Draycote Opens

Thursday 2nd March

Contact the lodge to book 01788812018

Draycote Water: Weekly report ending Sunday 27th November 2016.

Telephone Number 01788 812018

Report

This week started cold, wet and blustery, which resulted in Monday being a very quiet day here at Draycote. However as the week progressed the weather improved slightly, alongside the fishing, and there was some good sport to be had for both boat and bank anglers alike. The water quality is good, with the weekly rod average coming in at 3.8.

On Tuesday 10 anglers, mostly from the bank, braved the cold to produce a rod average of 3.5. Mr Peter Allen did quite well from the bank, taking 6 fish along the north shore, while Mr Ray Cramp had a total of 8 fish, again from the bank. Best of the boat anglers was Mr Mike Murphy , with 6 fish.

Wednesday proved to be slightly better with the usual suspects occupying various spots around the reservoir. Jude Tuffs took “just 8” from the bank. Ed Douglas had 16, again from the bank. Richard Walker caught a total of 12 fish, mainly from the swans nest down in toft on Minkies, and noted it as “ his best day ever ”. Jim Hall had 10 from the bank on small white lures. Roger Davis caught 7 from the bank on Minkies and a black and peacock spider.

Thursday dawned with a strong cold northerly blowing, which enabled Paul Beasley to catch 2 from the pontoon. Yousef Dar had a total of 14  fish from the bank. Tony and Ruth Kirk did well together also from the bank, netting a total of 14 fish. Nick Lant had 14 from the bank while Simon Claydon had 12.

Friday was a bright and breezy day, but although difficult, still produced some great sport for some. Brian Warwick had 8 good fish from the bank  Kevin Rees caught 6 fish on shrimp patterns from the bank. Mr G Bell caught 8 fish from a boat in Biggin on a DI 5 sweep, hot head damsels and green peas. Jamie Scott caught 6 fish from the boat, one of which was a “ lovely 4 and a half pound brownie “.

Saturday was reasonably mild compared to midweek and again proved to be a testing day. Mark Hunt caught 17 fish from a boat, mainly from the Farborough dam  Tony Ward had 6 fish from the bank. Season permit holder Sean Hanlon caught 8 fish from a boat, whilst the pairing of Chris Discombe and Jim Brennan had 5 fish between them.  Mr J McLellan had 14 fish from the Draycote dam on black Minkies. Steve Gibson caught 9 fish from the bank, whilst Jim Hall had 7.

Sunday dawned cloudy but mild, with the arrival of the Fur & Feather match. With a total of 46 anglers and some big names in the mix, the competition was always going to be a close run thing.  Third place was taken by the pairing of Peter Elliott and Lee Patten, with a combined weight of 31lbs 12oz, second were Lee Henfry and Tom Bird with 32lbs 2oz, and the competition winners were Ronnie Gent and Martin Rowson with 33lbs 9oz. The Biggest fish of the day went to Lee Henfry which weighed in at 4lbs 5oz. Well done to all those who took part.

A full end of season report will follow shortly.

Closing Date

This coming Wednesday, 30^th November 2016, is the last day of the season.

Season Permits

2017 Season Permits, We currently have a waiting list, however if you’re interested in receiving information on availability of season permits at Draycote we recommend your details are added to the list to avoid any future disappointment.

Catch Returns

Could all anglers please fill in the catch return sheet before departing. The sheets will either be located in the gutting room or in the lodge depending on time. It is very important to us for both the fishing report and stock levels.

Selling of Fish

Anglers are not allowed to sell or distribute fish to members of the public on site.

Weekly Stats:

Number Rods: 165   Number Trout Taken: 329   Number Trout Released:  300

Total Catch:  629           Weekly Rod Average: 3.8

Current Fishing Time:

Bank:  07:30 until 16:00

Boat All Day:  08:30 until 16:00

First 4 Hours:   08:30 until 12:00 

Last 4 Hours from:  12:00 until 16:00 (Tickets on sale from 11.45)

All Anglers to be off site by: 16:30

No gutting of fish after 15:15

Please note that because of the shorter days we have now split the day into the first 4, and last 4 hour permits, priced accordingly. A full day boat will still be priced as normal as will the 4 and 8 fish permits. 

Weekly Free Boat Draw

Congratulations to Mr Jim Hall from  Hinckley  who is the winner of this week’s Free Boat Draw.

Demo Tackle

New SAGE X rods in stock including a SAGE X 10ft 7wt Demo rod for you to take out and try. We now have a considerable amount of Sage & RIO demo tackle available to try at Draycote. The following link will take you to the website where you can check out the available items: We have added a 10ft 7wt SAGE ACCEL to our demo rods. The Sage One is currently in the process of being phased out. Very limited stock left. Contact the Lodge for details of special offers.

http://www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/demo-tackle-3/

Disabled Parking Bays

Anglers need to ensure that whilst obtaining a fishing permit, they do not park in the disabled parking bays adjacent to the main car park, unless they are the holder of a duly displayed “blue badge”.

Gutting Room

Please be aware that the Gutting Room refurbishment has now been completed. We ask that you respect the facility and leave it in the same way in which you would wish to find it. Please also note that no fish are to be gutted after 15:15

Anchoring

Boat anglers are politely reminded of the ruling that there is no anchoring within 100 yards of any pontoon, aerators or the Tower. This is especially relevant to the harbour pontoon as its own mooring chains & anchors extend out a considerable distance from the end of the harbour & are easily fouled.

Bank Anglers

Car passes should be booked prior to coming fishing, as we only have a limited number available.

Rudder Hire

Boat anglers may wish to note that we now have a rudder for hire at the daily rate of £7. It can be pre booked at the time you make your boat booking.

Tight lines

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 twitter www.twitter.com/FlyFishStore

Draycote Water: Weekly report ending Sunday 16th November 2016.

Telephone Number 01788 812018

Report

A very changeable week, with some lovely late Autumnal days with overnight frosts, mixed with very wintery conditions of strong winds and heavy rain. It’s these windy and rainy days that have slightly knocked the fishing this week, as it meant the anglers could not fish their flies effectively. This being said 164 anglers did catch a total of 513 fish giving a weekly rod average of 3.1.

The week started with warm overcast conditions, with a Westerly wind. Out on the boats Adam Larbalestier and Ben Bayliss made the drive down from Cumbria to enjoy a day’s fishing. The pair landed 20 fish to the boat, the tactic being Minkies and minky boobies drifting down the Farnborough dam and then into toft. On the bank season ticket holder Kevin Rees landed 11 fish washing lining shrimps with a small FAB on the point. Kevin found the fish by the pipe in Dunn’s bay. Just up the bank from Kevin was Ray Cramp who landed 9 fish again using a washing line with small boobies Ray’s 8 fish went 24lb.

Tuesday saw a warm day with the bank busy with anglers enjoying back end sport. At times the wind dropped giving near flat calm conditions in Biggin Bay. On the bank Jude Tuffs had 11 fish taking 7 fish by 11am. Jude fished with Minkies, shrimps and small black booby to catch her fish in Biggin Bay. Fishing alongside Jude and not to be out done Tony Broadway landed 11 fish as well using a washing line with shrimp patterns and then moving onto a Minkie booby and a blob on a slow intermediate line. Also on the bank where Brian Warwick and Jim Hall who landed 10 fish apiece. The pair opted to fish the swans nest in toft using Minkies on the point and a small black spider on the dropper. Another bank angler doing well was season ticket holder Ed Douglas who landed 12 fish using a washing line with small buzzers. Out on the boats Mike cox and Howard smith did well landing 14 fish to the boat the pair used Minkies and red arsed green peter to land the fish, casting close to the shore in Biggin Bay and down in Toft.

A breezy day Wednesday meant it felt cold on the hands for the angles who braved the blustery conditions, with showers mixed in with the windy conditions it wasn’t the most enjoyable day to be on the water. This said a number of angles found the fish willing to pull back. One such angler was Tony Broadway who landed 16 fish. Tony started out in Biggin Bay fishing by the pipe, landing 9 fish there, before the wind go too strong. Tony then took a move to the outlet and Rainbow corner and continued to catch. The best tactic on the day for him was to use Minkies on either a floater or a neutral density line. Another angler doing well from bank was Mr Baggott who landed 7 fish all of which fell to Humungus fish at the Swans nest. Out on the boats Pete Fisher  had a great days sport fishing down in Toft to land 15 fish Pete used caddis patterns and dries, with his best fish being just short of 4lb.

Thursday started off with sun and a light wind, however this soon changed with very heavy rain and very high winds pushing though at about 1pm, it was this wind and rain that forced a lot of anglers off the water early, however before and early departure there where fish caught. Brian Warwick landed 8 fish using a floating line with a Minkie on the point and a small black spider on the dropper. Also on the bank Lea Tones landed 7 fish including 2 fish of 4lb, Lea found that the fish wanted pink and white Minkies fished on a floating line in either toft or rainbow corner.

A very cold start to Friday with overnight frosts, which made the pontoon and the boats very icy, the cold wind also make fishing conditions a little uncomfortable at times. On the bank Mr C.J Day landed 6 fish taking 4 on shrimp patterns in Biggin Bay and the other 2 falling to Minkies fished in Lincroft point. Ed Douglas also landed 5 fish from the cornfield. Out on the boats Dave Smith landed 6 fish using black and green boobies near croft shoal and Lincroft point.

