Fisheries Update 13^th November 2021

With the 2021 season at Eyebrook already drawn to a close, Thornton & Draycote remain open to the 30^th November. With good stock levels of 19,000 trout in Draycote & 5,000+ trout in Thornton, all we need is a good forecast for the next fortnight for us to enjoy some excellent late autumn sport.

Bookings Contact: Draycote 01788 812018, Thornton 01530 230807

2022 Season Opening Dates

We are already planning for the 2022 Season as it’s only 10 weeks before Thornton reopens on the 1^st February 2022 followed by Draycote on the 1^st March 2022 & Eyebrook on the 4^th March 2022.

For 2022 we will be increasing our day permit choices to include 1Fish kill, 2 Fish kill, 3 Fish kill, 4 Fish kill, 5 Fish kill, 6 Fish kill & our Last 4-hour permit. All our day permits will continue to allow you to catch & release. There should be a day permit option in 2022 to meet everyone’s requirements.

Our popular fishing break packages will still be available for 2022 for those anglers looking for a 2, 3 or 4 day fishing holiday, you will during your visit be able to spread your visits across our three fisheries.

Our 2022 diaries are open & were accepting bookings.

2022 Major Finals

Draycote is currently booked to host three major fly fishing finals during 2022, with discussions on bringing a fourth major final to Draycote ongoing. Exciting times for the Draycote fishery and staff.

Major Finals Currently confirmed are

Angling Trust Loch Style Team Championship June 25^th & 26^th   

John Horsey Anglers World Final 21^st August

TEFF National Final 10^th & 11^th September.

Club / Associations / Competitions

Clubs, associations, or competitions looking to book for 2022 qualify for reduced rates on the boats & day permits when booking 5 or more boats.

Although a kill limit is still popular with many clubs & competitions for those wanting to try a catch & release competition we can provide measuring troughs which are one option for catch & release competitions, contact the fisheries to discuss your club, association, competition requirements.

Contact

Draycote 01788 812018 or email  draycote@flyfishstore.co.uk

Eyebrook 01536 770264 or email eyebrook@flyfishstore.co.uk

Thornton 01530 230807 or email thornton@flyfishstore.co.uk

2022 Membership

We offer a variety of 9 different membership options across Thornton, Draycote & Eyebrook, they include, individual fishery membership, household membership, beginner membership if you’ve attended beginner courses/casting lessons & our increasingly popular All Water membership which allows you to fish all 3 fisheries.

If you would like to receive information on our various membership options including members discounts on boats or in our tackle shops email iforjones@flyfishstore.co.uk for further details.

Open Day 19^th December 2021

We also have an open day arranged at the Eyebrook Fishing Lodge on Sunday 19^th December from 9.30 am to 2 pm when you will meet Jim Wright Eyebrook manager, Tom Bird Draycote manager & myself to discuss our various membership options & our plans for the 2022 season. Hot drinks & mince pies provided. We look forward to seeing you there.

Christmas Vouchers

Our Christmas Vouchers, Beginner Fly Fishing Day Vouchers & Casting Tuition Vouchers are the perfect Christmas gift, visit our online shop www.flyfishstore.co.uk to purchase yours or contact the Draycote lodge 01788 812018

Our Local Angling Clubs

We are fortunate to have an angling club associated with each of our fisheries. Eyebrook Fly Fishers, Draycote Fly Fishers Association & Thornton Fly Fishers

Eyebrook Fly Fishers held their inaugural meeting on February 13^th 2020, a month before covid put the country into a national lockdown & social distancing rules prevented the club from meeting. The club therefore has been in limbo ever since with just two interclub events organised with Thornton Fly Fishers & Draycote Fly Fishers during late 2021

The club now feels the time is right to move forward with Clive Moore EFF chairman arranging an AGM on Sunday 28^th November at 11am. The AGM will be held at the Eyebrook lodge and is open to members who joined at the inaugural meeting and any new members. Their aim is to finalise club formation & arrange a winter programme along with fishing events during the 2022 season.

They hope to see you there, supporting this new club, Eyebrook Fly Fishers.

You can follow them via their Facebook page Eyebrook Fly Fishers

Draycote Fly Fishers

December 14th Fly Tying Demonstrations evening. Raffle and prizes.

January 11th talk by   Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, speaker to be confirmed

Raffle and prizes.

February 8th  Ifor Jones Fishery Management (UK) Ltd. Plans for 2022 Season (Programme TBC – history of Draycote Water)

Raffle and prizes.

March 8th   Presentation evening for club match winners, and an auction of fishing tackle, etc.

Raffle and prizes.

Meetings are held at the: Dunchurch Social Club 7pm -9.30pm

New members are welcome as long as they contact the club Secretary in advance regarding Covid-19 rules and seating arrangements.

Any non members arriving without prior notification will not be permitted to attend.

The club also arranges club competitions at Draycote during the season

Please Contact  Mark Jones   – Club Secretary’ on 07586-992218
email address:   info.dffa@gmail.com

You can contact them via their Facebook page Draycote Flyfishers Association, or their club website www.draycote-fly-fishers-assoc.co.uk/

Thornton Fly Fishers

Thornton Fly Fishers hold their meetings at the Working Men’s Club, Main St Thornton with meetings commencing from 7.30pm. Club Chairman Dave Leavesley, Club secretary Peter Birdsall. Everyone welcome

Fly Tying Socials

The Fly tying and social evenings are commencing on the 17th of November. Anyone wishing to learn about any particular fly, or tying techniques, please get in touch with Dave Leavesley and he will do his best to help during the tying sessions.

It would be great to see members there whether for tying or just a social get together.

We have guest speaker John Applebee from the Kibworth shooting club joining us on the 19th January to talk about American long rifles. John is an ardent collector and long term user of many varieties of weapons. I’m sure it will be a very interesting evening.

Winter programme

17th November. Fly tying & Social evening.

1st December. Fly tying & Social evening.

15th December. Fly tying & Social evening.

5th January 2022. Fly tying & Social evening.

19th January. Speaker evening. Hundred years of American long rifles.

by John Applebee.

2nd February. Fly tying & Social evening.

16th February. Fly tying & Social evening.

2nd March. Auction evening

During the 2022 season they will be holding various fishing events at Thornton, Draycote & Eyebrook. You can follow them on their Facebook page Thornton Fly Fishers

Dates For Your Diary We will be attending the British Fly Fair International www.bffi.co.uk held at the Staffordshire showground on February 12^th & 13^th 2022

Myself, Tom Bird & Jim Wright will be manning our stand at the show. We look forward to seeing you at this popular fly fishing show.

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 7^th November        Rod Average 3.1   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.

After the strong winds of the weekend and the driving rain thankfully Monday was a much dryer day, however, we did still have the gusty winds this tome coming from the West. With the strong winds it was a quite day at Draycote. On the bank Mr Warren landed 2 and lost 3 other from Rainbow Corner on a orange daddy fished over the weed. Draycote season ticket holders Ian Richardson Ian Richardson & Bob Smith landed 9 fish between them. The pair used Minkies around J-T Buoy and then up to the Hensborough Bank. Former manager Kevin Hart fished for a morning landing 4 fish, opting to keep in the calmer water around C Buoy. Kev landed 3 of his fish on a tube and one a small snake.

Tuesday, the wind dropped and it was a beautiful day, very well come late Autumn sunshine. On the bank season ticket holder Pete Allen landed 4 fish taking 2 from the Cornfield and the other two from the Swan’s Nest. Also on the bank John Dickens landed 8 fish on Humungus at the  Old Pipe in Biggin Bay. On the boats Steve Lees landed 9 fish all on Olive snakes fished deep and slow. Draycote season ticket holder Dan McElligott fished with his better half Ellie, with the pair landing 8 fish. They found a Di 3 sinking line with a white snake the best tactic teamed with a  slow Roly-poly retrieve, along the Farborough Dam wall. Graham England enjoyed a great days sport landing 12 fish all on Minkies taking his fish at the School Slips and Rainbow Corner.

The wind came from the North, Wednesday which certainly added a chill to the day. On the bank Tony Broadway landed 4 fish including 2 fantastic silver fish from the Cornfield. Using a washing line with a tequila FAB on the point with shrimp patterns on the droppers. On the boats Ian Reeve enjoyed a good day landing 11 fish using a hot head snake on a fast glass around the corner from the Farborough Spit. Fellow Draycote member Dan McElligott once again took the water enjoyed a fantastic day landing 14 fish. Dan, used a Di 3 forty plus fly line with a small white snake or olive snake around J Buoy. All water member Ian Jobe fished with regular boat partner Clive Moore with the pair landing 16 fish. Finding the fish high in the water on either a floater or intermediate with white minkies landing their fish. Fishery ranger & guide Lee Henfrey fished with Kevin Hart with the pair landing 25 fish to the boat using a Di 3 sweep and a small white snake. Their best area was T-J buoy, but also picked fish up at N and Y buoy.

Thursday was certainly not a day for the fair weather angler with a bitterly cold North wind really making for a cold day on the water. All water season ticket holder Phil Cross enjoyed a day on the bank landing 6 fish from Lincroft Point using a black cat’s whisker. On the boats the cold wind seemed to push the fish further down that they have been in previous days. Rod Wilson fished on the Rudder landing 15 fish using a Di 5 sinking line with a gold & silver tube and also a pink blob. Rod found the fish from Y-K Buoy with his best fish being 3lb 9oz. Draycote members Ian Richardson & Bob Smith landed 10 between them using white snakes on a Di 3 sinking line. All water member Lorenzo Serrano landed fishing near the Valve Tower. Fishery guide Lee Henfrey took Peter Harris out for a 4 hour guided session with Peter wanting to learn some hints and tips to help him land more fish. Peter “enjoyed a great session with Lee” landing 10 fish with white snakes in a Di 3 sinking line his best tactic.

Friday was overall a good day for fishing with overcast skies, a light wind and very little in the way of precipitation. Through the week the fish were being caught in the top few feet of the water, and while this is still happening, we should see some great sport.  On the bank some are finding it still a bit of a test with an average of 1.8 fish caught yesterday. Peter Allen caught one, while Tony Broadway had 3. Mr M Smith also managed 3 fish from the bank on lures fished from the Tower Bank and Rainbow Corner. Kevin Hart and John Hoskins ventured out on a boat for the day to net 14 fish between them using minkies and floating fry patterns. Dave Kennell caught 16 fish whilst boat fishing. Dave used a midge tip and blobs to start with but also swapped to a floating line and hoppers, drifting from Y to P buoy, around the Valve Tower and Lincroft Point.

There was a light but cold south westerly blowing on Draycote on Saturday, but it remained dry throughout the day. The bank fished reasonably well returning a rod average of 2.25. Both Mick Cronin and Mark Parsley kept on the move, fishing fry patterns around the reservoir to net 4 fish each. Out on the boats Mark Braun netted 15 fish on cats whiskers and snakes, all from the rainbow corner area of the reservoir. Mick Carrig caught 4 fish from various points around the water on white lures.

Strong Westerly winds Sunday made the bank fishing for the Interclub bank get together a little challenging. 18 members from Draycote, Thornton & Eyebrook angling club all gathered for a days bank fishing followed by a cup soup and a roll. All the members enjoyed the day, despite the wind making the fishing tough. Thornton FF Dave Leavesley landed the largest fish of the day a cracking Rainbow of 4lb 6oz. However the best catch of the day was that of Draycote FF Paul Walley who landed 6 fish on a Pitsford Pea in Dunn’s Bay. On the boats Draycote season ticket holder Richard Walker fished with N Barber with the pair landing 9 fish. Tim Tipton also fished from the boats to land a dozen fish. Sunday also was the All Ability Friendly Fly Fishers enjoy a day on the water with the 13 members landing 36 fish for a club rod average of 2.8 fish per angler.

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 7^th November.  Rod Av: 1.7   Water Temperature: 10c+

Quiet start to the week with only two rods out on Monday and they fished the last 4hr but to no avail.

Tuesday and the first ground frost of the autumn. A mixed day of results with some catching on diawls and crunchers with other angler catching on fast sinking lines with boobies. Alan Wither caught 5 on a Sink 7 and snake but also caught on a washing line with diwal bach. Thornton member A Wilson fished a booby to catch his 5 trout. Wednesday proved to be another difficult day.

Thursday and a sign of improvement with fast sinking lines short 3ft leaders with booby patterns, cats whisker booby and sparkler booby. Richard Price caught 4 for his visit with another Thornton member G Weatherdon catching 3 but both rods reported fish lost.

Friday and a -1c ground frost, with a frozen pontoon & boats anglers had to wait for the sun to thaw the ice. Fast Sinking lines with short leaders and minkie booby. Cats whisker booby and sparkler booby caught the fish. Thornton member G Jackson caught 6 mainly on a sparkler booby, John Bebbington caught 5 with Chris Sayer & M Cross catching 5 for their visit. Peter Wurm & J Caestecker fished a short last 2 hour session with sinking lines & booby to boat their 4 trout.

Saturday fast sinkers with snakes and booby produced best with Jan Webber catching 7 on a cats whisker snake drifting down the Thornton arm. It is getting to the time of year that the trout will start to move out of the deeper water into the arms and onto the weed beds.

Quiet day on Sunday, Thornton member A Wilson fished a sinking line and booby to catch his 4 trout

Water clarity is still good.

11^th November STW will be commencing work to improve the public car park. Anglers will still have access to the fishing lodge.

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 7^th November        Rod Average 3.1   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.

