pattern currently working well to catch his 9 trout with Thornton member Pete Hunt catching 8.

Saturday and an early morning frost took until 9am to clear from the pontoon. When the boats eventually got out on the water, they all headed towards the corner of the wood to fish this area before the forecasted increase in the wind which was expected to arrive at lunch time. Lee Henfrey took advantage of the of the winter break before Draycote opens to fish Thornton catching 15 on humungus. Jan Webber also fished a humungus to take his 5 trout.

Sunday, with the forecast for average wind speeds exceeding 25mph boats were cancelled, in line with our prebooking arrangements all anglers were offered an alternate day or offered a full refund.

Follow the link for day permit pricing & our prebooking details www.flyfishthornton.co.uk/about-us-2/day-permits/

BFFI SHOW: We will have our usual stand at the BFFI Show www.bffi.co.uk/ this coming weekend Saturday 12^th & Sunday 13^th February, with show offers on RIO, SAGE, Vision & Snowbee tackle.

Ifor, Tom & Jim will be on the stand with latest 2022 season details on Thornton, Eyebrook & Draycote

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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 4^th March

 Eyebrook Membership details for 2022, click on the link www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk/about-us-2/season-permits/

 We are taking bookings call the lodge 01536 770264

Details on 2022 permit prices and prebooking details follow the link www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk/about-us-2/day-permits/

 BFFI Show We will have our usual stand at the BFFI Show www.bffi.co.uk/ this coming weekend Saturday 12^th & Sunday 13^th February, with show offers on RIO, SAGE, Vision & Snowbee tackle.

Ifor, Tom & Jim will be on the stand with latest 2022 season details on Thornton, Eyebrook & Draycote

Eyebrook, Thornton, Draycote

This Sunday 19^th December at the Eyebrook Fishing Lodge from 9.30am – 2.00pm

Ifor, Tom & Jim will be at the Eyebrook lodge to discuss with you our plans for 2022, our season permit & day permit options & our stocking policy.

Tom & Jim will also be offering fly tying advice & be tying their own successful patterns.

Looking for that last minute Christmas gift the Eyebrook shop will be open, our gift vouchers are a popular gift.

There are only 7 more weekends before the 2022 season opens at Thornton on the 1st February 2022!

2022 Membership – Day Permit Options – Stocking Policy

Eyebrook 2022. click on the link for 2022 Membership Options & 2022 Day Permits
Click on the link for Eyebrook 2022 Stocking Policy
Eyebrook Contact details 01536770264 email eyebrook@flyfishstore.co.uk

Draycote 2022 click on the link for 2022 Membership Options & 2022 Day Permits 
Click on the link for Draycote 2022 Stocking Policy
Draycote Contact Details 01788812018 email draycote@flyfishstore.co.uk 

Thornton 2022 click on the link for 2022 Membership Options & 2022 Day Permits 
Click on the link for Thornton 2022 Stocking Policy
Thornton Contact Details 01530230807 email thornton@flyfishstore.co.uk 

Covid Guidelines: In light of the current government covid guidelines, hand sanitiser will be provided as you enter the building with face coverings required to be worn when you’re in the building.

That’s my 39^th season managing midland trout fisheries completed as the 2021 season has now drawn to a close at Draycote, Thornton & Eyebrook, boats are off the water & engines gone away for their winter servicing. Time to reflect on the 2021 season & plan for 2022

2021 Eyebrook & Thornton we continued to trial a different stocking policy with Thornton receiving trout from 1lb8oz to 2lb+ & Eyebrook being stocked with trout from 1lb10oz to 2lb+

As both reservoirs are relatively shallow, Thornton 30ft at its deepest with Eyebrook 35ft, both fed by a stream with low summer flows and no aeration / bubble line the rod average during the past would drop as the water temperature increased

By reducing the overall average size of the trout stocked at Eyebrook to 1lb14oz & Thornton to 1lb12oz we saw a marked improvement to the weekly & monthly rod average, especially during the summer months.

During 2021 Thornton returned a season’s rod average of 3.7 a huge improvement on previous years, with some of my long term members telling me it was their best season.

For my 5^th year managing the Eyebrook the change in the stocking policy returned a record year, with the final figures showing the Eyebrook returned an impressive season’s rod average of 5, outstanding fishing by anyone’s standards.

Draycote Water has a well-earned reputation for consistent, reliable sport, at 600 acres, depth up to 70ft & a long aerator / bubble line it does cope well with the summer temperatures. Draycote once again returned an impressive 4.8 rod average for the season. With its larger size, depth & aerator line we aim whenever possible to maintain a 2lb average size stocked rainbow.