Another hard overnight frost meant a very cold start Saturday; a steady breeze picked up, however clear skies made the fishing enjoyable if not a little fresh at times. On the water the Bristol Reservoir Fly Fishing Association  had travelled up from Somerset to enjoy some late season action. Good catches where recorded across all 12 anglers. Tony Baldwin enjoyed good sport landing 9 fish, tony used shrimp patterns and a Minkie on the point on a 15ft sink tip. Tony found the fish along the top Dam wall, Biggin Bay and then did a drift through the deeper water of the Hensborough bank and picked fish up in the middle. Mark Miles also landed 9 fish using Minkies on an intermediate line in similar areas to Tony. Also out on the boats Jim Smith caught 7 fish using Minkies, Jim found the fish along the flat stones and seemed keen to take a pulled fly. Season ticket holder Tony Plummer also fished Minkies on an intermediate at the flat stones to land 5 fish, Tony commented that the fish where straight on the fly as soon as it hit the water but you had to let it sink and then pull to convert the action. Richard Dayman and boat partner J kirk caught well boating 19 fish using a Di 3 sweep with damsel and damsel boobies anchored in Rainbow corner. From the bank season ticket holder Peter Elliot had a good day on the tower bank landing 16 fish. Also on the tower bank near the treatment works overflow was Mr K Okomoto who landed 8 fish on a short 4 hour session using Minkie boobies on a fast intermediate line.

A very windy cold start to Sunday with a strong north westerly blowing straight into the corner of the pontoon, at the start of the day it looked like the boats may have to be cancelled, however the winds soon dropped meaning the boats could get out on the water. The boat anglers headed over to the fair side of the lake in Biggin Bay and the top dam wall in order find comfortable fishing conditions. Mr Clawson and Mr Bray enjoyed good sport fishing the tower bank from a boat landing 8 fish. Jim Smith also retunred in the afternoon once the wind had calmed down a little and landed 4 fish in 3 hours again using Minkie fishing along the Draycote Dam wall and into Biggin Bay. On the bank Mick Hanlon took 4 fish over on the Tower Bank using Minkies on a floating line.

Looking ahead to next week the colder nights and hard frosts that have been seen through this week should keep the fished attention on the fry and they should start really herding them up in packs. The weather also looks good for our end of season Fur and Feather match on Sunday 27^th, there is still limited places available for this. So if you fancy a go call the lodge on 01788 812018 to book your place.

Closing Date

The closing date for our fishing season this year is 30^th November 2016.

Season Permits

2017 Season Permits, We currently have a waiting list, however if you’re interested in receiving information on availability of season permits at Draycote we recommend your details are added to the list to avoid any future disappointment.

Catch Returns

Could all anglers please fill in the catch return sheet before departing. The sheets will either be located in the gutting room or in the lodge depending on time. It is very important to us for both the fishing report and stock levels.

Selling of Fish

Anglers are not allowed to sell or distribute fish to members of the public on site.

Weekly Stats:

Number Rods: 164   Number Trout Taken: 203   Number Trout Released:  310

Total Catch:  513           Weekly Rod Average: 3.1

Current Fishing Time:

Bank:  07:30 until 16:00

Boat All Day:  08:30 until 16:00

First 4 Hours:   08:30 until 12:00 

Last 4 Hours from:  12:00 until 16:00 (Tickets on sale from 11.45)

All Anglers to be off site by: 16:30

No gutting of fish after 15:15

Please note that because of the shorter days we have now split the day into the first 4, and last 4 hour permits, priced accordingly. A full day boat will still be priced as normal as will the 4 and 8 fish permits. 

Weekly Free Boat Draw

Congratulations to Mr Adam Larbalestier from Cumbria who is the winner of this week’s Free Boat Draw.

Demo Tackle

New SAGE X rods in stock including a SAGE X 10ft 7wt Demo rod for you to take out and try. We now have a considerable amount of Sage & RIO demo tackle available to try at Draycote. The following link will take you to the website where you can check out the available items: We have added a 10ft 7wt SAGE ACCEL to our demo rods. The Sage One is currently in the process of being phased out. Very limited stock left. Contact the Lodge for details of special offers.

http://www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/demo-tackle-3/

Forthcoming events:

The annual Fur and Feather match will be held this year on Sunday 27^th November, and will be fished as a pair’s competition. The winning pair will receive a Christmas hamper each second paring will receive a bottle of spirit each and third will receive bottles of wine.The prize of the largest fish will win be a bottle of port. Please note there will be no raffle this year, no need to bring along a prize. Competition rate for this will be £68 per boat for a 16 fish limit to the boat (£34 per angler). Competition will be fished to fishery rules, NO RUDDERS. Fishing times will be 9am-3pm.

Please call the lodge on 01788 812018 to book your place.

Disabled Parking Bays

Anglers need to ensure that whilst obtaining a fishing permit, they do not park in the disabled parking bays adjacent to the main car park, unless they are the holder of a duly displayed “blue badge”.

Gutting Room

Please be aware that the Gutting Room refurbishment has now been completed. We ask that you respect the facility and leave it in the same way in which you would wish to find it. Please also note that no fish are to be gutted after 15:15

Anchoring

Boat anglers are politely reminded of the ruling that there is no anchoring within 100 yards of any pontoon, aerators or the Tower. This is especially relevant to the harbour pontoon as its own mooring chains & anchors extend out a considerable distance from the end of the harbour & are easily fouled.

Bank Anglers

Car passes should be booked prior to coming fishing, as we only have a limited number available.

Rudder Hire

Boat anglers may wish to note that we now have a rudder for hire at the daily rate of £7. It can be pre booked at the time you make your boat booking.

Tight lines

Follow Us on

facebookwww.facebook.com/FlyFishStore

 twitter www.twitter.com/FlyFishStore

Draycote Water: Weekly report ending Sunday 13th November 2016.

Telephone Number 01788 812018

Report

A very cold start to the week with hard frosts overnight on both Monday and Tuesday, as expected a number of fish could be seen hitting fry in the harbour as the cold weather spurs them on to pack on the weight before the winter. Wednesday saw the short cold snap break as overnight temperatures increased, however strong north Westley winds did make it cold on the hands for the anglers fishing. Thursday saw a slightly blowy day from about 10am onwards which limited some of the bank fishing,  a complete change Friday with Flat calm conditions. Over the weekend a mixed bag with constant rain on Saturday, which then gave way to clear skies and sun on Sunday. Overall a very varied week weather wise with changeable conditions nearly every day. It would be expected that the fishing would dip however this was not the case with 155 anglers catching a total of 724 trout for a rod average of 4.6.

With the cold night and start to Monday, expectations for good bank fishing were high with the hardy anglers who took to the water. These hardy souls who braved the cold north wind and hard frost had the rewards though with good catches being reported from the bank and from the boats. Season ticket holder Ken Key landed 10 fish from the cornfield on Minkies. Mr D Brooks and P Hedges fished the same area as Ken catching well with Mr Brooks landing 16 and Mr Hedges banking 8. Further up the bank in Biggin Bay Kevin Rees fished the old water pipe with shrimp patterns fished on the washing line to land 15 fish. Fishing in the same area as Kevin was regular Ray cramp who used a small buzzer and a FAB to land 10 with Ray’s 8 fish bag tipping the scales at 22lbs. Out on the boats Mike Murphy landed 8 fish using Minkies on intermediate lines fished tight in along the North shore.

A very cold start Tuesday with overnight temperatures hitting minus 5, lots of warm clothing was needed for the anglers braving the artic conditions. The bank regulars dressed for the weather and enjoyed good sport throughout the day. Jude Tuffs landed 10 fish from Biggin Bay using Minkie teamed with small nymphs and wet on the droppers. Colin Granger also got into the fish landing 7 fish on a floating Minkie on the point with a small black cruncher on the dropper. Jim Hall landed 8 fish from the bank taking 5 home for the pot which weight 12lbs Jim used small wets to land his fish.

A calmer and warmer start to Wednesday with heavy overnight rain, while the morning started off wet and miserable it soon dried up leaving a good fishing day with over cast skies and light westerly winds. These good conditions only lasted about an hour as the wind picked up. These strong winds caused a drop in air temperature, despite this anglers enjoyed good sport. On the bank season ticket holder Brian Warwick landed 12 fish from the cornfield on small black spiders. On the boats Andy Lunn landed 10 fish in the last four hours using black humongous near croft shoal and drift past the sailing club. Gareth Jones and his boat partner Peter had a great days sport landing 30 plus fish up to 5lbs.  Their tactics where to fish slow sinking intermediates teamed with Minkies and tadpoles using a figure of eight retrieve. They found fish all over the lake including the inlet, Biggin Bay, Toft, The Tower Bank, Farnborough Spit and Hensborough.