After the strong winds of the weekend and the driving rain thankfully Monday was a much dryer day, however, we did still have the gusty winds this tome coming from the West. With the strong winds it was a quite day at Draycote. On the bank Mr Warren landed 2 and lost 3 other from Rainbow Corner on a orange daddy fished over the weed. Draycote season ticket holders Ian Richardson Ian Richardson & Bob Smith landed 9 fish between them. The pair used Minkies around J-T Buoy and then up to the Hensborough Bank. Former manager Kevin Hart fished for a morning landing 4 fish, opting to keep in the calmer water around C Buoy. Kev landed 3 of his fish on a tube and one a small snake.

Tuesday, the wind dropped and it was a beautiful day, very well come late Autumn sunshine. On the bank season ticket holder Pete Allen landed 4 fish taking 2 from the Cornfield and the other two from the Swan’s Nest. Also on the bank John Dickens landed 8 fish on Humungus at the  Old Pipe in Biggin Bay. On the boats Steve Lees landed 9 fish all on Olive snakes fished deep and slow. Draycote season ticket holder Dan McElligott fished with his better half Ellie, with the pair landing 8 fish. They found a Di 3 sinking line with a white snake the best tactic teamed with a  slow Roly-poly retrieve, along the Farborough Dam wall. Graham England enjoyed a great days sport landing 12 fish all on Minkies taking his fish at the School Slips and Rainbow Corner.

The wind came from the North, Wednesday which certainly added a chill to the day. On the bank Tony Broadway landed 4 fish including 2 fantastic silver fish from the Cornfield. Using a washing line with a tequila FAB on the point with shrimp patterns on the droppers. On the boats Ian Reeve enjoyed a good day landing 11 fish using a hot head snake on a fast glass around the corner from the Farborough Spit. Fellow Draycote member Dan McElligott once again took the water enjoyed a fantastic day landing 14 fish. Dan, used a Di 3 forty plus fly line with a small white snake or olive snake around J Buoy. All water member Ian Jobe fished with regular boat partner Clive Moore with the pair landing 16 fish. Finding the fish high in the water on either a floater or intermediate with white minkies landing their fish. Fishery ranger & guide Lee Henfrey fished with Kevin Hart with the pair landing 25 fish to the boat using a Di 3 sweep and a small white snake. Their best area was T-J buoy, but also picked fish up at N and Y buoy.

Thursday was certainly not a day for the fair weather angler with a bitterly cold North wind really making for a cold day on the water. All water season ticket holder Phil Cross enjoyed a day on the bank landing 6 fish from Lincroft Point using a black cat’s whisker. On the boats the cold wind seemed to push the fish further down that they have been in previous days. Rod Wilson fished on the Rudder landing 15 fish using a Di 5 sinking line with a gold & silver tube and also a pink blob. Rod found the fish from Y-K Buoy with his best fish being 3lb 9oz. Draycote members Ian Richardson & Bob Smith landed 10 between them using white snakes on a Di 3 sinking line. All water member Lorenzo Serrano landed fishing near the Valve Tower. Fishery guide Lee Henfrey took Peter Harris out for a 4 hour guided session with Peter wanting to learn some hints and tips to help him land more fish. Peter “enjoyed a great session with Lee” landing 10 fish with white snakes in a Di 3 sinking line his best tactic.

Friday was overall a good day for fishing with overcast skies, a light wind and very little in the way of precipitation. Through the week the fish were being caught in the top few feet of the water, and while this is still happening, we should see some great sport.  On the bank some are finding it still a bit of a test with an average of 1.8 fish caught yesterday. Peter Allen caught one, while Tony Broadway had 3. Mr M Smith also managed 3 fish from the bank on lures fished from the Tower Bank and Rainbow Corner. Kevin Hart and John Hoskins ventured out on a boat for the day to net 14 fish between them using minkies and floating fry patterns. Dave Kennell caught 16 fish whilst boat fishing. Dave used a midge tip and blobs to start with but also swapped to a floating line and hoppers, drifting from Y to P buoy, around the Valve Tower and Lincroft Point.

There was a light but cold south westerly blowing on Draycote on Saturday, but it remained dry throughout the day. The bank fished reasonably well returning a rod average of 2.25. Both Mick Cronin and Mark Parsley kept on the move, fishing fry patterns around the reservoir to net 4 fish each. Out on the boats Mark Braun netted 15 fish on cats whiskers and snakes, all from the rainbow corner area of the reservoir. Mick Carrig caught 4 fish from various points around the water on white lures.

Strong Westerly winds Sunday made the bank fishing for the Interclub bank get together a little challenging. 18 members from Draycote, Thornton & Eyebrook angling club all gathered for a days bank fishing followed by a cup soup and a roll. All the members enjoyed the day, despite the wind making the fishing tough. Thornton FF Dave Leavesley landed the largest fish of the day a cracking Rainbow of 4lb 6oz. However the best catch of the day was that of Draycote FF Paul Walley who landed 6 fish on a Pitsford Pea in Dunn’s Bay. On the boats Draycote season ticket holder Richard Walker fished with N Barber with the pair landing 9 fish. Tim Tipton also fished from the boats to land a dozen fish. Sunday also was the All Ability Friendly Fly Fishers enjoy a day on the water with the 13 members landing 36 fish for a club rod average of 2.8 fish per angler.

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 7^th November.  Rod Av: 1.7   Water Temperature: 10c+

Quiet start to the week with only two rods out on Monday and they fished the last 4hr but to no avail.

Tuesday and the first ground frost of the autumn. A mixed day of results with some catching on diawls and crunchers with other angler catching on fast sinking lines with boobies. Alan Wither caught 5 on a Sink 7 and snake but also caught on a washing line with diwal bach. Thornton member A Wilson fished a booby to catch his 5 trout. Wednesday proved to be another difficult day.

Thursday and a sign of improvement with fast sinking lines short 3ft leaders with booby patterns, cats whisker booby and sparkler booby. Richard Price caught 4 for his visit with another Thornton member G Weatherdon catching 3 but both rods reported fish lost.

Friday and a -1c ground frost, with a frozen pontoon & boats anglers had to wait for the sun to thaw the ice. Fast Sinking lines with short leaders and minkie booby. Cats whisker booby and sparkler booby caught the fish. Thornton member G Jackson caught 6 mainly on a sparkler booby, John Bebbington caught 5 with Chris Sayer & M Cross catching 5 for their visit. Peter Wurm & J Caestecker fished a short last 2 hour session with sinking lines & booby to boat their 4 trout.

Saturday fast sinkers with snakes and booby produced best with Jan Webber catching 7 on a cats whisker snake drifting down the Thornton arm. It is getting to the time of year that the trout will start to move out of the deeper water into the arms and onto the weed beds.

Quiet day on Sunday, Thornton member A Wilson fished a sinking line and booby to catch his 4 trout

Water clarity is still good.

11^th November STW will be commencing work to improve the public car park. Anglers will still have access to the fishing lodge.

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 31st October Rod Average 4.2     Water Temperature 12 °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.

The wind came from the Southwest on Monday with sunny intervals, as with the previous weeks the fishing was great with the rod average for the day finishing just below 6. Draycote season ticket holders Ian Richardson & Bob Smith enjoyed a good day’s sport landing 24 between them and commented on a “Brilliant Day” The pair fished along the Farborough Dam wall using a washing line set up with a Minkie booby on the point and then Nemo Crunchers on the droppers. Also using crunchers and boobies to great effect was James Maplethorpe & Trevor Moore who landed 18, also enjoying an “Excellent Day”. Fishery Guide Lee Henfrey fished with friend Gaz Roberts for a morning with the pair landing just over 20 fish. They used small weighted white snakes on RIO Hover lines once again along the Farborough Dam. 

The wind was a little stronger Tuesday once again in the same direction but this time with a little more South. On the bank the Swan’s Nest was the hotspot for the day, all water member Norman Perkins fished there using a washing line with Diawl Bachs to land 10 fish. Draycote member Tony Broadway landed 7 fish using size 14 Diawl Bachs on a washing line with a FAB on the point, including landing a 5lb 8oz Rainbow. Fellow member Pete Allen also landed 7 fish but didn’t comment on his fly choice. On the boats Lee Patten & Peter Elliot landed 17 between them drifting from the sailing club pontoon out to J Buoy on washing line and then snakes. Ian Morris drifting in a similar area used Muddlers to land 8 fish and also found fish around T Buoy. M Francis fished around the Hensborough Bank using a green and white lure to land 9 fish. 

Another windy day Wednesday, once again coming from the South, with overcast skies all day. On the bank Draycote member Brian Allwood landed 2 in a short session including a lovely 4lb rainbow from the Swan’s nest. Mick Cronin landed 8 fish also from the bank using a small white minkie and a floating fry pattern, while Stan Hillman used similar tactics to land 5. On the boats Draycote members Ian Richardson & Bob Smith landed 24 fish yet another “excellent day”. They drifted the Farborough Dam wall to the Spit and around J- T Buoy using Minkie boobies with Nemo Crunchers and also black and greens. Mr Woodroffe fished the first day of his 2 day break landing 12 fish and had “exciting sport all day” with a number of pulls and follows. Mr Woodroffe fished up near M Buoy and the Hensborough bank, using a Minkie booby fished on an intermediate just under the surface. Graham England 11 fish in a morning session using a washing line and then minkies. Fishery Guide Lee Henfrey fished with former manager Kevin Hart with the pair enjoying numbers a cricketer would be proud of. The best method was to use a RIO Hover and then 2 small, weighted snakes with a roly-poly retrieve. 

It was cloudy and breezy on Thursday and these conditions continued throughout the day. On the bank Jim Hall had one fish on a black lure which he estimated to be about 4 lbs, and Mike Ravenscroft netted 3 fish on olive snakes and popper fry patterns. The boat fishing seemed to mainly be happening out in front of the lodge where most anglers could be seen working lure patterns on intermediate or sinking lines. Ed Greenwood and Bryan Brown had a bakers dozen from the boat on various lures, whilst Chris Barby managed 12 on a washing line and nymphs. Dave Smith and Lee Henfrey were using Rio’s Hover line and tubes drifting off the front of the pontoon and working the flies quickly through the top of the water. Both anglers mentioned that they were catching good quality silvered up fish  all the way down the Farborough Dam and had netted over 40 from their boat. 

With a hard southerly blowing well over 25 mph, and some very heavy rain through the morning, boats were cancelled on Friday at Draycote Water. Six bank anglers however did take to the water, netting some good fish between them in what can only be described as very unpleasant conditions. Season permit holder Peter Allen caught 5 fish in Toft Shallows and Rainbow Corner using a variety of patterns. Mike Garner had three fish to the net, again in Toft on various fry patterns. 

A very wet start to the day on Saturday, thankfully this dried up by mid-morning with the wind around 18mph, with the occasional stronger gust. On the bank Slav & Jony landed 9 fish on olive snakes, fished at the Tower bank. Mr Matuska also used various lure patterns to land 8 fish again from the bank on a last four hour permit. On the boats Adam Larbalister & Ben Bayliss landed 15 between them on snakes and tubes fished along the Farborough Dam wall. Andrew Taylor and Steve Ellenbeck landed 25 fish to the boat using Midge Tips or floaters with a FAB on the point. We also had a number of boats practicing for the 6X4 competition the next day with them all catching well, but kept their cards close to their chest on how. 

Sunday brought some very strong winds from the south & southwest with changeable weather conditions making fishing from the boat & bank challenging. Draycote hosted the our final round of 6 x 4 competition which saw 48 anglers taking to water catching a total of 175 fish between them, giving a rod average of 3.7 which is very good given the conditions. Top rod on the day was Tim Joyce who caught his 8 fish drifting between J & T buoy; out in front of the lodge, using a Midge Tip with 2 Foam Arsed Blobs (FABs), one on the point & the other on the top dropper with 2 nymphs in between. On the bank, there was fish caught both up in Rainbow Corner & down at the Swans Nest with fry patterns proving successful; Minky Booby & White Snakes. Additionally, we hosted the final tuition day of the season with 4 enthusiastic, budding anglers in attendance. It was an excellent day with all participants enjoying the challenges of learning to fly fish & their endeavours were rewarded with a few autumnal Rainbow Trout coming to the net, including a cracking fish that tipped the scales at 5lb 3oz. For further information on forthcoming tuition days & future booking availabilities for the 2022 season please follow the link www.flyfishtuition.co.uk.  

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 31st October.  Rod Av: 2.4   Water Temperature: 13c

Monday following a rod average of 4 for the two previous days we were expecting to have a good start to the week. It was in fact the opposite with the best catch on the day 4 fish taken by Thornton member P Hunt on a booby. K Dobson fished pheasant tail nymph & buzzer to catch his 3 trout with most other rods catching just 1 or 2.

Tuesday and were back up to a daily rod average of 4.3, it seems a bit more cloud and a breeze are currently the best conditions. A sink 5 or 7 is best with a standard #10 or #8 cats whisker or cats whisker booby is working best. Thornton member P Martindale caught 17 for his visit, P Wrigley caught 7 with K Cowen catching 4 taking his seasons tally to 120 trout and a personnel rod average 4. Its worth fishing a popper minkie pattern on a floater over the weedbeds in front of the wood, anglers report their starting to get follows and takes on this method.

Wednesday & Thursday & were back to more challenging conditions. No boats out on Friday due to the strong winds

Saturday wet & breezy at time but that didn’t stop B Sibley & M Clay from catching 17 trout on sink 5 & 7 lines with cats whisker booby, with Andy Hallas & boat partner fishing the last 4 hour session catching 5 on sink 5 & 7 lines with booby & snakes

Sunday heavy rain and strong winds kept the boats on the pontoon

Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report – 01536 770264

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

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.

