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

Week ending 2^nd May 2021          Rod Average: 4.3         Water Temp: 10’c

A warmer feel to Monday with the cold East wind dropping slight to single figures, as a result the fish responded well with some great catches on buzzers. The Tower Bank continued to produce for the bank anglers with season ticket holder Ian Richardson, landing 12 fish on buzzers. On the boats all water member Ian Jobe enjoyed a great day’s sport landing 35 fish. Ian, fished from an anchored boat at the School slips fishing a team of buzzers on a floating line. Draycote member Lee Patten used a snake on a Di 5 sinking line to take over 20 fish. Fishing the afternoon Matt Osbourne & Pete Whealan landed 24 fish on a mix of buzzers, damsels & minkies.

The first cloudy day we had in a long time, as a result the fish fed high in the water and when the wind dropped out later in the day the reservoir was boiling with fish. However the flat calm conditions did make it tricky to get the correct presentation. On the bank Norman Perkins fished the Tower Bank on Buzzers to land 15 fish, with Draycote season ticket holder Steve Lees & John Falconbridge landing 8 fish each again on buzzers. On the boats Ian Morris landed 22 fish on Diawl Bachs fished on a washing line around Rainbow Corner and commented on “the good fish & good fishing”. Using Gold headed Hares Ears in Biggin Bay Adam Hollins landed 16 fish.

A vastly different day Wednesday with heavy overnight rain and a breeze North wind, which later swung to a strong North East wind. Fishing on the bank Alan Bettles enjoyed a great day’s sport landing 16 fish on black buzzers in the droppers and a white and green lure on the point. On the boats season ticket holder James Alexander landed 7 fish in Biggin Bay on a snake. Jeff Ide enjoyed a great days sport landing 27 fish from Alberts Bottom in Biggin Bay. With the vast majority of Jeffs fish taking a blue flash Damsel fished on the point of a team of flies. Draycote/ Guiding & Tuition Manager Tom Bird took fly fishing newcomer Tom Thorpe out for his firs ever go at Fly Fishing with Tom landing his first ever fish.

Another cold wind Thursday this time from the North West, however, in the afternoon the wind did drop and the temperature rose causing the fish to be seen feeding on the surface. Season ticket holder Tony Broadway landed 21 fish from the Tower Bank fishing with a FAB on the point. John Hall fished on Lincroft point using a weighted Green Pea landing 13 fish and enjoyed “good days sport”. On the boats Richard Walker enjoyed a good mornings sport landing 15 fish using various Damsel patterns at the Overflow. Richard also landed a cracking Rainbow of 5lb which is pictured at www.facebook.com/flyfishstore Season ticket holder Alec Urquhart fished with Johnathan Wood with the pair boating 22 fish using a mix of Diawl Bachs and Buzzers fished on a washing line with a FAB on the point. Fellow season ticket holders Paul Mitchell & Eddie Mitchell enjoyed a “Fantastic Day” boating 40 fish using a Midge Tip line and a team of buzzers held up again on a washing line with a FAB with he fish being caught through Biggin Bay & Dunn’s.

The wind changed around at various point Friday going from the straight North to a North West then into a straight West. As a result of all the wind changes the bank anglers found it a bit difficult, Jim Hall landed 5 fish on buzzers in the morning before calling it a day. The boat angler faired much netter with season ticket holders Peter Elliot & Lee Patten landing over 60 fish. The pair found the fish at the School Slip using Buzzers and Crunchers fished deep on a floating line with a slow nearly static retrieve. Dave Bennett & boat partner Chris Smith landed 26 fish in a morning season fishing along the Draycote Dam using Blue Flash Damsel Patterns. Russel Swimbourne fished buzzers at Hensborough and Rainbow Corner landing 18 fish.

A bright but cold start to Saturday with a light north westerly, which then clouded over in the afternoon. A good day on the bank for Mr M Braun who netted 7 fish from the bank in Duns Bay on buzzers. The boat pairing of Les and Karl Lerigo netted 16 fish between them, commenting on  “a good day”. Karl had 2 fish over 6lbs whilst Les weighed in a rainbow of 9lbs 8oz, all from rainbow corner. Mr B and Mr T Ball had a great day again up in rainbow corner, having well over 30 fish to the boat on buzzers, the best of which was 5lbs 8oz. Ian Ross and Mike Garner used buzzers and damsels to good effect, netting 17 fish, one of which was in excess of 7lbs. Mr M Schofield caught 8 fish from a boat using buzzers and holographic diawl bachs fished deep.

Again a sunny start to Sunday with an air temperature of about 3’c. It was mostly flat calm through the morning with a small storm and hailstones coming through about one o’clock. This in turn lead to cloud cover and a light breeze through the afternoon, and improved fishing conditions. Season permit holder Paul Walley used FAB’s to good effect on the Hensborough Bank to net 9 fish, whilst Mark Johnson Jones caught 4 from the bank using FAB’s and black buzzers. Mark Edwards went out for an afternoon session on the bank, netting 5 fish again on buzzers. It was tough going out on the boats to start with, with anglers commenting that things didn’t pick up until after the storm. The boat pairing of Mr K Harding and Mr M Clarke had 18 fish to the net on various methods.  Richard Walker had 5 fish to the boat on lures but said that he had dropped twice that number. Paul Mitchell and Mr T Burn had over 30 fish to the boat using small buzzers, the best of which was about 4lbs. The usual suspects of Ed Douglas and Jim Smith also had over 30 fish to the boat on buzzers, quite a few of which were caught drifting across the front of the pontoon. Mr L Foster and Mr D Webb had 7 fish apiece to the boat in Rainbow corner, mainly on buzzers.

Foremark Fly Fishers held a competition on Draycote water on Sunday which was attended by 9 anglers. A total of 38 fish were caught,( the best of which was 3lbs 12oz ) giving a competition rod average of 4.2. Well done to all those who took part.

Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report – 01536 770264

Following on from an amazing week on Eyebrook, where we had many anglers enjoying the fantastic buzzer fishing.

Monday kicked off this week with an impressive 11+ rod average. Anglers are reporting large swathes of fish from the Island, all the way to the nature reserve boundary line. Most of these fish are falling to washing lined buzzers or straight through Diawl bachs and crunchers on floating lines and midge tips.

Tuesday and we have just had Roger Charles pop in to the lodge to the lodge this morning to tell us that he has had a fantastic morning catching rising fish on a ginger hooper from the bank at the Chestnut tree. Truly a sign that the fish are now coming up in the upper layers of the lake to feed. Everyone seems to be focused on the Leicestershire bank, but there are plenty of fish rising all the way from Robbo’s cabin up to the Stoke dry car park on the Rutland bank. A slight shift in wind direction would make for fantastic sport from the bank. One of our Pike anglers had a pleasant surprise when he landed a large Perch. The Perch weighed in at 4lbs 1oz, apparently beating the previous Eyebrook record of 4lbs.

Wednesday arrived along with some strong winds coming out of the North East which in turn has made fishing the Leicestershire bank pretty much unfishable for the bank anglers. The Rutland bank is offering the much-needed shelter for the bank anglers, float tubers and boat anglers alike. From what I saw in those areas the day before, I think they’ll be pleasantly surprised, there were a lot of fish moving in the surface yesterday. Today marks the 3^rd day of D. Quigley and J McGuiggan’s 3-day package with us at Eyebrook. They’ve had 3 days of fantastic sport from the top end of the reservoir, mostly fishing buzzers, but having some great action on the CDC Yellow Owl’s, an Eyebrook favourite.

Thursday brought some harsh cold North Easterly winds which made fishing from drifting boats quite difficult. Those that ventured out on the boats headed into the more sheltered corners of the reservoir and still managed some really good bags of fish throughout the day. Most of the bank anglers struggled to get out in to areas that the boats could reach.

Friday the whole fleet out in the morning, obviously, a reflection of how well Eyebrook has been fishing this past week. Things have been really busy in the shop, with the phone ringing off the hook and lots of customers looking for guidance and advice as well as those little bits of kit that they need. The fishing still looks to be prolific and anglers reporting pods of fish feeding heavily on buzzers and Damsel nymphs. With light breezes in the afternoons and the temperatures rising, anglers are starting to take fish on the dries. All water ticket holder Phil Mee was so happy after practically living on the lake for a week, he even dropped off some cakes for the staff.

