Friday brought with it flat, calm conditions, that resulted in reservoir resembling a sheet of glass. By lunchtime, there was light cloud built that dulled the sunshine for the remainder of the day. At times like these it is best to push down on to the fish a bit, perhaps starting with an intermediate line and lures. Most of the fish in these temperatures will move into the deeper cooler water, but this is not always the case. At the moment we have a large number of fish here at Draycote on the feed in Toft Shallows. Craig Middleton used a coral cormorant on a midge tip to net 4 fish from near the Nature Reserve. Mr D Molyneaux also caught 3 fish in Toft Shallows on sinking lines and fry patterns.

Although Tuesday was bright, at least we had a good breeze here at Draycote Water. Anglers fared much better than yesterday with the rod average rising to 3.8. Some anglers were catching fish early on with a washing line and hares ears fished off a midge tip line, but as the day progressed it became apparent that a fast glass or a DI3 was needed with snakes or cormorants. Stuart Lee and Peter Elliott had 2 dozen fish to the boat between them using blobs, boobies and cormorants. Mr Rob Keeber and Mr Alan Wither caught well over 20 fish between them using a DI3 and snakes down in Toft Shallows. Mr McNicolls party also used snakes fished on sinking lines to net a bakers dozen.

Weekly Fishing Report: Draycote, Eyebrook, Thornton

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

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

Fishery YouTube Channel: YouTube Flyfishstore

Draycote Fishery Weekly Report – 01788 812018

Email:  draycote@flyfishstore.co.uk

2023 Stocking Policy Details of our stocking policy for Draycote is explained on our website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/stocking-policy/

2023 Membership Options visit our website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/season-permits/

2023 Permits & Pre Payment for Boat Bookings Details of our Day Permits, Package Breaks & our Boat bookings pre-payment policy visit our website.

https://www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/day-permits/

Exclusion Zone  Due to the work being carried out on the Hensborough Bank there is an exclusion zone in place, clearly marked with yellow buoys. Under no circumstances are anglers to enter this area as there are divers in the water.

Week Ending:   Sunday 3^rd September 2023  Rod Av:3.4   Water Temperature:  18°C

Overcast skies Monday and Northwest winds, with the wind dropping later providing a nice ripple on the water. All water member Andy Lillie fished with Graham England with the pair boating 12 fish from a morning session. Using suspender Minkies and also daddies, fishing near Lincroft Point. They spooned the fish to fish that they have clearly been feeding hard on sticklebacks. Draycote member John Dickens used dries all day to land 9 fish with Crippled Midge and Bob’s Bit being his most productive patterns. Gary & David Turner also fished dries to land their fish, taking 5 in an afternoon session. Ian Watts & Rob Toptalo enjoyed a great days sport landing 30 fish to their boat. The fishing a washing line on a floater, but found it was when the popped and pulled the boobies the caught the majority of the fish. The pair drifted from C Buoy down to Y Buoy finding the fish closer to Y in the morning but as the day progressed caught more at C Buoy.

Tuesday, the winds the winds swung to the Southwest with more overcast skies and some rain later in the day. Mick Cronin fished from the bank at the Old Pipe in Biggin Bay landing 4 fish on suspender minkes. With Micks largest fish being a cracking 5lb 5oz rainbow. Draycote member Jim Kelly also fished the bank landing 3 fish all of which took a blue flash damsel fished on the point. On the boats Dave Atkins landed 7 fish in a morning session. Using a white snake fished on a Di 3 sinking line, with Dave’s best area being a drift from E Buoy towards Lincroft Point. Ian Morris landed a dozen fish using pin fry patterns and a Silver Invicta. Drifting from A Buoy to M Buoy in the morning and then M Buoy to Y Buoy in the afternoon. Sticking to dries all day Kevin Rees used Crippled Midge and Bob’s Bits to also land a dozen fish.

A brighter day Wednesday with winds that started in the West first thing in the morning which then later went to the Northwest. Draycote members Mike Garner & Tony Broadway fished from Lincroft point using fry patterns to land a brace each. Fishing from the boats Ian Richardson & Bob Smith enjoyed a good days sport landing 15 fish to their boat. The  pair fished with Di 3 sinking lines with a Humungous on the point and cormorants on the droppers. Landing their fish from Albert Bottom drifting towards E Buoy commenting on a “very good day” Draycote member Peter Elliot fished with Stuart Lee over from Canada landing 27 fish to the boat. They also fished in Biggin Bay and around Lincroft point but found popper hoppers to be their best patterns. John Kirk landed 12 fish while out on the boat, using a floating line with a booby on the point and then hoppers on the droppers.

A flat calm start Thursday with overcast skies from the start. Thankfully a ripple did pick up in the afternoon giving near perfect conditions. All water member Paul Havard landed half a dozen fish using a washing line on a 3ft RIO Midge Tip. Using a small cat booby on the out with a cruncher and cormorant on the dropper, fishing around M Buoy and the exclusion buoys. Draycote member Gordon Bramwell fished with Ken Cooke with the pair landing 20 fish to the boat. Fishing with washing line set up with a FAB on the point and cormorants on the droppers on a floating line. They fished around E Buoy, Biggin Bay, Lincroft and S Buoy. Peter Jefferies fishing with Keith Buckley landed 15 fish using dries and also a washing line. S Charter used a candy booby on the point of his washing line and small Diawl Bachs to boat 10 fish. Draycote member Kevin Rees used dries all day to land 19 fish with his best patterns being Bob’s Bits and Crippled Midge.

