Draycote weekly fishing report Monday 5^th May – Sunday 11^th May

Once again a week of changing weather with unsettled conditions. The week started warm & mild but extreme winds & very heavy showers were with us by the weekend.

The fishing remained consistent throughout with an average of 4.5 most days. On Monday traditional patterns proved their worth with Mr Parsley catching 13 from the bank on a Bibio. Buzzers fished “Washing Line” style with a FAB Blob was also reported as taking plenty of fish in Toft, whilst Stuart Llewellyn fished Snatchers for a total of 16 fish, also in Toft Shallows. Season rod Matt Hanlon also had a “Brill Day” afloat catching rainbows up to 6lbs in an 11 fish total.

On Tuesday Graham Pearson & John Wylde enjoyed fine sport in Rainbow Corner boating a total of 21fish. Graham Homer fished buzzer from the boat on Wednesday & tempted a 6lbs 12 oz Rainbow during what described as “a great day.”

Bank regular Geoff Allsop yet again excelled during his Thursday visit. He fished small spider patterns, green palmers & hoppers at Lin Croft & Hensborough for a day’s tally of 27. We played host to the Police Eastern Regional Qualifier that day with their 20 boats catching 142 trout recording a rod average of 3.55.

On Friday, Barry Buxton had an exciting evening boat session off the Farborough Bank dam catching 21rainbows. He found success mainly on damsel patterns and also managed to land his first ever “double up”. Meanwhile, on the bank, Brian Allwood caught & returned a brownie estimated at over 7lbs.

Saturday & Sunday saw the arrival of strong westerly winds with some gusts in excess of 35mph.Boat fishing areas had to be restricted as a consequence but, despite uncomfortable conditions,106 rods managed 436 fish for a rod average of 4.1.

An evening session on the rudder saw season rod Tom Morris take four beautifully established rainbows for a weight of 16lbs. On Sunday we welcomed our now annual visit from the Norweigan national team headed up by Peter Eggleton who demonstrated how to catch in adverse winds with a 14 fish total on the drift.

Finally, Mr A Swift, visiting for the weekend, decided that a second day afloat in the windy conditions was not for him. He therefore ventured onto the bank in Rainbow Corner where he promptly took an 8lbs 2oz rainbow on a size 12 black buzzer –the best fish of the week!

In order to maintain the accuracy of our records can anglers be politely reminded to ensure completion of the booking out sheet prior to leaving the site.

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

Tuition Day with Hywel Morgan, Beginners tuition day Sunday 1^st June, all tackle provided including fishing permit £60.00 contact the lodge for details

Weekly Stats:

Number of rods for the week: 351    Number of fish taken: 658     Number of fish released:  825

Total Catch: 1483    Rod Average: 4.22      Best fish:  8lbs 2ozs Rainbow

Current fishing times:

Bank  07:30 until 21:00

Boat   08:30 until 20.45

Part Day Boat 08.30 – 2.00pm  /  2.00pm – 8.45pm

Last 4 Hours commences : Boat 17:00 /  Bank 16:45

All anglers to be off site by 21:15

Bank anglers Car Passes: If you want to take your car around the reservoir perimeter road call the lodge & book one of the 30 available bank angler car passes.

Tight lines,   Kevin Hart 

Draycote weekly fishing report Monday 28th April – Sunday 4th May 2014

Yet another excellent week albeit made tricky on occasion by changes in wind directions & some cold morning starts. Morning frosts have still not completely left us.

Nevertheless, fish have been moving freely most days & many have also moved over open water. At times a pre-occupation on tiny buzzer has frustrated many anglers, particularly during the morning sessions. Larger buzzer, mainly black, have tended to hatch a little later and mid-afternoon to evening rises have been excellent, especially when it has been warm. I have seen more rising fish during the course of this past week-end than I have done at Draycote for years.

Once more it is clear from the returns that those anglers using smaller, imitative patterns have enjoyed more productive sport. On Monday Mark Francis took 16 from a boat on a buzzer & klinkhammer combination. Brian Froggatt managed 20 using size 14 emergers& small buzzer.

Not to be beaten by the nymphing anglers, Mr Severn took an 8 fish limit for 27lbs on large lures fished deep from the boat. His catch included a 5lbs brownie.