Saturday continues to be really busy, and we are receiving calls from anglers desperate to get out on to the water to enjoy the amazing buzzer action. Dan Goodlie joined Mr Eyebrook (Andy Miller) for an hour’s casting tuition. He had a thoroughly entertaining introduction and could not wait to get set up with kit. A very experienced Coarse angler, he is looking forward to getting stuck in o his fly-fishing journey and his future visits to Eyebrook and beyond. It was a pleasure to spend a bit of time with you to help you get started.

Sunday weather reports were showing that we should have been getting a westerly wind at around 5 – 7mph. However, looking out on to the water, at times it looked and felt more like a Northerly wind. Bank anglers and boat anglers were reporting that the conditions were a little different to what they were expecting. Eyebrook Ranger Jason took to the water on his day off with his friend Shak, who managed to whittle out a stunning 4lbs 8oz Rainbow. Jason and Shak decided to try and stay away from the crowded areas and search the other parts of the lake that weren’t getting as much attention. Sometimes doing your own thing can produce results. Well done Shak.

Yet again, Eyebrook legend, Andy Miller was joined by a group of 5 for a day’s tuition. Robert and Victoria Carr, Richard Hartland, Keith Arnold and Andrew Sturrock enjoyed an entertaining day with Andy, learning all the basics. From setting up the rod’s and tying on leaders, through some entomology to gain an understanding of the trout’s diet. Then on to some casting basics. Then under Andy’s watchful eye, they ventured out on to the water to put in to practice what Andy had taught them. We hope you all had a pleasant experience and plan to visit us again in the near future.

Thornton Fishery Weekly Report – 01530 230807

Week ending 2^nd May    Rod Av: 3.6    Water Temp: 11c+

I wasn’t surprised to read were having the coldest April since 1970, our water temperature this week dropped back, however I’m not complaining, were seeing the best April rises for years with fish feeding on the buzzer hatching all day

Monday and another frost and cold easterly wind, anglers generally fished in the shelter of the wood with the successful anglers coming off their floaters to fish with sink 3 or 5 sinking lines with damsels, olive booby or black & green tadpole.

Tuesday, a rare treat, flat calm with whatever breeze coming from the south. Excellent hatch of black buzzers with fish to be seen feeding most of the day from the Thornton arm opposite the lodge across to the stones & dam wall. Black hoppers & black buzzer size 12 fished best although the fish moving in the evening were tricky, its time in the evening to get off the anchor & drift, it allows you to cover more water & puts your fly in front of different fish every cast.

Wednesday a quiet day angler wise due to the forecast, were back to north, north easterly cold winds, the heavy rain that was forecast missed us. Anglers opted to fish in the shelter of the wood bank, the wind wouldn’t settle in one direction and veered from a northerly to an easterly off & on during the day. Anglers reported fish moving on & off for most of the day with black buzzer size 12 been the most effective pattern, although an intermediate or sinking line with a damsel or cats whisker also worked.

Thursday and the water temp had fallen back to 11c+ fish to be seen feeding off the surface with the best sport to be had in the Thornton arm & main car park across the middle. Plenty buzzers hatching.

Friday, at last light winds, flat calm at times, with the trout again rising all day from in front of the lodge all the way across the middle of the reservoir to the stones. Lots of buzzer hatching, a grey buzzer size 10 / 12 & an olive buzzer size 14, photo of the buzzers on our facebook page,  www.facebook.com/FlyFishStore  With the majority of the trout being taken on buzzers & suspender buzzers member Alan Smith found a silver invicta worked best for him. Great evening rise.

Saturday and another day with the trout rising well, at times close to the bank along the Thornton arm and wood. They weren’t easy preoccupied on the buzzer hatches, the boats that drifted enjoyed the best of the sport

Sunday fish again moving feeding hard. Floating, midge tip and intermediate lines worked best with damsel pattern and grey / black buzzer size 12 / 10 and size 14 olive buzzer. Suspender buzzer also took fish, but again with so many fish moving a drifting boat scored best.

This past week our water temperature remains cool for the time of year but that has not affected the hatches see photos of the buzzers hatching on our social media pages. Water clarity is excellent. Time to fish low diameter leaders, with boats on the drift starting to catch better than the anchored boats.

If your short of time, get out for the last 4 hour evening rise, you’ll see plenty of trout moving.

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

Week Ending 25^th April 2021   Water Temperature 9’C.   Rod Average 6.3

A lovely start to the week with bright sunny conditions, and light winds. However, not the most amazing fishing conditions. Despite this Ian Richardson fished at the Tower Bank to land 9 fish all on buzzer on a half day session. All Water member Phil Mee landed 17 fish all on buzzers with the biggest being a Rainbow of 5lb 4oz. Draycote season ticket holder James Kelly also used buzzers but this time in conjunction with a Damsel to land 6 fish from the bank. Out in the boats Peter Elliot & Lee Patten landed over 60 fish to the boat using buzzer fished deep and slow in the bright conditions. Fishing from the boat in Rainbow Corner Andy Kress used Buzzers and Diawl Bachs to land 14 fish.

Another warm day Tuesday, season ticket holder Tony Broadway did well from the bank landing 26 fish all on Buzzers in Biggin Bay and The Tower Bank. All water season ticket holder Norman Perkins fished in this area to take 10 fish also all on buzzers. On the boats it was also buzzers that caught the anglers their fish. Tony Plummer had a great day landing 20 fish and losing a lot in play, fishing at Rainbow Corner & Hensborough bank with Tony commenting, “stuffed with fish along there”. Johnathan Wood & Alec Urquhart landed over 50 fish all on buzzers as well. With their fish coming from Biggin Bay, Dunn’s & Rainbow Corner.

A much cooler day Wednesday with a North East giving a definite chill the air. All Water season ticket holder Phil Mee enjoyed a good day on the bank again this time taking 14 on buzzers. Mr Squires fished at the Tower bank deep to take 8 fish. On the boats Geoff Preston took 12 fish on Damsels around Rainbow Corner and The Hensborough Bank in a short morning session. Also using Damsels to great affect Richard Walker landed 20 fish in the same area as Geoff. Tim grove enjoyed a good day’s sport on black buzzers to land 20 fish up in Rainbow Corner. Mick Cartlidge landing over 34 fish from various point on the reservoir fishing a sinking line and lures.

A tricky day for the bank anglers with bright sun and a frosty start on Thursday. Draycote season ticket holder Tony Broadway landed 8 fish on buzzers from the Cornfield. Fellow season ticket holder Dave Kennel landed 5 fish on the bank from various marks. The boats faired better as the fish had pushed out into the deeper water. Martyn Moore fished in Rainbow Corner using buzzers and commented on a “Fantastic Day” landing 19 fish. Tim Grove fishing the last of a 3 day break took 23 fish all on buzzers. Eddie Mitchell & Paul Mitchell fished an Airflo 12ft slow tip with a team of buzzers and a FAB on the point to boat 30 fish. Jim Brennan & Chris Discombe landed 25 fish using small black buzzers in Rainbow Corner.

Friday started bright and breezy with a bit of a nip in the air. The very welcome sunshine has pushed the fish down a bit in the water but it hasn’t stopped them biting, as the daily rod average came out at 10.6. Conditions have been a little more difficult of late off the bank, which is to be expected, whilst the boats have faired a little better in deeper water. Season permit holders Lee Patten and Peter Elliott fished the washing line and buzzers to good effect, netting a large number of fish from a drifting boat along the Hensborough Bank and by the Old Pipe in Biggin Bay. Mr P Swinbourne had over 20 fish to the boat using buzzers along the Hensborough Bank and remarked on how good the fishing was. Mr Les Lerigo had 5 fish to the boat using yellow dancers on a sinking line. Draycote regular Chris Flay ventured out for an evening session in a boat and fished damsels “Slow”, by the Inlet to net 15 fish, and a 3lb perch.

Another sunny day on Saturday with a cold start, warming up slightly as the day progressed. The breeze picked up a bit in the afternoon and was swirling around, making for difficult casting at times. Mike Garner fished crunchers off the Tower Bank to net 3 fish through the middle of the day, whilst Luke and David Orton managed 6 apiece. Season permit holder Tim Davies netted a dozen from a boat using a mixture of buzzers and snakes in Biggin Bay. Mr B Cowlishaw had 4 fish to the boat on buzzers, remarking on how much he enjoyed the day. Mr K Doleman used buzzers and FAB’s to catch his 10 fish, all netted between 12 noon and 4pm.