A fairly calm, overcast day on Friday with just enough breeze for the occasional ripple. This summers weather has been genuinely kind to us with steady fishing throughout , and Friday was no exception, with the western end of the reservoir features heavily on the catch returns. Mr G Day and Mr A pierce caught 3 fish between them from the bank using fry patterns such as minkies. Ruth and Tony Kirk had 4 fish to the boat between them using humungus and gold ribbed hares ears. Ian Reeve and Cian Lewis had a dozen fish to the boat on crippled midge, blobs and diawl bachs. Stuart Lee and Eddie Mitchell caught 16 fish on dries and lures fished on a midge tip. Season permit holder Ray Rawlings caught half a dozen fish using a washing line and cormorants drifting around A buoy and in Rainbow Corner. Mr K Bowen and Mr D Botterill used FAB’s to net 18 fish between them from a drifting boat.

Despite the forecast for Saturday we had light breezes and good cloud cover right through until late afternoon. Again Draycote did not disappoint, producing a rod average of 5.1 on what should have been a difficult day. Hares ears, buzzers and crunchers showed up everywhere on the catch return as well as blobs and FAB’S, mostly fished on floating lines or midge tips. Season Permit holder Alan Grant took to the bank near the old pipe in Biggin  Bay to net 4 fish on a floating line and buzzers. Staff member Mark Braun had a cracking day over in Biggin and Duns Bay, netting a total of 11 fish on boobies and black buzzers. Jon Crowley netted a dozen fish during a morning session on ginger midas and claret bob’s bits. Jon worked the outer edge of Duns Bay, past D buoy, as well as A buoy and Rainbow Corner. Young Ed Douglas had 15 fish to the boat on dries such as crippled midge, bob’s bits and culs.

Flat calm and bright sunshine was the order of the day on Sunday here at Draycote Water. The algae came up like pea soup and made for difficult fishing at times, although the anglers made the best of it, managing a rod average of 2.7. Kasidit Leoviriakit took to the bank to net a total of 4 fish. Kas used fry patterns on a floating line near the Old Pipe in Biggin Bay and up on the Tower Bank. His best fish weighed in at 3lbs 12 oz. Season permit holder Richard Walker managed a brace to the boat early doors on big reds down in the Cornfield. Mr Peter Webb caught half a dozen fish on a slow tip line and FAB’s whilst drifting near A buoy up[ near Rainbow Corner. Staff member Lee Henfrey had 14 fish to the boat using a fast glass line and snakes. Lee plied his trade out in front of the pontoon early on in the day and remarked that the fish had gone off by 11 o’clock.

Competitions Due at Draycote:

EFFA- 14^th September 18 boats.

Airflo Sheild Final- 16^th September 42 boats.

Mid Northants- 17^th September 20 Boats.

Draycote’s closing date

The closing date for Draycote for this season will be Thursday 30^th November 2023.

Weather: we use two weather forecast pages.

Both options give a good 48 to 72 hour forecast.

XC Weather – Forecast for CV23 8AB | XCWeather use this link for Draycote

Windy App – https://www.windy.com/  on their home page, enter the fishery name Draycote Water

Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report 

Lodge – 01536 770264 & Fishery Mobile 07834581424

Email: eyebrook@flyfishstore.co.uk

2023 Stocking Policy Details of our stocking policy for Eyebrook is explained on our website

www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk/about-us-2/stocking-policy/

2023 Membership options visit our website www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk/about-us-2/season-permits/

2023 Permits & Pre Payment for Boat Bookings Details of our Day Permits, Package Breaks & our Boat bookings pre-payment policy visit our website.

https://www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk/about-us-2/day-permits/

Week Ending: 03^rd September   Rod Av:   5.0          Water Temperature: 18°c

Eyebrook started the week in the same vein it finished the last with fish occupying the upper layers of the water column & getting caught on Dries & the Washing Line from the boats & from the banks. Beginner member Alex Hardy took to the banks & landed 6 fish from the Hawthorns in a short morning session which is a great return. Mr Burdett fishing a Last 4 Hour also caught well down the Hawthorns, landing 4 fish on Foam Daddies. On the boats, All Water Member Ed Douglas landed well into double figures from the area of the Main Basin, all of which came to the dries. Ed caught on Bob’s Bits, F Flies & CDC Emergers. Enjoying a morning session was John Balladon, who landed 15 fish on the Washing Line fishing a Candy FAB on the point & a Nemo Cruncher & Muskins on the droppers. Another angler to do very well on a Candy FAB was James Britton. James fished a Diawl Bach & a Hares Ear with it & went on to also land 15 fish. Our resident Guide Lee Henfry took Fred & Cohen Jones out on a 4-hour guide & had a great morning catching on the Dries, north side of the Valve Tower, tight into the Dam wall. Fred & Cohen Jones then went out & enjoyed an afternoon session consolidating what Lee had covered with them in the morning.  For further information on the Guiding & Tuition services we provide, please use the following link: https://www.flyfishtuition.co.uk/

Tuesday saw a moderate south-westerly breeze bring overcast skies for the majority of the day which was perfect for long drifts across the Main Basin targeting fish in the upper layers. Subsequently the reservoir fished very well with both the banks & the boats producing some excellent returns. The Hawthorns continues to fish very well for the Bank anglers with fish getting caught above the weedbeds on Dries or the Washing Line. Richard Joy had a very productive bank session landing 17 fish on Diawl Bachs presented with a FAB/Blob Booby on the point of his Washing Line. On the boats it was a similar story to the previous day with large numbers of fish caught on either Dries or the Washing Line. Fish were caught throughout the Main Basin with fish being caught from the Dam Wall to Robbo’s Cabin frontage & along the Leicester Bank to Sam’s Dyke. With regards to fishing the Dries, the Foam Daddy featured high on the catch returns as did Muskins, Diawl Bachs, Nemo Crunchers & FABs for those fishing the Washing Line. A special mention must go to youth angler Cohen Jones, who had a great short session landing 8 fish, all on Foam Daddies. Well done, Cohen, that’s a great effort.

Wednesday brought with it what can only be described as changeable weather. What started as a gentle south-westerly breeze developed into a moderate to strong, gusty north-westerly which brought with intervals of heavy showers & bright sunshine. Generally the fished remained high in the water column, although the spells of extended sunshine did result in the fish dropping down slightly & then coming back to the surface when the conditions change. The most productive methods remained the washing line & when conditions suited, the Dries, with the most productive area being the Main Basin. The Foam Daddy continued to feature highly on the catch return as did FAB’s, Diawl Bachs, Crunchers & Muskins.