Thursday saw favourable fishing conditions with a steady westerly giving a good ripple in the morning, although the wind did pick up in the afternoon. Brian Warwick started off in Toft at the Swans nest fishing a floating line with a FAB on the point and then small black spiders and the droppers and had netted 7 before 10am. However at 10 the wind started to pick up and Brian opted to move to Biggin Bay to meet up with Tony Broadway who was on 4. The fish are very close in at Biggin and wading is not needed wellies will do just fine. Kevin Rees netted 21 fish from Biggin Bay using a washing line with shrimp patterns. While Tony fished with buzzers and spider washing line to land 17, Tony also changed during the day to a Hover line and a Minkie booby with a blob. John Clifford also fished Biggin bay with a washing line to land 7 fish. Out on the boats Dave smith and Stuart Dean had an unproductive morning however a move over to Croft shoal in the afternoon resulted in 7 fish boated in the last 3 hours. The pair used Minkies fished around Croft shoal buoy to land the fish.

A cold bright start to Friday, although not overnight frosts, a very calm day at Draycote with hardly any ripple to talk of in the morning, this continued throughout the day with the calm conditions making condition’s tricky as presentation had to be perfect. A busy day on the bank with anglers seeming to favour the hotspots of Biggin Bay and the Swans Nest. Over in Biggin Bay was Yousef Dar who landed 11 fish on mini lures. Along the bank from Yousef where Peter Elliot and Lee Pattern who had 8 and 9 fish the pair opted for a Minkie on the point and then buzzers up the line on a floater. Over in the Swans nest G Hunter landed 13 fish using a white lure and Minkies. Another angler doing well in Toft was Ian Richardson who landed 7 fish using a Minkie and a black Pennell on the dropper.

The lovely day on Friday gave way to a very miserable wet autumn day with heavy overnight rain and then constant drizzle for the majority of Saturday, certainly made the fishing a damp one for the anglers who ventured out. On the bank Brian Warwick used a small black spider from the swans nest to land 15 fish. Lee Richards also fished the swans nest in Toft to land 5 fish using Minkies. Out on the boats West Midlands Police took to the water with 6 boats. All the anglers in the party caught well and the 12 anglers catching 43 fish. The anglers found that the fish wanted Minkies fished tight into the banks with Biggin Bay and the Top dam wall being hotspots. Outside of the police boats Dave Summers and Bob Eaton took to the water landing 13 fish to the boat with Dave taking 9 of them. Dave wanted to experiment with a new Bung he had tied so used Buzzer to start caught 2 quick and decided to stay using the Bung all day.

The weather changed again for Sunday with a clear skies and sun all day with a slightly cool north westerly wind. These bright breezy conditions make the fishing challenging at times although good catches where still recorded. Mark Hunt took to the water fishing down the Farborough dam to land 6 fish including a Brown of 4lb 10oz (photo on our facebook page www.facebook.com/FlyFishStore ) and a Rainbow of 4lb 4oz, Marks key to success where a Minkie on the point and then a small hares ear on the dropper. Steve Gibson fished Duns Bay on a last four hour ticket to land 6 fish. Another angling catching well on the bank was season ticket holder Jim Hall who landed 12 good fish from Lincroft point. Stan Hillman also caught well posting a return of 9. Out on the boats regular Jim Smith fished down the Farborough Dam wall tight in with Minkies to land 12 fish including a fantastic 5lb brown. Another angler getting into good fish was Tony Plummer who landed 8 fish including 2 cracking Rainbows.

Looking ahead to next week a warmer week is forecasts with temperatures still remaining up towards double figures so hopefully the insect life that has been around the banks will continue Kevin Rees commented that last Monday a large hatch of flying ants was underway which may be why the small spider are working so well?

Closing Date

The closing date for our fishing season this year is 30^th November 2016.

Season Permits

2017 Season Permits, We currently have a waiting list, however if you’re interested in receiving information on availability of season permits at Draycote we recommend your details are added to the list to avoid any future disappointment.

Catch Returns

Could all anglers please fill in the catch return sheet before departing. The sheets will either be located in the gutting room or in the lodge depending on time. It is very important to us for both the fishing report and stock levels.

Selling of Fish

Anglers are not allowed to sell or distribute fish to members of the public on site.

Weekly Stats:

Number Rods: 155 Number Trout Taken: 254   Number Trout Released:  470

Total Catch:  724            Weekly Rod Average: 4.6

Current Fishing Time:

Bank:  07:30 until 16:15

Boat All Day:  08:30 until 16:15

First 4 Hours:   08:30 until 12:15 

Last 4 Hours from:  12:15 until  16:15 (Tickets on sale from 12.00)

All Anglers to be off site by: 16:45

No gutting of fish after 15:30

Please note that because of the shorter days we have now split the day into the first 4, and last 4 hour permits, priced accordingly. A full day boat will still be priced as normal as will the 4 and 8 fish permits. 

Weekly Free Boat Draw

Congratulations to Mr Tony Broadway from Coventrywho is the winner of this week’s Free Boat Draw.

Demo Tackle

New SAGE X rods in stock including a SAGE X 10ft 7wt Demo rod for you to take out and try. We now have a considerable amount of Sage & RIO demo tackle available to try at Draycote. The following link will take you to the website where you can check out the available items: We have added a 10ft 7wt SAGE ACCEL to our demo rods. The Sage One is currently in the process of being phased out. Very limited stock left. Contact the Lodge for details of special offers.

http://www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/demo-tackle-3/

Forthcoming events:

The annual Fur and Feather match will be held this year on Sunday 27^th November, and will be fished as a pair’s competition. The winning pair will receive a Christmas hamper each second paring will receive a bottle of spirit each and third will receive bottles of wine.The prize of the largest fish will win be a bottle of port. Please note there will be no raffle this year, no need to bring along a prize. Competition rate for this will be £68 per boat for a 16 fish limit to the boat (£34 per angler). Competition will be fished to fishery rules, NO RUDERS. Fishing times will be 9am-3pm.

Please call the lodge on 01788 812018 to book your place.

Disabled Parking Bays

Anglers need to ensure that whilst obtaining a fishing permit, they do not park in the disabled parking bays adjacent to the main car park, unless they are the holder of a duly displayed “blue badge”.

Gutting Room

Please be aware that the Gutting Room refurbishment has now been completed. We ask that you respect the facility and leave it in the same way in which you would wish to find it. Please also note that no fish are to be gutted after 15:30

Anchoring

Boat anglers are politely reminded of the ruling that there is no anchoring within 100 yards of any pontoon, aerators or the Tower. This is especially relevant to the harbour pontoon as its own mooring chains & anchors extend out a considerable distance from the end of the harbour & are easily fouled.

Bank Anglers

Car passes should be booked prior to coming fishing, as we only have a limited number available.

Rudder Hire

Boat anglers may wish to note that we now have a rudder for hire at the daily rate of £7. It can be pre booked at the time you make your boat booking.

Tight lines

Follow Us on

facebookwww.facebook.com/FlyFishStore

 twitter www.twitter.com/FlyFishStore

Draycote Water: Weekly report ending Sunday 6th November 2016.

Telephone Number 01788 812018

Report

The week started well with Monday being warm and sunny, but then got progressively colder as the days went by. It appears that whilst the boats are fishing reasonably well, the bank anglers are faring that little bit better. Again we see that anglers were catching on a wide variety of patterns and from all areas of the reservoir, with Toft shallows and Biggin Bay being the most predominant spots  It didn’t take long for some of the regulars to work out what the trout really wanted and by midweek, reading the catch return was a bit of a walk back in time. Such patterns as Black and Peacock Spiders, Black Pennels and Bibios, or patterns similar to these, started to appear on the catch return from about midweek onwards.  Shrimp patterns have also been working extremely well, particularly in Biggin Bay around the old pipe. Again, not a great number of fish have been caught on fry patterns, with flies such as Minkies, only being used as the point fly on a washing line and producing the odd fish.I would describe the water quality as reasonably good, with the weekly rod average coming in at 3.7.

The week started with a warm sunny day, with light winds. Out on the boats Eugene Hughes was up again via the train from London. Eugene landed 12 fish fishing through the middle of the lake on dries and hopper hoppers. On the bank season ticket holder Kevin Rees used shrimp patterns by the old land drain pipe in Biggin to land 9 fish. Another angler having good success on the bank was Ray Cramp who landed 9 fish from the cornfield using a small Minkie. Ray’s catch included a lovely 6lb 5oz brown.

A cold day greeted anglers on Tuesday with a good north breeze. Eugene Hughes was here on his second day on his two day break. Eugene opted to fish with sinking lines around the Draycote Dam wall and H buoy. This tactic boated 17 fish with his best patterns being Minkies and Humungus. On the bank John Hall has a good day landing 12 fish from the Cornfield using a cat’s whisker or just a standard white lure. Also on the bank the Jude Tuffs, Gordon Slack, Tony Broadway and Brian Warwick enjoyed good sport with them all getting over 5 fish. The group of regulars fished in Biggin Bay and Duns using nymphs and small Minkies. Tony Broadway and Gordon also landed lovely fish of over 3lb.

Wednesday saw the bank fishing really come to the fore over the boats. Tony Broadway returned for another day, fishing the north shore from the cornfield around to Duns Bay. Tony landed 20 fish using a floating line with a Minkie on the point and then a small black spider above it. Included in Tony’s catch was a fantastic rainbow of 5lb 7oz. Also on the bank Rodger Davies landed 6 fish all on Minkies from the North shore. Mr Tappenden landed 10 fish from the bank fishing nymphs on a floating line with Diawl Bachs and Crunchers being his best nymphs. 