A very cold easterly was blowing across Draycote on Sunday, making for uncomfortable fishing, for those who didn’t wrap up warm. Overall, most anglers who ventured out onto the water did quite well, with more fish being caught through the afternoon as the day warmed up, “slightly”. Richard Walker and Paul Davis had 14 fish between them on Lures fished on sinking lines, whilst Ed Douglas used buzzers to catch well into double figures. Young Mike Oliver had 5 fish to the net on buzzers and Staff member Lloyd Thompson caught 10 fish using much the same method. The Local angling club, “Draycote Fly Fishers”, held their spring bank pairs match on Sunday which was well attended. 18 anglers took part, catching 41 fish between them. Paul Farrell and John Pearson took third place with 4 fish, Dave Adkins and Brian Frogatt were in second place with 12 fish, and the match winners with 14 fish were Paul Walley and Richard Hanlon.  If you are interested in joining the Draycote Fly Fishers or would like more information, please follow this link https://www.draycote-fly-fishers-assoc.co.uk/

Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report – 01536 770264

Weekly Rod Average: 11.4   Water Temp: 13c

This week saw Eyebrook starting off with a predominantly cold north easterly wind and bright blue sky. The fishing has been quite prolific, and reports are coming back to the lodge of good numbers of fish coming from all over the lake. The brighter weather is starting to push the fish out from the bank slightly and the boats are now starting to catch more than their fair share of fish. Most fish are falling to buzzers, but there are also a few falling to hare’s ear patterns, pheasant tail nymphs and the occasional Montana/ Pitsford pea style lures.

Tuesday seen the day start off with the introduction of another large group of piscatorial residents, fresh in from Exe valley. Good strong hard fighting fish seemed to just hit the water and disperse in all directions. Even though the weather conditions remained bright, the wind did help to provide excellent sport for all our visitors, with a majority of them being able to get themselves in to double figures.

Wednesday saw Mike Brookes join Andy Miller for a 4-hour guided session. He had an excellent 4 hours with Andy and lost count of the number of fish to the boat and felt that he had learned a hell of a lot from Andy as well as having a great laugh along the way. The fishing remains on form as lots of our anglers are coming back to the jetty happy. Plenty of compliments about the staff taking their time to give a bit of guidance and direction for set ups and where to fish.

Thursday looked to be the best day of the week so far with nearly every angler managing to get in to double figures from the bank and the boats. Good numbers of fish were being target by Andrew Lilly along the Robbo’s cabin area from the bank early in the day, but sport slowed down once the sun was at its highest point. All along the Leicestershire Bank, fish are still traversing the bank in sizeable pods and can be found all the way from Dogwood bay to the Cow Shed. The Island is holding a good number of fish with even a few big Perch to be taken as well. Mr K Bird had a bit of a surprize when one of his fish came in with an 8lbs Pike attached. Mr Allen has just started getting back in to fly fishing and was pleasantly surprised with a 6lbs Carp taking one of his buzzers. He was also pleasantly surprised when the fishery manager popped around to see how he was getting on and to offer a bit of advice to get him in amongst the fish.

The excellent sport continued on Friday with similar conditions albeit accompanied by a chilly wind. With the fish in similar areas to the earlier part of the week and still feasting on the abundant hatches of chironomids, sport was more or less guaranteed. Season ticket holder, Mr Farrell and his boat partner used crunchers to good effect both recoding high double figure catches, whilst Phil Mee and Horace Wood had over 30 to the boat using a combination of green fritz and buzzers. Mr Signy was afloat in his tube and also recoded a double figure catch. Anglers fishing from the bank are also finding fish with season ticket holder, Tom Dickson using a small black and green lure to take 10. Best fish of the day though was a 6 lb brownie which was taken, and safely returned, by Mr Burnham during his last 4-hour bank session.

A clear blue sky awaited our anglers on Saturday morning, although the north easterly wind had a raw edge to it, especially in the morning. The Eyebrook was pleasingly busy with 40 odd anglers and it didn’t disappoint returning a daily of average of over 9. Regular bank anglers, Bob Margery, Steve Sibley and Mr Gillis all recorded double figure catches during their morning sessions, catching from both Sam’s Dyke and Three tress on cruncher, buzzer and FAB combinations. The evening bank anglers were also finding fish with James Beeson recording 6 in his last four-hour session, whilst the local osprey took one which wasn’t returned. Catches were also good from the boats, again a combination of buzzers, crunchers and diawl bachs responsible for several double figure catches. The warmer evening tempted some of the anglers to try the dries and were rewarded with some sport, surely a harbinger of evening rises to the dries during May. Also several anglers recorded catching some of our fine looking big perch.

Sunday continued the fantastic fishing for our visitors. We were once again visited by the Gillespie brothers who had an amazing day out on the water getting well in to double figures each. Mick Glover took his young grandson out for a day out and had a great day fishing buzzer and Diawl Bachs which lead to Mick’s grandson landing a lovely silver 3lbs 5oz Rainbow. Over the weekend, anglers have been catching a few larger trout, a clear indication that some of the over wintered fish have started to show up to gorge on the buzzers.

Thornton Fishery Weekly Report – 01530 230804

Week ending 25^th April.     Water Temperature:  11c+          Rod Av: 3.5

Flat calm for long periods of the day with the wind during the late afternoon swinging to the south. Most of the day anglers concentrated their efforts to the bank opposite the lodge & wood although a few rods took our advice & went across the main basin towards the stones & green bay.

The wood bank continues to produce to floating & intermediate lines with damsels, buzzers, crunchers & biscuit fab, with some anglers catching in excess of 20 trout.

Most of last week we have seen an improving evening rise especially across the middle of the reservoir, Monday night we enjoyed our best evening rise of the season with fish moving along the middle of the Thornton arm across to the stones & out in front of the dam. They weren’t easy to tempt on emergers or dries with the best results falling to black buzzer, small diawls & crunchers fished just sub surface.

Our last 4 hours fishing permits are £4.00 boat with the last 4 hour permit £10.00 which allows you to take 1 trout & return any others.

Tuesday from late morning onwards the trout moved all day to a continuous buzzer hatch with trout moving from in front of the lodge all the way across to the stones and dam. Anglers found it was easier to catch on buzzer, diawls & crunchers fished sub surface rather than emergers & dries. Great to see the fish moving as they did during the day despite the cool easterly.

Wednesday and the coldest day of the week, frost in the morning with a biting east wind. Mr Perry on the bank fishing with buzzers caught 10 when most other anglers in the boats found the fishing difficult.

Thursday and Friday were similar days, warm in the sun but with a cool easterly breeze. Although most anglers started opposite the lodge and off the corner of the wood by late morning, early afternoon they were more spread out from the stones to green bay and across the middle. Floating lines continued to take fish with buzzers, diawls and damsels with some anglers finding a sinking line with black and green lures, humungus and bunny patterns also taking fish.

Saturday & Sunday, morning frost with the cold easterly continuing to blow. Trout are starting to move away from the wood with anglers picking up trout in the Thornton arm, stones, green bay and across the middle with some of the better catches falling to anglers using a sinking line with damsel, black and green lures and humungus with limited evening rise with the cold easterly.

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

Week Ending 18^th April 2021      Rod average   10.0    Water Temperature 9°C

Monday started cool, however when the sun broke out it soon warmed up making for some lovely conditions. As the sun warmed the water the fishery experienced another god buzzer hatch. The sun caused the fish to be pushed off the bank making it a challenging for the bank anglers. Although season ticket holder Bob Smith took 7 fish all on a blue flash damsel in Dougie’s Gap at the top of the Cornfield. The boats faired much better being able to access the fish feeding hard on Buzzers at the edge if the drop off. With buzzers being the order of the day for most of the anglers, Dave Bailey fished at the Toft side of Farborough Spit taking 24 all on buzzers. With Carl & Frank Chambers landing 19 fish. Draycote Fishery Manager Tom Bird and Fishery Ranger Lee Henfrey enjoyed some great sport all on buzzers with some fantastic, overwintered fish caught to see pictures of their day visit www.facebook.com/flyfishstore

A lovely spring day Tuesday with blue skies and warm sun, once again buzzers featured heavily on the catch returns. Season ticket holder James Kelly landed 6 from the bank using a washing line with buzzers in the droppers and a FAB on the point. With the sun out it was again the boats that faired best, Gary Haskins fished with Richard Hood landing 55 fish to the boat. The pair used buzzers on either floating line or a midge tip to take the fish with he Hensborough Bank being the most productive area. Chris Webster & Martin Barrett fished the same area on buzzers to take 45 to the boat. Ian Morris opted for Toft using Diawl Bachs and buzzers to take 30 fish. With Brendon Thomas fishing the Farborough Dam wall and the spit to take 17 fish including a cracking Rainbow of 4lb 8oz.