There was a bright, clear started to Thursday with the reservoir in a flat calm. This remained so until lunchtime until a southerly breeze brought in some much-needed cloud cover.  Due to the stillness early on, there was a slight algal bloom which hampered some areas of the Main Basin until the wind increased. Yet again the reservoir fished well with fish caught from the boats & the bank. The bank anglers caught well along the Hawthorns where All Water Member Jim Greasley landed 15 on a washing line & also on the Dries. Round in Mucky bay Nigel Woolnough targeted the naturally feeding fish & was rewarded with 9 fish all taken on natural patterns fished over the weedbeds. From the boats, within the productive Main Basin, Dogwood bay held a good number of fish & were caught on Foam Daddies, the North Side of the Tower was also holding fish, as was Robbo’s Cabin frontage. Another All-Water Member, Mark Hunt, had another productive day landing 18 fish on the Dries: Yellow Owls & Foam Daddies proving to be the most effective. As previously reported, the washing lined Floating Line was another method that was catching well & as it proved for Jude Tuffs who landed 11 on FABs & Nymphs.

The reservoir continued to fish well Friday with fish still being caught in the upper layers. Eyebrook members Ian Steele & Bill Law had a very productive morning session landing 17 fish to the boat on the washing line from the area of the Main Basin. Another Eyebrook member, Nigel Savage caught well on a greased-up size 16 Hares Ear & out in his Float Tube was Ian Jobe, also caught very well. Initially going out to fish deep, Ian found the fish a lot higher up & changed to a tip line & fished the washing line. Ian found a lot of fish in front of Robbo’s Cabin, landing 10 fish on one drift.

Saturday brought with it some initial overcast conditions which disappeared after lunch to reveal clear, bright skies. Consequently, the change in weather made the fishing challenging for some. Thinking outside of the box & trying somewhere different, Eyebrook Member, Mick Farrell ventured down to the Willows & had a very successful day fishing the Dries. Mick landed well over 20 fish with the Midas & a Tan Foam Daddy being his most productive patterns. Others to catch well on Foam Daddies were Andrew & Nigel Farmer who landed well into double figures from the Main Basin. Thomas Long, also fishing the Main Basin, opted to fish nymphs on a Floating Line & was rewarded with an excellent return of 16 fish. Thomas found Diawl Bachs & small Black Buzzers to be his most effective patterns.

Initially there was a misty start to Sunday which eventually cleared due to the rising sun & revealed flat, calm conditions across the whole reservoir. With the sun beating down on the water & no wind to move the water, Algae quickly began to form in the Main Basin, with other parts remaining clear. Sunday saw us host the Eyebrook Flyfishers Single Fly match which saw 8 anglers armed with their Foam Daddies, take to the water. The reservoir fished very well & between they produced a rod average of 6.6 which was great given the conditions. The Willows produced a great number of fish with the fish happy to take the Dries & for those fish the competition, Foam Daddies. Congratulations goes to all the prize winners, Mark Goodge/Dick Spicer for the smallest fish & Dave Etty for the largest fish. Elsewhere, Mr Hollins had a great day, landing well over 20, fishing deeper, pulling boobies on a sinking line out in open water, off the Island. On the banks, down by the Hawthorns, was Ian Gadsby, who had a great bag of fish, landing 11 once a gentle breeze cleared the Algae. Despite far from ideal conditions, the Reservoir fished very well & it was a great end to the week.

Upcoming Events.

06 September – England Disabled Fly Fishers, 15 Boats + 2 WB’s

09 & 10 September – England Ladies National, 15 Boats.

10 September – Fly Fishing Large Reservoirs, 10 Boats.

17 September – All-Abilities Friendly Fly-Fishing Club – 12 + 3WB’s.

2023 Eyebrook Closing Date.

The last day of fishing on Eyebrook is Monday 20^th November.

Weather: we use two weather forecast pages.

Both options give a good 48-to-72-hour forecast.

XC Weather – https://www.xcweather.co.uk/forecast/LE16_8RP use this link for Eyebrook.

Windy App – https://www.windy.com/  on their home page, enter the fishery name Eyebrook Reservoir.

Thornton Fishery Weekly Report – 01530 230807

Email: thornton@flyfishstore.co.uk

2023 Stocking Policy Details of our stocking policy for Thornton are explained on our website www.flyfishthornton.co.uk/about-us-2/stocking-policy/

2023 Permits & Pre Payment for Boat Bookings For details of our Day Permits, Package Breaks & our Boat bookings pre-payment policy visit our website.

https://www.flyfishthornton.co.uk/about-us-2/day-permits/

Week Ending: 3^rd September Rod Av: 1.0  Water Temperature:18.5c – 19c

Despite some excellent fishing towards the end of the week previous Monday & Tuesday fishing of this week proved challenging due to the continued algae we have.

Wednesday anglers fished the morning session due to the algae with fast sinking lines and booby patterns generally fishing best. P Hunt & J Thomson fished fast sinkers with a sparkler booby to catch 5 for their mornings fishing with T Holder back for a second trip catching his 3 trout on a blue eyed damsel booby. Water temperature due to the cooler nights is just below 19c.

Thursday our water temperature at 7am is 18.5c going the right direction for the autumn. Algae is still an issue were advising rods to fish the morning or take a trip to Eyebrook or Draycote.

Friday, Saturday & Sunday algae has remained and is quite thick in some areas. When the breeze was from the east the anglers who did go out found clearer conditions from the Markfield arm across to the smaller yellow buoy on Sunday with a southerly breeze the clearer water was from green bay / dam area. Fast sinking lines with damsel booby, sparkler booby and minkie booby worked best.

