Thornton Stocking Policy 2023
Our 2023 stocking schedule for Thornton is to stock 10,000 triploid trout with a size range and quantity depending on the month, expected angler numbers & water temperature with triploid trout ranging in size from 1lb8oz to 2lb4oz+ We do every year see some overwintered & grown on trout in the 4lb – 5lb+ range.
Our planned 2023 stocking of 10,000 is a tried and tested stocking policy. The daily weather, atmospheric pressure & water temperature will have either a positive or negative impact on the sport. Ideally, we are looking for a daily – weekly rod average between 2.5 & 3.5 although with good weather & water temperatures between 12c – 18c with the fish on the feed we can expect to see daily rod averages between 3.5 & 5.0+
For 2023
27% will average 2lb+ with a size range of 1lb14oz – 2lb+
73% will average 1lb10oz with a size range of 1lb8oz – 1lb14oz
During the stocking trials in 2020, 2021 & 2022 we found that the larger 2lb triploid trout were increasingly difficult to catch once the surface water temperature exceeded 19c+ usually occurring in late June, July & August resulting in a poor daily rod average, often a rod average between 0.5 & 1 during these increasingly hotter summer months.
It was important therefore to improve the rod average during the hottest summer months of late June to August. We found during those summer trials the smaller stocked triploids in the 1lb8oz to 1lb12oz range were affected less by the higher water temperature with those smaller stocked triploid continuing to feed & take the fly returning an improved weekly rod average during late June, July & August of between 1.0 & 3.0 The smaller 1lb8oz to 1lb12oz trout also recovered quicker & returned easier which is important when considering catch & release. Our regulars commented that these fish took the fly with confidence and provided good sport.
Our new stocking policy is working returning a fishery rod average of 4.2 for the 2022 season
Thornton 75acre reservoir was built in 1853 oldest reservoir in Leicestershire, deepest water 30ft in front of the dam with an average depth of 11ft – 12ft is considered nowadays as a small shallow midlands reservoir. Its fed by two streams with low summer flows & without an aeration system the trout fishing will be influenced by the summer weather and surface water temperature. We record our water temperature twice a day at 7.30 am & again at 3.00 pm with the thermometer set at 18inch below the surface on the pontoon.
We manage our stocking policy around each of our three fisheries, Thornton, Draycote & Eyebrook to ensure they fish as well as they can taking into account their depth, seasonal weather, water temperature & angling pressure, no two fisheries will fish the same.
Angling pressure? there is no doubt and our records show with the popularity of catch & release as the season progresses the fish can become “educated” not uncatchable, a tad more difficult at times, when this occurs its time for finer leaders, smaller often sparsely tied flies, match the hatch, possibly a single fly, follow the advice at the lodge.
Water Temperature? you should ask at the lodge what the daily water temperature is to help you plan your day’s sport.
- 5c – 10c generally the months February, March & November, fish will generally feed & be active during the warmer part of the day with anglers generally fishing their sinking lines Sink 3 -3inch/sec, Sink 5 -5inch/sec, Sink 6 – 6inch/sec+ -3inch/sec
- 12c – 18c generally the months of April, May, June & Late August to early October. Trout will be at their most active feeding on occasion throughout the day to abundant fly hatches. Top of the water sport, fishing floating – hover – midge tip & intermediate fly lines
- 19c – 21c+ water temperatures we associate with Late June, July & August, the summer months. Trout will move to the deeper cooler layers of the reservoir & stay there, the larger 2lb+ trout will become less active, more difficult to tempt. You will need to be seeking water depths of 20ft+ fishing with faster sinking lines, Sink 5 -5inch/sec, Sink 6 – 6inch/sec+ -3inch/sec & the Booby Basher or fishing the bung / indicator with a long 20ft+ leader with your heavy buzzer, bloodworm patterns all fished on the 6ft – 8ft of the leader
We always recommend you call the lodge 01530 230807 for the latest fishing news or follow our weekly fishing report