A mor overcast day Wednesday, which caused the fish to sit closer in to the banks and as a result the bank anglers fared much better than in the previous days. Phil Mee landed 17 fish on buzzers from the bank, with his best fish being 4lb. Stan Hillman took 14 fish from the bank fishing at the tower Bank. With season ticket holder Brian Allwood taking advantage of an afternoon landing 5 fish including a cracking 5lb Rainbow. Jim Hall on the bank took 15 fish all in Buzzers from the Cornfield and Biggin Bay. On the boats again it was buzzers that took the majority if the fish all water member John Kirk landed 22 fish all o buzzer from Hensborough and the Outlet. With season ticket holder Tony & Nick Parker landing 31 fish to the boat on buzzers and crunchers.

Yet another fine day for fishing at Draycote Water. With light breezes and the rod average topping out at 10 today, there was plenty of sport had by all and sundry. Once again the main catches have been on the buzzer, ( any colour, as long as it’s black ), with lures and blue flash damsels also putting fish in the net for some anglers. Tony Broadway had 17 fish off the bank on buzzers fished deep. Ian Richardson had 24 fish off the bank on buzzers, hares ears and boobies down in the Cornfield and remarked on how good the fish were.  Mr C Squires caught 6 fish from the bank on black buzzers fish deep, again remarking on the quality of the fish. Bob Smith netted 15 fish from the bank in Dunns Bay, again using buzzers fished deep. Out on the boats Lee Patten and Alec Urquhart used buzzers on the bung to great effect, netting over 50 fish between them by the old pipe in Biggin Bay. Martin Foster and John Vyse had a good day on the boat netting well over 30 fish from the Cornfield and Dunns Bay, again on buzzers. Chris Discombe and Jim Brennan caught over 20 fish from a boat using buzzers on a washing line from various points around the reservoir.

Friday was a great day to be out on the water with cool temperatures and light breezes. Once again the bank fishing is going really well with Mr M Miller and Mr M Smith catching 16 fish between them from Lincroft point on buzzers. Draycote regular Mr John Pearson had 20 fish from the bank on buzzers, remarking on the quality of the fish. Mr M Nolan caught 18 fish from the bank by the old pipe in Biggin Bay on buzzers.  Mr R Clews, returning to fishing after a long break, caught a total, of 5 fish from the bank, one of which was an overwintered 8lbs 8oz rainbow.  Season permit holder Steve Lees netted 7 fish from the bank, all on damsels. The boat anglers are also enjoying some great sport with Lee Nolan and Glen Thompson netting over 50 fish between them on snakes. Rob Middleton and Steve Peart caught over 60 fish from a drifting boat using FAB’s and buzzers. Jim Dempsey had 29 fish to the boat using lures on sinking lines.

It was a bright and frosty start on Saturday morning, which soon cleared up, with a large number of fish showing along the Farborough Dam and across the front of both pontoons. On the bank Mark Braun fished in Biggin Bay using a team of Buzzers on a floating line to land 20 fish. Draycote bank regular Mark Parsley also enjoyed good sport on Buzzer this time on the Tower Bank. On the boats season ticket holders John Kirk and Richard Dayman enjoyed good sport on the Hensborough Bank on buzzers. Terry & Tony Ball used Damsel patterns to take 35 fish to the boat. Using Blobs to great over 80 to the boat Brian Shields and Dave Morris catching the fish in Biggin Bay and various other marks of the reservoir.

A very bright start to the day Sunday with light winds, however, this did not seem to bother the fish as good catches were reported from both the bank and the boat. Draycote season ticket holder Paul Walley fished on the Tower Bank using FABS and buzzers to land 21 fish. Fellow season ticket holder Mark JJ and Stephen Dewhurst all used Buzzers on the Tower bank to take their fish. Slav & Johnny fished on the popular last four hour ticket on the bank landing 9 fish between them. The All Abilities Friendly Fly Fishers enjoyed a good day on the boats using buzzers to land their fish Mark Goodge & Horace Wood found a number of fish around J buoy using Buzzers. Elsewhere Dave Davis & R Oliver once again used buzzers to take 44 fish to the boat. Draycote season ticket holder Paul Mitchell fished with Tim Burn like the bank anglers at the Tower Bank to land a total of 59 fish to the boat, unsurprisingly all on Buzzers.

Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report – 01536 770264

Weekly Rod Average: 10.8                Water Temp: 9c

Following on from a fantastic week’s fishing last week, Eyebrook is seeing a distinct change in the weather. With blue skies and the wind dropping off, we are presented with conditions that a lot of anglers would not favour. But despite this, the fishing continues to be on top form. The fish are still quite close to the banks. Most of our anglers are enjoying success on floating lines and midge tips fishing washing line method or straight through Buzzers and Diawl bach’s. Some anglers looking for a good workout are having success pulling blobs and FAB’s on sinking lines from a boat, with Di3 seeming to be the line to go to.

With easing of COVID restrictions and the hairdressers and pubs opening, Monday and Tuesday were pretty quiet. This was probably down to people treating themselves to a long overdue haircut and a pint at their local. Signs of some level of normality are returning.

Wednesday has been a lot busier, with a small group of anglers from the Higham Ferrers Fly fishers joining us for a day out on the water. The fish are still very much gorging themselves on buzzers all over the lake. Some of our anglers have been moving around out on the boats and finding large pods on the Rutland bank now. With the wind coming from the East, Eyebrook season ticket holder Roy Swinfield ventured over to the willows to fish from the bank and got in to double figures of fish on buzzers. He said he lost count of the amount of takes he had and fish in and off again. The day ended with a Rod average of 12.75. the fishing has been pretty spectacular for some anglers hitting the right spot at the right time.

Long term fishing buddies and Eyebrook season ticket holders Richard Watson and Bill Whittle joined us on Thursday for a morning session. When they returned, Richard said they had blanked. But he couldn’t keep the smile off of his face long enough to convince me. They had an amazing morning session fishing buzzers and small nymphs to get both of them well in to double figures to the boat and with plenty of action in between.

The good sport continued from both the bank and boats on Friday with an overall rod average of nearly 11. There were several double figure returns made by the bank anglers with Roy Swinfield and Lyndsey Bates using buzzers to good effect. Ian Jobe had a highly successful day finding fish in several areas of the bank as did day ticket angler, Mr Normington.  All water member, Phil Mee took to the water in a boat and had a very successful afternoon, fishing washing line style with a diawl bach, a buzzer and a FAB on the point, whilst Mr Davies and Mr Baldock had a creditable double figure catch, using a montana as well as the more usual Diawl Bach and Buzzers.

With the weather starting to warm up and the sun being high in the sky all weekend, we started to think this would push the fish out in to deeper water. However, the fish did not seem to mind at all, and they kept coming thick and fast for a lot of our anglers. The usual spots have still been producing a lot of action and there are a lot of pods of fish out there still to be discovered.

Thornton Fishery Weekly Report – 01530 230804

Week ending 18^th April 2021   Water Temperature: 10c     Rod Av: 6.4

Cold start to the week with sharp early morning frost with a cold Northerly, North Easterly wind which reduced our water temperature to 9c

The cooler conditions & angling pressure have moved the fish a bit further off the bank & pushed the trout further along the banks past the lonesome pine down towards the farm.

Not surprising therefore that a sinking line with boobies, cats whisker & dawson`s olive worked best on Monday

Tuesday & Wednesday fished similar with anglers reporting catches to black buzzer fished static or under the bung or sinking lines with boobies and cats whiskers with the majority of anglers concentrating their fishing to the Thornton arm opposite the lodge, wood bank & down past the lonesome pine. Look out for swallows & martins working the main basin especially during the early evening as the buzzer hatches are drawing fish to the surface across the main basin, the start of our evening rise

Thursday our water has gone up to 10c, another frosty start but with improving daytime temperatures. Most of the anglers headed towards the corner of the wood with buzzers & small black cormorants working well. From early evening fish were rising across the main basin from the stones to the car park to another good buzzer hatch

Friday & a busy day at the reservoir with angler still finding good numbers of trout off the wood with cruncher, black buzzer & cormorant patterns fished on a floater or intermediate. Increasing number of trout to be seen feeding across the main basin.