The Eyebrook 2021 season has drawn to a close.

We have enjoyed an excellent season finishing the year with a fishery rod average 4.4 which proves our stocking policy worked. You can view our stocking policy at http://www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk/about-us-2/stocking-policy/ 

Eyebrook will open for the 2022 season on Friday 4th March 2022

Our 2022 diary is open for individuals, clubs & competitions to book their visits for 2022

Thanks to Jim, Jason, Derek, Martin, Steve, Andy D & Andy M for ensuring the fishery followed our covid guidelines & you our customers enjoyed your visit

We will post weekly our shop opening hours

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 24^th October          Rod Average 5.3    Water Temperature 12 °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.

Once again, the week started with good fishing, with cloud skies, with the odd shower later in the day. Draycote member Bob Smith fished with fellow member Bob Barfoot, with the Bob’s enjoying a good day’s sport boating 20 fish. Using a bit of a mix of flies with daddies, cat boobies and mini snakes all featuring on their catch return. Gaz Roberts & Nigel Keeber landed over 25 fish to the boat in a morning session using Di 3 sinking lines and tube flies. The best areas for the lads were around X & P Buoy with the fish taking just under the surface. Kevin Rees used a washing line to good effect while out in the boat with his son landing 15 fish. Also, landing 15 fish was Russ Logan who using Minkie boobies and also cats whiskers.

A windy day with drizzle at times, however, despite the conditions the anglers who did go out in found the fish willing to take a fly. On the bank season ticket holder Peter Allen landed 5 fish taking 3 from the Swan’s Nest before moving up to Rainbow Corner and landing another 2 fish, as well as loosing a 5lb Rainbow at the net. All water member Norman Perkins landed 20 fish from the bank at the Swan’s nest in Toft. Norman used a washing line with a minkie booby on the point and Diawl Bach’s on the droppers with all par one fish taking the minkie booby. Out on the boats Chris Discombe & Jim Brennan landed 11 fish between them using white snakes in Rainbow Corner. Ken Williams & P Wakeman landed 14 fish around Rainbow Corner and also down the Farborough Wall. Mr E Greenwood and his boat partner landed 13 fish using a washing line again down the Farborough Dam wall and then in Rainbow Corner.

Wednesday was more of a day for building an Arc than fishing with heavy rain for most of the morning, with some very impressive squalls coming through later in the day. As a result we only had two boats take to the water. Although the intrepid anglers enjoyed good sport with the rod average for the day 6.7 fish per angler. Russell Pemberton landed 6 fish on blobs, around Rainbow Corner. Mike Smith & Jake Wenman landed 22 fish between them once again on blobs starting by drifting down the Farborough Dam wall before heading up towards Rainbow Corner and the Hensborough bank later in the day when the wind arrived.

Thursday turned out to be a very bright and blustery day with some strong gusts of wind at times. The bank fishing proved unusually difficult with only one of the four anglers netting 3 fish. Out on the boats Ian Richardson and Bob Smith caught 9 fish using black and white snakes and cats whiskers.  Chris Bobby and Mr D Moore had 19 fish to the boat on a washing line and nymphs. Draycote staff member Lee Henfrey and former manager Kevin Hart had well over 30 fish to the boat on DI8’s and snakes fishing around the shoals out in the deeper parts of the reservoir. Steve Buck had 7 fish to the net using grey minkie boobies on a DI5.

A strong westerly was blowing onto Draycote on Friday morning, which moved round a bit to the north about midday, making the north shore more comfortable for bank fishing. Again the bank fishing turned out to be a bit quiet with Alec Twaites catching one fish and Tony Broadway managing five on a washing line and buzzers of all things. Mick Cronin caught 6 fish from the bank using lures on a sinking line off the Tower Bank. Out on the boats Brian Orr managed 5 fish to the net, as did Ian Reeve who used minkies on a DI7. Ians boat partner Matt Pittaway caught had 3 to the net, again on minkies but this time on a DI5.  Graham Homer and Barry Butler caught 5 fish between them, all on fry patterns. Mr David Harris and Mr David Riley had 8 fish to the boat around P buoy on white snakes.

Saturday’s forecast was for a steady breeze from the south with strong gusts at times, which never really arrived, giving us almost ideal conditions throughout the day. There were some great numbers on the returns list, with fish being caught in many areas of the reservoir such as the Hensborough Bank, Farborough Dam and around C buoy and the valve Tower. In amongst the regular anglers were some rods practising for Sundays competition, playing their cards very close to their chest. Still the rod average turned out at a steady 8.6, with the fish coming to quite a wide variety of methods. Petr Elliott and Lee Patten were first on the catch return with nearly 50 fish to the boat on minkies and popper fry patterns fished on floating lines. Richard Dayman had 20 fish to the boat using a DI3 with blobs and a cats whisker, as well as dries on a floating line. Richard did most of his fishing around c buoy, where he returned a brown trout estimated to be in the 6 to 7 pound bracket. Davis Lane and Mike Gunnell used midge tip lines and FAB’s to net over 30 fish from a drifting boat and popped in at lunchtime to comment on the excellent sport. Debbie and Sean Gilbert fished a morning session to boat half a dozen fish from the Hensborough Bank on DI3’s and olive snakes, and commented that they’d hooked and lost nearly twice that amount.

Sunday, saw gusty winds coming from the South, with a sunny start to the day with cloud cover arriving around 11am. On the bank John Crowley landed 6 in a half day session, taking all his fish in Rainbow Corner on a popper minkie fished over the weedbed. Draycote season ticket holder Paul Walley fished for the afternoon landing 5 fish from Toft at the Swan’s Nest and further down the bank on a white snake. On the boats we hosted the David Hodgson Pro/Am memorial match. Which saw 26 anglers taking part in the competition, landing an impressive 271 fish for a rod average of 10 fish per angler. The match was fished to full catch and release with the time of the first 2 fish being recorded in the event of tie. Winning the day was David Moore who landed 18 fish 2 fabs and 2 claret dabblers. The best area of the match was drifting from J Buoy to T Buoy and along the Farborough Dam Wall. With other good scores coming to washing line with FABs and crunchers on various tip lines and also Tony Baldwin landed 14 fish on dries from Toft. A special mention also has to go Jack Blakley who landed 8 fish in the competition at the young age of 10. Great angling young man and we hope to see you again soon. Outside of the competition Michael Hanlon fished at the Hensbrough bank to land 10 fish including a cracking brown. .

Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report – 01536 770264

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

Stocking Policy As we enter the period of the year with expected higher water temperatures at the Eyebrook we alter the average size of trout we stock. Our stocking policy for the Eyebrook is explained on our website Stocking Policy | Fly Fish Eyebrook – Leicestershire Trout Fishery 

Week ending: 24th Oct 21 Rod Average:1.8 Water Temp: 12C

This week started off slowly due to the ever-increasing cold wet weather. The sort of conditions that take all the fun out of fishing. However, those that dared to go against the elements managed to enjoy some good sport out on the water. Eyebrook Season ticket holder K Johnson managed to land 9 fish from the boat while fishing size 14 olive quill patterns. It just goes to show that the fish will still be on the lookout for those smaller flies even when there are plenty of fry around for the taking.

Lobb and R. Bland joined us at Eyebrook for the start of a 3-day package. The weather was far from ideal, but the wind speed was still well below our threshold and the south westerly wind was kept at bay by the shelter provided by the dam. They both managed to put 7 each in the boat on their first day out. S. Barlow popped in for a morning fishing from the bank. he headed up in to Mucky Bay and was surprised by how sheltered the area was from the south westerly wind. He managed to net one from the bank and had a few other offers.

Wednesday started off grim with lots of flurries of heavy rain before we had even got a boat out on the water. S. Lobb and R. Bland were back for day 2 of their 3-day package. They had high winds the day before and now were faced with biblical showers. Thunder had been predicted on the day but no mention of lightning. Then just after 1 o’clock, a tempest rolled through, and boats quickly made their way back in to dry out and have a brew. Once the excitement passed, Eyebrook was like a different place. The conditions were perfect for getting back out in amongst the fishes.

Thursday saw Eyebrook experience quite a strong wind from the North west which made fishing the netted bank and Dam area quite difficult. Most anglers started to explore other areas of the lake to find that bit of shelter on the western Leicestershire bank. R. Swinfield tried fishing from the bank off of the Island and was in to a fish on his first cast which came off in play. He then hooked in to a fish on his second cast which he landed. He had a few more offers before the wind started to churn up the bottom and colour the water up which slowed down further prospects of getting in to a few fish. Jim Greasey tried the bank in Mucky Bay and was rewarded with one fish. The boats were more successful although the wind didn’t help. .S Lobb and R. Bland applied the lessons learnt for their final day and were top boat with 7 fish taken on Snakes and Humungus. Ken Key and Steve Robinson had 5 fishing Blobs and Diawl bachs along the dam, whilst Roger Kerrison was top rod with 5 fish.

The wind on Friday was again from the North West with some strong gusts, especially in the afternoon. This made the fishing quite difficult, especially towards the Rutland Bank, with the netted bank and Dam area taking the full force of the wind. As some compensation for a hard day’s fishing, we were witness to a Spitfire performing some aerobatics, including victory rolls, over the reservoir. With the fish being relatively shallow and moving about in pods, anglers were reporting slow periods of inactivity, interspersed with flurries of action when a pod came into range. Top boat of the day was the Hunt brothers with 14, Simon netting five on perch fry patterns whilst Mark persevered with small CDC’s for his nine fish. FMUK guide, Andy Miller, took Mr Fairgrave afloat for an 8-hour guided session and they were rewarded with 6 fish. Best fish of the day was a magnificent 9-pound rainbow which was safely returned. This was caught by one of the pike anglers and fell to a large streamer pattern fly fished in the deeper water in the main basin. The bank fishing continues to improve as the weed beds retreat with the cooler water temperatures. Top bank rod was regular Mr Johnson who took 4 fish as he worked the bank in the area around the Chestnut. During the afternoon, the anglers 

Saturday saw far kinder conditions with the wind swinging back to a nice steady south westerly with air temperatures reaching a balmy 13 degrees after lunch. The fair weather for this time of year should have been ideal for a day’s fishing, but for most of the anglers out there, they found that the fish were lacking commitment to readily taking a fly. Once again, Andy Miller was guiding Alex Howe for a few hours on the lake. Andy reported back that there were plenty of fish moving sub surface, but they just wouldn’t latch on to anything thrown at them and they were coming short to whatever was presented to them even at the right depth. Eyebrook Season ticket holder J. Barnes was top rod on the day with 3 fish to the boat all on buzzers.

Sunday saw the Eyebrook Fur & Feather match kick off at 9AM. Prior to heading out. There were bacon butties and tea & coffee for the individuals taking part in the match which kept fishery manager Jim busy doing his best Gordon Ramsay impressions in the kitchen. The first boat back in with their 4 fish each were Mark Goodge and Dave Porter at 12:10. After weighing in, they scarpered back out on to the water for a bit of C&R for the rest of the day. Most of the flotilla decided to hang around in the main basin area as there were fish moving just under the surface everywhere. From the feedback we were getting from a lot of the Anglers, the fish were coming short and giving out the occasional pull on the larger lures. The more successful anglers on the day were generally fishing from drifting boats, fishing washing line with a booby on the point and small Diawl Bach’s or Crunchers, casting out at 35 – 45 degrees and just picking up line as the boat drifted forward. Having a bow in the line was the big difference and the slower the retrieve, the better. The winners of the Christmas Hampers were Dave Etty and Lindsay bates with a combined bag weight of 14lbs 12oz. Mark Goodge had the biggest fish at the weigh in and won a bottle of Whisky. There was only a few oz between the top 3 places. 

With the fur and Feather match over, it brings in the final week of the season for Eyebrook. 

Fishery Staff member Jason Pusey caught his personnel best fly caught pike this week at 16lb.5oz photo on our facebook page www.facebook.com/FlyFishStore Late October is when we usually see some of our larger pike caught. Call the lodge to book 01536770264

 We still have plenty of boats available throughout the week, so if you are after your final fix of Eyebrook fishing before the fishing ceases, give us a call at the lodge.

 Despite it being another Covid challenging year for everybody, Ifor, Jim and the staff at Eyebrook have enjoyed providing great service to each and every one of you during the season. We look forward to seeing you all in the new year with all your new shiny fancy fishing tackle to get you through the next season.

If you would like to receive details of our various membership offers for 2022 contact the lodge 01536770264 or email eyebrook@flyfishstore.co.uk

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 

Week ending 24^th October.  Rod Av: 2.4   Water Temperature: 13c

Wet start to the week with few rods venturing out those that didn’t find it easy. All Water member P Walker fished damsel and cruncher to catch his 3 trout with Russ Martin fishing a dry #16 sedge pattern during the last 4 hour session to catch his 2 trout

Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday few rods on the water due to the wind and at times heavy rainfall. Arthur Olding had the most success fishing a booby to catch his 4 trout.