During the week we recommended anglers fished Eyebrook or Draycote with their clearer conditions and good fishing. Thornton will bounce back as soon as the algae reduces.

Thornton Angling Club, Monday 11^th September from 9.00am to 2.00pm have their clubs annual seniors boat competition. Contact the lodge to have your name added to the event.

Thornton 2023 last day of the fishing season Thursday 30^th November

Weather: we use two weather forecast pages.

Both options give a good 48 to 72 hour forecast.

XC Weather – https://www.xcweather.co.uk/forecast/LE67_1AR use this link for Thornton.

Windy App – https://www.windy.com/  on their home page, enter the fishery name Thornton Reservoir

Despite the forecast for Saturday we had light breezes and good cloud cover right through until late afternoon. Again Draycote did not disappoint, producing a rod average of 5.1 on what should have been a difficult day. Hares ears, buzzers and crunchers showed up everywhere on the catch return as well as blobs and FAB’S, mostly fished on floating lines or midge tips. Season Permit holder Alan Grant took to the bank near the old pipe in Biggin  Bay to net 4 fish on a floating line and buzzers. Staff member Mark Braun had a cracking day over in Biggin and Duns Bay, netting a total of 11 fish on boobies and black buzzers. Jon Crowley netted a dozen fish during a morning session on ginger midas and claret bob’s bits. Jon worked the outer edge of Duns Bay, past D buoy, as well as A buoy and Rainbow Corner. Young Ed Douglas had 15 fish to the boat on dries such as crippled midge, bob’s bits and culs.

A fairly calm, overcast day on Friday with just enough breeze for the occasional ripple. This summers weather has been genuinely kind to us with steady fishing throughout , and Friday was no exception, with the western end of the reservoir features heavily on the catch returns. Mr G Day and Mr A Pierce caught 3 fish between them from the bank using fry patterns such as minkies. Ruth and Tony Kirk had 4 fish to the boat between them using humungus and gold ribbed hares ears. Ian Reeve and Cian Lewis netted a dozen fish on crippled midge, blobs and diawl bachs. Stuart Lee and Eddie Mitchell caught 16 fish on dries and lures fished on a midge tip. Season permit holder Ray Rawlings caught half a dozen fish using a washing line and cormorants drifting around A buoy and in Rainbow Corner. Mr K Bowen and Mr D Botterill used FAB’s to net 18 fish between them from a drifting boat.

 Fishing Report: Draycote

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

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

Fishery YouTube Channel: YouTube Flyfishstore

Draycote Fishery Weekly Report – 01788 812018

Email:  draycote@flyfishstore.co.uk

2023 Stocking Policy Details of our stocking policy for Draycote is explained on our website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/stocking-policy/

2023 Membership Options visit our website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/season-permits/

2023 Permits & Pre Payment for Boat Bookings Details of our Day Permits, Package Breaks & our Boat bookings pre-payment policy visit our website.

https://www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/day-permits/

Exclusion Zone  Due to the work being carried out on the Hensborough Bank there is an exclusion zone in place, clearly marked with yellow buoys. Under no circumstances are anglers to enter this area as there are divers in the water.

Thursday 31st August 2023  Rod Av: 5.71  Water Temperature: 17 °C

A flat calm start Thursday with overcast skies from the start. Thankfully a ripple did pick up in the afternoon giving near perfect conditions. All water member Paul Havard landed half a dozen fish using a washing line on a 3ft RIO Midge Tip. Using a small cat booby on the out with a cruncher and cormorant on the dropper, fishing around M Buoy and the exclusion buoys. Draycote member Gordon Bramwell fished with Ken Cooke with the pair landing 20 fish to the boat. Fishing with washing line set up with a FAB on the point and cormorants on the droppers on a floating line. They fished around E Buoy, Biggin Bay, Lincroft and S Buoy. Peter Jefferies fishing with Keith Buckley landed 15 fish using dries and also a washing line. S Charter used a candy booby on the point of his washing line and small Diawl Bachs to boat 10 fish. Draycote member Kevin Rees used dries all day to land 19 fish with his best patterns being Bob’s Bits and Crippled Midge.

Take A Friend Fishing 29^th July to 3^rd September 2023, a great opportunity to introduce a family member or friend to a Free days fly fishing. Your guest will share your permit with the availability of a free days rod licence.

Full details visit the website https://takeafriendfishing.co.uk/

The event is supported by the campaign partners Angling Trade Association & the Environment Agency

Competitions Due at Draycote:

Scottish Power- 2^nd September 10 boats.

EFFA- 14^th September 18 boats.

Airflo Sheild Final- 16^th September 42 boats.

Mid Northants- 17^th September 20 Boats.

Draycote 2023 last day of the fishing season Thursday 30th November.

Weather: we use two weather forecast pages.

Both options give a good 48 to 72 hour forecast.

XC Weather – Forecast for CV23 8AB | XCWeather use this link for Draycote

Windy App – https://www.windy.com/  on their home page, enter the fishery name Draycote Water

 Fishing Report: Draycote

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

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

Fishery YouTube Channel: YouTube Flyfishstore

Draycote Fishery Weekly Report – 01788 812018

Email:  draycote@flyfishstore.co.uk

2023 Stocking Policy Details of our stocking policy for Draycote is explained on our website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/stocking-policy/

2023 Membership Options visit our website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/season-permits/

2023 Permits & Pre Payment for Boat Bookings Details of our Day Permits, Package Breaks & our Boat bookings pre-payment policy visit our website.

https://www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/day-permits/

Exclusion Zone  Due to the work being carried out on the Hensborough Bank there is an exclusion zone in place, clearly marked with yellow buoys. Under no circumstances are anglers to enter this area as there are divers in the water.