Testament to the spread of fish currently, Draycote regular Geoff Allsop fished from the bank on Thursday with size 14 spiders & Diawl Bachs. He reported having a great day catching a total of 31 from Hensborough, Toft, Tower Bank & Dunns!

On Friday, George Denny gave up his usual boat in order to make a rare appearance on the bank. His catch included a 5lbs brownie which he caught from the Cornfield on a Damsel.

Numerous regular holiday  visitors spent the Bank Holiday week-end with us on our three day package. The McGregor Party from Scotland enjoyed consistent sport in Rainbow Corner, the Farborough Bank and Toft. Their combined tally exceeded 230 fish, representing a daily rod average for them of over 15. Their Welsh counterparts, headed by Gary Davies, caught similarly  with Gary himself catching in excess of 150. His catch included rainbows of 7lbs 8oz & 8lbs 8oz – the best fish of the week.

Best sport of the week came on Friday & Saturday when both days maintained  a rod average of over eight.

Best flies have been buzzers,  small Diawl Bachs & crunchers. Damsels continue to take many fish & various emergers & dries, including Bob’s Bits,are becoming increasingly significant as things begin to warm up. Blobs & boobies have also been effective for many.

In order to maintain the accuracy of our records can anglers be politely reminded to ensure completion of the booking out sheet prior to leaving the site.

Weekly Stats:

Number of rods for the week:  315   Number of fish taken:    530  Number of fish released: 1508

Total Catch:  2038   Rod Average: 6.4      Best fish:  8lbs 8ozs Rainbow

Current fishing times:

Bank  07:30 until 20:45

Boat   08:30 until 20.30

Part Day Boat 08.30 – 2.00pm  /  2.00pm – 8.30pm

All anglers to be off site by 21:00

Up and coming events

Bank Fishing is closed for one day on Friday May 16th as we host the prestigious Rolls Royce bank fishing competition, with 70 bank anglers from all over the country taking part.

Scierra pairs competition Draycote heat Sunday 22^nd June, you can call in to pick up an entry form or visit www.scierrapairs.co.uk .

July 13th Rio Boat Pairs Match – now in its 4th year. Friendly match & atmosphere. Excellent prizes down to tenth place.

Entry £25 per person plus fishing fees.

To book please call the Fishing Lodge on 01788 812018.
Bank anglers Car Passes: If you want to take your car around the reservoir perimeter road call the lodge & book one of the 30 available bank angler car passes.

tight lines  Kevin Hart

Follow us on

 facebook www.facebook.com/FlyFishStore

 twitter www.twitter.com/FlyFishStore

Purchase Craig Barr flies at www.flashattackflies.com

Draycote 01788 812018

Buzzer, Buzzer everywhere at Draycote, I spoke to a bank angler yesterday morning who caught 11 trout on claret hoppers from Toft.

Trout are spread throughout the reservoir with some of the better overwintered trout been caught by anglers prepared to drift across the main basin.

Date`s for your diary

Bank Fishing is closed for one day on Friday May 16th as we host the prestigious Rolls Royce bank fishing competition, with 70 bank anglers from all over the country taking part.

Up and coming events Scierra pairs competition Draycote heat Sunday 22^nd June, you can call in to pick up an entry form or visit www.scierrapairs.co.uk .

Looking to improve your fishing, Hywel Morgan will host on Saturday 31st May an improver course, limited to 6 anglers total cost for the day £60.00 per person includes a 1 fish fishing permit, to book call the lodge

1st June Hywel host another of his popular beginner courses, limited to 6 anglers total cost for the day £60.00 per person includes a 1 fish fishing permit, to book call the lodge.

Ifor

Draycote Tuition Day: Next Novice Tuition Day with Hywel Morgan Sat 31st May & Sunday 1st June  visit www.flyfishtuition.co.uk for more information or call the Draycote Lodge 01788 812018

Draycote weekly fishing report 27th April 2014

Fish Taken – 407  Fish Released – 631  Total – 1038  No. Of Anglers – 246  Rod Ave. – 4.21

The best 8 fish taken this week came to boat angler Mr J Finn, with a weight of 22lb 3oz  which included a brown of 3lb 12oz taken from a drifting boat.

Best fish of the week must be Ifor Jones’ (no, not that one) 8lb Brown.

