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

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 Membership details Visit   www.flyfishthornton.co.uk/about-us-2/season-permits/ for details of our 2023 membership options

Week Ending: 2^nd April    Rod Av: 5.3      Water Temperature: 9c

Monday, with light winds forecast a busy day with all the anglers fishing the shallows of the Thornton arm, wood, corner of the wood with floating lines, black green fritz, black gold humungus, cats whisker, bloodworm, black buzzer, diawl bach patterns. Trout are tight on the bank with most been caught within 12ft of the bank. All water member Ian Leach & M Cowley caught 24, L Serrano caught 28, Pete Hunt caught 10 with Andrew Wilson and Carl Bond both catching 8. Anglers reported lots of gentle and missed takes.

Tuesday damp day at times. Again the shallows of the Thornton arm was the area anglers fished with P Wrigley catching 9, Bob Menhams fished a 4 hour session catching 4. It was surprising how the temperature dropped when the rain passed through.

Wednesday mixed weather forecast, nice at times with spells of rain when the temperature dropped, wind was ok, shame therefore anglers cancelled or moved their booking with the day averaging 5. The anglers who did go out took advantage of our morning session fishing 8.30am to 2.30pm. The shallows opposite the lodge continue to fish close in along the margins to floating lines small hares ears, cormorants, black buzzer with black green fritz tadpole or cats whisker.

Thursday another quiet day due to a mixed forecast, it wasn’t that bad, and we enjoyed an excellent day with P Cox catching 11 & J Scott 14. Continuous to be along the shallows with floating line, small viva, hare’s ear and increasing number trout taken on a clack buzzer. An indicator with black buzzers fished at 4ft & 6ft worked well.

Friday with light rain on & off all day we did see a small rise in the water level although clarity wasn’t affected too badly. Steve Proffitt fished the bank opposite the lodge catching 8 on a #12 UV cruncher, diawl bach. John Bebbington caught 7 from a boat. Generally black buzzer & nymphs worked best.

Saturday #12 #10 black buzzer, #12 diawl bach were the top patterns with anglers still concentrating their efforts opposite the lodge, wood & corner of the wood. M Clay caught 8 with Brian Sibley catching 5 with Ian Ash fishing Thornton for the first time from the bank catching 4.

Sunday proved to be a challenging day, everyone caught but they all reported more fish lost or missed takes than fish landed. Clarity is 18inch & improving.

Overall, not a bad week with a 5+ rod average for the week, the rain on Friday did raise the level by a few inches but its nearly back to normal level as I write this report. Looking forward we have good weather for the coming week

—————————————————————————————————————————–

Draycote Fishery Weekly Report – 01788 812018

Email:  draycote@flyfishstore.co.uk

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

Week Ending:     2^nd April 2023           Rod Av: 4.04     Water Temperature: 7°C

A lovely start to the week, with what could have been the nicest day of the season so far with warm spring sunshine. However, there was a distinct lack of wind in the morning. These teamed with bright sunshine pushed the fish off the banks making it a day for the boats. However, when the wind did increase Draycote Member Bob Barfoot landed a brace from Biggin Bay on buzzers. On the boats Andy Axon & Sean Porter landed 52 fish to the boat using Buzzers from Biggin Bay and Toft. All water member Ed Douglas again using buzzers but this time straight lining landed 22 fish from Biggin Bay, Lincroft Point and Croft Shoal. Including some cracking fish weighted at 4lb and 6lb taken on the buzzers. Also fishing at Lincroft Point and shoal Sam Smith landed 35 fish using buzzers under the bung. Brendan Thomas & Gary Murray landed 48 fish to the boat again also on buzzers from Toft, Biggin Bay and Lincroft.

Well after one nice day, the weather reverted back to windy and rainy, the same conditions we had for most of the previous weeks. Thankfully the wind was lighter than forecast to start with and remained in the South giving the anglers access to Toft. On the bank all water member Ken Key landed 4 fish using black and green tadpole and buzzers on the droppers. While Alan Topping landed 6 fish from the bank, using buzzers then a Damsel on the point. With the Swan’s Nest proving to be Alan’s most productive area. On the boats Tim Grove fishing his first day on a three day package landed 22 fish. Using black Buzzers in toft and also around Lincroft Point and Shoal in the morning. Chris Reeves and Ian McKenzie also fished in a boat landing 10 fish from Toft.