Wednesday 30th August 2023      Rod Av: 3.38       Water Temperature: 17 °C

A brighter day Wednesday with winds that started in the West first thing in the morning which then later went to the Northwest. Draycote members Mike Garner & Tony Broadway fished from Lincroft point using fry patterns to land a brace each. Fishing from the boats Ian Richardson & Bob Smith enjoyed a good days sport landing 15 fish to their boat. The  pair fished with Di 3 sinking lines with a Humungous on the point and cormorants on the droppers. Landing their fish from Albert Bottom drifting towards E Buoy commenting on a “very good day” Draycote member Peter Elliot fished with Stuart Lee over from Canada landing 27 fish to the boat. They also fished in Biggin Bay and around Lincroft point but found popper hoppers to be their best patterns. John Kirk landed 12 fish while out on the boat, using a floating line with a booby on the point and then hoppers on the droppers.

Take A Friend Fishing 29^th July to 3^rd September 2023, a great opportunity to introduce a family member or friend to a Free days fly fishing. Your guest will share your permit with the availability of a free days rod licence.

Full details visit the website https://takeafriendfishing.co.uk/

The event is supported by the campaign partners Angling Trade Association & the Environment Agency

Competitions Due at Draycote:

Scottish Power- 2^nd September 10 boats.

EFFA- 14^th September 18 boats.

Airflo Sheild Final- 16^th September 42 boats.

Mid Northants- 17^th September 20 Boats.

Weather: we use two weather forecast pages.

Both options give a good 48 to 72 hour forecast.

XC Weather – Forecast for CV23 8AB | XCWeather use this link for Draycote

Windy App – https://www.windy.com/  on their home page, enter the fishery name Draycote Water

Fishing Report: Draycote, 

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

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

Fishery YouTube Channel: YouTube Flyfishstore

Draycote Fishery Weekly Report – 01788 812018

Email:  draycote@flyfishstore.co.uk

2023 Stocking Policy Details of our stocking policy for Draycote is explained on our website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/stocking-policy/

2023 Membership Options visit our website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/season-permits/

2023 Permits & Pre Payment for Boat Bookings Details of our Day Permits, Package Breaks & our Boat bookings pre-payment policy visit our website.

https://www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/day-permits/

Exclusion Zone  Due to the work being carried out on the Hensborough Bank there is an exclusion zone in place, clearly marked with yellow buoys. Under no circumstances are anglers to enter this area as there are divers in the water.

Monday 28th August 2023  Rod Av: 3.56  Water Temperature: 17 °C

Overcast skies Monday and Northwest winds, with the wind dropping later providing a nice ripple on the water. All water member Andy Lillie fished with Graham England with the pair boating 12 fish from a morning session. Using suspender Minkies and also daddies, fishing near Lincroft Point. They spooned the fish to fish that they have clearly been feeding hard on sticklebacks. Draycote member John Dickens used dries all day to land 9 fish with Crippled Midge and Bob’s Bit being his most productive patterns. Gary & David Turner also fished dries to land their fish, taking 5 in an afternoon session. Ian Watts & Rob Toptalo enjoyed a great days sport landing 30 fish to their boat. The fishing a washing line on a floater, but found it was when the popped and pulled the boobies the caught the majority of the fish. The pair drifted from C Buoy down to Y Buoy finding the fish closer to Y in the morning but as the day progressed caught more at C Buoy.

Take A Friend Fishing 29^th July to 3^rd September 2023, a great opportunity to introduce a family member or friend to a Free days fly fishing. Your guest will share your permit with the availability of a free days rod licence.

Full details visit the website https://takeafriendfishing.co.uk/

The event is supported by the campaign partners Angling Trade Association & the Environment Agency

Competitions Due at Draycote:

Scottish Power- 2^nd September 15 boats.

EFFA- 14^th September 18 boats.

Airflo Sheild Final- 16^th September 42 boats.

Mid Northants- 17^th September 20 Boats.

Weather: we use two weather forecast pages.

Both options give a good 48 to 72 hour forecast.

XC Weather – Forecast for CV23 8AB | XCWeather use this link for Draycote

Windy App – https://www.windy.com/  on their home page, enter the fishery name Draycote Water

Weekly Fishing Report: Draycote, Eyebrook, Thornton

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

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

Fishery YouTube Channel: YouTube Flyfishstore

Draycote Fishery Weekly Report – 01788 812018

Email:  draycote@flyfishstore.co.uk

2023 Stocking Policy Details of our stocking policy for Draycote is explained on our website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/stocking-policy/

2023 Membership Options visit our website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/season-permits/

2023 Permits & Pre Payment for Boat Bookings Details of our Day Permits, Package Breaks & our Boat bookings pre-payment policy visit our website.

https://www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/day-permits/

Exclusion Zone  Due to the work being carried out on the Hensborough Bank there is an exclusion zone in place, clearly marked with yellow buoys. Under no circumstances are anglers to enter this area as there are divers in the water.

Week Ending:   Sunday 27^th August 2023  Rod Av: 2.9  Water Temperature: 17.5 °C

A bright start to the week Monday, with a gusty wind at times coming from the Southwest.  Peter Evans fished from Rainbow Corner drifting towards Y Buoy to land 3 fish in a morning session. Taking the fish on the booby fished on the point. Paul Cramp also fished for a morning landing 5 fish, using cormorants on a midge tip. Paul drifted the open water through the middle around P Buoy to take his fish with the best being a cracking 4lb rainbow. Draycote season ticket holder Paul Walked landed 14 fish while out on a boat. Paul used a red gold head lure fished on a midge tip to take his fish. Landing them at B Buoy towards the Valve Tower and also down at the Swan’s nest in Toft.

Another bright and breezy day on Tuesday, which made the fishing a challenge at times, as the fish still remain high in the water. However, the bright conditions mean they feed for shorter periods of time. All water member Ken Key battled the strong winds at Lincroft point and was rewarded with a cracking Rainbow taken on a cruncher. Draycote member Tim Davies fished with his son Johnathan with the duo landing 7 fish in a morning session. Using a washing line, with a booby on the point and nymphs on the droppers. With the most productive area being a the Exclusion zone buoys towards M Bouy and then around K Buoy. All water member Ed Douglas stuck to dries for most of the day landing 6 fish with shuttlecocks and crippled midge being his most productive pattern. James Maplethorpe fished with Trevor Moore, between the Draycote Dam and B Buoy. Landing 15 fish between them using small biscuit boobies on the point and Diawl Bachs on the droppers and commented “brilliant day 4 over 3lbs”.