Boats have caught fish in all areas of the reservoir, in particular toft and along farborough dam. There has also been some great fishing across the middle reported by Shaun Hanlon. Who in 3 days of fishing boated more than 65 fish. His written comments included the words awesome and epic.

Other anglers such as Steve Cullen reported lots of fish moving freely on the top of the water, were he was catching on “Bob’s Bits”.

The best bank areas have yet again been along the tower bank and Dunns bay, lincroft point and down into the corn field. 

Best Flies;

Damsels, black buzzers, Hoppers, Dawl Bach.

In order to maintain the accuracy of our records can anglers be politely reminded to ensure completion of the booking out sheet prior to leaving the site.

Up and coming events Scierra pairs competition Draycote heat Sunday 22^nd June, you can call in to pick up an entry form or visit www.scierrapairs.co.uk .

July 13th Rio Boat Pairs Match – now in its 4th year. Friendly match & atmosphere. Excellent prizes down to tenth place.

Entry £25 per person plus fishing fees.

To book please call the Fishing Lodge on 01788 812018.

Current fishing times:

Bank  07:30 until 20:30

Boat   08:30 until 20.30

Part Day Boat 08.30 – 2.00pm  /  2.00pm – 8.30pm

Last 4 hour permit available from 4.30pm

All anglers to be off site by 20:40
Bank anglers Car Passes: If you want to take your car around the reservoir perimeter road call the lodge & book one of the 30 available bank angler car passes.

tight lines  Alan McGrory

Follow us on

 facebook www.facebook.com/FlyFishStore

 twitter www.twitter.com/FlyFishStore

Purchase Craig Barr flies at www.flashattackflies.com

Draycote weekly fishing report 14^th – 20^th  April 2014

A mixed week at Draycote, primarily due to the vagaries of the UK’s spring weather. Warm spring like conditions at the start of the week saw a rod average of 10.8 on the Monday with numerous anglers catching between fifteen & twenty five fish on both boat & bank. Buzzer tactics proved to be the best method as the hatch of black buzzer was tremendous. By Tuesday morning the back of the Farborough Bank dam was home to clouds & clouds of buzzer with many walkers & runners choosing to wear face masks to avoid them!

Then a complete change in the wind resulted in a sustained cold north easterly with overnight frosts. By Wednesday anglers were reporting hard fishing, made even harder when combined with amazing water clarity. Nevertheless, regular bank angler Tony Broadway was not to be thwarted and showed folk how it was done with a 16 fish total taken on buzzers.

Notts police hosted an inter-force friendly on Thursday in the boats & despite less than favourable condition, eighteen anglers caught 65 fish up to 5lbs. This was followed up by regulars  Mr Jones & Dempsey, in very cold conditions on Saturday, with lure caught rainbows of 6lbs 1oz,5lbs 4oz &5lbs 4oz in their tally. Thornton member Paul Martindale also did well on the rudder fishing tube flies to catch a total of 10.

Those who have fished finer with smaller nymphs in the clear water conditions have benefitted. Various gold head patterns, especially damsels, fished on intermediates have also scored. Toft Bank & Shallows still holds a large population of fish. During the week some good sport has also been had at Lin Croft, Biggin Bay & the Tower Bank. Rainbow Corner has not been productive due to the consistent direction of cold winds. Ironically, as I write, at the end of a much warmer day, a pair of boat anglers have just booked in an eight fish bag each complaining (tongue in cheek) that it was too easy!…

In order to maintain the accuracy of our records can anglers be politely reminded to ensure completion of the booking out sheet prior to leaving the site.

July 13th Rio Boat Pairs Match – now in its 4th year. Friendly match & atmosphere. Excellent prizes down to tenth place.

Entry £25 per person plus fishing fees.

To book please call the Fishing Lodge on 01788 812018.

Current fishing times:

Bank  07:30 until 20:30

Boat   08:30 until 20.15         Part Day Boat 08.30 – 2.00pm  /  2.00pm – 8.15pm

Last 4 hour permit available from 4.15pm

All anglers to be off site by 20:30

Bank anglers Cap Passes: If you want to take your car around the reservoir perimeter road call the lodge & book one of the 30 available bank angler car passes.

tight lines  Kevin Hart

Follow us on

 facebook www.facebook.com/FlyFishStore

 twitter www.twitter.com/FlyFishStore

Purchase Craig Barr flies at www.flashattackflies.com

Tel 01788 812018      Draycote Water Fishery Report Week Ending 6th April

A great week`s fishing at Draycote with 291 rods recording 2213 trout caught for a rod average 7.6

Buzzer`s featured in this week’s catches with boat and bank anglers enjoying spectacular early spring sport.