Thursday saw the wind turn 180° to a south westerly; this caused the temperatures to warm slightly from the previous day due to the reduced wind chill factor, out on the boats Steve McGregor and his father Robert where out on the water down from Scotland. The pair landed 9 fish to the boat, with Steve landing 7 of them. Their tactic was to fish a suspender Minkie on the point teamed with a small Minkie on the dropper. Both of them commented on the amount of follows and takes they had as well which they came a little shore. The best area for the pair was Draycote Dam. Also out on the boats Dave Heseltine landed 9 fish using black and green Minkies and a small black and silver nymph, Dave fished around Toft, Biggin Bay and Tower bank to catch his fish. Out on the banks Brian Warwick landed 15 fish all on a small size 14 black spider from the Swans Nest. Also out on the bank at the swans nest were Chris Heyburn and Julie Chandler who landed 6 and 8 fish. The best tactis for Chris was Hares Ear, Snatcher and black pennel. Julie used white Minkies and black and grey buzzers. Jim Hall also fished the swans nest landing 12 fish but Jim commented that he had no one particular fly that stood out he cause on “all sort”. 

Friday saw the wind remain in the west but drop in strength. On the bank season ticket holder Peter Elliot fished the cornfield to land 19 fish including loads of pulls and lost fish. Peter’s tactic for the day was to fish a Minkie on the point with buzzers and Diawl bachs above. Brian Warwick again fished the Swans nest in toft with small spider patterns to land 17 fish. Over on the Cornfield another season ticket holder getting into the action was Colin Granger who landed 12 fish on a suspender Minkie and a small black and silver cruncher type pattern. Mr C.J Day also enjoyed good sport from the bank landing 12 fish using a washing line with shrimp patterns. On the boats Steve and Robert McGregor enjoyed good sport again on the Minkies to land 17 fish to the boats. The pair found the fish again on the Draycote Dam wall and coming across through Biggin and of J buoy near the pontoon.

Saturday saw the wind swing back to the North which again caused a drop in the temperature. Out on the boats Richard Dayman and J Kirk enjoyed good sport using 3 inch per second sinking lines and boobies to land 17 fish to the boat fishing over in Biggin Bay. On the boats Chris Discombe and Jim Brennan fished over Croft Shoal with white Minkies to land 5 fish to the boat. On the bank Ian Weston landed 7 fish on Minkies from the cornfield including two cracking fish of 3lb 8oz and 4lb 6oz.

A bitterly cold strong northerly wind meant only a few braved fished in the cold conditions, which then later gave way to went windy cold conditions. Fishing the cornfield Kieron Barnes landed 9 fish using Minkies on floating lines fished very slowly. Out on the boats regular Jim Smith enjoyed good sport as landing 17 fish on Minkies fished tight into the shore line with a slowly figure of eight retrieve

Finally, we are sad to announce the untimely and sudden death last Thursday of Draycote regular Steve Pearson. His presence at the venue will be missed and our warmest thoughts are with his family and angling friends

Closing Date

The closing date for our fishing season this year is 30^th November 2016.

Season Permits

2017 Season Permits, We currently have a waiting list, however if you’re interested in receiving information on availability of season permits at Draycote we recommend your details are added to the list to avoid any future disappointment.

Catch Returns

Could all anglers please fill in the catch return sheet before departing. The sheets will either be located in the gutting room or in the lodge depending on time. It is very important to us for both the fishing report and stock levels.

Selling of Fish

Anglers are not allowed to sell or distribute fish to members of the public on site.

Weekly Stats:

Number Rods: 170  Number Trout Taken: 192    Number Trout Released:  438

Total Catch:  630            Weekly Rod Average: 3.7

Current Fishing Time:

Bank:  07:30 until 16:30

Boat All Day:  08:30 until 16:30

First 4 Hours:   08:30 until 12:30 

Last 4 Hours from:  12:30 until  16:30 (Tickets on sale from 12.15)

All Anglers to be off site by: 17:00

No gutting of fish after 15:45

Please note that because of the shorter days we have now split the day into the first 4, and last 4 hour permits, priced accordingly. A full day boat will still be priced as normal as will the 4 and 8 fish permits. 

Weekly Free Boat Draw

Congratulations to Mr Jim Hall from Hinckley  who is the winner of this week’s Free Boat Draw.

Demo Tackle

New SAGE X rods in stock including a SAGE X 10ft 7wt Demo rod for you to take out and try. We now have a considerable amount of Sage & RIO demo tackle available to try at Draycote. The following link will take you to the website where you can check out the available items: We have added a 10ft 7wt SAGE ACCEL to our demo rods. The Sage One is currently in the process of being phased out. Very limited stock left. Contact the Lodge for details of special offers.

http://www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/demo-tackle-3/

Forthcoming events:

The annual Fur and Feather match will be held this year on Sunday 27^th November, and will be fished as a pair’s competition. The winning pair will receive a Christmas hamper each with second, third and largest fish will win a selection of seasonal drinks. Please note there will be no raffle this year, no need to bring along a prize. Competition rate for this will be £68 per boat for a 16 fish limit to the boat (£34 per angler). Competition will be fished to fishery rules, NO RUDERS. Please call the lodge on 01788 812018 to book your place.

Disabled Parking Bays

Anglers need to ensure that whilst obtaining a fishing permit, they do not park in the disabled parking bays adjacent to the main car park, unless they are the holder of a duly displayed “blue badge”.

Gutting Room

Please be aware that the Gutting Room refurbishment has now been completed. We ask that you respect the facility and leave it in the same way in which you would wish to find it. Please also note that no fish are to be gutted after 15:45       

Anchoring

Boat anglers are politely reminded of the ruling that there is no anchoring within 100 yards of any pontoon, aerators or the Tower. This is especially relevant to the harbour pontoon as its own mooring chains & anchors extend out a considerable distance from the end of the harbour & are easily fouled.

Bank Anglers

Car passes should be booked prior to coming fishing, as we only have a limited number available.

Rudder Hire

Boat anglers may wish to note that we now have a rudder for hire at the daily rate of £7. It can be pre booked at the time you make your boat booking.

Tight lines

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Draycote Water: Weekly report ending Sunday 30th October 2016.

Telephone Number 01788 812018

Report

Another mild week, meaning the fish still haven’t really switched onto the fry. However they have most defiantly turned their attentions onto small buzzers and shrimps with great catches from both the bank and the boats to shrimp patterns. This week 324 anglers caught a total of 736 fish giving a weekly rod average of 2.3.

On Monday Mr Kevin Rees caught 8 fish from the bank using shrimp patterns, and passed comment on the amount of fish he lost. Next to Kevin on the bank was Draycote regular Mr Ray Cramp, who had 11 fish on lures, with his best pattern being a small orange gold head. Out on the boat Brian Moore had a good day fishing Minkies on an intermediate landing 6 fish. Brian found the best area from the boat was in the corner of Hensborough bank. Tim Simpson and Pat Hennessey also took to the water boat fishing around Farnborough spit to land 7 fish. The pair found the best tactic was a Minkie booby fished on a sinking line.

Tuesday saw light winds coming from the east, with cloud cover for most of the day. On the bank Pete Allen landed 5 fish using small Minkie patterns catching from Toft and Lincroft point. M Farrell had a good day’s sport of the tower bank fishing fry patterns, it was these fry patterns that tempted a 8lb Brown to take which was returned to the water. The best return of the day went to Eugene Hughes who landed 18 fish. Eugene caught on a wide variety of methods from floating lines with Minkies and Shrimps to Dries with his best area being the Farnborough Dam and just past the sailing club drifting towards the Hensborough bank.

The wind had changed direction on Wednesday blowing to a south westerly, it was expected that this would knock the fishing off slightly but the rod average actually increased. Out on the boats Jack Dixon and M Edkins landed 10 fish to the boat using snakes. Mr D Keir enjoyed good sport from the bank landing 9 fish. M Hunt was also into the returns landing 8 fish with four of them being over 3lb 8oz. Mark found the fish down the Farnborough dam wall, with his best patterns being a Minkie on the point and crunchers on the droppers. Roger Kerrison also found the fish tight in down the Farnborough dam wall catching well washing lining shrimp patterns with an orange booby on the point. The best catch of the day came to the boat pairing of Eugene Hughes, back for his second day, and Gary Owen the pair caught well suing Di3 sweep lines with Minkies and Minkie boobies.

Thursday saw the fishing explode with fantastic returns being posted from both the boats and the bank, but it was the bank anglers who really had the best of the action. Roger smith landed 14 fish in four hours from the bank in the morning catching in Toft. Roger found the fish wanted a combination of a muddler on the point and Crunchers on the droppers. Mr Day landed 16 fish from the bank at the Swans nest using Shrimp patterns. However the best catch of the day went to Peter Elliot who landed over 30 fish. Peter fished in Toft and then later moved to the pipe in Duns Bay, the key to Peter’s success was crunchers and hoppers fished a floating line. Out on the boats season ticket holder Tony Parker and boat partner Gerallt Hughes landed 21 fish to the boat fishing shrimp patterns tight in down the Farnborough dam wall. Also out on the water Kevin Hart taking out young angler Matt Lindsley on a four hour guiding session and fishing experience. Matt landed 9 fish using a floating line with either floating fry on the point or a small black booby with shrimps and beetle patterns on the droppers.