The weekend and again the majority of the anglers headed to the bank opposite the lodge and the wood although the anglers who ventured further up the Markfield arm toward the farm reported good catches from this area. Again another good rise in the evening from the stones across to green bay and in front of the dam

We welcomed Thornton Fly Fishers our local angling club to their first visit of 2021 they returned a club rod average of 5.8 with trout up to 3lb6oz recorded. Details on the club are available via their website Thornton Fly Fishers Club (simpl.com)

Draycote, Thornton & Eyebrook Fisheries

YouTube Channel

We have our own YouTube channel, we will be posting short instructional videos, fishery advice videos, product reviews & filming competitions & their results held at our waters. Our aim is to produce a video per week.

To promote our YouTube channel if you follow the link below & leave a comment on the Eyebrook Fishery video you will be entered into the draw to win one of RIO new floating lines. The draw will take place on the 25^th April.

Click on here  Flyfishstore – YouTube

Or copy & paste this link into your browser:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4yilqitfPHhsmKAzkffVPg

Evening Boat League Draycote & Eyebrook

Tom at Draycote & Jim at Eyebrook will be running an evening boat league.

Evening Boat League.

Fishery Management (UK) Ltd is pleased to announce it will be running an evening league. There will be Leagues ran at both Draycote & Eyebrook with a total of 7 heats running at each fishery. The idea behind the league is to offer a friendly competition, introducing new anglers to competition fishing, & enjoying some great evening sport at both waters.

The format of the league is as follows.

• 7 Heats with your best 4 results counting towards the overall league standing. You will receive 1 point for 1st, 2 points for the second, and so on. If you do not fish a round you will be rewarded the maximum points for that heat. Overall the lowest combined score over 4 rounds wins the overall league. However, there are prizes for each weeks winner
• There is a £5 League entry fee this is a one off payment and goes straight into the prize pot.
• After this 10% of all the fishing fees for the evening go into the prize pot for the end of the league. This will then be split between 1st,2nd & 3rd. The winner of each round will win a boat voucher for a full day boat.
• The league will be fished to full Catch & Release with score cards being produced for each boat. Your partner will be responsible for recording your catch. It will go on the number of fish released with the time of the first 2 fish being recorded in the case of a draw.
• To enter into a round you will have needed to register before 4pm the day before. A draw will then be published for that evening on arrival you will collect your score cards and head out on the water, on returning to the dock the cards will be handed in to fishery staff.
• The first round for Draycote will be Monday 31st May & Eyebrook Wednesday 9th June and will be running bi-weekly.
• They will start at 5.30pm until the last boats in this will alter with the daylight.
• The results will then be published the next day on social media.

Draycote Evening League Dates.

Round 1- Monday 31st May

Round 2- Monday 14th June

Round 3- Monday 28th June

Round 4- Monday 12th July

Round 5- Monday 26th July

Round 6- Monday 9th August

Round 7- Monday 23rd August

Eyebrook Evening League Dates.

Round 1- Wednesday 9th June

Round 2- Wednesday 23rd June

Round 3- Wednesday 7th July

Round 4- Wednesday 21st July

Round 5- Wednesday 4th August

Round 6- Wednesday 18th August

Round 7- Wednesday 1st September

To book yourself into the league please call the lodges Draycote on 01788 812018 or Eyebrook on 01536 770264

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

Week ending 11^th April.   Weekly Rod Average 7.9    Water Temp. 8’c. 

What a difference a day makes. After a lovely Easter Sunday, Monday could not have been more different with a cold North West wind and low air temperatures not getting over 5 degrees. The fishery even experienced snow in the morning, as a result most anglers opted to have bank holiday Monday indoors. The bank fished well over in Dunn’s Bay with a combination of a FAB on the point and buzzers on the droppers with season ticket holders Andy Lillie and Phil Mee catching on these tactics. In Dunn’s & Biggin Bay, Ian Shobbrook landed 8 using Diawl Bachs at the Old Pipe. While on the boat Ian Reeve & Matt Pittaway landed 15 fish on bunny leaches and buzzers in Dunn’s & Biggin Bay.

The wind on Tuesday did not quite have the same bite as Monday, and thankfully the hard overnight frosts forecast did not happen. However, it was still a day to be wrapped up warm, although thankfully the fish did not seem to mind. On the bank Andy Lane used buzzers to land over 23 fish, from the Tower Bank, with 3 buzzer fished on a floating line. On the boats Gordon Bramwell & Eddie Mitchell enjoyed a good day landing 27 fish to the boat, again all on Buzzers. Gordon and Eddie caught their fish from the Dunn’s Bay, Biggin Bay and The Cornfield. Father and son duo Gary and David Turner landed 23 on buzzers fished near the willow trees in Toft just at the end of the Cornfield.

A very frosty start Wednesday with the pontoon being completely white first thing, with the boats not able to go out until bang on 8.30. The winds started light, however, did increase as the day wore on making for another cold day out on the water. Dunn’s Bay and the Tower Bank produced well for the bank anglers with Bob Smith taking 15 on Buzzers from Dunn’s. Paul Walker took 15 from the Tower Bank on Buzzers and Diawl Bachs. On the boats season ticket holder Richard Walker had his best ever day landing 32 in a morning, using various different Damsel patterns at Lincroft Point and then Croft Shoal. Ed Douglas stuck to Buzzers all day to land 42 from Middle Shoal and also the outlet. Ian Morris opted for Toft and the Swans nest on the boat to land 21 on Buzzers & Diawl Bachs.

A warmer start Thursday with the wind coming from the South West, as a result buzzers featured well on the catch return. Season ticket holders Gordon Bramwell & Eddie Mitchell used Buzzers all day to take over 60 fish to the boat fishing in Biggin Bay & Dunn’s. Fishery guide Lee Henfrey fished with former Manager Kevin Hart taking over 50 to the boat with the vast majority being over wintered fish again on buzzers fishing the Farborough Dam wall. Other tactics did work in the boats with Richard Hanlon & Dave Atkins taking 19 fish using Di 5 sinking lines and snakes. On the bank Dave Parkes took over 30 fish from Toft using a variety of different lures. John Woodcock enjoyed a great last 4 hours permit on the bank taking 17 fish all on Green Pea.

Great conditions Friday with light north west winds, once again the fishery saw a great buzzer hatch. Gaz Roberts fished a half day taking over 50 fish on an olive barred snake fished a Di 5 sinking line from the Hensborough bank. Gaz was smiling ear to  ear when he came off “after he best day ever”. On the bank the Old Pipe in Biggin Bay produced for season ticket holder Peter Elliot & Lee Patten who had over 50 fish on buzzers fished on a floating line. All Water season ticket holder Norman Perkins fished on the Cornfield with Static Buzzers to take 18 on buzzers. Alec Urquhart fished with Johnathan Wood with the pair fishing buzzers all days to take over 50 fish to the boat.

The current spell of cold weather continued through Saturday with a northerly wind interspersed with the odd shower in the morning. Even through this cold spell buzzers can still be seen hatching off, indeed anglers have reported fishing whilst the snow was falling this week and trout rising to buzzers right in front of them. The bank fished well for Mr G Wadsworth on Saturday who netted 16 fish from various points along the northern shoreline. All water season permit holder Andy Lilley caught 10 fish from the tower bank using just buzzers on a floating line. Mr C Wilkins used damsels from the bank to good effect netting a dozen fish from the Cornfield. Mr M Cope netted 14 fish from the bank in much the same spot, also on damsels. Out on the boats staff member Lee Henfrey netted quite a few fish during a morning session on straight through buzzers on a floating line. Lee used a 15 foot leader and 4 buzzers fished static, in front of the pontoon and down the Farborough dam. Mr A Biggs and Mr M Govan used a DI5 with blobs and boobies to net 8 fish from various points around the reservoir.