Floating line & the Rio midge tip with buzzers, damsel, diawl bach caught the lion’s share of this week’s catch although the Orange FAB did account for a number of trout.

A number of 4lb rainbows were recorded last week with T Parker recording fish of 6lb8oz, 4lb8oz, A Twaites 5lb, B Jones 5lb, P Miley 6lb+,  S Conway  6lb+ rainbow, Leigh Cheshire 9lb 4oz, P Beesley 8lb 4oz rainbow with R Hall recording a 9lb 8oz rainbow

Anglers have recorded catches from all over the reservoir from Rainbow Corner across to the tower bank & down into toft with another favourable forecast this week into Easter our good sport is sure to continue.

July 13th Rio Boat Pairs Match – now in its 4th year. Friendly match & atmosphere. Excellent prizes down to tenth place.

Entry £25 per person plus fishing fees.

To book please call the Fishing Lodge on 01788 812018.

Current fishing times:

Bank  07:30 until 20:15

Boat   08:30 until 20.00

Part Day Boat 08.30 – 2.00pm  /  2.00pm – 8.00pm

All anglers to be off site by 20:30
Bank anglers Cap Passes: If you want to take your car around the reservoir perimeter road call the lodge & book one of the 30 available bank angler car passes.

tight lines  Ifor Jones

Follow us on

 facebook www.facebook.com/FlyFishStore

twitter www.twitter.com/FlyFishStore

Purchase Craig Barr flies at www.flashattackflies.com

Tel 01788 812018      Draycote Water Fishery Report Week Ending 6th April

Sport continues to be excellent despite a week in which we experienced some very changeable weather from bright flat calms to very wet, windy & blustery conditions.

Both boat & bank anglers continue to book out some impressive catches & whilst many boat anglers are still catching deep on a variety of lures, those fishing teams of buzzer are starting to enjoy the best of the sport. This was admirably demonstrated by season ticket holder Leigh Cheshire who netted a personal best 9lbs 4oz rainbow on a buzzer nymph. John Mills followed close behind  with an 8lbs 4oz rainbow which was part of a twelve fish total taken on size 14 & 16 crunchers off the Hensborough Bank.

Floating lines continue to be best from the bank & very frequently fish have been found patrolling extremely close to the margins. Regular angler Paul Beasley led the way with an 8lbs rainbow that succumbed to a Montana Nymph. Dependant on wind strength& direction all areas have been producing good sport.

Prospects for sustained action, particularly on the buzzer look good. I have just returned from a tour of the bank and the angler’s cars at Dunns Bay are literally covered with black buzzer!

July 13th Rio Boat Pairs Match – now in its 4th year. Friendly match & atmosphere. Excellent prizes down to tenth place.

Entry £25 per person plus fishing fees.

To book please call the Fishing Lodge on 01788 812018.

Weekly Stats:

Number of rods for the week:   220   Number of fish taken:   473   Number of fish released:  1082

Total Catch:  1555   Rod Average:  7.06     Best fish:  9lbs 4ozs

Current fishing times:

Bank  07:30 until 20:00

Boat   08:30 until 19:45

All anglers to be off site by 20:15
Bank anglers Cap Passes: If you want to take your car around the reservoir perimeter road call the lodge & book one of the 30 available bank angler car passes.

tight lines  Kevin Hart 

Follow us on

 facebook www.facebook.com/FlyFishStore

twitter www.twitter.com/FlyFishStore

Purchase Craig Barr flies at www.flashattackflies.com

The weeks weather started not so well, however ended being much warmer with lighter winds, and the fish sure responded ! Mr C Mclachlan was with us on a 3 day package and everyday he landed in excess of 20 fish on his own.  The majority of his fish came to buzzers, though on Sunday he took a bag full on dries ! Jude Tuff is becoming a regular face on the bank, and there is no wander as she  too has landed lots of fish on every visit.