Wednesday was overcast with a light breeze to start with and brightened up as the day progressed. The water quality is pretty good overall, with a little colour at the windward end of the reservoir, which doesn’t seem to effect the fishing too much. As seems to be the standard this season, anglers can be seen catching fish in bright sunshine either on dries or on a washing line just below the surface. On a visit from Canada, Stuart Lee had a great day out netting 11 fish on dries as well as the washing line on a midge tip. Stuart fished near the out of bounds markers on the Hensborough Bank as well as in Rainbow Corner. Ed Douglas and Kevin Rees had a bakers dozen apiece on dries such as crippled midge, bob’s bits and the F fly. Alex Campbell had half a dozen good fish during a morning session, one of which weighed roughly 4 lbs 7oz.  Alex used a DI7 line and a mini tube fly around the Dive Platforms and the front of the Valve Tower.

Thursday was flat calm and bright to start with but got a bit breezy through the afternoon. Due to the flat conditions there was a bit of colour in the water but once again, it doesn’t seem to bother the fish too much. Paul Havard had 3 fish to the boat using a washing line and a tequila blob. Mr Brendan Thomas also caught 3 fish using muskins and stated that he had lost a lot more. Frazer Duffy senior and junior caught 14 fish between them using a mixture of dries and cormorants during an afternoon session. Mike Gillett and Colin Campbell had 4 fish to the boat between them using diawl bachs on a floating line near the flat stones.

Overcast skies and westerly winds on Friday, however despite the good conditions the fishing was tricky. Although the bank anglers enjoyed good sport Stan Hillman and Mick Cronin both landed 5 fish each from Lincroft point. The used floating fry to land their 5 fish and commented on the quality of the fish both landing fish up to 5lb. On the boats we had a number of anglers practicing for the John Watts Fly Dressers Guild match on Saturday so exact numbers and methods where a closely guarded secret. One of the teams practicing for the match landed 11 fish between the 3 of them. There was also similar numbers recorded by the Scottish team of 4. With the tactics that worked successfully being Di 7 sinking lines and lures. Mr David Molineux used a Di 7 sinking line and a sparkler booby to land 6 fish from Rainbow Corner.

The wind on Saturday remained on the Southwest, with a mix of cloud and sun during the day. Draycote member Mike Garner fished from Lincroft point landing 3 fish all on fry patterns. With his first fish being a cracking 4lb rainbow. On the boats Draycote member Jon Crowley landed 7 fish on claret bobs bits in the morning before the sun came out. Drifting from M Buoy out towards K Buoy on ling drifts. Fishery Ranger Mark Braun enjoyed a mornings sport on a day off landing 8. Staring his drift at C Buoy and heading through the Aerators. Using an intermediate line with an orange blob fished with a fast retrieve. Draycote member Chris Pallot fished from A to N Buoy in a morning session landing 4 fish. Including a cracking 5lb 8oz Rainbow, which can be seen on our here www.facebook.com/flyfishstore Chris used a Di 3 sinking with a white and silver Humungus to land his fish. Saturday also saw the fishery host the Fly Dressers Guild John Watts Competition. With 10 regions from all over the UK taking place from Kent all the way to Scotland. Overall there was 117 fish caught for a rod average of 3.0 per angler. With the winning team being the North Kent Salad Dodgers with 23, Second Place went to Trout ‘n Gout with 21 and New Haylie Fly Fishers with 14. The overall top rod was Paul Cramp who landed 10 fish, using a Di 5 sweep in the morning with black hoppers on the droppers and a cat booby on the point. Before swapping to two foam daddies on a floating line in the afternoon. Taking 5 of each method, fishing from T Buoy down to H buoy into Toft and around Lincroft point.

An overcast day Sunday for the most part with a bit of sun later in the day and the odd shower around lunch. Draycote member Richard walker fished for a morning landing 9 fish, taking 5 on dries. Either Big Reds or Orange Daddy with the other 4 coming to a white snake. All water member Ed Douglas also finished the day with 9 fish, all of which that came to dries. Lianne Frost fished with a single FAB on various tip lines or an intermediate to land 8 fish. With Chris Bobby also using the same tactic along with a single CDC to also land 8. Draycote member Paul Mitchell fished with Tim Burn with the pair landing 22 fish to their boat. Using sparkler boobies and FABs fished on various midge tips around Y Buoy, N & M Buoy. All water members Frazer Duffy Snr & Jnr landed 28 fish fishing around Y Buoy. The father and son duo used a 12ft slow tip with a FAB on the point and then crunchers on the droppers.

Take A Friend Fishing 29^th July to 3^rd September 2023, a great opportunity to introduce a family member or friend to a Free days fly fishing. Your guest will share your permit with the availability of a free days rod licence.

Full details visit the website https://takeafriendfishing.co.uk/

The event is supported by the campaign partners Angling Trade Association & the Environment Agency

Competitions Due at Draycote:

Scottish Power- 2^nd September 15 boats.

EFFA- 14^th September 18 boats.

Airflo Sheild Final- 16^th September 42 boats.

Mid Northants- 17^th September 20 Boats.

Weather: we use two weather forecast pages.

Both options give a good 48 to 72 hour forecast.