A cold but light north westerly blew through Draycote on Sunday, turning a bit colder in the afternoon with some snow showers here and there. Despite this, both the bank and the boats continue to produce some catches mainly on buzzers and damsels, with lures following very closely behind. Season permit holder Paul Walley caught 14 fish from the bank using buzzers and FAB’S. Paul caught most of his fish from Lincroft point and the Tower bank. A slightly damp Mr Andrew Wheildon had 9 from the bank in total using buzzers and blobs, again from Lincroft point and the Tower bank. The boat pairing of Jim Smith and Ed Douglas had over 20 fish a piece using buzzers. Jim and Ed fish the Farborough Dam, Toft Shallows, Croft Shoal and the Hensborough bank. Mr J Mcelligott netted 10 fish from a boat using damsels in Toft shallows and Biggin Bay.

Thornton Fishery Weekly Report – 01530 230807

Week Ending 11^th April    Rod Av: 10.01   Water Temp: 9.5

An incredible start to the 2021 season with another excellent week fishing. We should remember when fishing catch and release,  fish barbless or squash the barb down on your hook, if possible unhook the trout in the net, handle the trout as little as possible, allow the trout to recover before releasing.

A quiet Easter Monday with a bitterly cold northerly wind the anglers that did venture out were all gone by midday having caught on buzzers returning a rod av 3.5

Tuesday a cold day with snow shower, however the rods who did venture out were rewarded with excellent fishing resulting in a rod average of 14.6 for the day. Same areas still producing the shallows opposite the lodge and wood bank with floaters and intermediate with buzzers producing best. Phil Mee, Pete Cox, Arthur Olding, Keith Coley and Bob Taft all recorded double figure catches, well deserved for fishing in those cold conditions. Nice range of fish being caught from 1lb8oz to 3lb+

Wednesday and another cold frosty morning with our water temperature at 9c not surprising therefore that the early morning sport was slow. By mid morning the fish were on the feed with buzzers on the washing line, fished static or under the bung taking the majority of fish with Alan Withers & S Gullen enjoying an excellent day with All Water member Steve Jordan having enjoyed the best early season sport he has had.

Another cold frosty start to the day and it seems the drop in temperature as moved the trout off the bank with boats enjoying the lion share of the sport, new members Ian Leach, M Ravenscroft and L Serrano all caught good numbers with long term member Clive Holt also enjoying a good day

Friday, Saturday and Sunday weather were a lot colder with the Northerly wind having a real bite to it. Mid morning onwards fished best and despite the cold condition’s buzzer were once again the top patterns with the area opposite the lodge and wood bank producing best. We welcomed a reduced number of the All Abilities club back to Thornton for their first 2021 visit and they enjoyed a group rod average of 9 fish. Member Andrew Wilson had a great mornings sport catching 15 trout on epoxy buzzers. Keith Cowen took his 6 fish limits in quick time on Saturday with members Brian Sibley & Alison Toon catching 20 fish between them for their mornings visit.

We would remind boat & float tube anglers that they need to keep 40yards from fellow boat & bank anglers. When boats are moving from one spot to another be considerate to other anglers always pass them on the open water side.

Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report – 01536 770264

Week ending 11^th April Weekly Rod Average: 12.6     Water Temp: 9c

Easter Monday started us off with strong cold Northerly winds sweeping down the lake. Obviously, the strong cold winds were keeping the anglers at home. Those that ventured out needed to wrap up warm and head for sheltered areas. Eyebrook Season ticket holder Mick Farrell ventured out with his son and found shelter down by Sam’s dyke and had a pleasant day’s fishing bringing well into double figures to the boat on small Crunchers fished straight through on a floating line. All water ticket holder Neil Shilton took Ethan Morrissey out on his first fishing adventure on a boat. Despite the strong winds Neil and Ethan managed to bring double figures of fish to the boat just off the nature reserve boundary fishing a similar method to Mick and his son. Eyebrook regular and all water ticket holder Mark Hunt broke with tradition and fished flies that were sub surface. In 2 and a half hours, Mark managed to whittle out an impressive 16 to the bank. It just goes to show that Mark is just as proficient with Nymphs as he is with Big red’s and Shuttlecocks.

The next morning started off bitterly cold with temperatures hitting -3C on the way to the lodge. The wind is still extremely cold and strong coming from the North East. The Anglers out in boats struggled to catch fish today but David Wall managed a bumper day from the bank catching well in excess of double figures up by the Island.

Temperatures are holding at a steady -3C again today. Early reports are showing that the bank anglers are picking fish up from close in by the Hawthorne’s and the casting platforms. Even with such cold conditions, the fish are steadily taking small buzzers and the occasional blob, FAB or booby. Our anglers had some top sport today with a Rod Average of 16 at the end of the day. Lots of big smiles passing through the lodge on their way to book out and plenty of good stories from our visitors who are reporting good catches from all over the Leicestershire bank. Bill Stewart had a spring in his step after getting well I to double figures even though he had to jump in to his car to thaw out a couple of times.

Thursday saw a shift in wind direction. Now coming from a West south west direction and holding at 16MPH the conditions are more favourable from the Leicestershire bank. But even with the change in wind direction, the fishing keeps on improving.

Friday continued on just like the day before. Lots of happy anglers coming back to the lodge after an amazing day of sport. The Rod average has held at 20 for the past 2 days and the fish are feeding voraciously on buzzers all over the lake. Some anglers have actually been able to fish small emergers and had fish readily take them. Others have opted for fishing a single fly to avoid multiple takes that were leading to breakages.

The weekend saw the Eyebrook hosting the Scierra Pairs competition with several anglers fishing the Saturday in preparation for the competition on Sunday. Despite the cold weather, the excellent sport of the last few days was maintained with several anglers catching well into double figures. Good sport was also had from the bank with Eyebrook members Steve Lawrence and Bob Margerey taking lots of fish from the Leicester bank. Buzzers, Diawl Bach and crunchers were the most successful flies as the fish feasted on the abundant natural  hatches.

40 anglers fished the Scierra pairs competition, which was fished to a 6 fish limit and time bonus, followed by catch and release. The competition started at 09.45 and the first boat weighed in their 12 fish at 11.00. All anglers caught fish, with 17 of the 20 boats recording their 12 fish limit. Given the weather conditions with cold winds and snow flurries, this was an excellent result. Although not the first boat weighing in, Paul and Pat Sharman were top rods with 34lb and 13 ounces. Second pair were Glen Moody and Ian Buckley whilst Jeff Crowden and Toff Crowther were third and go forward to the final at Rutland in September. Full details of the match, together with results and photos are on our social media pages. Several of the Eyebrook members fished from the bank on Sunday and all caught with Malcolm Thompson recording a double figure catch on Damsels and Hares Ears.

With the weather forecast starting to improve this week, prospects look good for an excellent weeks fishing, both from the bank and from the boats.

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

Weekly Rod Average: 11.84     Water Temp:  8°C

An absolutely fantastic opening week with 452 anglers visiting the fishery, landing a total of 5,353 fish for a weekly rod average of 11.84 fish per angler. With both the bank and boats catching well on a variety of methods from lures, buzzers and even on dry flies.

It was a fantastic on Monday being able to welcome all the anglers back on the banks at Draycote. With all the boats out on the water along with a fully booked back. Unfortunately, the forecast was not the kindest for the anglers with strong winds from the South West. However this did not stop the 87 anglers catching a total of 1,064 fish for a rod average of 13.5 fish per angler. Both the boat and bank anglers enjoyed some great sport, on the bank it a Blue Flash Damsel that proved to be the killing pattern with catches into the 20s on the fly with the best areas being the Tower Bank, Dunn’s Bay and The Hensborough Bank producing good catches. On the boats the best tactic was sinking lines with various snakes and boobies, fished at the Hensborough Bank, Inlet, Rainbow Corner. However other good catches came to buzzers in these areas. With some anglers braving the rough weather to land fish in Biggin Bay.

Tuesday provided some fantastic spring weather with temperatures reaching nearly 20 degrees, this teamed with light winds provided some fantastic sport with the rod average for the day being 16.4. Once again, the best area from the bank was the Tower bank with the best fly being a blue flash damsel and buzzers being the best tactics. Utilising this tactics to good effect was Andy Lillie & Colin Day wh0 had 15 and 22 each. On the boats it was really a fantastic day with some scores, the England cricket team could do with. With the warm weather buzzers really came into their own, however blue flash damsels and boobies also featured heavily. The best areas were Toft, Croft Shoal, Biggin Bay & The Cornfield. Later in the day there was also fish seen moving and the first fish of the year reported on dries.