Friday improving conditions and a few more rods out on the water. Majority caught on sinking lines with booby, snake and fry patterns fished opposite the lodge, along the bank from the lodge to the main car park and across the middle. Last hour once the wind fell away trout were up feeding on the surface from in front of the main car park and up in front of the dam. Members C Sayer and M Cross caught 17 up to 3lb for their visit with M Beck boating 3 on an orange booby for his mornings visit as did J Hall fishing a white lure. Water clarity remains good

Saturday the majority of the trout were caught on cats whisker, humungus or minkie booby with some fish taken in the late afternoon on small buzzer cdc patterns. Jan Webber fished snakes to take his 3 trout, with K Cowen fishing a booby pattern for his 3 trout. Martin Clay & Brian Sibley caught the majority of their 11 trout on booby patterns with M Hunt catching 17 with a single #14 cdc or big red pattern.

During the day a fast sinker fished opposite the lodge across the main basin & the entrance to the Markfield arm, with fish moving in the calmer water in front of the car park & dam during late afternoon

Sunday proved to be the best day of the week for us with anglers catching on sinking lines during the day with fish moving in front of the dam during the last hour to a hatch of small black buzzer. All water member Matt Vickers caught 8 on a cats whisker booby, Dave Leavesley and Peter Birdsall caught 8 for their mornings session with Thornton member A Wilson fishing a cats whisker to catch his 13 trout. Opposite the lodge, wood and between the wood and the lower orange buoy produced best to sink 5 & sink 7 lines

To reduce the time anglers are queuing at the Draycote, Eyebrook & Thornton lodge`s we will be asking you at the time of booking to pay via credit or debit card.

Your receipt & permit will be at the booking in & out area for you to pick up. This will get you away from the lodge & out fishing quicker.

Boatmen working the pontoon will be allocating your boats

If for any reason you need to cancel, we will refund your payment.

We would encourage anglers to use the hand sanitiser provided at the booking in & out area & at the entrance to the lodges and to wear a face covering.

Staff continue to disinfect boats & life jackets after every session

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 17^th October          Rod Average 5.1   Water Temperature 13 °C

ANGLER PARKING NOTICE

All Anglers please note that from Monday 23^rd August Severn Trent has requested that all anglers will now have to return their car to the main car park after unloading, if you require a yellow parking pass please ask for one in the lodge on the morning of your visit.

Willow Cutting

The Willow cutting which started at the beginning of September will continue through until roughly the second week of October. Please be aware that members of staff will be out with machinery working to clear areas of the bank. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Severn Trent Ranger Team for their help with this task.

What a start to the week, the rod average Monday was 6.9 fish per angler. Draycote member Tony Broadway fished from the bank at Lincroft point to land 3 fish and loose 3 others in play. All water members Norman Perkins & Steve Orton enjoyed a good days sport landing 27 fish between them catching their fish on blobs. C Cowan & I Dobbie used white snakes to great effect catching 38 fish, the pair found the fish around D Buoy and around Farborough Spit. Draycote member John Dickens used dries and a washing lining line to land 32 fish, with his hotspot being around the Spit and G Buoy in Toft. Fishery Management guide Andy Miller took boat newcomer Nick Burman out for a beginner’s boat session. Nick enjoyed an “exceptional session” with Andy loosing count of the number of fish Nick had, along with now having the confidence and knowledge to take a boat out on his own. Andy located the fish for Nick around D Buoy drifting out towards P Buoy using a cats whisker on a RIO 3ft Midge Tip.

The wind came from the Northwest Tuesday, with sun in the morning then cloud arriving later in the day.  On the bank Draycote member Steve Lees landed 10 fish fishing near the overflow from the treatment works, just up from Dunn’s Bay. Steve waded up to the edge of the weed, and then fished white fry patterns, over the edge of the weed. On the boats Draycote member John Falconbridge landed 14 fish from Biggin Bay on a snake booby fishing close to the shore. Bob Shaw landed 14 fish using a washing line with a booby on the point two Diawl Bachs and then a FAB on the top dropper. Bob found the fish around D Buoy and then drifting around Farborough Spit. On the first of there three day package holiday  M Ward & G McPlain landed 31 fish between them on white snakes, with the hot spot being drifting from H- G Buoy. On the bank for the last four hours Slav & Jonny landed 7 fish between then on suspender minkies. Pete Flay also fished the last four hours but this time from a boat to also land 7 fish.

The good fishing continued on Wednesday with the rod average for the day worked just over 5 fish per angler. All water angler Ed Douglas landed 11 fish using a mix of dries, washing line and Zonkers fished around the Farborough Dam and then P Buoy. Dave East landed 10 fish using a DI 8 sinking lines and boobies and snakes. Draycote members Richard & Jim Hall landed 17 fish between them all on dries fishing around the Tower Bank. Kevin Rees also used dries to land 21 fish using small size 14 crippled midge and Bob’s Bits in fiery brown, around G & F Buoy in Toft. Mick Cronin landed 5 fish from the bank around the Tower Bank using fry patterns. Dave Kennell landed 13 fish using a fast glass with a booby on the point, foam daddy in the middle and then a FAB on the top dropper, drifting from F- G Buoy.

The wind was slightly strong than the previous days, however, these didn’t seem to affect the fishing. Bob Smith fished with Bob Barfoot from the boat with both members enjoyed a good days fishing landing 28 to the boat. Drifting around J Buoy and then along then Farborough Dam, using cats whiskers and small white snakes. Gordon Bramwell & Kevin Cooke landed 25 fish using a washing with a FAB on the point on either a Fast Glass or a 6ft fast tip. All water members Ged O’Donoghue fished with Steve Orton with the landing 16 fish. Drifting along the Dam wall from the Spit down to the Swan’s Nest in Toft. M Ward & G McPlain fished their final day of their 3 day package, boating 35 fish taking the total to a 100 for the 3 days. Once again they used White snakes fished on a Di 3 sinking line.

A cloudy start to Friday soon faded away to leave  sunny conditions with the wind coming from the North. The conditions didn’t seem to affect the fish too much though, as some anglers were still catching on dries. Ivor Bullock caught 3 fish from the bank from various points around the reservoir using snakes. Season permit holder John Dickens caught a total of 9 fish on dries such as crippled midge and bob’s bits. Young Jude Tuffs had 14 fish to the boat on a wide variety of patterns whilst Jed O’donaghue caught 5 on white snakes.

Despite the flat calm conditions to start with, Saturday turned out to be a great day for fishing, with fairly good cloud cover and light southerly breezes throughout the day. Draycote regular Mick Cronin took to the bank to return 6 good fish on lures from the overflow end  of the Tower Bank. Young Mike Garner, also fishing the bank, netted 4 fish from Lincroft Point on fry patterns. Paul Walley took to the bank before his DFF match tomorrow to net 3 fish, but played his cards very close to his chest. ( I don’t blame him). Out on the boats anglers were also fairing pretty well with fish being caught in many places around the reservoir, on quite a few different patterns and methods. Ivor Jones and Jim Dempsey used sinking lines and lures to net a dozen fish from areas such as A buoy the Hensborough Bank and the Farborough Dam wall. Ian Richardson and John Ingham also had a dozen fish between them to the boat, using daddies on a floating line as well as fry patterns. Nick and Tony Parker netted over 20 fish from a drifting boat using small fry patterns. Mr R Coterill used a home made floating fry pattern and daddies to also net a total of 20 fish.

A suprisingly wet start on Sunday morning gave way to more ideal conditions through the afternoon. At one stage through the middle of the day a south westerly picked up, which made casting from the north shore quite difficult at times, but this eased out as the afternoon progressed. Overall, the bank fished pretty well yesterday producing a rod average of 2.9, against a total rod average for the day of 3.2. Out on the boats Sean and  Debbie Gilbert had 4 fish apiece but commented that they lost a lot more. Sean and Debbie caught their fish using sinking lines and lures such as snakes, cats whiskers and zonkers. Paul Mitchell and Tim  Burn had over 20 fish to the boat by keeping on the move and using FAB’s. Draycote guide Lee Henfrey and Michael Hanlon also had over 20 fish to the boat using tube flies fished on  DI3. The Draycote Fly Fishers held their bank pairs match on Sunday in which 14 anglers took part. In third place were Anthony Hart and Mike Nolan with 4 fish, second were William Hunt and Bryan Alwood with 5 fish, and the winners were David Rechtoric and Paul Walley with 6 fish.

yebrook Fishery Weekly Report – 01536 770264

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

Stocking Policy As we enter the period of the year with expected higher water temperatures at the Eyebrook we alter the average size of trout we stock. Our stocking policy for the Eyebrook is explained on our website Stocking Policy | Fly Fish Eyebrook – Leicestershire Trout Fishery 

Week ending: 17^th Oct 21                Rod Average: 2.1                 Water Temp: 13c

After a weekend with very little wind, The Eyebrook has started off quite slowly for most. The water temperature is dropping, and the fish seem to be on a lot of different things at the moment. They are still coming up for foam daddies and hoppers. They have been hitting blobs, blob boobies, FABS, Popper fry and lots of smaller stuff in between. There are still quite a few fish moving along the front of the dam and along the netted bank. Anglers have been having some success out in open water with fry patterns as well as small dry flies. Most of the boat anglers were catching a few fish and the bank anglers were starting to pick a few up as well. Eyebrook Season ticket holder K. Johnson managed 3 from the bank on what was a challenging day.

Tuesday seen a bit of a stiffer breeze on the lake with a bit of a torrential downpour in the afternoon. Top rod on the day was E. Lee with 10 fish to the boat. A great start to a 2-day package at Eyebrook. All Water ticket holder J. Scott had 7 fish to the boat. Minkie poppers or size 16 bob’s bits were the flies doing the damage on the day. M Anderton also had 7. S Mabbitt also managed his first fish from a boat on his first outing. Surely a great way to start your fishing journey through life.

Wednesday seen Eyebrook host the EDFF once again for their Annual Fur and Feather match. Dave Porter was first on site in the morning to glean some information and get the kettle on for the rest of the anglers turning up. The conditions were near perfect with a gentle breeze and decent cloud cover. However, the fish were playing hard to get on the day. Ian Bradfield once again figured out the method and flies on the day to take first place and Steven Radcliffe took second place. Ian’s method on the day was fishing 2 FAB’s with small buzzers in between them. Collectively, the EDFF landed 50 fish between 9 of them to give a rod average of 5.5. an outstanding average considering the fishing was really challenging on the day.

Thursday was a strange day with the wind changing direction quite frequently. Eyebrook Season ticket holder R. Swinfield spent the morning fishing off the Island and managed 6 fish from the bank. he had at least another half a dozen offers to his popper minky and hare’s ear nymph before the fish started to move further away from the bank as the sun got higher in the sky. This was really promising news that the banks are starting to produce a few more fish. With the staff clearing the willows from the Island it has made life a lot easier to gain access to the water’s edge on the Island. Lots of boats were doing OK with 2 or 3 fish to the boat. Once again Andy Miller was out guiding, this time he was guiding Steve Hill and between them, they managed 11 to the boat. Yet again, living proof that Andy knows this water better than most and is probably the best man to take you out on a guided session on Eyebrook. If you are interested on a guided session with Andy, then follow the link to our guiding and tuition page: http://www.flyfishtuition.co.uk/

Friday morning was a clear indication that the winter months are approaching. As it was still dark as the staff opened up the lodge in the morning. The wind was a little stronger that predicted. It was definitely stronger than 9mph at the start of the day, but it started to subside as the day progressed. Anglers were catching from all over the reservoir south of the island. The most productive area was out along the netted bank to Robbo’s cabin and along the dam front. Top rod on the day was Ian Jobe. He managed over a dozen to the float tube. A third of his count all fell to a small international cats whisker. I wonder where he got that from. Dean Ward managed 7 to the boat on traffic light cormorants and a peach booby. Surely a sign that the fish are starting to hit fry patterns. Some of the regulars who specialise in fishing dries had done extremely well on the day as well.

Saturday was a nicer morning than the day before, but the weather was showing that it was about to change for the next few days. Most anglers found it a little bit more challenging to hook and land fish on the day. Frank Daly managed 8 fish on dries. Most of the regular anglers were picking a few up on a variety of different methods. Popper fry and diawl bach’s were accounting for quite a few of those fish.

Sunday seen the weather turn slightly with rain during the day. For most, the fishing was challenging with only a few managing to land good numbers of fish in on small patterns, size 16’s, all fished in or near the surface. Yet again, all water ticket holder N. Shilton managed to whittle out one of the lakes large resident Browns. A stunning fish at 7lbs 8oz. Yet again, Neil has perfectly demonstrated that you can catch some fantastic specimens on Eyebrook when you put the hours in. well done Neil.

As we come to the end of the week, the reality of the last day of the season getting closer is starting to hit home for the staff at Eyebrook. We have all been busy trying to clear the banks to ensure our anglers can get access to the areas of the bank that can be very productive at the tail end of the year. Before we know it, it will be the Eyebrook Fur and Feather match on the 24^th of October which will be the last match of the season in our diary. There are only a few spaces available, so it’s best to give us a call to get booked in before then.

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

Week Ending 17^th October.  Rod Av: 3.1  Water Temperature: 13.5c -14c

Monday although darker & cooler as we open up the fishery for the days fishing the forecast for the week is good, with light winds & for the time of year higher than expected daytime temperatures. Although some anglers are finding fish on the fry patterns were still seeing the majority of the trout caught taken on washing line or dries. Pete Hunt fished a washing line with a small biscuit fab on the point to take his 5 trout. B Menhams fished a short 3 hour session catching 4 on a dry caddis with all water member D Skudder catching 6 for his visit

Tuesday Arthur Olding targeted the fry feeder with a small sparkler booby & a humungus silver & white booby to boat his catch of 10 trout, all water member P Walker fished #14 claret bobs bits, small biscuit fab & small gold head pattern to catch his 9 trout. Water clarity is excellent.