The wind’s Wednesday certainly did not reach the forecasted speeds which was a welcome surprise, although we did get treated to the rain during the morning. Season ticket holder Richard Collier fished from the bank in Toft landed a brace of fish using a Damsel pattern including a lovely 3lb rainbow. On the boats Tim Grove on his second day of three landed 9 fish on black buzzers. Also on the water we had the Civil Service fishing their regional qualifier for the final later in the year. 17 anglers took to the water landed 113 fish for a rod average of 6.6. With a number of anglers having the 16 fish limit for the competition which was made up of 4 kept and 12 released. The best tactics on the day being buzzers on the droppers with a blue flash damsel on the point on various different midge tips. With the majority of the fish coming from the Cornfield, Lincroft and Toft.

Another unpredictable day as regards the weather on Thursday, with some strong southerly gusts skimming across the surface of Draycote Water. Under such conditions it’s good to see that Rainbow Corner is producing some good catches, particularly on buzzers. Paul Havard had 9 fish from Rainbow Corner using a midge tip line and a mixture of black buzzers and muskins. On the Third day of his fishing trip, Tim Grove caught a dozen fish using buzzers and hares ears on the bung. Mike Oliver caught 3 fish whilst bank fishing near the Old Pipe in Biggin Bay.

Lighter breezes on Friday allowed both boat and bank anglers to take advantage of the good sport to be had along the northern shoreline. Mr S Hill caught half a dozen fish from the bank on damsels and black buzzers, taking fish from the Tower Bank, Biggin Bay and the Cornfield. Leigh Cheshire and Paul Denton had 9 fish from the bank between them using buzzers in the Cornfield. Season permit holder Stephen Dewhurst also took to the bank to net 3 fish in the Cornfield on Nymphs. Ray Rawlings caught 8 fish from a drifting boat in the area of the Swans Nest and the Cornfield, using nemo crunchers and white snakes.

A mixed day weatherwise Saturday with warm spring sunshine at times and some showers later in the day. On the bank  Stan Hillman used buzzers and a Damsel on the point to land 11 fish. David Hoppe also used buzzers to enjoy a good day on the bank landing 7 fish. With buzzers also proving to the way for Mark Parsley with 6 fish. On the boats John McVay landed 15 fish with a black and red buzzer being his most productive patten. With he hotspots being School Slips, Inlet & Cornfield. Fishery ranger & Guide Lee Henfrey fished from a boat in the morning landing 17 fish on Buzzers fishing down the Farborough Dam including some cracking fish with the best a rainbow estimated at 8lb. New fishery ranger Mark Braun also fished for a morning landing 8 fish all on black buzzers taken along the Cornfield. John Jessop on the boats landed 13 fish using buzzers and FABs along the Cornfield. Draycote season ticket holder Martyn Hancox landed 10 fish on a half day boat using a white tadpole.

A colder feel to the day Sunday with a North wind and overcast skies first thing in the morning. Which later in the day give way to some very welcome spring sunshine which resulted in a good buzzer hatch. On the bank we saw the Draycote Fly Fishers Association, fishing their first bank match of the season with 17 anglers fishing. It proved to be a challenging day on the bank which surprised most given the conditions. Winning the match was Mike Nolan who used buzzers on the Tower bank to land 4 fish including a cracking rainbow which can be seen by following the link www.facebook.com/flyfishstore In Second place was Kevin Jones, a new fishery ranger with 3 fish again taken on buzzers. Outside of the match there was a couple of other noticeable catches. Alan Grant landed 6 fish from Lincroft Point on buzzers. Then just down the bank at Dougie’s Gap Simon Ringer landed 8 fish on buzzers. On the boats Kevin Hart & Dave Pacey landed a dozen fish from the Farborough Dam wall with every one being overwintered with he fish falling to boobies fish on sunk lines. Rob Middleton who was later joined by his brother Craig boated over 20 fish using buzzers with Toft, Cornfield and Farborough Dam proving to be the best areas. All water member Ed Douglas straight lined buzzers all day landing 24 fish with Cornfield and Toft being his best areas.

Event – RIO SAGE day at Draycote Sunday 9^th April, we have Simon Gawesworth from RIO, Chris Anderson & Peter Knox from SAGE & Jim Fearn from Guide Flyfishing onsite from 10.00am to 4pm.