XC Weather – Forecast for CV23 8AB | XCWeather use this link for Draycote

Windy App – https://www.windy.com/  on their home page, enter the fishery name Draycote Water

Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report  

Lodge – 01536 770264 & Fishery Mobile 07834581424

Email: eyebrook@flyfishstore.co.uk

2023 Stocking Policy Details of our stocking policy for Eyebrook is explained on our website

www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk/about-us-2/stocking-policy/

2023 Membership options visit our website www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk/about-us-2/season-permits/

2023 Permits & Pre Payment for Boat Bookings Details of our Day Permits, Package Breaks & our Boat bookings pre-payment policy visit our website.

https://www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk/about-us-2/day-permits/

Week Ending: 27^th August   Rod Av:  5.3        Water Temperature: 19+°c

It was another calm start to the week with a moderate southerly wind developing as the day progressed. This brought with it some extended periods of sunshine that meant the fish sat slightly deeper in the water column. Subsequently the washing line became the most productive method with fish taken on the buoyant point fly, be that a FAB or Foam Daddy & also on the Nymphs fished above it. Dries did work but only when the conditions suited & the Foam Daddy proved to be the most productive dry fly. All water members Ian Jobe & Andy Lilley both had productive morning sessions, landing 7 & 11 fish respectively. Ian opted for his float tube, targeting the slightly deeper laying fish whereas Andy targeted the fish in the upper layers with Dries & the Washing Line. Both anglers fished the Main Basin with a mobile approach, with the north side of the tower into Harrisons Corner noted as a particular hotspot.

Tuesday brought with it a moderate to strong westerly wind & bright sunshine with occasional cloud cover. The fish behaved exactly as you expect them to, laying a foot or so deeper during the extended periods of sunshine & feeding off the surface when there was sufficient cloud cover. Subsequently, the Washing Line continued to fish well as did the Dries when the conditions suited, with Foam Daddies once again featuring high on the catch returns. With regards to the washing line, small buzzers as an option on droppers have taken a few fish of late which indicates we are experiencing the seasonal late buzzer hatch of very small buzzers. From the boats, Eyebrook member Bill Law had a very successful day on the Washing Line, landing 7 fish on a morning session from various areas in the Main Basin. From the banks, David Coxon enjoyed his short session landing 4 fish from the casting platforms on the Leicester Bank. David used a small buzzer to tempt his fish. Well done, David, 4 fish from the bank in August is a very good return.

Wednesday, saw the weather continue in the same vein as the previous days but with less wind. The reservoir continued to fish well from the banks with both Jim Deacon & Steve Barlow land 4 fish from the area of the Hawthorns & Casting platforms. On the boats, there were still a high number of fish North side of the Tower up into Harrisons, tight in along the Dam wall with Brian White landing 8 fish on lures & Kieron Black landed 7 fish from the same area. Due to the bright sunlight & little wind, Dries did not fish that well with flies presented sub surface performing better on the day.

The reservoir fished well on Thursday with fish being caught on a variety of methods from the banks & the boats. From the banks, anglers caught along the Leicester bank from the casting platforms to Sam’s Dyke fishing Dries, Floating Fry & on the Washing Line. Eyebrook Members Roy Swinfield & Malcolm Thompson caught 8 & 4 fish respectively on the Washing Line & Dries. Whereas Max Woolnough opted to fish Floating Fry & was rewarded with 6 fish. On the boats it was a similar story with the Washing Line & Dries dominating the catch returns. The most productive Dry Fly was the Foam Daddy with both All-Water Members Steve Fairgrieve & Mark Hunt both catching very well on them in the Main Basin. On the Washing Line it paid to fish either a FAB or a Blob Booby on the point with either Nymphs or Cormorants on the Droppers. If the colourful Blob patterns didn’t catch, they done a great job in attracting fish into the other flies on the cast. Another All-Water Member, Mick Glover, used this method to land his 15 fish on what was a very productive session.

The Dries & the Washing Line continued to fish well on the Friday. Eyebrook Member Dave Shaer fished the Washing Line with colour on the point & went on to land 9 fish in a very productive morning session from the Main Basin. Another to catch 9 fish was All-Water Member Ed Douglas. Ed opted to fish the dries & found his most productive patterns to be the CDC F-Fly & also a Crippled Midge. Also from the boats, more Eyebrook Members, Bill Law & Ian Steele had a very productive morning session landing well into double figures on the Washing Line. From the banks Nigel & Max Woolnough chose to target the feeding fish along the weed beds of the Leicester Bank. Fishing Corixa patterns they encountered plenty of fish but found them to be not quite so obliging when it came to entering the net. A massive congratulations must go to Last 4 angler, Dave Huish who caught his first ever trout on a fly rod. Well done, Dave, here is to the first of many…!

Saturday started with light westerly breeze with clear skies & as the day progressed, the cloud cover began to build & by midday the conditions were nye on perfect. The wind eventually swung round to the Northwest & brought with it some changeable conditions, bright spells & heavy rain littered the afternoon. The reservoir fished very well throughout the day with some excellent returns recorded from both the banks & the boats. Dries fished very well off the banks with Eyebrook Member Malcolm Thompson & Mr Heawood landing a high number of fish on CDC’s & Foam Daddies from the Hawthorns. As well as Dries, boats anglers also caught on the Washing Line, where the Main Basin continued to fish very well with plenty of anglers getting into double figures. Eyebrook member Bob Margery had a great morning session landing well over 20 fish on the washing line, fishing close into the Dam Wall above the Valve tower.  Whereas All Water Member Mark Hunt, fished a couple of Foam Daddies down the wind lanes that were forming across the open water in the Main Basin & also landed over 20 fish. Not to be out done, Neil Shilton in his Float Tube also got in on the action landing well into double figures, also from the Main Basin.