Wednesday and were starting to see that autumnal transition period with two distinct methods producing, fry patterns, booby on sinkers with some still taking fish on floating line & dries. Thornton member Carl Bond caught 11 trout using Fry patterns on a sinker or diawls & muddler on a floater. David Hussey fished diawls & buzzer for his 9 trout with All Water member D Slesser catching his 8 on sinkers. I took my granddaughter out for the last couple hours, great evening rise with fish taking #14 Elk hair sedge see photo on our facebook page www.facebook.com/FlyFishStore

Thursday Thornton member B Deeley fished a slow sinker gold & lime humungus down the Markfield arm to catch his 8 trout with Ian Brearley opting for a floater with daddy & sedge patterns to catch his 9 trout. S Frakes, R Dunnett & T Ward took to their float tubes catching 14 between them.

Friday the trout moved well during the afternoon & late evening with sinking lines & lures best for the morning session. Good concentration of trout across the main basin with more fish starting to move into the weed beds in front of the wood & up the arms. Thornton member G Jackson caught 7 on a booby losing a further 8 trout, members C Sayer & M Cross caught 15 mostly during the morning session on lures & booby. Brian Perrie fished buzzers to catch his 5 trout with P Broad using a variety of methods to catch his 7 trout.

Saturday little or no wind greeted the anglers with fish been caught from in front of the dam all the way down the Markfield arm. Thornton member M Clay fished buzzers to catch his 5 trout with members Brian Sibley & Alison Toon catching 9 trout for their visit. Keith Cowen fished booby patterns to catch his 4 trout with All Water members M Ravenscroft catching 4 on small dries for his afternoon visit with M Hunt fishing buzzers in the morning #16 single yellow owl to catch his 17 trout

Wet Sunday, more rain than forecast, catches dropped off, although a good late evening rise. Members S Swinfield and S Zeleny fished boobies to catch their 5 trout during the morning session, member R Price also fished a booby to catch his 3 trout with fish taken from in front of the dam all the way down the Markfield arm

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 10^th October          Rod Average 4.9   Water Temperature 14 °C

ANGLER PARKING NOTICE

All Anglers please note that from Monday 23^rd August Severn Trent has requested that all anglers will now have to return their car to the main car park after unloading, if you require a yellow parking pass please ask for one in the lodge on the morning of your visit.

Willow Cutting

The Willow cutting which started at the beginning of September will continue through until roughly the second week of October. Please be aware that members of staff will be out with machinery working to clear areas of the bank. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Severn Trent Ranger Team for their help with this task.

The week started with winds coming from the South, gusty at times and then rain in the afternoon. Pete Eville fished from a boat on his own landing 10 fish on black daddies and hoppers, Pete found the fish down the Farborough Dam Wall and then around M Buoy and Rainbow corner. Lea Tones & Stephen Farmer landed 16 fish between them using boobies fished near the surface. With the pair also finding fish around the blue boat down the Farborough Dam wall and then around the Hensborough Bank.  Draycote season ticket holder John Dickens used dries to land 7 fish with them taking Bob’s Bits.

The strong winds and rain forecast kept the majority of the anglers and those that did opt to take the water only chose to take half day boats before it not windy later in the day. John Jones fished for the morning landing 4 fish on black & gold Humungus around the Hensborough Bank and then the blue boat around along the Hensborough Bank. All water member Ken Key landed 3 fish using a floating line and a Minkie landing his fish around the Tower Bank and Dunn’s Bay.

The wind stayed in the Northwest Wednesday, although thankfully it dropped from Tuesday, and in the afternoon dropped out completely. Tony Broadway fished for half a day on the bank landing 2 and lost a further 2. Tony landed one of the Cornfield and then one from the Tower Bank. On the boats all water member Dave Smith fished with Stuart Dean with the pair landing 13 fish with Olive Snakes and any orange fly being their best patterns. Matt Crisp & Paul Newham landed a dozen fish between them drifting around the Farborough Dam and the Hensborough Bank. Ray Anderson landed 19 fish using Zonkers and took his fish near T Buoy the Hensbrough Bank and near the Value Tower. Ray Rowlings fished mini olive snakes in the morning before switching to tan foam daddies when the cloud arrived later in the day to land 7 fish at M Buoy.

Draycote experienced some fantastic fishing Thursday with warm temperatures, light southerly winds, and cloud cover for most of the day.  The rod average fished for the day at 6.1 fish per angler. On the bank Dave Mount landed 7 fish including a 5lb rainbow using a washing line with Shrimp patterns, Fabs and daddies. Brian Joseph also fished the bank taking 2 fish on floating fry from Lincroft point. On the boats Draycote season ticket holders Tony Broadway & Jim Hall landed 26 to the boat all on dries with Big Red’s being their best patterns. Also using dries to get effect was Kevin Rees who fished along the Farborough Dam wall to boat 24 fish on size 14 crippled midge and Bob’s Bits. Bob Smith & Ian Richardson landed 23 fish between them using a washing line with a Minkie Booby on the point or a blob booby on the point and then Pheasant Tail nymphs on the droppers. Top guide Lee Henfrey proved why he is so popular with clients on a 4 hour guide, as client Stephen Wilks boated 19 fish using a RIO 3ft Midge Tip. White snake on the point, cruncher, and a cat booby on the top dropper. To book Lee for a guided session to help improve your catch rate call Tom Bird on 01788 812018. Dave Kennell landed 14 fish drifting from H Buoy to G Buoy in Toft using a midge tip booby on the top dropper, Diawl Bach and then a foam daddy on the point.

Friday was yet another calm and overcast day with a mist over the water early on. Once again Draycote returned a good rod average with fish being caught on a wide variety of methods such as fry patterns, nymphs on a washing line and dries. Martin Scriven had a brace from the bank as did Melvin Schofield, using foam daddies fished over the weed beds. Season permit holder John Dickens caught 11 fish from a boat, all on bobs bits. Paul Walley and Mark Johnson Jones had 16 fish to the boat  using nymphs on a washing line with a FAB on the point, and also dries. Brian Cantley and Mr A Johnstone had 8 fish to the boat using blobs, FAB’s and foam daddies. Richard and Jim Hall had 15 fish to the boat between them, all on dries. Carl and Ian Malpass caught over 30 fish between them on cats whiskers and Mr S Newnam caught 20 fish, all on a single dry fly.

A warm flat day Saturday, make the fishing more challenging that it has been on the previous days. Ian Gaskell fished in the boats with son Liam with he pair landing 17 between them using nymphs, with Muskins being their best pattern. Ian & Carl Malpass once again enjoyed a good day landing 26 fish. Paul Pratt & boat partner Rick enjoyed some good sport also landing 26 fish. With Paul using dries which Rick opted for a sparkler booby. Sunday, we thankfully saw a breeze pick up coming from the Northwest, however, the sun remained. On the bank Jon Crowley landed 10 fish from Lincroft Point using a white baby doll. On the boats Jim Smith fished with Ed Douglas with the pair landing 30 fish to the boat, Ed started on dries while Jim went for a snake on a Midge tip. Ed picked fish up early put as the day wore on it was the barred olive snake booby on a DI 3 forty plus with the hotspot being a drift from Biggin Bay to P Buoy. Fishery guide and ranger Lee Henfrey fished with Michael Hanlon with the pair landing nearly 50 fish to the boat. The best tactic was a weighted white snake on the point, claret hopper on the dropper then a Daddyhog on the top dropper. Using a RIO hover, with the key Lee says is a slow retrieve as they don’t want the flies moved quickly. Lee found the fish around the Farborough Dam in the morning before the Algae being pushed on the Dam caused the fish to move further back and he finished the day near X buoy.

Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report – 01536 770264

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

Stocking Policy As we enter the period of the year with expected higher water temperatures at the Eyebrook we alter the average size of trout we stock. Our stocking policy for the Eyebrook is explained on our website Stocking Policy | Fly Fish Eyebrook – Leicestershire Trout Fishery 

Week ending: 10^th Oct 21                Rod Average:3.5                              Water Temp: 16

As the week begun, it was easy to see that winter is coming. The colder autumn winds and chilling rain have been quite relentless at times. The up side to the colder winds and rain is that the water temperatures are starting to get to good levels for the trout to be very active. With the stronger winds, the fish have been actively cruising just under the surface, and at times pods of fish can be seen moving through the broken water and feeding along the wind channels. D. Moore and F. Appleton started a 2 day package with 11 fish to the boat in some challenging conditions on the Monday. D. Peet and R. Varley ventured out on the Coulum wheelie boat for a day out and managed 9 apiece. C. McMonagle and M. Petri finished up a fantastic 3 days on the lake with over 20 fish to the boat between them on their last day. After 2 and a half days on the water and averaging 10 each per day, it looks like the guys had a fantastic visit. Anglers were reporting action from a few different areas of the lake but there were plenty of pods of fish moving all over the open water.

Tuesday seen the wind get even rougher than the day before but still well below the cut off speeds. The rain came in flurries and was almost torrential at times. The few anglers that ventured out actually produced some good returns. R. Anderson managed to catch a cool dozen on a variety of patterns and methods. D. Moore and F. Appleton managed to get nearly double figures each to the boat on grunters and CDC’s even in the horrible wet conditions.

Wednesday started off with a stiff SW wind at about 16MPH but it gradually subsided as the day progressed. Despite the rougher wind speeds, the Eyebrook was easily fishable out along the front of the Dam. The fishing was proving to be a little more difficult according to a few of the anglers but at the end of the day we still ended up with a rod average of 3.5 on the day

Thursday seen Eyebrook calmer than it had been for a few days. With the gentlest of breezes, it would have been easy enough to drift without the aid of a drogue. However, many anglers opted to anchor in and around the main basin area near the tower. The conditions were perfect for a lot of the fish to be feeding just under the surface. Quite a few of our season ticket holders were getting in to double figures of fish. Most of the fish on the day came to Daddies, grunters, and CDC shuttlecock patterns. We’ve been seeing a few anglers starting to come back to the bank in the past week or so. S. Normington managed a brace from the bank fishing Daddies and Diawl Bachs, whereas M. Warren had 4 on Daddies and FAB’s. Special mention to Jude Tuffs who managed 7 on the day. It was Jude’s first day out on Eyebrook after a lengthy break after a shoulder injury. It’s good to see your recovery going well Jude.

Friday started off with a bit of a chilled fog and no wind. Hardly ideal for the start of the day. Once the boats went out, most of them headed out in to the main basin area again. The fact that there were plenty of fish moving showed a promising start to the day. Andy Miller was joined by Becky Glew for a day’s guided pike fishing on the fly. Becky was really excited to finally get out on the guided session after having to re-arrange the dates a few times due to factors beyond our control. Becky had a fantastic session with Andy to catch a few Pike. On the Trout fishing front, some folks were doing really well on small black dry flies. But there were a few that done really well on fry patterns out in the open water

Saturday saw Eyebrook host the Dave Carter Charity Competition, 24 Anglers headed out in to almost flat calm conditions with bright sunshine. For the most part, the conditions made it difficult for anglers to cover water and figure out exactly what the fish were doing on the day. The charity competition was won by Eyebrook season ticket holder Dave Etty with 4 fish. Further Details for the results can be found on the Fishery Management Facebook Page. www.facebook.com/FlyFishStore

Sunday had a bit more of a breeze on the water and the extra cloud cover should have seen an upturn in the rod average. A few anglers managed to get up around the double figures on the day. Most of the fish fell to Dry flies, but there were a few that were taken on small buzzer patterns. There was no real mention of Fry patterns, which was surprising for this time of year.

In the next few weeks Eyebrook will be hosting the Annual Fur N’ Feather match on the 24^th of October 2021. If you and a friend would be interested in getting in on the action and possibly bringing in the biggest fish on the day to win some fantastic prizes, then give us a call at the lodge to get booked in on 01536 770264.

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 

Week ending 10^th October.  Rod Average 3.1  Water Temperature 14c

The wet windy conditions continued through Monday & Tuesday with few rods out on the water & most off the water by 2pm Despite the heavy rain our water clarity remained good. We can only look forward to the better weather forecast Thursday onwards

Wednesday was still breezy with most anglers looking to fish along the shelter of the lodge bank, main car park & dam. K Cowen fished a cats whisker booby to take his 4 trout, Dave Slesser fished in front of the main dam to catch his 7 trout with P Hunt & J Thomson catching 6 on buzzers. The wind fell away at 4pm leaving us with a flat calm with an excellent evening rise.

Thursday the wind, cooler temperatures since Saturday has dropped the water temperature to 14c which in turn has seen some of the trout being prepared to take fry patterns. In the main buzzers, dries & washing line tactics are still most productive. Member Greg Weatherdon caught 7 on a blob & buzzers, Bob Jones caught 6 on diawl bach & cats whisker, with members P Wrigley & R Dunster sharing a boat catching 13 on diawls, buzzer & dries. Member B Deeley fished a slow sinker with humungus to catch his 5 trout

Friday was a good with trout moving all over the reservoir for most of the day. Chris Sayer fished the Markfield arm catching 12 on a booby, B Perrie fished buzzers and fab across the main basin to catch 22 with D Hussey fishing buzzers for his 13 trout. D Wilson & A Wooloff caught 8 on a cats whisker on a floater just off the pontoon with member M Beck fishing buzzers during his morning session to catch 5

Saturday and a flat calm, blue skies, beautiful day to be out but it made the fishing challenging, Mr Nicholls caught 6 for his visit with member M Clay catching 10 on buzzers.