2022

Our diaries are open to accept booking. For 2022 you will be required to pre pay for your booking, this will allow the staff working the lodges during the busy morning period to have more time to interact with their customers, it will reduce queuing within the lodges. It will also eradicate the “no shows” we get, which obviously cost us.

I have introduced two new permit options for 2022 a 3 Fish permit & a 5 Fish permit, there should hopefully be a permit that suits everyone’s needs

Details on permits & pre payment  along with membership details follow the link to

Draycote 01788 812018 draycote@flyfishstore.co.uk – follow link to Day Permits – Membership

Thornton 01530 230807 thornton@flyfishstore.co.uk  – follow link to Day Permits – Membership

Eyebrook 01536 770264 eyebrook@flyfishstore.co.uk – follow link to Day Permits – Membership

For groups, angling clubs, competitions we do offer group rates contact the lodges for details

In less than 8 weeks time Thornton opens on the 1^st February 2022 followed by Draycote opening on the 1^st March with Eyebrook opening 4^th March

Dates for your diary

Sunday 19^th December, Eyebrook Lodge 9.30am to 2.00pm

Myself, Tom Bird & Jim Wright will be at the Eyebrook lodge to discus our plans for each fishery during 2022, our membership options, or to answer any questions you have.

Tom & Jim will also be tying some of their favourite patterns.

Look forward to seeing you there

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

**New Email Address**: draycote@flyfishstore.co.uk

Draycote 2022 Membership www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/season-permits/ 

Open Day to discuss membership & the 2022 season with Ifor Jones, Tom Bird / Draycote & Jim Wright / Eyebrook will be held on Sunday 19th December 2021 at the Eyebrook fishing lodge 9.30am – 2pm, hot drink & mince pies, look forward to seeing you there.

Week Ending Sunday 28^th November      Rod Average 3.2   Water Temperature 6 °C

Please Note: As of Tuesday 30^th November 2021 all customers in the Draycote lodge will be required to wear a face covering.

Pre payment; We will be asking you to pay for your fishing with a debit or credit card at the time of booking. This will prevent unnecessary queuing at the lodge. Your permit & receipt will be at the booking In area. Staff working the pontoon will allocate you your boat. We recommend you use the hand sanitiser provide & wear a face covering.

Another cold day Monday, with winds coming from the North and temperatures just hitting double figures with clear skies all day. As a results of the cold temperature and clear skies the bank fishing was challenging. On the boats Draycote members Ian Richardson & Bob Smith landed 11 fish, taking 7 of them in the last hour from P Buoy. The pair used white snakes with shrimps on the droppers and commented on the “lovely fish” they caught. All water member Ed Douglas also enjoyed a good day landing 8 fish, again on snakes. Ed, used a Di 5 40 plus line and found the fish at P, X and M Buoy.

A lovely late Autumn Day Tuesday with light winds and sun in the morning before cloud arrived at midday. It was certainly a day for the boats, with the light winds making the bank fishing a challenge. Although Dave East did land a cracking 3lb Rainbow taken on a small cruncher fished on a washing line at the Tower Bank. On the boats Draycote member Dave Kennell landed 6 fish around M Buoy and the Hensborough Bank. Dave used foam Daddies fished on a midge tip in the morning before swapping them for a white minkie in the afternoon. Jim Smith & Ed Douglas landed 20 fish to the boat and reported lots more other pulls. Jim used a Di 3 forty plus and a white snake booby, while Ed used a forty plus slow intermediate and 2 small, weighted snakes. They landed their fish from X Buoy, P Buoy and then out from the sailing club and towards the pontoon. Fishery guide Lee Henfrey fished with Martin Rowson with the pair boating 30 fish, they found the fish taking willing to take an Olive snake booby fished on a Di 5 sinking line. With the fish coming from P, X, Y Buoy and then around the Pontoon.

The wind came from the West Southwest Wednesday with overcast skies. On the bank Tony Kirk landed 2 fish on floating fry at the Tower Bank. Brian Joseph also fished the bank to land 4 fish all taken on small nymphs fished on a floating line. On the boats Ed Douglas landed 13 fish on small snakes fished on a Di 3 sinking line at The Hensborough Bank heading towards M Buoy. Kevin Hart also fished in this area landing 13 again on snakes. All water member Andy Lillie landed 4 cracking silver fish all over 3lb fishing hares ear nymphs in the shallow water at Farborough Spit.