Friday saw the fishing continue in much the same form as the day before with the bank anglers really getting some fantastic fishing. Brian Warwick landed 19 fish fishing the pipe in Duns bay with a team of small size 14 buzzers. Gordon Slack also got into the action on the buzzers landed 12 fish. Gary Hunter landed 10 from in Toft bay from the bank. Ian Richardson also found the fish in Toft at the Swans nest landed 14 fish on Damsels and Appetizers. The best catch of the day went to Season ticket holder Kevin Rees who landed 25 fish from Duns Bay using shrimp patterns fished on a washing line. On the boats Jamie Scott landed 12 fish using shrimp patterns fishing down the Farnborough Dam.

Saturday saw a flat calm for the anglers fishing which made the fishing challenging at times. However some anglers did fish the key to cracking the day. Nigel Keeber and Lee Henfrey took to the water using 5 inch per second sinking lines and tubes to land 22 fish to the boat. Saturday also the army take to the water in there autumn match, anglers in the match seem to catch on a number of methods on the Saturday with nymphs and shrimps playing a part, as well as pulling blobs on a 3 inch per second sinking line. Outside the army match G Thomas had a good day landing 7 fish on Minkies and other lures.

Another flat calm day for anglers Sunday, the Army were back again for the second day of their autumn match, the best catches in the match came to anglers fishing biscuit fabs and nymphs on floaters. The tactic seemed to be to get the FABS to sit high in the surface and then just allowed to fall through the water column and the fish would just come and either eat the FABS or the nymphs. The army anglers found the fish around S buoy near Croft shoal and also in Biggin bay and the Hensborough bank.  On the bank Gary Darlow landed 9 on buzzers and Diawl bachs in Toft. Dennis Tidmarsh also enjoyed good sport from Biggin Bay in the morning landing 7 fish by 2pm. Out on the boats season ticket holder Tony Parker enjoyed good sport fishing on the Farborough Dam down towards Toft using shrimp patterns fished on a washing line, with a peach FAB. The top boat of the day went to Richard Dayman and John Kirk who landed 29 fish to the boat, the pair fished over in Biggin Bay using nymphs on a floating line or lures on a 3 inch per second sinking line.

Looking ahead to next week, it looks like we will receive our first really frost Wednesday, so as a result we are hoping that the fish will really start to turn their attention on to the fry and we will have some spectacular fry action in the last month on the season.

Closing Date

The closing date for our fishing season this year is 30^th November 2016.

Season Permits

2017 Season Permits, We currently have a waiting list, however if you’re interested in receiving information on availability of season permits at Draycote we recommend your details are added to the list to avoid any future disappointment.

Catch Returns

Could all anglers please fill in the catch return sheet before departing. The sheets will either be located in the gutting room or in the lodge depending on time. It is very important to us for both the fishing report and stock levels.

Selling of Fish

Anglers are not allowed to sell or distribute fish to members of the public on site.

Weekly Stats:

Number Rods:  324 Number Trout Taken: 244    Number Trout Released:  491

Total Catch: 736             Weekly Rod Average: 2.3

Current Fishing Time:

Bank:  07:30 until 16:45

Boat All Day:  08:30 until 16:45

First 4 Hours:   08:30 until 12:45 

Last 4 Hours from:  12:45 until  16:45 (Tickets on sale from 12.30)

All Anglers to be off site by: 17:15

Please note that because of the shorter days we have now split the day into the first 4, and last 4 hour permits, priced accordingly. A full day boat will still be priced as normal as will the 4 and 8 fish permits. 

No Gutting of Fish after 16:15

All Anglers to be off site by: 18:00

Weekly Free Boat Draw

Congratulations to Mr Eugene Hughes from London who is the winner of this week’s Free Boat Draw.

Demo Tackle

New SAGE X rods in stock including a SAGE X 10ft 7wt Demo rod for you to take out and try. We now have a considerable amount of Sage & RIO demo tackle available to try at Draycote. The following link will take you to the website where you can check out the available items: We have added a 10ft 7wt SAGE ACCEL to our demo rods. The Sage One is currently in the process of being phased out. Very limited stock left. Contact the Lodge for details of special offers.

http://www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/demo-tackle-3/

Forthcoming events:

The annual Fur and Feather match will be held this year on Sunday 27^th November, and will be fished as a pair’s competition. The winning pair will receive a Christmas hamper each with second, third and largest fish will win a selection of seasonal drinks. Please note there will be no raffle this year, no need to bring along a prize. Competition rate for this will be £68 per boat for a 16 fish limit to the boat (£34 per angler). Competition will be fished to fishery rules, NO RUDERS. Please call the lodge on 01788 812018 to book your place.

Disabled Parking Bays

Anglers need to ensure that whilst obtaining a fishing permit, they do not park in the disabled parking bays adjacent to the main car park, unless they are the holder of a duly displayed “blue badge”.

Gutting Room

Please be aware that the Gutting Room refurbishment has now been completed. We ask that you respect the facility and leave it in the same way in which you would wish to find it. Please also note that no fish are to be gutted after 16:15       

Anchoring

Boat anglers are politely reminded of the ruling that there is no anchoring within 100 yards of any pontoon, aerators or the Tower. This is especially relevant to the harbour pontoon as its own mooring chains & anchors extend out a considerable distance from the end of the harbour & are easily fouled.

Bank Anglers

Car passes should be booked prior to coming fishing, as we only have a limited number available.

Rudder Hire

Boat anglers may wish to note that we now have a rudder for hire at the daily rate of £7. It can be pre booked at the time you make your boat booking.

Tight lines

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Draycote Water: Weekly report ending Sunday 23th October 2016.

Telephone Number 01788 812018

Report

Whilst the fish haven’t fully switched onto the fry here at Draycote yet due to water temperatures, the bank fishing has definitely improved. Bank anglers are reporting good catches all along the north shore from the Tower Bank down into the bottom of Toft. Strong gusts this week have dictated where the bank anglers can fish and, when able too, working from the Swans Nest to the big Willow tree on the near side of toft has also proved fruitful. Fishing from the tower bank has been as always a game of patience, but it has proved productive for some anglers as the odd good brown trout has appeared on the catch returns. Boat anglers have also had their fair share of sport however, with some excellent catches coming from the front of the Farborough Dam, G buoy in Toft and the side of Lincroft Point near E buoy. The Draycote Dam, by the flat stones, has also been very productive, as has the Hensborough bank and the deeper water in Rainbow Corner. I have at times described the fish as being a bit “picky” at the moment, as no one method of fishing has worked that well for any length of time. But suffice to say, that if you keep on the move, and are willing to make changes throughout the day, you should have some excellent sport. I would describe the water quality this week as being reasonably good, with the weekly rod average coming in at 3.2.       

On Monday Mr Kevin Rees caught 10 fish from the bank using shrimp patterns. Draycote regular Mr Ray Cramp, also fishing from the bank, had 7 fish on lures. Mr Ed Douglas caught 6 fish from a drifting boat.

Wet and windy conditions greeted the hardy anglers who braved the boats and the bank on Tuesday. The rain had cleared by mid-morning giving way to a bright and blustery day which were not ideal fishing conditions. Richard Dayman and Norman Perkins enjoyed good sport, Landing 20 fish. The pair caught up in Rainbow corner using nymphs on floating lines and lures on 3 inch per second sinking lines.  On the bank M Cronin landed 5 fish including a lovely 4lb brownie on a small Minkie pattern. Ray Cramp also enjoyed good sport from the bank landing 6 fish for 15lb 12oz with them falling to various lure patterns.

Wednesday saw the wind change round to the north and it was the banks that really stood out in the catch returns. Season ticket holder Tony Broadway landed 11 fish from Biggin Bay using a team of nymphs fished on the washing line. Tony took 7 of these fish on a small black and peacock spider. Top honours on the day went to Yousef Dar who fished the bank to land 19 fish up to 4lb 8oz, Yousef fished along the cornfield, Lincroft point and Toft using nymphs and small Minkies to land his fish.

Thursday again saw the return of Tony Broadway who this time landed 13 fish from Toft using the same tactic as the day before but also caught on a small white booby to imitate the fry. Gary Hunter also had a good day down in Toft on Minkies landing 8 fish. Out on the boats Steve Barby used the rudder to land 6 fish with 2 of which being over 5lb. Season Ticket holder Kevin Rees had great sport off the bank fishing the Swans nest in toft to land 15 fish. The key to Kevin’s success has been shrimp patterns, just cast out and swung around in the wind. Another season ticket holder catching well from the bank was David Burr who landed 7 in a short hour session using Diawl Bachs and buzzers.