Sunday overcast with a fresh breeze. 7 members of Colwick fly fished a competition averaging 4.4 with the fish they returned with Keith Prowting 1^st beating Rosemary Gunn to second place by 4oz most of their fish taken on floating line with fab and buzzers. All water member Mark Hunt fished a 12ft streamer tip and buzzers to take his 9 trout

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 3^rd October            Rod Average   2.6    Water Temperature 15 °C

ANGLER PARKING NOTICE

All Anglers please note that from Monday 23^rd August Severn Trent has requested that all anglers will now have to return their car to the main car park after unloading, if you require a yellow parking pass please ask for one in the lodge on the morning of your visit.

Willow Cutting

The Willow cutting which started at the beginning of September will continue through until roughly the first week of October. Please be aware that members of staff will be out with machinery working to clear areas of the bank. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Severn Trent Ranger Team for their help with this task.

And what a change in the weather as Monday morning arrived, with very strong winds, cooler temperatures, and heavy rain. Most anglers did the sensible thing and waited a while before taking to the water, heading up to the western end of the reservoir where it has been fishing well, and some shelter could be taken from the elements. Both John Dickens and Kevin Rees (in separate boats) used dries in the form of bob’s bits to tempt their fish to the net, catching 4 and 5 respectively. Draycote regulars James Maplethorpe and Trevor Moore used a washing line and nemo crunchers to boat 10 fish between them. Both Mr M Lewis and Mr B Davies also managed to catch 10 but kept their method a closely guarded secret.

Draycote member Ian Richardson fished with fellow member Bob Barfoot with the pair landing 9 fish, there best method was to use pheasant tails nymphs on the droppers an a Booby on the point around N Buoy and the Hensborough Bank. S Radcliffe fished with M Hill with the pair landing 10 fish on hoppers and buzzers and other dries. Fishery Manager Tom Bird fished with James Alexander with the pair landing about a dozen fish using a Midge tip line a daddy on the top dropper, nymphs in the middle and a FAB on the point. The best area was drifting off the Hensborough Bank towards M Buoy and then off the Outlet into the open water.

A bright but chilly day Wednesday with a real Autumnal feel about the day, the wind was quite strong from the Northwest during the middle part of the day. On the boats season ticket holder Dave Kennel & Eddie Mitchell landed 11 fish between them with Dave landing the majority using a Fast Glass with 2 FABS. Ray Rawlings landed 7 fish using foam daddies fished on a Midge tip line around A, B & E Buoy. Draycote season ticket holder Peter Elliot landed 17 fish on dries and also washing line techniques with the majority of the fish being taken around A Buoy M Buoy and the Hensborough bank.

A wet and windy day Thursday with a number of anglers opting to move to a more pleasant day to be out in the water. However the angler that did fish enjoyed some good sport despite the conditions. On the bank Neil Berry landed 3 fish and lost 2 other fishing by the Willow Tree in Toft, Neil used an orange foam daddy on the point and then a Soldier Palmer on the dropper. The key was to pull the flies through the wave with the fish keen on chasing the flies. On the boats Draycote season ticket holder Gordon Bramwell landed 9 fish, with 4 of them taking daddies fished dry and the other 5 falling to a FAB on the end of a washing line. Fellow Draycote member Lee Patten also fished from a boat landing 8 fish pulling a booby near the surface landing fish in Rainbow Corner and then along the Farborough Dam.

Friday was yet another blustery day with some scattered showers, but brightened up as the day progressed. Overall Draycote fished pretty well. The Civil Service ventured out for  their match in which in 18 anglers caught a total of 61 fish, giving a competition average of 3.3. Outside the match season permit holder Jamie Scott boated 7 fish on a mixture of foam daddies  and snakes. Former fishery manager Kevin Hart netted half a dozen fish on popper fry patterns. Stan Hillman took to the bank for an afternoon session  to also net half a dozen fish near the Valve Tower, all coming to floating fry patterns. Steve Brown fished the bank in Rainbow Corner, catching a brace, one of which was a 5lb brownie.

Saturday was a very wet and windy day here at Draycote Water. A fine drizzle started about 9 o’clock and this turned into a heavy downpour before lunch. As a result of this many anglers cut their day short and headed off towards indoor venues, for perhaps a warm fire and a comforting pint or two. Jim Dempsey and Ivor Jones managed 5 fish to the boat on the rudder, using intermediate lines and snakes. Mr Rob and Mr Ray Green caught a respectable 4 fish before the deluge started,  whilst Mr J Maxwell and Mr J Cockburn had 8 fish to the boat between them.

Thankfully Sunday, it was a much dryer day than the previous day, however, the reservoir did see some strong winds at times. Draycote bank regular John Crowley decided to fish from a boat for a change and enjoyed good sport landing 9 fish. John used a washing line when the cloud was about and then changed to an orange blob when it got sunny with his best area drifts around M buoy. The all abilities friendly fly fishers enjoyed a day on the water with the members landing 28 fish between the 12 of them, their best tactic’s being washing line or daddies twiddle just under the surface around A Buoy, M Buoy, and the Hensborough Bank. Top fishery Guide Lee Henfrey took Jamie Brookbank out on 4 hour guide. Jamie wanting to look at different methods and flies to help him progress on his fly fishing journey. It was a very successful morning boating 10 fish with the best method being a RIO Midge tip with a mini snake on the point, cruncher on the dropper and a daddy on the top dropper. With the best area being drifts halfway along the Farborough dam wall. As we enter into the back end of the season Lee is the perfect guide to take you out and improve your catch rate as he truly is a master of sunk line work. For bookings give Tom a call on 01788 812018.

Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report – 01536 770264

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

Stocking Policy As we enter the period of the year with expected higher water temperatures at the Eyebrook we alter the average size of trout we stock. Our stocking policy for the Eyebrook is explained on our website Stocking Policy | Fly Fish Eyebrook – Leicestershire Trout Fishery 

Week ending: 3^rd Oct 21                  Rod Average: 4                                Water Temp: 16C

As we come in to the final week of September, the fishing has been outstanding. The dry fly sport being provided through fishing daddies and hoppers has seen a lot of happy anglers come off the water after a good day’s fishing. At times, the weather hasn’t really looked that favourable for fishing dries, but the fish still came up and had a go.

After such a busy week on the water, you would think the fish would be taking a bit of a break from pulling on fly lines. But on Monday, S. Cranston and M. Cronin managed to get well in to double figures each. All water season ticket holders S. Orton and G. O’donoghue managed 14 to the boat while fishing daddies. The fish were all over the lake with a good head of fish moving through the open water about 300M North of the draw off tower at the dam.

Tuesday seen the wind speed increase slightly just as the weather reports had predicted. All the boats out on the water managed to land fish. But top rod on the day was D. Jinks with 11 fish to the boat. His boat partner K. Warner managed 10, All on Daddies! Staff member Steve was enjoying a day away from general duties by getting out on the water to fish a few daddies. He was over the moon to get a double hook up of browns on daddies just outside Dogwoods Bay.

Wednesday seen quite an increase in wind speed coming out of the North west. The wind was perfect for drifting from Dogwood Bay towards Harrisons corner. The only down side was that the further you drifted, the faster you would drift. Early indications showed our anglers were catching well along the buoy line just outside the pontoon area. Some anglers were venturing further along the Leicestershire bank and drifting out in to open water.

Thursday was a quiet day with only 5 boats out. 6 members of the Paisley Patterns group travelled down from Scotland for the first of three days fishing. Fishing in the main basin using bobbies and Fabs they boated 50 fish between them, a good start for their trip. Season ticket holder, Dave Etty, fished a morning session from the bank and had a nice brace.

Friday morning saw some heavy rain which carried on till about 10 o’clock before slowly petering out. With some stronger winds coming from the west, and a heavy overcast sky and the odd shower, conditions looked good for some top of the water sport in the main basin. This proved to be the case with a rod average of over 7 for the 27 anglers that fished. Successful patterns included dries, especially daddies, blobs, small black and green bobbies, and small buzzers. With the fish in the top couple of feet of water, flies presented on the surface or sub surface on washing lines or straight lined were the favoured methods. Mr Maxwell and Mr Adams recorded a catch of 29 to their boat using daddies, Diawl Bach’s and buzzers whilst the 6 members of the Paisley Patterns group had another successful day, all recording double figure catches. Season ticker member, Mr Johnson had 15 and regular boat partners, Ged 0’Donaghue and Steve Orton also boated 15.

Saturday morning started well with a slight southerly wind and overcast skies which lasted till late morning when the rain started. This got progressively heavier as the day wore on. Despite the horrible conditions, some anglers were still doing very well out on the water. C. McMonagle done really well by bringing a cool dozen to the boat using dries, Daddies and CDC’s. Eyebrook Season ticket holder D. Etty managed to bring 4 fish to the bank using olive nymph patterns and Corixa patterns. A good sign that fish are starting to come back in to casting distance from the bank just over the top of the receding weed banks.

Sunday continued with the damp conditions and strong winds. C McMonagle once again was top angler on the day with more than double figures to the boat. This time he was fishing buzzers and lures. R. Grimshaw finished off a 3-day package with 9 to the boat. Yet again, this week has seen a number of groups and individual anglers take advantage of our 2-day and 3-day packages. Fantastic value for a few days on our waters that can be split between venues.

As we move in to October, we should start to see the bigger resident Rainbows starting to emerge to feed on the fry in order to pack on a bit of weight for the winter months. This can be a fantastic time of the year where the bigger fish will bow wave after minky boobies across the surface or start hitting those bigger wiggly lures such as the Humungus. With this in mind, we are getting closer to this years Fur n’ Feather match. The match will be held on the 24^th October 2021. To ensure you and your boat partner are entered in for this match, give us a call at the lodge on 01536 770264. The fishery will be providing bacon Cobs in the morning and then some piping hot soup at the end of the day. All we ask for is a small donation to help support the EDFF and the AAFFF.

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 

Week ending 3^rd October. Weekly Rod Av 2.9  Water temperature 16c+

Wet & windy start to the week, most anglers cancelled, Terry Evans waited until the wind as forecast swung to the west and then went out and fished in the shelter offered by the village, main car park & dam, fishing buzzers he caught 7. Wind dropped further at 6pm with fish moving that last hour in front of the pontoon.

Tuesday and Wednesday the rain and wind continued. Despite the weather those that did venture out had some sport. Tuesday Pete Cox caught 4 for his mornings visit with P Wrigley catching 6 both fishing emergers and dries. Peter Wurm fished the last two hours in torrential rain bur again enjoyed good sport catching 4 on small shipmans. Wednesday buzzers & hoppers caught 5 for T Evans, Thornton member G Weatherdon caught 4 on a Fab, with All water member Ian Leach caught 6 on fabs & crunchers with A Lockton fishing size #14 black, green & red buzzers to catch his fish.

Thursday and the last day of September turned into a wet & windy day with few rods willing to go out fishing. Thornton Member P Wrigley despite the weather fished in the shelter of the main dam & caught 8 on emergers & dries. Dave Cross fished the last 4 hour session again took our advice & fished the shelter of the dam with black hopper & small G&H sedge catching 5 & losing another 3.

Friday proved to be the most difficult day of the week, wind picking up in front of the storm forecast for Saturday. A rod average of 2 for Friday with Chris Sayer and Mick Cross the best boat with 5

Saturday and the forecast heavy rain arrived; most anglers cancelled but the fishing was good with a rod average 4+ with Ian Brearley top boat with 8 trout on #12 buzzers on a washing line

Sunday was as forecasted, windy & wet with few rods out fishing. Thornton member Andrew Wilson caught 6 on a buzzer with All water member Mark Hunt fished through the worst of the weather but was rewarded with 17 trout on bobs bits, big red & floating fry

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 26th September      Rod Average  3.9                Water Temperature  17 °C

ANGLER PARKING NOTICE

All Anglers please note that from Monday 23^rd August Severn Trent has requested that all anglers will now have to return their car to the main car park after unloading, if you require a yellow parking pass please ask for one in the lodge on the morning of your visit.

Severn Trent Event

Bank anglers please note; Severn Trent are now clearing up after the event last week. This will last until the 28^th September. All bank anglers are asked to only use car parks which are available, and to avoid areas which may interfere with this. Please also note that there will be some large vehicles and pedestrians moving equipment in the area between Toft car parks and the visitors centre.   

Willow Cutting

The Willow cutting which started at the beginning of September will continue through until roughly the first week of October. Please be aware that members of staff will be out with machinery working to clear areas of the bank. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Severn Trent Ranger Team for their help with this task.

A bright start to the week Monday with the wind coming from the Northwest. We had Treggaron Angling Club here starting their first of a three day break. When the anglers arrived in for lunch it seemed to be the anglers’ using snakes on Di 3 sinking lines were catching best. However in the afternoon despite the bright conditions dries really came to the fore with some good catches from the club reported to dries. Draycote season ticket holder Peter Elliot & Lee Patten found dries to be the most successful method with the pair boating 36 fish. With drifts around A Buoy, C Buoy & Y buoy being the most productive. C Cowan & C Smith enjoyed a great days sport landing 50 fish to the boat. The pair used a variety of tactics with Daddies, Snakes & Cat Boobies all being productive flies for the pair.