A bitterly cold day Thursday with the air temperature only just above positive figures with a biting North West wind. On the boats fishery guide Lee Henfrey fished with Draycote season ticket holder Dan McElligott the pair landed 16 fish between. They used Di 5 sinking lines and a mix of snake boobies and also Humungus boobies, catching fish at P, Y, S & X Buoy with the fish taking the flies in the top 4 feet. Also on the water was John Horsey fishing with Ron Howard who landed 15 fish landing they around P Buoy. John & Ron also used Di 5 sinking with black and olive snakes and had a number of other chances.

Friday was very windy with scattered showers, making for some uncomfortable conditions at times.  Those anglers who did venture out seemed to head for the shelter of the Draycote Dam up in Rainbow Corner. The fish that were caught at the western end of the reservoir were all taken on sinking lines and lures at anchor.

Unfortunately, due to high winds all boats were cancelled on Saturday and no bank anglers ventured out.

Sunday saw us host the 2021 Fur and Feather match here at Draycote water on what was a very cold day, with snow showers which turned heavy through the late afternoon. 52 anglers took part boating 162 fish, giving us an average of 3.1. In third place were Rob and Albert Edmunds with a total bag weight of 24lbs 2 oz. In second place were the father and son pairing of Sean and John Hanlon with a bag weight of 28lbs 1 oz. And the winners with a total bag weight of 33lbs were Gareth Jones and David Hoppe. Well done to all those who took part. We would like to wish all of our customers a merry Christmas and a happy new year, and we hope to see you all in again in 2022.

Thornton Fishery Weekly Report – 01530 230807

“New Email address”  thornton@flyfishstore.co.uk

Stocking Policy As we enter the period of the year higher water temperatures we alter the average size of trout we stock our stocking policy for Thornton is explained on our website Stocking Policy | Fly Fish Thornton – Leicestershire Fly Fishery

Pre payment; We will be asking you to pay for your fishing with a debit or credit card at the time of booking. This will prevent unnecessary queuing at the lodge. Your permit & receipt will be at the booking In area. Staff working the pontoon will allocate you your boat. We recommend you use the hand sanitiser provided & wear a face covering if it`s busy.

Week ending 28^th November.  Rod Av 2.7  Water Temperature: 9c+

As forecasted were seeing a change to the weather, more like November, early morning frost, cooler temperatures. The weather however didn’t spoil the fishing with Monday averaging 3.5 with all of the trout falling to fast sinking lines with booby and snake patterns. M Woolnough fished a fast sinker & pink snake using a roly poly retrieve to catch his 7 trout to 3.5lb fishing from the pontoon down towards the main car park. All water member S Windram fished off the corner of the wood with a DI5 and minkie patterns to catch his 6 trout.

Tuesday with the wind from the north another chilly day, but that didn’t stop the fishing. P Hunt caught 10 for his visit with the majority taken on a fast sink line and bejeezus booby. Arthur Olding opted for a pink snake on a fast sinker with day rod M Chapman catching 4 for his mornings visit

Wednesday all water member Ian Jobe took to his float tube catching 7 trout. B Deeley had another successful visit fishing with his pink booby pattern to catch 5 using a short 3ft leader

Thursday our water temperature was down to 9c, with a sharp frost resulting in a frozen pontoon, with anglers not able to access boats before 9.30am. Sinking lines with various snake, booby and fry patterns is how all the anglers approached the day. George Jackson caught 7 on cats whisker booby patterns with Pete Hunt fishing a fast sinker with a pink booby pattern to catch his 6 fish.

Friday with a deteriorating forecast a quiet day at the fishery with only two boats going out. Mick Cross & Chris Sayer caught 9 fishing down the Thornton arm opposite the lodge using fast sinking lines & booby patterns with John Bebbington catching 2 for his morning’s session.

Saturday no boats out due to the weather.

Sunday and the first snowfall of the year combined with a hard frost saw only the hardiest of anglers take to the water. Corner of the wood produced to sinking lines & DI3 with booby, cats whisker & snake patterns taking fish, Top rod was Matt Vickers with 10 trout with David Ro & A Hart catching 7 trout

Only two more days of the 2021 season left as we close on the 30^th November

2022 Membership

We offer individual fishery membership for Draycote, Thornton & Eyebrook and our increasingly popular All Water membership which gives you access to all three fisheries. Full details available by emailing iforjones@flyfishstore.co.uk

Thornton 2022 Membership www.flyfishthornton.co.uk/about-us-2/season-permits/

Open Day to discuss membership & the 2022 season with Ifor Jones, Tom Bird / Draycote & Jim Wright / Eyebrook will be held on Sunday 19th December 2021 at the Eyebrook fishing lodge 9.30am – 2pm, hot drink & mince pies, look forward to seeing you there.

Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report – 01536 770264

“New Email address”  eyebrook@flyfishstore.co.uk

The 2021 season at the Eyebrook has drawn to a close. We enjoyed an excellent season with the fishery returning a rod average 4.4

Eyebrook membership is available with options starting from £10.28 a visit, If you would like to receive our membership details for the 2022 season email iforjones@flyfishstore.co.uk

Eyebrook 2022 Membership www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk/about-us-2/season-permits/

Open Day to discuss membership & the 2022 season with Ifor Jones, Tom Bird / Draycote & Jim Wright / Eyebrook will be held on Sunday 19th December 2021 at the Eyebrook fishing lodge 9.30am – 2pm, hot drink & mince pies, look forward to seeing you there.

The 2022 season will open on Friday 4^th March

Eyebrook Fly Fishers Angling Club

AGM at the Eyebrook Fishing lodge. Sunday 28^th November 2021 – 11am

Everyone welcome. Tea, coffee, mince pies provided

“Best laid plans” if only we had known following our inaugural meeting of the Eyebrook Fly Fishers on the 23rd February 2020 that a month to the date we would all learn a new word “Covid” and the unthinkable would happen, a national lockdown.

Not surprising therefore that the club has had very little activity

I have a feeling that is about to change. Looking forward to this coming winter the club plans to arrange a winter program of activities and a program of events for you during 2022

We look forward to hosting the Eyebrook fly fishers at the Eyebrook lodge, hopefully as many of you as possible will be able to attend on the 28th

Please use the main entrance off Great Easton road.

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

**New Email Address**: draycote@flyfishstore.co.uk

Draycote 2022 Membership www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/season-permits/ 

Open Day to discuss membership & the 2022 season with Ifor Jones, Tom Bird / Draycote & Jim Wright / Eyebrook will be held on Sunday 19th December 2021 at the Eyebrook fishing lodge 9.30am – 2pm, hot drink & mince pies, look forward to seeing you there.

Week Ending Sunday 21^st November      Rod Average 2.5   Water Temperature  8.5°C

Pre payment; We will be asking you to pay for your fishing with a debit or credit card at the time of booking. This will prevent unnecessary queuing at the lodge. Your permit & receipt will be at the booking In area. Staff working the pontoon will allocate you your boat. We recommend you use the hand sanitiser provide & wear a face covering if its busy.

Light to no winds for most of Monday, with just the lightest of winds occasionally picking up. On the bank Norman Perkins enjoyed a good day landing 6 fish from the Swan’s Nest. Paul Walker also fished the bank and landed a cracking Rainbow or 5lb 8oz taken at Lincroft point. Another angler landing a good fish was Draycote member Kevin Rees who landed a 5lb brown washing lining shrimps on Toft. On the boats the Fishery Management team took out invited guest who have we have worked closely with over during the season. These guest made up of Severn Trent Rangers from both Draycote & Thornton, Newleaf Catering, Draycote Water Sailing Club. A great day was had by all with a number of fish caught and prizes awarded for the best catch from each section. The best fish of the day came from Mark of Draycote water sailing club who landed a cracking Rainbow of 3lb 11oz taken in a minkie booby fished on a Di 3 sinking line at J Buoy. Outside of the fishing event, Draycote member Ian Richardson fished with Bob Barfoot with the pair landing 9 fish to the boat. They used small snakes and minkie landing their fish around the Sailing Club and around J Buoy.

A foggy start Tuesday, with cleared around 11am with some light rain later in the afternoon. On the bank Dave Atkins landed 4 fish, 3 of them coming in Toft and the fourth from the Cornfield using a black and green minkie. Fishing for the last four hours on the bank Mr English enjoyed good sport landing 4 fish using shrimp patterns in Toft. Draycote member Pete Allen landed a cracking fish on the boats of 5lb taken right in the surface on a Popper Hopper. Francis Campbell enjoyed great sport at P buoy landing 11 fish. Mr Campbell used an olive snake fished slowly with the fish taking about 4-6ft under the surface.

Another mild-day Wednesday meant the fish remained high in the water column. On the bank brothers Roger & Graham Davies landed 2 each from Toft. All water season ticket holder Michael Ravenscroft fished the bank landing 3 fish including a cracking rainbow of 4lb. John Mills fished from the boats to land 6 fish, taking his fish on Minkies. John fished these on a slow intermediate line around Farborough Spit and also the Hensborough bank. Kevin Hart used Minkie boobies to land 11 fish, Kevin used a RIO Fathom sink 3. With his fish coming from the Hensborough Bank and along the school slips.