The bank, despite a 2-3 day lull, has sprung back into action again with bag limits coming off everywhere again.  Buzzers are now in full swing, with fish feeding hard on them in most areas. Toft Shallows has produced some excellent buzzer fishing just recently as this warmer weather has bought the buzzers out in there thousands.

Boats too have got in on the feast, though fishing close to the margins has been critical ! Rainbow Corner has produced well for the boats of late, though Toft Shallows has been the more favourable place to be.The Tower bank is continuing to produce the better fish from the boats. Mr M Woodhouse recorded and returned a cracking 7lb 11oz brown, the biggest recorded for the week.

Floating lines have been best from the bank, though intermediates have still taken a lot of fish. The boats have done well on a more varied array of lines, from the di-7 to floating lines and nymphs.

The best flies have been the Blue Flash Damsel, hot head damsels, orange blobs, small boobies and owl buzzers from the Flash Attack range of flies stocked in the shop.

July 13^th Rio Boat Pairs Match –now in its 4^th year. Friendly match and atmosphere. Excellent prizes, and to 10^th place ! To book please call the fishing lodge on 01788 812018. £25 entry pp plus fishing fees.

Number of rods for the week 176

Number of fish taken 343

Number of fish released 833

Rod Average 6.6

Tight Lines

Craig Bar www.flashattackflies.com

Draycote is continuing to fish well, though the opening week fish bonanza has slowed, as could be expected.

The fish are still close to the shores in many areas. Floating lines are working well from the bank, with intermediate lines taking a fair share of fish too.

The Airflo world bank fly fishing competition took place on Sunday, and was won by fishery manager Craig Barr. Craig took 20 fish from the Tower Bank on a floating line with 2 flash attack damsel patterns(blue flash damsel, hot head damsel) and a buzzer in the middle. Welsh International David Hoppe was 2^nd with 17 fish. David also used a floating line. 3^rd was Andy Axon with 15 fish. Andy used a floating line and a combination of Pitsford peas and damsels.

Boats have done well too, though fishing close to the banks has been key. Floating lines andDI-3 line have been the way forward. Damsles, boobies, blobs and buzzers(small) have been best.

Best areas – banks – Dunns Bay, The Cornfields, Tower Bank, Toft Shallows, Hensbrough bank

Best Boat areas – Tower Bank, Rainbow Corner, Toft Shallows, Dunns Bay, Biggin Bay

Best flies – blue flash damsel, hot head damsel, owl buzzers, pitsford pea, orange blobs,

Best lines – floating, intermediate and intermediate sinkers.

Total number of rods 198

Number of fish caught 292

Number of fish returned 545

Rod average 4.2

Tight lines

Craig Barr www.flashattackflies.com

Draycotes good start to the season continued, aided by the continued good weather. The weekends clear skies and bright sun did slow things down this last Sunday, as the rod average took a dip.

The bank continues to fish well, as a good head of fish are still holding within 30 feet of the shore. Buzzers are now coming into play more and more, with reports of some fished being stuffed with them! Mr Heseltine and his boat partner caught well using size 14 buzzers and nymphs, fishing tight to the bank in Biggin Bay.

The boats too,overall have fished very well, though the key to success is fishing close to the margins. Keiron Thomas and Craig Gimblett had a great catch from the boat, landing 30 trout on buzzers. Boats have caught well from the Tower bank to the Cornfields. Di-3 sinking lines have found the right depths, though at times intermediates and floating lines have worked well too!

Best flies, Pitsford Pea, blue flash damsel, hot head damsels, blobs, small boobies, owl buzzers, diawl bachs,

Competition News

Sunday the 25^th of June Draycote will be holding a heat for the Scierra Pairs boat match, organised by match angler Phil Dixon. For details please call 07921713716, or 01785261427

Rio Pairs Boat Match – Sunday the 13^th of July. Fished to International rules. Now in its 4^th year. A friendly match and atmosphere, with the top prize winning £1000 of Rio tackle. Prizes to 10^th place. Entry fee £25pp plus fishing fees. Entry fee due when booking please. To book a boat please call the fishing lodge on 01788 812018

Total number of rods 323

Number of fish caught  611

Number of fish returned  1407

Rod average  – 6.2

Tight lines

Craig Barr www.flashattackflies.com