Light winds and bright skies Tuesday, however some broken cloud did arrive later in the day. Craig Cowan & Colin Smith fished in a boat around the Aerators drifting towards Y Buoy using snakes and FABs to boat 21 fish. Draycote season ticket holder Ian Reeve did long drifts across the middle with boat partner Steve Hibbard to boat 10 fish on a mixture of dries and daddies. Eddie Mitchell & Dave Kennell landed 16 fish to the boat drifting around A, B & N Buoy using a floating line with foam daddies, but the takes came once they had sunk subsurface using a figure of eight retrieve. Draycote member Kevin Rees landed 17 using small size 14 claret bits fishing around A & B Buoy.

Another bright day with winds coming from the South West, once again even with the bright conditions it didn’t seem to put the fish off taking flies just under or on the surface. Terry Evans & Joe Blinski fished in a boat using emerger pattens and dries to land 12 fish. Frank Sumnall & Dave Morris landed 15 fish on dries and washing lining tactics from around the Tower Bank and down towards Dunn’s Bay. Mr C Cowan & C Smith fished their final day of the 3 day break landing 22 fish to the boat. The pair drifted off the bank of the Aerators towards D Buoy and Dunn’s Bay using FABS, small snakes and Zonkers. Draycote Manager Tom Bird took Brian Moore out for a 4 hours guide with Brian catching all his fish on tan daddies just under the surface. With the best areas being Y Buoy & S Buoy. For any tuition & guiding bookings give Tom a call on 01788 812018.

A cloud start with the winds once again coming from the Southwest, however the cloud burnt off around lunch time leaving more bright skies. Draycote season ticket holders Tony Broadway & Jim Hall fished in a boat together landing 18 fish all taken on Big Reds. All water season ticket holder Paul Havard landed 9 fishing using a washing line on a floater with nymphs and a booby on the point. Kevin Reese once again used small Claret Bob’s Bits to land 15 fish. Dave Naylor & Steve Houlton landed 15 fish between then using Shipman’s & Hoppers. Mr D Craven using green holographic Diawl Bachs. All water members Chris Bobby & Lianne Frost landed 24 fish with Lianne using washing line and also daddies which Chris stuck to the dries. The best areas on the day were A Buoy, B Buoy, Tower Bank, S Buoy & Y Buoy.

Once again on Friday Draycote Water had southerly breezes with cloud cover, which cleared into bright conditions later on. The best of the fishing seems to be at the western end of the reservoir, with some boats catching at Croft Shoal and Y buoy. Toft Shallows is holding fish, but a touch colour in the water has kept the anglers at bay. Season permit holder Phil Mee had 4 fish on a washing line with buzzers on the droppers. Dennis Tidmarsh had 7 fish to the boat on humungus. Young Ed Douglas managed 11 fish to the net, all on dries. Ray Rowlings ventured into Toft Shallows, boating 4 fish on black and green snakes fished on a sinking line. Glen and Ian Speechley had 7 fish to the boat, all on foam daddies.

Saturday we had a number of anglers fishing ahead of the 6X4 team competition Saturday. The anglers practicing all reported good fishing put specifics on the areas and tactics was a little vague. Mike Laycock & Kev Wright landed 34 fish to their boat on dries. Peter Scholes also had a good day boating over 30 fish once again on dries. Tony Baldwin fished with Paul Davison with the pair landing 28 fish to the boat in either dries or washing line techniques. Mark Braun landed 11 fish using black hoppers and crunchers.

On Sunday, we held the 6X4 team competition, hosted by Paul Kitchen and Mark Rose of “The Renegades”. The match timings were  9am to 5pm, with the first 2 hours being ideal conditions, with overcast skies and light winds, but by 11am the sun had come out and the wind had strengthened quite a bit.  The anglers in the match split up with a number of boats heading towards X Buoy and P Buoy, while the rest of the field headed for the Draycote Dam around A, B & C Buoy. Overall the competition went really well with an average of 6.8. The main method used was nymphs on a washing line, but fish were also caught on dries and pulling blobs and boobies just below the surface. In third place were the “Reservoir Dogs” with 29 fish, second were “The Swifts” with 31 fish, making the “Last Casts” the overall winners with a total of 39 fish. Well done to all those who took part.

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

Week ending 26^th September.  Rod Average: 3.9 Water Temperature:17c+

The mornings have that autumn feel to them, heavy dew on the grass with cooler temperatures. Monday fished well from mid morning to 6pm surprisingly little or no evening rise. Terry & John Evans fished buzzers & dries to catch their 19 trout, All Water Member P Walker fished cdc & fabs to catch his 19 trout, with Mr Humphries fishing a small #12 fab to catch his 5 trout. Thornton member Carl Bond fished the afternoon into the evening with cdc & daddies catching his 6 trout.

Tuesday and another busy day with all our boats out. Daddies, red or claret hoppers / cdc / buzzers & small #12 cocktail or biscuit fab were the best patterns. Member R Menhams caught 4 for his mornings visit fishing a daddy wet and buzzers to boat his 4 trout, member Don Howatt caught a dozen with another member P Cox catching 6 from the area in front of the stones. P Wrigley fished suspender buzzers #12 #14 to catch his 9 trout with All Water member Jack Hives catching 8 for his visit with day rod Emaid catching 6. Day rods P Crisford and M Beeson fished the last 4 hours catching 5 on fabs and daddies with another day rod M Page fishing dry daddies to catch his 3 trout.

Wednesday and a bit of a challenging day although buzzers, cdc, hoppers, daddies were still the best patterns to use. Thornton member Carl Bond fished buzzer & daddies on a washing line to catch his 5 trout, All water member S Windram fished daddies to catch his 5 trout with Davis Hussey also catching 5 trout on buzzers & diawls. Mark Cowley fished a white & silver minkie booby as a floating fry & caught 3 as the fry start to migrate towards the weed beds. D Cross fished the last 4 hours & caught 5 on buzzer, cruncher & hoppers with most been caught in front of the stones.

Thursday the afternoon and evening was the most productive part of the day with #10 minkie booby, #12 daddies & fab, #12 #14 hoppers, cdc and buzzers. M Litchfield fished fab and buzzer to catch his 5 trout, P Wrigley, M Huffer and P Mee all recorded 4 trout, S Williams fished the last 4 hours with his 4 fish all taking the small red buzzer. Float tubers, S Frakes, R Dunnett and T Ward caught 22 between them with the majority caught after lunch

Friday a bit of a mixed day with anglers reporting fish missed or lost. All water member Ian Leach got the measure of the fishing catching 10 on a midge tip with red buzzer, tadpole and orange fab, M Beck caught 3 for his morning session on a red buzzer with Dave Ploughman landing 2 for his mornings visit but reports losing another dozen. Some fish moving early evening with a #14 orange bodied Elk hair sedge and small red cruncher working.

Saturday most of the trout caught were in the top 3ft with #12 red cruncher, #12 fab, #14 Elk Hair Sedge, #12 daddies & #10 minkie booby. Thornton member M Clay caught 5 on buzzers, Neil Bates fished the afternoon session catching 4 on a fly he found in the boat with Paul & Sam Cook catching 6 on daddies & an orange bodied #14 Elk Hair Sedge pattern

Sunday and a busy day as we hosted the All Abilities Friendly Fly Fishers AAFFF & our local angling club Thornton Fly Fishers TFF.

The AAFF enjoyed an excellent full days fishing with 9 of their members catching 85 trout for an outstanding rod average 9.4 for the day with most of the trout taken on floating, midge tip an intermediate lines with dries, fabs and nymphs. Thanks to Mark Goodge for ensuring the AAFF day runs smoothly

Thornton Fly Fishers fished their single fly competition from 8.30am to 3pm. This year the chosen fly was a size #10 minkie booby. Each member was given 3 minkie boobies and could fish them on any line. 12 club members fished to a 4 fish limit with 4 members catching their limit with Tony Smith winning the comp, Alan Johnson was 2^nd with club secretary Peter Birdsall 3^rd

Thornton fly fishers will be resuming their winter programme starting on 17^th November with a fly tying and social evening, further details to follow.

 Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report – 01536 770264

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

Stocking Policy As we enter the period of the year with expected higher water temperatures at the Eyebrook we alter the average size of trout we stock. Our stocking policy for the Eyebrook is explained on our website Stocking Policy | Fly Fish Eyebrook – Leicestershire Trout Fishery

Week ending 26^th Sep 21               Rod Average: 4.5                 Water Temp: C17

The week ahead was looking like it was going to be a good week with ideal weather conditions. The fishing was carrying on from last week with some fantastic top of the water sport and reports of fish hitting daddies out in open water as well as the occasional flurry of fry feeding going on.

Monday was a warm day with a nice breeze. A lot of the anglers headed for the Dam and the Netted bank area where there had been previous reports of fish in these areas in good numbers. Top rod on Monday was M Woolnough. He managed to get well in to double figures while fishing a white snake on an intermediate line in the morning and then moved on to fishing daddies in the afternoon. Season ticket holders L Bates and R Swinfield had a great day out with both of them getting around a dozen each to the boat while fishing small buzzers on a washing line while using a daddy as the buoyant fly on the point. Season Ticket holder T. Smith was fishing from the bank and managed to land 4 fish and lost a few others in play. It was good to see someone having a good bit of fortune on the bank.

Tuesday had a bit more of a breeze on the water which only made the fishing a bit more fun. There were lots of good numbers of fish caught and from nearly all areas of the reservoir. There were varying methods and lines that were working, but the main flies that kept being mentioned were the daddies.

Wednesday was still quite bright and warm with a gentle breeze. We had 14 anglers from the police practicing for their pairs match the following day. Between them, they managed to land 108 fish, giving them a rod average of 7.7. Eyebrook Season Ticket holder Karl Cowzer had a great day out on the water and landed a cool dozen to the boat while just fishing dries.

Thursday seen the Police pairs match taking place with 17 boats out on the water. The conditions were near perfect, and the fish were very obliging on the day. This made for a very interesting competition to see who would win the match. You can see the results on our Facebook page Here: www.facebook.com/FlyFishStore

Eyebrook Season ticket holder Bob Margery ventured out on to the banks due to all the boats being out. He fished along the casting platforms on the Leicestershire bank and managed 5 to the net and lost another few during play. It looks like the fishing from the bank might be starting to pick up after a long hiatus. The weed is starting to recede, and the staff have been out trying to clear bank areas for access

Friday was a bit blusterier than the day before. The wind has started to shift around to a more south west westerly wind. The change in conditions can sometimes change the habits of the fish. Things looked as if they slowed down a little after a few days with the full fleet out on the water, but there were still a few anglers who were doing pretty well out there. We were joined by 16 anglers from the Cwmllynfell Fly Fishing Club who managed 89 fish between them in their first day with us, giving them a rod average of 5.5. a pretty good average after such a busy week on the Eyebrook.

Saturday was yet another busy day on Eyebrook with the full fleet out again although it was busy, it seemed to be a nice, relaxed sort of day out there on the water. Washing line with a foam daddy and buzzers/ nymphs seemed to be working best out on the water. Yet again Andy Miller was in action on a tuition day, he was introducing Simon Morgan, Alistair Tonnison, Andy Edmounds, John Edmounds & Mark Logston to the finer arts of presenting a fly to the trout. They all enjoyed the peace and serenity that Eyebrook provides and hopefully this will be the beginning of their fly fishing journey through life.

A few weeks ago, Alex Howe contacted the lodge to see if we could help him out. He was interested in learning to fly fish but wasn’t sure where to begin. As a wheelchair user he was unsure if we would be able to help out. Rest assured, we got him pencilled in for some casting lessons and Andy had him laying out a line on the water in no time. The staff made sure that a pontoon was cleared so that Alex could get out there casting and enjoy his tutelage from Andy Miller. We look forward to hearing more from Alex in the future and help him on his way to enjoying getting out on the water.

This week has seen a lot of folks booking in on the 2-day or 3-day packages as well as a few clubs joining us for a few days out on the water to enjoy the top of the water sport. In the next few weeks, we should start to see some of the bigger trout starting to emerge to feed on the fry to pack on some weight for the winter months. With this in mind, we are drawing closer to the Eyebrook Fur N’ Feather match on Sunday the  24^th Oct 21. Another fantastic match to put in your calendar. If you want to enter this match then give us a call at the lodge to be in with a chance of winning some lovely prizes from Fishery Management (UK) Ltd. Last years biggest fish was a 9lbs+ Rainbow caught by Eyebrook Season ticket holder Steve Lawrence. Lets see if he can do it again this year.

With September and October Being such busy months due to the incredible fishing, it really is essential to book boats well in advance to guarantee that you get one.

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 19th September      Rod Average  4.2                Water Temperature  17 °C

ANGLER PARKING NOTICE

All Anglers please note that from Monday 23^rd August Severn Trent has requested that all anglers will now have to return their car to the main car park after unloading, if you require a yellow parking pass please ask for one in the lodge on the morning of your visit.

Severn Trent Event

Bank anglers please note; Severn Trent are running an event which is taking place in Toft, using up anglers car parks and some grassed areas. This is being set up and run from 14^th September through until the 28^th September. All bank anglers are asked to only use car parks which are available, and to avoid areas which may interfere with the event. Please also note that there will be extra vehicles and pedestrians at this end of the reservoir throughout this time.

Willow Cutting

The Willow cutting which started at the beginning of September will continue through until roughly the first week of October. Please be aware that members of staff will be out with machinery working to clear areas of the bank. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Severn Trent Ranger Team for their help with this task.