Draycote season ticket holder Tony Broadway landed 5 fish from the bank Thursday using mini snakes to tempt his fish. Mick Cronin landed 3 of the bank on suspender minkie patterns. However, the best catch off the bank came to Stan Hillman who landed 9 fish and commented “should have been 18” all taken on popper minkies. On the boats Peter Elliot & Lee Patten 16 fish using Minkie boobies and snakes on Di 3 sinking lines around M Buoy, Hensborough Bank, and the Farborough Dam. Dave Smith also fished Minkie boobies landing 6 fish taking them at M Buoy, with the boobies fished either on an intermediate or a Di 3. Bob Askew also landed 6 fish on popper minkies fished on a floating line around the Hensborough Bank and also the school slips. Dave Atkins used an Olive snake on a Di 3 taking 7 with his best area being the Farborough Spit.

A fairly calm day out on Draycote on Friday and quite mild for the time of year. Once again the bank is on good form with young Norman Perkins netting 10 fish on a mixture of boobies and buzzers near the Swans Nest. Tony Broadway had 4 fish from the bank on a washing line and crunchers while James Kelly netted 3. The boat fishing was also in good form especially for Kevin Hart and John Hoskins, who between them netted over 30 fish on intermediate lines. Kevin and John used lures such as minkie boobies and snakes and drifted over M and K buoy up past the sailing club near the Hensborough Bank.

With a light westerly and overcast conditions it looked a fairly good day for fishing on Draycote Water on Saturday. Mike Garner had a brace from the bank using a Pitsford pea fishing off Lincroft Point. Stan Hillman used lure patterns to catch 4 fish from the bank by the Overflow. Mr A Smith used snakes on an intermediate line to catch his 4 from the bank near the Valve Tower and in Dunns Bay. Season permit holder Paul Walley caught 3 fish from the bank using minkies at the Swans Nest.  Draycote regular Mark Braun had 15 fish to the boat using a blue flash damsel on a floating line whilst young Ed Douglas boated 17 on fry patterns. John Falconbridge also caught a good number of fish from a boat, netting 10 using snakes on a midge tip line.

A real change in the weather Sunday with much colder air temperatures teamed with a North wind made for a very chilly day. On the bank Draycote member Stephen Dewhurst landed 2 fish on a Gold Head Damsel, also landing a brace from the bank was David Hoppe. On the boats All water member Neil Shilton, landed 6 fish from the Hensborough Dam and around the Valve Tower. Paul Mitchell fished with Tim Burn with the pair landing 9 fish between them. Fishery Manager Tom Bird took to the water filming the latest instalment for our Flyfishstore YouTube channel. Only being out for 2 hours the pair landed 10 fish. Taking them on Di 5 sinking line with a variety of snake boobies, taking fish from P Buoy, Y Buoy and Farborough Spit.

Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report – 01536 770264

“New Email address”  eyebrook@flyfishstore.co.uk 

The 2021 season at the Eyebrook has drawn to a close. We enjoyed an excellent season with the fishery returning a rod average 4.4

Eyebrook membership is available with options starting from £10.28 a visit, If you would like to receive our membership details for the 2022 season email iforjones@flyfishstore.co.uk

Eyebrook 2022 Membership www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk/about-us-2/season-permits/

Open Day to discuss membership & the 2022 season with Ifor Jones, Tom Bird / Draycote & Jim Wright / Eyebrook will be held on Sunday 19th December 2021 at the Eyebrook fishing lodge 9.30am – 2pm, hot drink & mince pies, look forward to seeing you there.

The 2022 season will open on Friday 4^th March

Eyebrook Fly Fishers Angling Club

AGM at the Eyebrook Fishing lodge. Sunday 28^th November 2021 – 11am

Everyone welcome. Tea, coffee, mince pies provided

“Best laid plans” if only we had known following our inaugural meeting of the Eyebrook Fly Fishers on the 23rd February 2020 that a month to the date we would all learn a new word “Covid” and the unthinkable would happen, a national lockdown.

Not surprising therefore that the club has had very little activity

I have a feeling that is about to change. Looking forward to this coming winter the club plans to arrange a winter program of activities and a program of events for you during 2022

We look forward to hosting the Eyebrook fly fishers at the Eyebrook lodge, hopefully as many of you as possible will be able to attend on the 28th

Please use the main entrance off Great Easton road.