Friday again saw the bank anglers get the majority of the sport, however a number of boats did find the key to success. Season ticket holder Peter Elliot had good day from the bank using red headed Diawl bachs and Minkies fished by the Swans nest in toft, Peters best fish of the day went to 5lbs. Colin Grainger also enjoyed good sport from the bank landing 6 fish. Four of Colin’s fish went 14lbs 10oz. He found that the fish seemed keen on taking small nymphs and buzzers fished on a washing line. Geoff Wanless enjoyed good sport from the boat landing 6 fishing using Minkies and Diawl bachs. Another boat catching well was Adam Larbalestier and Ben Bayliss who landed 9 fish to the boat using snakes on sinking lines. Season ticket holder Tony Parker landed 12 fishing from a drifting boat going from G buoy to the swans nest in Toft. Tony used small floating fry and black nymphs to catch his fish with the best fish tipping the scales at 5lb. Peter Bierenacki took advantage of the last four hour ticket to land 6 fish on fry patterns.

A cold northerly wind made conditions a little chilly for the anglers on Saturday. Mr Mike Garner caught 4 fish from the bank using hot head damsels and a silver Invicta. Dai Davies and Peter Lewis enjoyed good sport from the boat landing 14 fish between them on various boobies and nymphs with toft, Biggin and the Draycote Dam being the hotspots. Chris and Nick Dunn had a total of 12 fish to the boat. Mr Kev Bennett and Mr Keith Gilchrist had 9 fish to the boat using pink blobs and nymphs. Mr Chris Discombe and Mr Jim Brennan had 13 fish to the boat on a wide variety of patterns. Draycote regular Stan Hillman had 7 fish from the bank using Minkies.

Sunday dawned with strong easterly winds and chilly conditions for fishing. Mr Jim Smith and Mr Ken Maplethorpe caught 7 fish from a drifting boat. Nigel Keeber and Lee Henfry ventured out on a boat to net 16 fish between them. Mr P Longstaff and Mr G Owen caught 39 fish between them from the boat, using dries along the Farborough Dam. Season permit holder Mr John Falconbridge caught 4 fish from the bank.  Mr Ray Cramp caught 5 fish from the bank on nymphs. Mr W and Mr R Elkin caught 9 fish between them from the boat, the best of which was 3lb 3oz.

Closing Date

The closing date for our fishing season this year is 30^th November 2016.

Season Permits

2017 Season Permits, We currently have a waiting list, however if you’re interested in receiving information on availability of season permits at Draycote we recommend your details are added to the list to avoid any future disappointment.

Catch Returns

Could all anglers please fill in the catch return sheet before departing. The sheets will either be located in the gutting room or in the lodge depending on time. It is very important to us for both the fishing report and stock levels.

Selling of Fish

Anglers are not allowed to sell or distribute fish to members of the public on site.

Weekly Stats:

Number Rods:  240     Number Trout Taken: 326    Number Trout Released:  457

Total Catch: 783             Weekly Rod Average: 3.2

Current Fishing Times :

Bank:  07:30 until   18:00

Boat All Day:   08:30     until     18:00

Boat Part Day:  AM    08:30 until   13:15 PM   13:15   until 18:00

Last 4 Hours from:     14:00    until    18:00   (Ticket sales available from   13:45)

No Gutting of Fish after 17:30

All Anglers to be off site by: 18:00

Weekly Free Boat Draw

Congratulations to Mr Ben Bayliss from Lancashire who is the winner of this week’s Free Boat Draw.

Demo Tackle

New SAGE X rods in stock including a SAGE X 10ft 7wt Demo rod for you to take out and try. We now have a considerable amount of Sage & RIO demo tackle available to try at Draycote. The following link will take you to the website where you can check out the available items: We have added a 10ft 7wt SAGE ACCEL to our demo rods. The Sage One is currently in the process of being phased out. Very limited stock left. Contact the Lodge for details of special offers.

http://www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/demo-tackle-3/

Forthcoming events:

The annual Fur and Feather match will be held this year on Sunday 27^th November, and will be fished as a pair’s competition. The winning pair will receive a Christmas hamper each with second, third and largest fish will win a selection of seasonal drinks. Please note there will be no raffle this year, no need to bring along a prize. Competition rate for this will be £68 per boat for a 16 fish limit to the boat (£34 per angler). Competition will be fished to fishery rules, NO RUDERS. Please call the lodge on 01788 812018 to book your place.

Disabled Parking Bays

Anglers need to ensure that whilst obtaining a fishing permit, they do not park in the disabled parking bays adjacent to the main car park, unless they are the holder of a duly displayed “blue badge”.

Gutting Room

Please be aware that the Gutting Room refurbishment has now been completed. We ask that you respect the facility and leave it in the same way in which you would wish to find it. Please also note that no fish are to be gutted after 17:30       

Anchoring

Boat anglers are politely reminded of the ruling that there is no anchoring within 100 yards of any pontoon, aerators or the Tower. This is especially relevant to the harbour pontoon as its own mooring chains & anchors extend out a considerable distance from the end of the harbour & are easily fouled.

Bank Anglers

Car passes should be booked prior to coming fishing, as we only have a limited number available.

Rudder Hire

Boat anglers may wish to note that we now have a rudder for hire at the daily rate of £7. It can be pre booked at the time you make your boat booking.

Tight lines

Follow Us on

facebook www.facebook.com/FlyFishStore

 twitter www.twitter.com/FlyFishStore

Draycote Water: Weekly report ending Sunday 16th October 2016.

Telephone Number 01788 812018

Report

A very changeable week weather wise here at Draycote. Some very cold nights with early season frosts, would then give way to warm overnight temperatures of 10 degrees. The bright conditions through the week also didn’t help the top of the water sport. This changeable weather has just stopped the fry feeding from exploding, as the conditions have not quite meant the fish are hard of the fry. As a result the fishing has been tricky at times meaning 319 anglers caught a total of 592 trout for a rod average of 2.9.

On Monday boat partners Mr M Price and Mr D Hancox caught 23 fish from a boat using fry patterns and white lures. Draycote regular Mr E Hughes had 15 fish to the boat on a DI 5 sweep using Minkies and snake patterns. Season permit holder Mr Kevin Rees caught 8 fish from a boat using dries. Mr Ray Cramp caught 10 fish from the bank in the afternoon using lures. Season permit holder Mr Dave Adkins caught 9 fish from the bank on a black Minkie.

On Tuesday Mr Norman Perkins had 8 fish from the bank on buzzers and diawl bachs. Season permit holders Mr Gordon Slack and Mr Brian Warwick caught 4 fish each from the bank. Mr Don Roper also caught 4 fish from the bank. Mr Jim Hall, again fishing from the bank, netted 7 fish on diawl bachs.  Mr A Winstone caught 8 fish from the boat on a sparkler booby. Mr Craig Cowan caught and released 28 fish from a boat on a DI 5 sweep using black snakes and Minkies. Mr E Hughes went adrift once again, this time catching 12 fish using a midge tip and Minkie boobies. Season permit holder Mr Paul Liversidge had 4 fish from a drifting boat. Draycote regular Mr Paul Skelton had 5 fish from the boat using Minkies and diawl bachs.

Wednesday saw a visit from Mr Jon Morgan Parker and the “The Finatic Outcasts” team. They had a “ difficult but enjoyable day”, managing a rod average of 3.0 between them. Home tied black and green cormorants seemed to be the order of the day. Well done lads.

Mr Dennis Jones caught 4 fish from the bank. Mr John Hall caught 6 fish from the bank. Mr M Goodge and Mr I Bradfield caught 13 fish from a boat. Draycote regular Mr Ray Cramp caught 6 fish from the bank on lure patterns.

On Thursday we were visited by Cheshire police who had a difficult but rewarding day, with the top rod being Mr Martin Griffiths who had 6 fish for 22lb 8oz. Mr Alec Twaites and Mr George Smith managed 3 fish each from the bank using Minkies. Season permit holder Mr Brian Warwick managed 5 from the bank. Season permit holder Mr Graham Homer, along with boat partner Mr Roy Taylor  caught 11 fish from a drifting boat.

On Friday Season permit holder Mr Paul Beasley managed 5 fish from the bank on black Minkies. Mr Pete Allen had 5 fish from the bank. Draycote regular Mr John Clifford had 8 fish from the boat on a DI 7 and black lures. Season permit holder Mr Peter Elliott had 7 fish from the bank. Mr Don Roper had 5 fish from the bank on crunchers. Mr G Deterding had 11 fish from the boat on hares ears, Minkies and snail patterns. Mr Andy Birkett and Mr Brent Vinall had 13 fish from the boat on fry patterns from all over the reservoir.

Saturday so a great overcast start to the day, with light winds and wind lines this caused fish to move into them and feed on some late season emerging buzzers as a result a few fish where caught early on dries before the sun broke through. Mr M and D Mee landed 10 fish top the boat using Minkies, snakes, Humungus and nymphs. J Jones also had a good day landing 9 fish but had a lot of action and commented that “Toft was alive”.  Season ticket Tony Parker enjoyed great sport landing 12 fish to the boat, catching on nymphs on floater and midge tip lines. Another season ticket holder catching well was Jim hall who landed 9 but this time of the bank with the cornfield and Lincroft point being the best. Jim Smith caught well of the boat landing 12 fish using a mixture of flies Jim washing lining with a Minkie booby on the point with natural Diawl bachs, with the Diawl bach taking 6 fish. Jim then caught his last 3 in the evening on a foam daddy.