Monday dawned with overcast skies and a cool easterly breeze, conditions which stayed with us throughout the day. A slow start for the anglers with not too many fish caught through the morning, however in the afternoon things picked up with fish showing in the surface in Toft Shallows and around D buoy in Duns Bay. Ian Richardson and Bob Smith had 9 fish to the boat towards the end of their day, having moved to D buoy late on, mostly caught on nymphs and dries. Jim Brennan and Chris Discombe had a dozen between them on daddies around G buoy down in Toft Shallows. Kevin Rees used size 14 fiery brown crippled midge and bob’s bits to net 15 fish in the area between the Swans Nest and G buoy. Mr P Sadler and Mr T Strachan caught a bakers dozen in Toft Shallows, all on dries such as big reds and foam daddies.

Light rain with a steady north easterly breeze on Tuesday morning turned into heavy showers through into the afternoon. Not the most comfortable conditions to fish in and a good test of the waterproofs. However most anglers caught fish and some did quite well. Don Coe netted 8 fish on a DI 5 and a minkie booby drifting in between X and P buoy. Season permit holder Norman Perkins caught 7 fish on much the same method. The other anglers in Don’s party persisted with dry fly techniques to net a brace here and there  whilst Mr M Francis managed a respectable 4.

A completely different day on Wednesday with nice overcast but dry conditions to start and a light northerly breeze. K wood & E Glaister fished in a boat landing 22 using CDC patterns and Daddies fishing in Toft around G drifting towards the Swans Nest. John Kirk fished with J Wenman with the pair landing 14 fish to the boat again catching on daddies. Draycote season ticket holder Ian Reeve drifted from the Valve Tower across the middle towards the lodge to boat 7 fish on daddies and hoppers. Kasidit Leoviriyakit enjoyed a good day from the boat fishing for just 6 hours landing 11 fish, 1 on a dry while the others took an olive snake fished on a Di 5 sinking line. A number of other anglers found dries and washing line tactics the best.

Thankfully the wind was stronger than forecast coming from the Southwest on Thursday. John Mills & David Keeble landed a dozen fish between them using a mix of washing line and dries with floaters and slow intermediate lines being the best. Gordon Byers, Don Coe, Alister Bosher & Tim Grove enjoyed good sport on long drifts across the middle using daddies and Midas. Draycote season ticket holder Paul Walley fished with fellow member Stephen Dewhurst with the pair landing 11 fish between them on minkies fished on sinking lines. Thursday also saw the EFFA club taking to the water with 32 anglers, they caught 123 fish, all of which were released and measured using our measuring troughs. The winner of the day was Chris Mcleod with 8 fish for a combined length of 3280mm. The best method for the club was washing line or dries around A buoy and then in Toft.

Friday was a mild day with some overcast conditions and light breezes. Again a good number of fish were caught, mostly in the top of the water column on dries and nymphs. An algael bloom has been present on the water, but this tends to be light and gets blown to the bottom of the wind by midday.  The areas which fished well on Friday were A buoy and Rainbow Corner, B buoy down to the Valve Tower, in between P and X buoy and the central area of Toft Shallows around G buoy.  Lianne Frost and Chris Bobby had 20 fish to the boat with a washing line and nymphs, as well as dries. John Dickens and Kevin Rees boated 15 fish using dries such as bob’s bits. Roger Kerrison had 11 fish to the boat, all on the Midas. Dan Mcelligott caught 3 fish during an evening session on daddies and a claret hopper near A buoy. Mr A Graham, also out for an evening session, netted 5 fish on daddies, and then buzzers on a washing line with a FAB on the point.

A foggy start to Saturday morning before the start of the AMFC match, who ventured out onto the water just as the nearest marker buoys were coming into view. Throughout the day we had some sunny spells interspersed with some good cloud cover and what should have been a light southerly breeze, which kept swinging around as the day progressed. A good days fishing for all concerned I think. Season permit holder Mike Garner took to the bank and caught on a Pitsford pea in Toft shallows by the big willow tree. The teams in the AMFC match fished mainly at the western end of the reservoir over markers such as A,B and C buoy, out to Y buoy and over into Duns and Biggin Bay. They fished mainly in the top few feet of the water column using nymphs or dries fished on a floater,  a sink tip, or an intermediate line. The main flies were foam daddies, big reds, crippled midge, bob’s bits, crunchers, diawl bachs and muskins. Overall the anglers caught a total of 447 fish, giving us a daily rod average of a whopping 7.3. Well done to all the anglers who took part in the competition.

Light winds Sunday with some rain in the morning but bright for the most part. On the bank John Crowley landed 3 fish fishing over the top of the weed on ginger hoppers and foam daddies. On the boats we hosted the Draycote Fly Fishers Autumn Pairs, with 20 members and 1 guest fishing the match. Winning the day was Adrian Burton & Mark Johnson-Jones. The pair found a washing line to be the best set up with a Tequila FAB on the point or a Ham & Cheese then an orange daddy. In Second place was Keith Parris & Mark Windsor who landed 9.  Third place with 7 was John Pearson & Paul Ward. Outside of the club competition Jake Whenman & John Kirk used daddies to land 22 fish fishing around A Buoy and Rainbow Corner. Mark Braun landed 15 using black hoppers, red nemo crunchers and orange blobs. Season ticket holder Paul Mitchell fished with Tim Burn using daddies and other dries to boat 35 fish.

Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report – 01536 770264

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

Stocking Policy As we enter the period of the year with expected higher water temperatures at the Eyebrook we alter the average size of trout we stock. Our stocking policy for the Eyebrook is explained on our website Stocking Policy | Fly Fish Eyebrook – Leicestershire Trout Fishery 

Week ending 19^th Sep 21                Rod Average: 4                    Water Temp: 17C

Monday started overcast with good conditions. With the recent form of Eyebrook we were expecting the start of a very good week. Mid-September is always a popular time of the year on Eyebrook for the fantastic dry fly action. Our 2-, 3- and 4-day fishing packages are extremely popular and are fantastic value for the price. D. Quigley & J. McGuiggan started a 3-day package of with a cool dozen to the boat, K White started a 3-day package, M. Firth and A. Whale Started a 5-day package and Mr Woods and Mr Kay 3-day Package. The fishing was sporadic at times for a few of the Anglers, but a few of them started to catch steadily on foam daddies and small CDC’s

Tuesday was forecast for heavy rain most of the morning but settled in the afternoon. This seen quite a few anglers deciding to postpone a day’s fishing till later in the week. However, the few brave souls who ventured out were justly rewarded with some fantastic sport. On the day we had a rod average of 4.5 with the best catch of the day being D. Quigley and J. McGuiggan who were catching steadily on CDC’s and Grunters in torrential downpours. M. Firth and A. Whale were having similar action on yellow owls. D. Skedd was in to double figures by fishing just nymphs for most of the day.

Wednesday was overcast with little wind and occasionally bright sunshine, hardly fantastic conditions for fishing dries. Higham Ferrers FF Joined us for a bit of a club meeting out on the water, it was good to see a few familiar faces out there enjoying themselves. The fishing was a bit more challenging than expected but there were still a few good results that came back. The guys gave us reports of Fry feeding out in the main basin but most of the fish caught on the day fell to dry fly patterns. Bill Woods and Jim Kay were top boat on the day and finished off their 3-day package with 19 fish to the boat between them taken on small black dries and reporting fish 3lbs 8oz+

Thursday seen the Bull FF joining us for a day out and the Fishing For Fun group starting 2 days on the water. The hot, bright, and still weather made the day a bit challenging for a lot of the anglers out on the water. By lunch time most anglers had managed 1 or 2 fish and decided it was time to come in for a well-earned bit of refreshment under the big tree at the front of the lodge so they could talk tactics and maybe help each other along to put a few more fish in the boat. In the afternoon a few of the anglers who had a bit of a tough morning were rewarded for their perseverance. J. Forsyth and D. Ford were the best boat on the day with a cool dozen each to the boat. Hugh Wallace had 14. Most of the anglers who were catching well were generally fishing dries or washing line method with a foam daddy on the point. Eyebrook season ticket holder R. Swinfield was surprised to see that the whole fleet was booked out, so instead opted for a few hours off the dam wall. After a few hours Roy came back after landing 2 fish and had plenty of offers bit couldn’t get some to stick

Friday arrived, and for the 3^rd day on the trot, every single boat was out on the water. The fishing for fun group went out after an evening where everyone had been passing information around at dinner to help get a few more fish in the boat. It worked. the slight change in conditions helped as well. A few of the anglers seemed to be having a much better day on day 2. Lots of anglers were having 6 or 7 to the boat, but on the day Ian Duly, K Johnson and Ged O’Donoghue were the only anglers to get in to double figures.

Saturday seen a Bright, hot, and almost still day on the lake. From time to time the wind would change direction and all of a sudden, you’d have the flies float back towards you when you cast out. Most of the boats were jostling for positions along the dam wall as there was a good concentration of fish swimming up and down the frontage. As the day moved on, the fish seemed to sit just a little deeper and were a bit more reluctant to come up for daddies and other dries. There were also good numbers of fish just off the netted bank that looked to be within casting distance of the bank. There were also a lot of fish moving in Dogwood Bay and all the way along to the hawthorns. The open water seemed to be producing the better sport for drifting boats, but drifting was nigh on impossible with practically no wind. Andy and Peter Boylan were the top boat on the day with both of them getting well in to double figures each with small FAB’s. Fraser Renwick was well in to double figures as well. With most of the fleet picking up a few fish each.

Sunday seemed to be the best day of the week with every angler out on the water managing to net fish. Most of the anglers were opting for a FAB, Nymph, Foam daddy combination. Popper hoppers, traditional wets, Buzzers seemed to be working as well. The fishing was that good on this day, Eyebrook produced a rod average of 7.5. a rod average very rarely seen after buzzer season comes to an end.

The fish are all over the lake from the Island to the willows and all the way back to the lodge. Fishery staff have seen fish moving just outside mucky bay and up by the chestnut tree while carrying out patrols in the safety boat. The fish are enjoying a great variety of terrestrial flies as well as buzzers and fry out on the water. Book a boat early to avoid disappointment. The weed has rapidly started to recede from the banks and is making access to the fish a little bit simpler from the bank. Work Continues along the banks to clear Willow saplings and clearing access points along the Leicestershire bank and the Rutland Bank.

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 

Week ending 19^th September.  Rod Average: 2.9 Water Temperature:17c+

Cooler and at times wetter forecast for the coming week which will suit the trout fishing. The late morning onwards has fished best with an improving evening rise. Thornton Fly Fishers fished their senior citizen competition on Monday morning. All 7 competitors caught with Ray Jordan winning with the heaviest 4 fish limit, Mick Norman caught the largest at 3lb8oz. Rev Chip fished the evening session with claret or red cdc the winning flies as he boated 11.

Tuesday, it was wet, heavy rain at times. All water member Ken Key caught 4 for his mornings visit wit P Cox fishing daddies and sedge pupa to take his 4 trout

Wednesday an excellent days fishing with a rod average 5+ for the day with anglers reporting good numbers of trout feeding. Stones, mouth of the Markfield arm & across the main basin fished best to floaters, midge tip & intermediate lines with red or claret cdc #14, hoppers, daddies, hare’s ear, buzzers, small fabs. Thornton member Greg Weatherdon fished a diawl bach to tempt his 8 trout, All water member Paul Walker fished cdc, buzzer & fab to catch his 13 trout another all water member A Lilley fished dries, fabs to boat his 11 fish with his boat partner Graham England fishing dries & hares ear to catch his 19 trout. R Maycock caught 7. An excellent evening rise.

Thursday from mid morning onwards the trout were feeding well with an excellent evening rise. Terry & John Evans caught 14 on dries & rescued a young buzzard that was getting mobbed by the crows & ended up in the water. Thornton members S Swinfield & Zeleny caught 8 for their mornings visit, member P Wrigley fished dries to tempt his 6 trout. M Armstrong fished the afternoon session to catch his 6 trout on dries with J Brown fishing the last 4 hour session also catching 6 trout, with P Flay recording 4 trout for his last 4 hour session

Friday and the fishing proved to be a touch more challenging with anglers reporting mist takes and fish lost. Fish were moving off & on throughout the day, although the best of the evening rise was in the last half hour! Red, claret or black & red buzzers, claret or red cdc / suspenders, claret or red hopper size #12 #14 #16,diawls, daddies & #12 cocktail fab

Saturday and a clear indication that the afternoon into the evening is fishing best, we seem to be seeing more daddies on the water during the afternoon / evening period. Members N Bates caught 5 for his visit with S Thompson also recording 5. Mick Carrig fished the last 3 hours catching 3 trout with All Water Member Mark Hunt fishing the day catching 2 fish by lunchtime but then going on to catch another 10 during the afternoon / evening. Intermediate during the morning with #12 fab, #12 #14 diawls, buzzer, hares ear, during the afternoon its dries #12 #14 #16 cdc, hoppers, bobs bits, daddies.

Sunday, during the morning session a midge tip or intermediate with a #12 cocktail or tequila fab or #12 sparkler or white booby pulled had fish chasing the fly but hook ups proved more difficult. The afternoon and evening session a floater with #12 daddies, #12 #14 cdc, hoppers, bobs bits or fishing a washing line was the successful method. Members S Jordan & A Gunby caught 11 on small booby & daddies, Andy Lilley and Graham England caught 16 on dries with Mat Vickers fishing a daddy to catch his 8 trout. Sam & Paul Cook fished the last 4 hour session with #12 orange daddies to catch their 5 trout.

With our & our surface water temperature at 17c at 7.30am our surface sport will continue.