Another glorious day Wednesday with the temperatures getting over 20 degrees. As a result of the warmer weather the buzzer fishing was fantastic. On the bank Phil Mee landed 12 fish including 2 fish at 6lb all on buzzers from the Tower Bank. Draycote season ticket holder Ian Richardson landed 17 fish from the Tower bank on washing lined buzzers with a FAB on the point. Ian Gaskell fished with Bob Cooper who had not fished in 18 months with the pair boating over 40 fish using a floating lines and a team of buzzers. The pair found the fish in Toft, along the Cornfield and also Farborough Dam. Other good catches came on Buzzers from Croft Shoal, Farborough Dam, Biggin Bay & Toft. With lures also working on Di 3 & Di 5 sinking lines from the same areas.

What a difference a day makes from the lovely spring conditions of the previous 2 days Thursday felt like we had gone back into Winter with the North East wind really carrying a chill. With the more overcast conditions the bank sport was outstanding. All Water season ticket holder Michael Ravenscroft landed 16 fish in 4 hours on the Cornfield on a Gold Ribbed Hares Ear. With Dennis Tidmarsh & Alan Bettles landing 18 and 19 fish, Dennis used snatchers on an intermediate while Alan opted for black and green & white and green tadpoles. On the boats the hotspots for the day were Toft, Biggin Bay and along the Cornfield with good catches also coming from the area around the Valve Tower. Gordon Bramwell netted over 20 fish on Buzzers, as did Ed Douglas. Mr M Schofield netted 8 good fish on lures fish very deep, whilst Ian Reeve caught fish in good numbers using Bunny Leeches on a DI 3 in Biggin Bay. Mr L Tones and Mr S Farmer had 50 fish to the boat between them on a fast glass with black and green boobies in Biggin Bay.

It’s just as well the north shore of Draycote is the best place to fish at the moment, as that cold north easterly breeze means that the bank anglers can at least get some shelter. Lee Patten and Peter Elliott had at least 50 fish between them on buzzers from Lincroft Point and Biggin Bay. Mr M and Mr W Hollingshead caught 20 fish from the bank in Biggin Bay on buzzers and blobs, the best of which was about 3lbs. Mr T Cosford caught nearly 40 fish using static buzzers off a floating line fished along the north shore. Andy Lane caught nearly 50 fish using a silver owl, and neon and olive  buzzers. Andy started at Grays Barn on the north shore and just worked his way along into Biggin Bay. Alan Masters had a dozen fish off the bank on buzzers, diawl bachs and FAB’s, remarking on a “lovely days fishing”. Out on the boats the fishing was also first rate with Mr J Carr and Mr S Cochrane netting over 70 fish between them on buzzers and boobies. Brendan Thomas caught 20 fish using a DI3 and a Humungus off the Farborough Dam. Staff Members Lee Henfrey and Michael Hanlon had a great days sport netting over 40 fish between them down in the bottom of Toft Shallows long lining on buzzers.

Yet another cold day on Draycote with a very persistent north easterly. Still a good day for the bank anglers with the north shore producing some good catches once again. Clive Wilkins netted 11 fish on green buzzers, the best of which weighed 5lbs. Season permit holder Mike Garner caught half a dozen fish from the bank using hares ears, cormorants, crunchers and butchers from the cornfield. Ian Western had 10 fish during an afternoon session. Ian caught all his fish from the north shore using black buzzers. Out on the boats Les and Karl Lerigo netted 34 fish between them, all on black and green snakes. It was buzzers fished on a midge tip that did it for Roger Pearce and Paul Burchall. The pair netted their 17 fish down in toft shallows. Fishery Manager Tom Bird and his boat partner Ryan Feber, took to the water and had a fantastic day, netting over 80 fish between them. Tom and Ryan used boobies and cormorants on sinkers and midge tip lines and caught their fish in toft, biggin bay, rainbow corner and along the Hensborough bank. Season permit holder Chris Pallot and his boat partner Carl Holland had 7 fish to the boat down in toft using black and green snake boobies.

After 2 days of cold North East winds its was nice to be greeted with a warmer Westerly wind on Sunday. A frosty start however by the afternoon the sun had really warmed up with temperatures hitting 16 degrees. As a result of the warmer temperatures the fishery experienced an amazing buzzer hatch with clouds of buzzer being seen over the dams. On the bank, the bright sun and crystal clear water made the fishing challenging with the fish holding further off the bank and a little deeper. Draycote member Mark Johnson- Jones landed 3 from the Tower Bank in the afternoon on a green pea. However it was the boats who really enjoyed the lion share of the sport. With the majority of the great catches coming to buzzers, with Paul Mitchell & Tim Burn landing 53 fish to the boat all on Buzzers from Biggin Bay. Ed Douglas took 52 fish from the Outlet on Buzzer fished deep on a midge tip.

Have you entered our prize draw for a new RIO Slickcast Fly Line, visit our Facebook     www.facebook.com/FlyFishStore page and follow Tom Birds posting regarding our YouTube Channel

Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report – 01536 770264

Weekly Rod Average: 7.1     Water Temp: 9c

Our opening week started off with South westerly winds which saw our anglers favouring the Leicestershire bank. Most of the bank anglers set up along from the Casting platforms to Sam’s dyke area where a lot of anglers had good bag numbers. Those that ventured further up to The Island and the Chestnut tree found fish in good numbers. The fish were readily taking Crunchers, Diawl Bach’s and buzzers as well as damsel nymphs, boobies, blobs and Pitsford Pea patterns. The Leicestershire bank was producing well for the boat anglers as well.

As the week progressed, the wind changed through to a North Easterly and brought a bit of a temperature drop. This moved the Anglers attention to the Rutland bank. Our anglers quickly found that there was a good stamp of fish just off the fence end at Stoke dry. Fish have also been showing in good numbers all the way to the Willows and to Robbo’s cabin. Moving around is key to locating the fish at the moment and the anglers that are covering large areas are finding fish in good numbers from all over the lake, but anglers have opted for the more sheltered areas on the lake to get out of the biting cold wind.

This week has seen some small cohorts from a few local fishing clubs gather for outings in COVID conscious groups and have done well to adhere to guidelines. It was good to see the guys from the Forrester fly boys, who visited on Friday. The Foremark Fly Fishers joined us on Sunday, both groups managed good bag limits and had good days out on the water. Steve Rainbow had a pleasant surprise when he hooked and landed an 18lbs Pike on a green and black fritz lure while fishing for trout.

The opening week has been a good one, even with the changing conditions. Temperatures raising and then dropping rapidly, as well as the wind completely changing direction has not adversely affected the fish and good sport can be found for the angler that’s ready to mix it up with the elements.

Thornton Fishery Weekly Report – 01530 230804

Weekly Rod Average: 11.2     Water Temp: 10c

The long awaited opening of the 2021 season finally arrived on the 29^th March, with good weather greeting the anglers. As we expected the shallows opposite the lodge and down in front of the wood fished best with boat and bank anglers enjoying the good sport. With our water temperature at 10c buzzers, diawls, damsel, Montana & cats whisker fished on a floater down to a sink 3 helped achieve an opening day rod average 10+

Another good day on the second day with the rod average climbing to 16+ with anglers catching along the same areas using the same flies. Adam Brooks having caught well into double figures on day one did even better on day 2. As we locked up there was a number of fish moving across the main basin to a good hatch of buzzer

Wednesday and another warm day with good hatches of buzzer. Anglers were still finding plenty of fish along the shallows of the Thornton arm and wood with anglers fishing the bung and buzzers catching well, it’s great to see our lady members Pam, Carolyn, Christine and Elizabeth out on the water and recording good numbers.

Weather change on Thursday with a cold easterly. Bank and boat anglers fished the shelter of the Thornton arm and wood bank. Chip bank fished opposite the lodge catching 20+ in three hours on a traditional wet fly the march brown. As the last few days buzzers, diawls, damsel flies caught best with a cats whisker and booby also working.

Friday a cold but productive day with the rod average 13+ with bank and boat anglers enjoying the good sport. Buzzer fished static or under a bung was the most productive method with a cats whisker, green pea and orange blob also working. Floater, Intermediate & DI3 best. Lots of buzzer coming off.

The weekend continued to produce for boat & bank anglers with the Thornton arm & wood bank still the best areas. Black Buzzer patterns fished static or under the bung was by far the most successful method over the weekend.