Sunday saw the heavens open with rain constant for the morning into early afternoon which then cleared and gave way to a sunny windy afternoon. Out on the boats Martin Smith and Matt Holmes landed 13 fish with various lures. Mr Dangerfeild had a good day of the bank landing 4 fish on a Damsel nymph in toft. Mr D & M Mee returned to the water to land 14 fish, with Minkies being the best pattern on the day with good fish of 5lb in the bag. Mr Vinall and Birkett fished the final day of their three day break again catching well with fry patterns being the method, the pair commented on the amount of fish they had over 6lb. Nigel Keber and Lee Henfrey had a good day on tubes landing 13 fish to the boat. Andy Young landed 12 fish using a floating line with buzzers, hoopers, blobs and damsels.

Closing Date

The closing date for our fishing season this year is 30^th November 2016.

Catch Returns

Could all anglers please fill in the catch return sheet before departing. The sheets will either be located in the gutting room or in the lodge depending on time. It is very important to us for both the fishing report and stock levels.

Selling of Fish

Anglers are not allowed to sell or distribute fish to members of the public on site.

Weekly Stats:

Number Rods:  316     Number Trout Taken: 354    Number Trout Released:  592

Total Catch: 592             Weekly Rod Average: 2.9

Current Fishing Times :

Bank:  07:30 until   18:15

Boat All Day:   08:30     until     18:15

Boat Part Day:  AM    08:30 until   13:15 PM   13:15   until 18:15

Last 4 Hours from:     14:15    until    18:15   (Ticket sales available from   14:00)

No Gutting of Fish after 17:45

All Anglers to be off site by: 18:30

Weekly Free Boat Draw

Congratulations to Mr  Ted Mills from Tenbury Wells who is the winner of this week’s Free Boat Draw.

Demo Tackle

 New SAGE X rods in stock including a SAGE X 10ft 7wt Demo rod for you to take out and try.

We now have a considerable amount of Sage & RIO demo tackle available to try at Draycote. The following link will take you to the website where you can check out the available items: We have added a 10ft 7wt SAGE ACCEL to our demo rods. The Sage One is currently in the process of being phased out. Very limited stock left. Contact the Lodge for details of special offers.

http://www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/demo-tackle-3/

Forthcoming events:

The annual Fur and Feather match will be held this year on Sunday 27^th November, and will be fished as a pair’s competition. The winning pair will receive a Christmas hamper each with second, third and largest fish will win a selection of seasonal drinks. Please note there will be no raffle this year, no need to bring along a prize. Competition rate for this will be £68 per boat for a 16 fish limit to the boat (£34 per angler). Competition will be fished to fishery rules, NO RUDERS. Please call the lodge on 01788 812018 to book your place.

Disabled Parking Bays

Anglers need to ensure that whilst obtaining a fishing permit, they do not park in the disabled parking bays adjacent to the main car park, unless they are the holder of a duly displayed “blue badge”.

Gutting Room

Please be aware that the Gutting Room refurbishment has now been completed. We ask that you respect the facility and leave it in the same way in which you would wish to find it. Please also note that no fish are to be gutted after 17:45       

Anchoring

Boat anglers are politely reminded of the ruling that there is no anchoring within 100 yards of any pontoon, aerators or the Tower. This is especially relevant to the harbour pontoon as its own mooring chains & anchors extend out a considerable distance from the end of the harbour & are easily fouled.

Bank Anglers

Car passes should be booked prior to coming fishing, as we only have a limited number available.

Rudder Hire

Boat anglers may wish to note that we now have a rudder for hire at the daily rate of £7. It can be pre booked at the time you make your boat booking.

Tight lines

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Draycote Water: Weekly report ending Sunday 9th October 2016.

Telephone Number 01788 812018

Report

With an obvious drop in night time temperatures as well as cooler days, the fish are really starting to turn onto the fry now. Although fish are still being caught on dries, nymphs and buzzers, more and more fish are succumbing to such patterns as Humungus, Sparkler boobies and small floating fry.  The bank anglers are also fairing much better with the usual suspects doing well from all corners of   the reservoir. Toft seems to have “switched on” properly with plenty of fish being caught from both boat and bank, with areas such as The Swans Nest, the Cornfield and Lincroft Point being most prominent. Browns are beginning to show up more frequently, with the odd good fish coming off the deeper water by the Tower bank as well as the dam wall past Farborough Spit. Not all is as it seems though for this time of year. The surface temperature of the water is still quite warm and you will find times when fish are just rolling around in the surface of the water and proving very difficult to catch. A few more cold nights will soon sort that out though. The fish steadfastly remain in the top few feet of the water with anglers needing no more than a midge tip or an intermediate line to reach them. Water quality is reasonably good, with the weekly rod average coming in at a spicy 3.3.

On Monday Mr Rod Wilson had 12 fish to the boat on a DI 8. Mr G Hunter caught 6 fish from the bank. Mr Tim Jones caught 8 fish from the boat. Season permit holder Mr Kevin Rees had 15 fish to the boat on Hoppers and Bobs Bits. Mr Ray Cramp caught 7 fish from the bank

On Tuesday Mr G Jones caught 6 fish from a boat, the best of which was 5lb 4oz on “anything white”.

Mr G Davies had 8 fish to the boat, the best of which was 4lb 2oz. Lord Richard Dayman and Mr Norman Perkins caught 16 fish between them from a boat. Mr John Ryder had 9 fish to the boat on a selection of buzzers. Draycote regular Mr Tony Worley fishing from the bank in Biggin bay, caught 3 fish, with the best weighing 3lb 12oz.

On Wednesday Mr Brian Orr had 10 fish to the boat. Mr A Guest and Mr A Dower had 14 fish to the boat. Mr T Tappenden had 7 fish to the boat on Diawl Bachs and Crunchers in Toft. Mr Danny Lovegrove and Mr Wayne Salter caught 10 fish from a boat on an intermediate line using red and green Diawl Bachs.

On Thursday the usual suspects of Tony Broadway, Jude Tuffs, Brian Warwick and Colin Grainger all fished the bank, and although things didn’t really get started until the afternoon for most, all netted good numbers of fish from the northern shoreline.

Mr J Mair and Mr R Wilson had 16 fish to the boat on blue damsels and red holographic Diawl Bachs.

Mr Danny Lovegrove and Mr Wayne Salter had 17 fish to the boat between them. Mr P Fisher had 10 fish to the boat on a “tough day”. Mr Dhan Nataly had 7 fish to the boat, on red Hoppers. Mr Kevin Rees had 9 fish to the boat on Bobs Bits and Hoppers. Mr John Clifford  had a good afternoons sport with 6 fish to the boat. Mr Robert Lambs party, from the Paisley Patterns, fishing on a 3 day package found it a “Tough but enjoyable outing”, finishing with a total rod average for the group of 4.3.

On Friday Mr and Mrs Kirk caught 5 fish from the bank. Mr Mark Hunt, visiting from Thornton Reservoir had 8 fish to the boat, mainly on Hoppers. Mr John Hoskins had 14 fish to the boat. Mr Osborne caught 7 fish from the Tower bank, mainly on Minkies. Draycote regular Mr Ian Richardson caught 8 fish from the bank in testing conditions on what he said was “A brilliant day.” Mr Alun Williams Party  from South Wales fish over two days and whilst some of them found it a bit difficult at times they managed to produce a rod average of 3.1 between them.

On Saturday Mr Keith Smith caught 4 fish from the bank. Mr Mike Weaver and Mr Nick Snape both had 6 fish from the bank. Mr Ivan Cotterill caught 4 fish from the bank. Mr S Edinburgh caught 8 fish from the bank. Mr C Wilkins caught 10 fish from the bank both in Rainbow corner and along the Hensborough bank. Mr A Harris caught 4 fish from the bank, one of which was a 4 lb brownie.

Mr G Jones caught 10 fish from a boat, mainly on Daddies. Draycote regular Mr Jim Smith caught 9 fish from a boat. Mr Mike Hanlon had 10 fish to the boat. Mr Mick Cronin caught 4 fish from the bank.

On Sunday Mr Mark Hunt, again visiting from Thornton reservoir, had 7 fish to the boat on GRHE and Crunchers. Mr M Twigge caught 3 fish from the bank. Master John McCarthy (aged 12) visiting with a group of anglers from Ireland, caught 3 fish from the boat, all over 4lb in weight. Mr A Taylor caught 4 fish from the bank. Mr P Walker had 7 fish to the boat, the best of which was 5lb.

Catch Returns

Could all anglers please fill in the catch return sheet before departing. The sheets will either be located in the gutting room or in the lodge depending on time. It is very important to us for both the fishing report and stock levels.

Selling of Fish

Anglers are not allowed to sell or distribute fish to members of the public on site.

Weekly Stats:

Number Rods: 331      Number Trout Taken: 411    Number Trout Released:  707

Total Catch:  1118            Weekly Rod Average: 3.3

Current Fishing Times :

Bank:  07:30 until   18:30

Boat All Day:   08:30     until     18:30

Boat Part Day:  AM    08:30 until   13:30 PM   13:30   until 18:30

Last 4 Hours from:     14:30    until    18:30   (Ticket sales available from   14:15)

No Gutting of Fish after 18:00

All Anglers to be off site by: 18:45

Weekly Free Boat Draw

Congratulations to Mr Malcolm Bradbury from Stoney Stanton who is the winner of this week’s Free Boat Draw.