Sunday saw the reservoirs excellent form continue yielding a daily rod average of 9.8 which is excellent for August. Great returns were recorded from the banks, Float Tubes & the boats with plenty of anglers landing well into double figures. From the banks, the Hawthorns continue to fish well wish fish caught on CDC’s over the weedbeds & later in the afternoon, on Sedge patterns. Malcolm Thompson returned & had an even better day than yesterday, targeting the fish feeding in the weed beds. Whether it was in a Float Tube or on a boat, the Main Basin fished exceptional well with the fish remaining high up in the water column & getting caught on the Washing Line & on the Dries. The most productive Dry Fly remains the Foam Daddy, whereas on the Washing Line it was again important to fish a bit of colour on the point in the form of either a FAB or a Blob Booby. As for the droppers, Cormorants, Diawl Bachs, Crunchers all featured highly on the catch returns. With the Main Basin being a relatively large area, it has also been important to remain mobile & cover as much water as possible by fishing on the drift.

The forecast for the forthcoming week indicates that there is more cool weather to come. Coupled with the longer nights, this could lead to a reduction in water temperature which means that the excellent form we are experiencing here at Eyebrook looks set to continue.

Take A Friend Fishing 29^th July to 3^rd September 2023, a great opportunity to introduce a family member or friend to a Free day’s fly fishing. Your guest will share your permit with the availability of a free day’s rod licence.

Full details visit the website https://takeafriendfishing.co.uk/

The event is supported by the campaign partners Angling Trade Association & the Environment Agency

Upcoming Events

03 September – Eyebrook Fly Fishers – Single Fly, 8 Boats.

06 September – England Disabled Fly Fishers, 15 Boats + 2 WB’s

09 & 10 September – England Ladies National, 15 Boats.

Weather: we use two weather forecast pages.

Both options give a good 48-to-72-hour forecast.

XC Weather – https://www.xcweather.co.uk/forecast/LE16_8RP use this link for Eyebrook.

Windy App – https://www.windy.com/  on their home page, enter the fishery name Eyebrook Reservoir.

Thornton Fishery Weekly Report – 01530 230807

Email: thornton@flyfishstore.co.uk

2023 Stocking Policy Details of our stocking policy for Eyebrook is explained on our website www.flyfishthornton.co.uk/about-us-2/stocking-policy/

2023 Permits & Pre Payment for Boat Bookings Details of our Day Permits, Package Breaks & our Boat bookings pre-payment policy visit our website.

https://www.flyfishthornton.co.uk/about-us-2/day-permits/

Week Ending: 27^th August  Rod Av: 3.1   Water Temperature: 19c – 20c

Monday and a quiet start to the week with only a couple of members out on the water.

Tuesday a much busier day, algae was again an issue, but a good breeze helped, overall a good days fishing with a 4.5 rod average. Generally fast sinkers with various booby patterns caught fished across the main basin. Arthur Olding caught 15 for his mornings visit with Pete Cox catching 12. Ian Leach and Mark Cowley boated 12 on various boobies fished on a sink 7 & sink 6 fly lines. Best of the fishing was generally during the morning into early afternoon.

Wednesday with light winds and a hot day forecast algae was about which saw most of the anglers fishing with a tip line down to fast sinkers. P Hunt caught 13 on a fast sinker with a blue damsel booby, Richard Price caught 8 also on a fast sinker with a flash damsel booby, with Tim Holder returning to fly fishing catching 4 on a sinking line with damsel booby patterns. Dave Slessor caught 5 trout fishing on a midge tip and fast sinking lines. Overall, a good day with a 3.8 rod average.

Thursday similar start to the day as Wednesday, very humid, light breeze & algae. Breeze picked up and came from the north westerly. There was a fair bit of algae with most rods deciding to fish the morning session. Phil Moore caught 4 but had lots of pulls & fish that took short, he fished a fast sinking line on the drift with various booby patterns. Tim Russell & Ron Rudge caught 5 for their mornings visit with P Birdsall & Mick Norman boating 5 trout.

Friday surface water temperature at 20c with algae about. Despite the conditions anglers fished the cooler morning session with fast sinking lines & a variety of booby patterns fished on a 3ft or 6ft leader, producing a rod average 4.0 Chris Sayer caught 7 with S Zeleny & Swinfield boating 6 for their visit.

Saturday, overcast morning, surprisingly humid with algae about again this morning. Forecast is for a cooler day with light showers. Overall, a challenging day with Jan Webber top rod for the second Saturday in a row with 5 trout caught on a fast sinker 7 line & booby patterns. John Bebbington spotted gulls feeding on the fry along the stones, moving to this area he fished fry patterns under the surface boating 3 trout.

Sunday, cooler overnight dropped the surface temperature to 19c. Algae unfortunately still an issue for Thornton. The morning session continues to fish best with a fast sinker & various booby pattern on a 3ft or 6ft leader generally best. Orange, red & damsel, minkie boobies have worked best although on Sunday Neil Bates caught 8 fish for his mornings visit on a sparkler booby.

With the cooler evenings & a much cooler forecast for the coming week we will hopefully start to see the algae clear. Current surface water temperature has dropped to 19c & should continue to drop. As always call the lodge for latest fishing report.

Take A Friend Fishing 29^th July to 3^rd September 2023, a great opportunity to introduce a family member or friend to a Free days fly fishing. Your guest will share your permit with the availability of a free days rod licence.

Full details visit the website https://takeafriendfishing.co.uk/

The event is supported by the campaign partners Angling Trade Association & the Environment Agency.

Weather: we use two weather forecast pages.

Both options give a good 48 to 72 hour forecast.

XC Weather – https://www.xcweather.co.uk/forecast/LE67_1AR use this link for Thornton.

Windy App – https://www.windy.com/  on their home page, enter the fishery name Thornton Reservoir

Thursday was flat calm and bright to start with but the breeze got up a bit through the afternoon. Due to the flat conditions there was a bit of colour in the water but once again, it doesn’t seem to bother the fish too much. Paul Havard had 3 fish to the boat using a washing line and a tequila blob. Mr Brendan Thomas also caught 3 fish using muskins and stated that he had lost a lot more. Frazer Duffy senior and junior caught 14 fish between them using a mixture of dries and cormorants during an afternoon session. Mike Gillett and Colin Campbell had 4 fish to the boat between them using diawl bachs on a floating line near the flat stones.