Great opening weeks fishing, with our covid guidelines working well, you can check our Covid guidelines COVID-19 Update | Fly Fish Thornton – Leicestershire Fly Fishery

Have you entered our prize draw for a new RIO Slickcast Fly Line, visit our Facebook     www.facebook.com/FlyFishStore page and follow Tom Birds posting regarding our YouTube Channel

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

Draycote Fishery Weekly Report – 01788 812018

Draycote opens on the 29^th March for boat & Bank Fishing

Pre booking & pre payment required, for track and trace we will require your contact number.

The lodges / shops are not expected to open before the 12^th April, I have taken the decision to suspend loyalty card, if you have full loyalty cards they can still be used, I’m currently working on a solution for your part filled cards.

Draycote  COVID-19 Update | Fly Fish Draycote Water – Stillwater Fishery

Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report – 01536 770264

Eyebrook opens on the 29^th March for boat & Bank Fishing

Pre booking & pre payment required, for track and trace we will require your contact number. The Shop & lodge will need to remain closed, their not expected to be allowed to open until 12^th April I have taken the decision to suspend loyalty card, if you have full loyalty cards they can still be used, I’m currently working on a solution for your part filled cards.

Eyebrook COVID-19 Update | Fly Fish Eyebrook – Leicestershire Trout Fishery

The New Eyebrook tackle shop will be reopening, stocking SAGE, RIO, VISION, Redington, Airflo, Greys, Shakespeare, Snowbee, Fulling Mill, Fario, Wychwood, Leeda tackle.

Thornton Fishery Weekly Report – 01530 230804

Thornton the 29^th March for boat & Bank Fishing

The lodges / shops are not expected to open before the 12^th April we fully expect the 2m rule & social distancing to be a requirement of the shops opening.

Pre booking & pre payment required, for track and trace we will require your contact number. I have taken the decision to suspend loyalty card, if you have full loyalty cards they can still be used, I’m currently working on a solution for your part filled cards.

Thornton   COVID-19 Update | Fly Fish Thornton – Leicestershire Fly Fishery

Fisheries Update 1^st March 2021

Following the government’s road map out of lock down announcement I can confirm we will be:

Opening Thornton, Draycote & Eyebrook on Monday the 29^th March 2021.

Thornton 01530 230807     Draycote 01788 812018    Eyebrook 01536 770264

Staff are at the lodges from 9.00am to accept bookings, you will be required to prebook your boat or bank fishing, we will require a telephone contact number. Pre-payment will be required at the time of booking

As the lodges / shops have to remain closed until 12^th April earliest & the 2m social distancing rule will still be in place for some time we will operate the same system as last year, payment via debit or credit card at the time of booking.

We expect the phone to be busy, have your credit or debit card to hand, the staff will during the transaction be asking for your:

Card Number – Use by Date – 3 digit number on the back of your card – your Post Code – House Number

With the lodges closed booking in & out area will be outside the lodge with your boat permit & receipt also outside the lodge for you to pick up.

Please use the hand sanitiser provide & wear a face covering in line with government guidelines.

I have taken the decision to suspend loyalty cards its one less interaction between staff & yourselves. If you have any full loyalty cards you can still use them.

Pontoon guidelines will be the same as we were operating during last year. Staff will allocate your boat number, restrict angler numbers on the pontoon to ensure social distancing. We will continue to disinfect boats & life jacket after every session & provide hand sanitiser

Click the fishery name for their covid guidelines: – DRAYCOTE        EYEBROOK       THORNTON

With the lodges / shop closed we can offer a Click & Collect service call the fishery lodges to arrange your tackle purchases or order via our online shop www.flyfishstore.co.uk

Preseason stocking has started with photos & video of the stockings posted on our social media pages

Follow Us on our social media
Facebookwww.facebook.com/FlyFishStore

Twitter www.twitter.com/FlyFishStore

Instagram www.instagram.com/flyfishstore/

There is hope for a good season, vaccination roll out is going well, thankfully, hospital admissions, infection rates & deaths are currently going down, let’s hope that continues & we get similar spring weather as last year, warm with light winds and great hatches.

Ifor

Draycote, Thornton & Eyebrook Fishery News

Hope you are all well, some of you will have received your vaccination.

We are understandably receiving an increasing number of calls asking when we’re going to open at Draycote, Thornton & Eyebrook.

Thornton should have opened on the 1^st February which we postponed. 1^st March Draycote & the 5^th March Eyebrook are the dates we published for their opening.

Will we open on those dates?

The government has set out a timeline that the whole country is currently working towards during this lockdown, which is based on vaccinations, hospital admissions, new case numbers & sadly deaths.

Government Lockdown Timeline

Monday 15^th February Government reviews the current lockdown

Monday 22^nd February Government informs parliament of any changes & in their words “roadmap out of lockdown”

By Tuesday 23^rd – 24^th February, it should be becoming clearer what guidelines or restrictions we will all be working under.

Our current plans

Staff continues to prepare the fisheries, Thornton, Draycote & Eyebrook for an early March opening.

We have confirmed with our fish suppliers that preseason stocking will start as planned during late February, we have also confirmed with our petrol engine supplier that they will be fitted as planned to the Draycote & Eyebrook boats.

By February 23^rd – 24^th, we should be in a position to confirm with our customers of the opening dates & any guidelines/restrictions we will be working under.

It is likely the phone lines will be busy as anglers call for confirmation, we have updated the fisheries website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk     www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk    www.flyfishthornton.co.uk which will be updated with the latest news, you can also join our fisheries email group and receive the latest news & reports by adding you details to the “join our fly fishing community” box located on the fisheries website home page.

You can also follow us on our various social media pages

Facebookwww.facebook.com/FlyFishStore

Instagram www.instagram.com/flyfishstore/

Twitter www.twitter.com/FlyFishStore

The good news There are no price increases for 2021 we have introduced due to demand a new 2 fish kill + catch & release permit @ £21.50.

Extra fish will be stocked into Eyebrook & Thornton with the 2lb average sized trout for Draycote maintained. On each of the fisheries website, we have added a “Stocking Policy Page” which helps to explain our stocking policy decisions based largely around the warmer summer water temperatures were seeing and catch & release.

6^th January 2021 Fisheries Update

The Angling Trust has confirmed following consultation with government that fishing will not be allowed during the current lockdown you can read the statement here https://anglingtrust.net/covid-19/

The next government review date for the lockdown rules will be on February 15^th 2021 hopefully by then the vaccine rollout & the impact of the lockdown will see a reduction in the infection rate.

Currently the lockdown rules prevents Thornton from opening on the 1^st February 2021 as yet I don’t have a definite date for Thornton`s opening, that will depend on information we will receive following the government’s review on the 15^th February.

It makes sense therefore not to take any bookings for Thornton until we see the outcome of the review. Any one booked at Thornton up to the 15^th February will be contacted.

With Draycote & Eyebrook not due to open for another 8 weeks which takes us to 1^st March for Draycote & 5^th March for Eyebrook we will continue to take bookings for those two fisheries and continually review and work within the guidelines.

During these difficult times its important for us to remain positive, we will be fishing again when the guidelines indicate we can safely.

To summarise,

Thornton will be able to open within a few days of any relaxation of the current guidelines.

Draycote & Eyebrook, the fishery staff are preparing them to open in early March in line with any government guidelines at that time.

When we do open, we will be operating to the same fishery guidelines as we were at the end of last season, staff will be disinfecting boats, life jackets after every session, hand sanitiser provided on the pontoon / booking in & out areas / at the lodge door, staff ensuring social distancing on the pontoon and the vicinity of the lodges.

Call Thornton 01530230807, Eyebrook 01536770264, Draycote 01788812018

Happy New Year to you all, keep healthy and we look forward to welcoming you back to our fisheries

Ifor Jones

The trout fisheries industry no longer has their own industry representative body.

Fisheries large & small have relied on the Angling Trust to ensure we were able to open & fish within government guidelines.

The new CEO Jamie Cook & his team & especially within the Stillwater scene the work done by Andy Taylor has kept us fishing, day permit, season member & competition angler from early May to December, longer than any other outdoor pastime.

The Angling Trust, their not perfect, we can always find fault, I have found fault with them in the past, but during 2020 without the Angling Trust & the proactive work by Jamie Cook we wouldn’t have enjoyed the excellent fishing during 2020.

If there was ever a reason to spend £29.00 as a thank you & ensure they work to keep us fishing then this is the year https://anglingtrust.net/memberships/individual/