Demo Tackle

 New SAGE X rods in stock including a SAGE X 10ft 7wt Demo rod for you to take out and try.

We now have a considerable amount of Sage & RIO demo tackle available to try at Draycote. The following link will take you to the website where you can check out the available items: We have added a 10ft 7wt SAGE ACCEL to our demo rods. The Sage One is currently in the process of being phased out. Very limited stock left. Contact the Lodge for details of special offers.

http://www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/demo-tackle-3/

Forthcoming events:

The annual Fur and Feather match will be held this year on Sunday 27^th November, and will be fished as a pair’s competition. The winning pair will receive a Christmas hamper each with second, third and largest fish will win a selection of seasonal drinks. Please note there will be no raffle this year, no need to bring along a prize. Competition rate for this will be £68 per boat for a 16 fish limit to the boat (£34 per angler). Competition will be fished to fishery rules, NO RUDERS. Please call the lodge on 01788 812018 to book your place.

Disabled Parking Bays

Anglers need to ensure that whilst obtaining a fishing permit, they do not park in the disabled parking bays adjacent to the main car park, unless they are the holder of a duly displayed “blue badge”.

Gutting Room

Please be aware that the Gutting Room refurbishment has now been completed. We ask that you respect the facility and leave it in the same way in which you would wish to find it. Please also note that no fish are to be gutted after 19:15       

Anchoring

Boat anglers are politely reminded of the ruling that there is no anchoring within 100 yards of any pontoon, aerators or the Tower. This is especially relevant to the harbour pontoon as its own mooring chains & anchors extend out a considerable distance from the end of the harbour & are easily fouled.

Bank Anglers

Car passes should be booked prior to coming fishing, as we only have a limited number available.

Rudder Hire

Boat anglers may wish to note that we now have a rudder for hire at the daily rate of £7. It can be pre booked at the time you make your boat booking.

Tight lines

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 twitter www.twitter.com/FlyFishStore

Draycote Water: Weekly report ending Sunday 2nd October 2016.

Telephone Number 01788 812018

Report

This week at Draycote the weather has been typically autumnal, with temperature changes, sunshine and sporadic showers. Strong south westerly’s also mixed in with a couple of days of heavy rain. This conditions have made the fishing challenging, for a number of reasons, the strong winds didn’t seem to put the fish down and they still wanted nymphs  however the anglers found it difficult to fish the nymphs high in the water and keep in contact. Second with all the changes in wind and overhead conditions the fish didn’t know if they wanted to feed or not.   

On Monday Mr Steve Barby and Mr A Bell caught 12 fish between them . Season permit holder Mr Ed Douglas took 6 fish on dries. Mr David Bowie and Mr John Hurst had 15 fish to the boat on various patterns including Blobs. Mr Kevin Rees had 9 to the boat on dries. Mr Dennis Jones caught 4 fish from the bank on size 14 Diawl Bachs. Draycote regular Mr Richard Lindsay caught 16 fish from a boat on black leeches.

On Tuesday Mr Brian Warwick caught 8 fish from the bank. Mr M Farrell caught 5 fish from the bank. Mr T Tappenden caught 7 fish from the bank in both Toft and Biggin Bay using Diawl Bachs. Mr Mike Garner caught 2 fish from the bank using floating fry patterns. Mr Ray Cramp caught 7 fish from the bank using small lures. Mr A Williams and Mr A Donaldson caught 8 fish from a boat on dries. Mr David Bowie caught 9 fish from the boat using on a variety of patterns including a silver Invicta.

On Wednesday Mr John Hall caught 10 fish whilst bank fishing in the cornfield using skinny black diawl bachs. Mr M Farrell caught 4 fish from the bank in Toft. Mr Ian Richardson caught 5 fish from the bank  at various points around the reservoir using Minkies and floating fry patterns. Mr C Tomlinson caught 7 fish from the bank in toft.  Mr A Winstone caught 15 fish from a boat using nymphs.

On Thursday Mr George Smith caught 4 fish from the bank. Mr A Doherty caught 3 fish from the bank using black epoxy buzzers. Mr J Jones had 9 fish to the boat.

On Friday Mr A Bettles caught 3 fish from the bank. Season permit holder Mr Colin Grainger also caught 3 fish whilst fishing from the bank. Mr Peter Elliott caught 19 fish from a boat using dries such as red hoppers, the best of which weighed 4lb 6oz. Mr Jamie Scott caught 7 fish from a boat using a red snake on a DI 3 line. Mr Ian Richardson again fishing from the bank caught 5 fish on Minkies. The pairings of Mr B Jones and Mr G Wood and Mr D Naylor and Mr S Houlton  did extremely well from the boat catching good numbers of fish between them on daddies and hoppers. Bank angler Mr P Barnes caught 3 fish on such patterns as baby dolls and zonkers.

On Saturday season permit holderMr Mike Garner caught 5 fish from the bank down in Toft using diawl bachs. Mr G Davies’ party of Mr Lloyd , Mr Jones , Mr Parry and Mr Davies all caught good numbers of fish from the boats on various patterns including boobies and  daddies. Mr N Mead and Mr I Tearle returned 20 fish from the boat, all caught on minkies and floating fry patterns. Mr R Cotterill caught 10 fish from a boat on a DI3 and lures in the morning and dries in the afternoon. Mr J McLellan caught 12 fish from a boat on black and pink snakes over the aerators.  

On the bank Sunday Ian Springett landed 6 fish with them falling to Pheasant tailed nymphs fished on a floating line. Ian also landed a fantastic fish of 6lb 10oz. Season ticket holder Dennis Jones also had a good days sport landing 5 fish all on size 14 black buzzers. Out on the boats B Parry and C Jones had a good days sport landing 13 fish using black boobies in the morning then switching to black hoppers to continue catching. M Hunt and S hunt also enjoyed good sport landing 17 fish to the boat. The pair found the best method was an intermediate line with a combination on nymphs and lures. Ed Foster and Brad Gifford had a good day afloat landing 14 fish to the boat all on dries.

Looking ahead to next week the overnight temperatures are really starting to drop, and fish are starting to look at the fry more and more. This should mean the fishing will improve and the better fish will start to come out and feed.

Could all anglers please fill in the catch return sheet before departing. The sheets will either be located in the gutting room or in the lodge depending on time. It is very important to us for both the fishing report and stock levels.

Weekly Stats:

Number Rods:   271    Number Trout Taken:  277   Number Trout Released:  565

Total Catch:    842          Weekly Rod Average: 3.1

Current Fishing Times :

Bank:  07:30 until   18:45

Boat All Day:   08:30     until     18:45

Boat Part Day:  AM    08:30 until   14:00 PM   14:00   until 18:45

Last 4 Hours from:     13:45    until    18:45   (Ticket sales available from   14:30)

No Gutting of Fish after 18:30

All Anglers to be off site by: 19:00

Weekly Free Boat Draw

Congratulations to Mr M Severn of Loscoe in Derby who is the winner of this week’s Free Boat Draw.

Demo Tackle

We now have a considerable amount of Sage & RIO demo tackle available to try at Draycote. The following link will take you to the website where you can check out the available items: We have added a 10ft 7wt SAGE ACCEL to our demo rods. The Sage One is currently in the process of being phased out. Very limited stock left. Contact the Lodge for details of special offers.

http://www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/demo-tackle-3/

Forthcoming events:

The annual Fur and Feather match will be held this year on Sunday 27^th November, and will be fished as a pair’s competition. The winning pair will receive a Christmas hamper each with second, third and largest fish will win a selection of seasonal drinks. Please note there will be no raffle this year, no need to bring along a prize. Competition rate for this will be £68 per boat for a 16 fish limit to the boat (£34 per angler). Please call the lodge on 01788 812018 to book your place.

Selling of Fish

Anglers are not allowed to sell or distribute fish to members of the public on site.

Disabled Parking Bays

Anglers need to ensure that whilst obtaining a fishing permit, they do not park in the disabled parking bays adjacent to the main car park, unless they are the holder of a duly displayed “blue badge”.

Gutting Room

Please be aware that the Gutting Room refurbishment has now been completed. We ask that you respect the facility and leave it in the same way in which you would wish to find it. Please also note that no fish are to be gutted after 19:15       

Returns

In order to maintain the accuracy of our records could all anglers please ensure that they fill in the catch return sheet before departure. If not in the lodge, it can be found next door in the gutting room.

Anchoring

Boat anglers are politely reminded of the ruling that there is no anchoring within 100 yards of any pontoon, aerators or the Tower. This is especially relevant to the harbour pontoon as its own mooring chains & anchors extend out a considerable distance from the end of the harbour & are easily fouled.

Bank Anglers

Car passes should be booked prior to coming fishing, as we only have a limited number available.

Rudder Hire

Boat anglers may wish to note that we now have a rudder for hire at the daily rate of £7. It can be pre booked at the time you make your boat booking.

Tight lines

Follow Us on

facebook www.facebook.com/FlyFishStore

 twitter www.twitter.com/FlyFishStore