Thornton Fishery Weekly Report – 01530 230807

“New Email address”  thornton@flyfishstore.co.uk 

Stocking Policy As we enter the period of the year higher water temperatures we alter the average size of trout we stock our stocking policy for Thornton is explained on our website Stocking Policy | Fly Fish Thornton – Leicestershire Fly Fishery 

Pre payment; We will be asking you to pay for your fishing with a debit or credit card at the time of booking. This will prevent unnecessary queuing at the lodge. Your permit & receipt will be at the booking In area. Staff working the pontoon will allocate you your boat. We recommend you use the hand sanitiser provided & wear a face covering if it`s busy.

Week ending 21^st November.  Rod Av:    Water Temperature: 10c+

Good start to the week with a rod average 5.0 as this unseasonably mild November weather continues. Paul Martindale caught 11 on snakes & booby patterns, P Hunt fished a booby to catch his 7 trout with Carl Bond fishing booby & cats Whisker to catch his 6 trout.

Tuesday proved to be a more challenging day compared to the day before. All water member D Slessor caught 3 for his afternoon session with Ged O’Donoghue overcoming the challenging conditions to catch 10 on boobies fished on a 3ft leader on a fast sinker.

Wednesday & a better day with a 3.2 rod average with anglers picking up fish all over the reservoir. Nev Welsh caught 8 on a booby, Steve Meachem caught 7 on a white booby fished off a 3ft leader. John Hall fished a slow sinker with a white lure on a long leader to catch his 4 fish during a morning visit.

Thursday, B Deeley fished a fast sinking line & a short 3ft leader with bright boobies to catch his 8 trout with Phil Mee catching 3 but missing a lot mor for his visit. There seems to be two levels for the fish, some are down deep & been caught on fast sinkers, short leader & booby with other in the top 3ft been targeted on intermediate or slow sinking lines with unweighted minkie. Markfield arm, main car park & out in front of the pontoon seems to be the most productive areas. Lots of fish are mouthing the fly, try not to strike at the fist indication, keep a continuous retrieve until it all locks up

Friday and a busy day with all of the boats out returning a rod average 3.2 Fast sinking lines with a short 3ft leader with booby patterns or longer leader with snakes generally worked best. Intermediate with small minkie patterns & fab. A few fish were moving during the afternoon. Pete Hunt caught 7 on snakes & booby patterns with D Slessor catching 6 also on boobies. John Bebbington caught 5 with 4 on a cats whisker & 1 falling to a muddler stripped through the surface. R Owen caught 5 for his visit with All water member P Walker catching 4 on a fab.

Saturday although winds were light at times it was noticeably cooler in the breeze. Members M Clay & B Sibley caught 9 for their visit with M Clay fishing a fast sinker but unlike the other anglers using a 3ft leader & booby patterns Martin fished a fast sinker with a longer 12ft leader & boobies to take his fish. Jan Webber fished a short leader on a fast sinker for his 5 trout with Steve catching 5 on booby & blob. Pink booby patterns have caught a significant amount of the trout over the last few days.

Sunday and a change to the weather as the wind swung to the North and much colder air temperatures. Not many rods out with the ones who did venture out off the water by early afternoon. Top boat was Rodger Guise & Adam Gunby with 6 trout for their visit

2022 Membership

We offer individual fishery membership for Draycote, Thornton & Eyebrook and our incr

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

**New Email Address**: draycote@flyfishstore.co.uk

Week Ending Sunday 14^th November      Rod Average 3.5   Water Temperature  9.5°C

Pre payment; We will be asking you to pay for your fishing with a debit or credit card at the time of booking. This will prevent unnecessary queuing at the lodge. Your permit & receipt will be at the booking In area. Staff working the pontoon will allocate you your boat. We recommend you use the hand sanitiser provide & wear a face covering if its busy.

A lovely start to the week, with light winds to start, although, they did increase during the day and mild temperatures. On the bank Mr Warren landed a nice brace from Rainbow Corner using orange daddies. Ged O’Donoghue landed 3 fish in a 4 hour bank session commenting it was the “perfect day”. On the boats Ian Richardson & Bob Smith landed 11 fish using a minkie booby on the point with Muskins & Nemo Crunchers on the droppers. Trevor Moore fished with James Maplethorpe landed 17 fish and lost as many fishing near Rainbow Corner & The Hensborough Bank using small white boobies and crunchers. Kevin Hart fished from a boat to land 10 fish, with Kevin finding the fish out in the Middle and down the Farborough Bank with a minkie booby and popper fry being his best patterns.

On the bank Tuesday Stan Hillman used Popper Fry down in Toft to land 4 fish. Just up the bank from Stan, Colin Day landed 3 fish. Colin fished at the Swan’s nest with a small white lure and hares’ ears. On the boats Ian Morris landed 4 fish fishing around J Buoy drifting down the Farnborough Dam wall. Malcolm Bryan enjoyed some “great sport” landing 6 fish on a minkie booby with all his fish taking the fly off the top.

A drizzly start to the day with light winds that swung as the day progressed, into the North, and went flat at times. On the bank Kevin Rees landed 8 fish using a washing line with small size 14 crunchers. Also on the bank John Dicken landed 4 fish again using a washing line, with Diawl Bachs on the droppers. All water season ticket holder Michael Ravenscroft chose to go down the line of fry imitations on the bank, taking his 4 using olive Minkies. On the boats Mick Nicholls fished around Farborough Spit landing 7 fish. David Moore & Chris Mcleod found washing lining to be their best tactic landing fish around X Buoy and along the Farborough Dam. The boat partnership of fishery guide Lee Henfrey & Kevin Hart once again enjoyed a great day’s sport. Landing 37 fish to the boat, Lee using a RIO Hover line with small, weighted snakes. While Kevin used RIO Fathom sink 3, again on snakes. They caught everywhere the stopped on the lake, X Buoy, Farborough Spit, P Buoy and then drifts across the middle.

A dry and fairly calm day at Draycote on Thursday saw both boat and bank anglers alike post some good returns. All water season permit holder Norman Perkins took to the bank and netted 10 good fish on minkie boobies and buzzers down in Toft Shallows. Bank fishing regulars Mick Cronin and Stan Hillman had a good day on the bank netting 7 and 5 fish respectively. Mr Alan Bettles, also fishing from the bank netted 5 fish, all on white minkies. Out on the boats Ed Douglas had 15 fish using fry patterns fished just below the surface. Dave Adkins and Richard Hanlon had 7 fish to the boat between them using snakes and diawl bachs on an intermediate line in Toft Shallows.

Friday dawned with a south westerly wind which strengthened about  ten o’clock, moving all but the sturdiest anglers up to the leeward end of the reservoir. Bank fishing was an uncomfortable affair, with only a few fish caught here and there. However Ashley Morris did manage 4 to the net on cats whiskers. Young Stephen Dewhurst also caught 4 fish from the bank but kept the information on his tactics a closely guarded secret. Out on the boats Dennis Tidmarsh netted half a dozen on white snakes fished through the top few feet of the water. Tim and Paul Polito netted a dozen fish between them using minkie boobies and nymphs on a floating line. Tom Bird and Lee Henfrey had over 20 fish to the boat mainly using DI3’s and lure patterns. Tom and Lee kept on the move and even visited Toft Shallows for a time, but they both remarked that the best of the fishing was out in front of the fishing lodge and down the Farborough Dam.

Saturday was mostly overcast with a south westerly breeze which swung further into the west as the day progressed.  A good days fishing overall methinks. Season permit holder Paul Walker took to the bank to net a total of 7 fish overall on crunchers and minkies. Young Mike Garner, who had a brace from the bank, fished fry patterns in Biggin Bay. Mr A Topping caught half a dozen whilst bank fishing, using the washing line method with diawl bachs and a minkie booby. Mr Ben Bayliss and Mr Brian Sheilds ventured out in a boat to net 15 fish between them with most of the fish taking a white booby. Chris Pallot and Carl Holland had half a dozen fish to the boat during a morning session using white humungus fished on a DI3. Chris and Carl caught their fish in the area around P buoy and up on the Draycote Dam. One of our newcomers Gavin Lau, took to the boat for a morning session and netted a beautiful 4 lb rainbow. Gaving fished an olive snake on a sinking line up in the area around Rainbow Corner.

With the wind swinging into a cold northerly overnight, the fishing seemed to have slowed a bit through the first part of the day on Sunday. The rod average still came out a  respectable 3.8, but we did see some anglers scratching their heads early on. Regular bank angler Jon Crowley caught 5 fish by lunch time from Lincroft Point, all on a blue flash damsel.  Mr Andy Duncan took to the bank for a last 4 hour session to net one fish from Biggin Bay on a white humungus. While Draycote member Mark JJ landed 6 fish. Out on the boats Jim Smith and Ed Douglas had 15 fish between them on various patterns from along the Farborough Dam wall, Biggin Bay and the Hensborough  Bank, in fact the pair caught at every place they tried. Keith Harding used popper fry to land 7 fish. Dan Mcelligott enjoyed a good day landing 5 fish on a DI 3 and a floating line with olive snakes, including landing 2 fish touching 4lb. Draycote member Martyn Hancox fished the last 4 hours and landed 8 fish from Rainbow Corner to A Buoy.

Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report – 01536 770264

“New Email address”  eyebrook@flyfishstore.co.uk 

The 2021 season at the Eyebrook has drawn to a close. We enjoyed an excellent season with the fishery returning a rod average 4.4

If you would be interested in receiving our membership details for the 2022 season email eyebrook@flyfishstore.co.uk

The 2022 season will open on Friday 4^th March

Thornton Fishery Weekly Report – 01530 230807

“New Email address”  thornton@flyfishstore.co.uk 

Stocking Policy As we enter the period of the year higher water temperatures we alter the average size of trout we stock our stocking policy for Thornton is explained on our website Stocking Policy | Fly Fish Thornton – Leicestershire Fly Fishery 

Pre payment; We will be asking you to pay for your fishing with a debit or credit card at the time of booking. This will prevent unnecessary queuing at the lodge. Your permit & receipt will be at the booking In area. Staff working the pontoon will allocate you your boat. We recommend you use the hand sanitiser provided & wear a face covering if it`s busy.

Week ending 14^th November.  Rod Av: 4.2   Water Temperature: 10c+

An excellent weeks fishing with a rod average 4.2, this mild November weather is certainly helping the fishing at Thornton, hopefully this good weather continues as our records indicate a stock of 5,800 trout in the reservoir. Good sport has continued into the following week with Monday 15^th November averaging 5.

Monday 8^th November. Better start to the week with a Rod average of 3. Majority of the trout are still being caught on sink 5 or 7 lines with fry patterns, booby & snakes. Mr & Mrs Warren fished an orange booby static catching 6 trout during a short 4 hour morning session. S Windram decided to try a home tied purple lure which proved to be the right fly boating 4 fish during the last hour. A few fish are to be had along the weed beds fishing with a floating fry pattern.

Tuesday sink 5 & 7 lines with booby and minkie patterns worked to return a 3.1 rod average. All water members Jack Hives caught 7 on an orange booby snake, Arthur Olding caught 6 on a booby with Mark Hunt fishing a minkie pattern to catch his 6 trout. Thornton members R Price fished a white minkie booby for his 3 trout with B Holland fishing a red fab to catch his 3. Trout are still being caught over the deeper water although the Thornton arm and Markfield arm are starting to produce.

Wednesday was a quiet day for rods with only 3 members out, but they averaged 4 for the day. Greg Weatherdon caught 8 for his visit using a fast sinking line with sparkler booby and cats whisker booby in front of the wood. P Hunt & J Thompson caught 5 for their mornings visit

Thursday was a busier day with 10 boat on the water returning a rod average 3.9 Anglers caught fish from both the arms and out across the main basin. John Hall fished a morning session catching his 4 fish limit, with Richard Maycock fishing  humungus booby to catch his 4 fish limit. P Crisford caught 5 for his visit with Thornton member B Deeley catching 10 on a sink 7 3ft leader and a pink booby, with P Hunt catching his 8 on an orange booby. All Water member Sam Fielder caught 4 also on a booby. A few trout were moving during the last couple hours but they proved elusive.

Friday and a rod average 5.4 helped by Chris Sayer catch of 10 trout, Mick Cross 6 trout, J Bebbington 6 trout & D Slessor catch of 5. Successful method was Sink 7 & Sink 5 lines with variety booby patterns fished on a short 3 – 4ft leader or snake – humungus – cats whiskers fished on a longer 12ft leader.

Saturday and unheard of for us, a rod average 8.2 for a November day. Brian & Alison caught 13 on fast sinkers & booby patterns. Not everything was caught on a fast sink line Martin Clay caught his 8 on a Sink 3 with Mark Hunt fishing an intermediate with two small minkie to catch his 15 trout. Markfield arm, pontoon to the main car park, weed beds in front of the wood were the areas that fished best. Our water clarity is gin clear.

Our good sport continued to the end of the week with Sunday averaging 3.8 Intermediate with 12 – 14ft leaders and two unweighted minkie’s or sink 5 / 7 lines with boobies, snakes, cats whiskers. Rodger Guise & A Gunby caught 15 for their mornings visit with father & son Mark Stone, Anthony Stone catching 7 for their mornings visit. All water member M Ravenscroft fished DI3 & olive snakes to catch his 7 trout.

Trout are spread across the reservoir with more trout starting to move into the arms.