If you’re looking for advice on any RIO or SAGE products call in, we are providing light refreshments

Event – Boatmen / Boatwomen required.

Draycote 19^th May hosts the seniors International with teams from England, Scotland, Wales & Ireland. We require boatmen / women for the event. You will receive £30.00 & a Draycote or Eyebrook boat voucher. If your interested or require further information contact Tom Bird at the Draycote Lodge 01788812018

——————————————————————————————————————————

Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report – 01536 770264

Email: eyebrook@flyfishstore.co.uk

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

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

Main Entrance Road Maintenance – As of Tuesday 04 April, the Great Easton Road main entrance to Eyebrook should be open as normal this week. For the latest info, please call the Lodge on 01536 770264.

Week Ending: 02 April 23     Rod Av: 6.2    Water Temperature: 9°C

The week began with a light variable wind that changed direction throughout the day. After a chilly start, the air temperature increased & by late morning the sky was full of early springtime buzzers. This reflected in the fishing, after a slow start to the day with a few fish caught, there was a lot of fish caught by late morning through to late afternoon. Both the bank & the boats anglers caught well with some excellent bags recorded. Members Ian Jobe & Roy Swinfield both landed 19 fish from the banks, on buzzers. Ian chose to fish the Chestnut area with buzzers on a washing line whilst Roy opted straight lined buzzers at the Hawthorns & Sam’s Dyke. From the boats, Household Members, Liz & Mike got well into double figures fishing buzzers in the margins at the Hawthorns. What was noticeable was by late afternoon as the sun had disappeared behind the hills & the temperature had dropped, the buzzer hatch was done.

There was a calm, overcast start to the day on Tuesday. However, by mid-morning there was blustery southerly wind & some heavy showers that abated by mid-afternoon. The unsettled weather did not detract from the fishing as there was fish caught throughout the day from the bank, the boats & float tubes. Fishery Guide Mike Oliver had a very productive afternoon session from the bank fishing a team of buzzers down the Hawthorns. Mike landed 10 fish in total, just letting them swing around on the prevailing wind. From the boats, fish were caught from various locations; the Chestnut, Mucky Bay, Hawthorns & Sam’ Dyke. Black Buzzers fished very slow, or static were the order of the day as fish were caught consistently throughout the day & consequently there were some good catch returns from the boats with anglers catching into well into double figures. The Pike are also beginning to feed with regular visitor Nigel Woolnough landing 2 upper doubles in what was a productive afternoon after a wet late morning.

The reservoir continued to fish very well on Wednesday with good numbers of fish being caught from both the boats & the banks. The Leicester bank from the Hawthorns to the Chestnut has proven to be both very productive & very consistent with naturally feeding fish found all the way along. What has been increasingly noticeable, is the importance of the temperature when it comes to early season buzzer fishing. During the warmer mornings, the buzzer fishing has been prolific whereas, late afternoon has been seen all catch rates reduce. This is due the drop in temperature that occurs this time of year by late afternoon. The reservoir has fished better in the mornings now for 3 consecutive days. There have been some high returns recorded with All Water Member Norman Perkins landing 14 fish off the bank. Norman fished a cast containing a blob, buzzer & a Diawl Bach down at the Hawthorns. On the boats, Eyebrook members Liz & Mike Rawson had a great day catching well over 20 fish on Buzzers also down by the Hawthorns. Another member, Albert Coles, had a great afternoon session catching well into 20’s from various locations. Albert found that small black buzzers were his most effective fly pattern.

Thursday brought with it some relentless, blustery southerly winds that favoured those fishing the Hawthorns & Mucky Bay. Eyebrook member Roy Swinfield & All Water Member Lynsay Bates opted for the Hawthorns & were rewarded with a very productive day as they caught consistently throughout the day. Fishing small, black buzzers on either the Washing Line or Straight Line they landed 19 & 20 fish respectively. Another Eyebrook member, Mick Farrell opted for Mucky Bay where Mick fished Muskins on a washing line to tempt his 9 fish. From the boats Household Members Liz & Mike Rawson enjoyed their final day of their latest visit with 18 fish to the boat on Buzzers. Liz & Mike have had a very productive 4 days with us despite having to contend with some of the finest examples of, typically British, springtime weather. It was great to see you both & we look forward to your next visit.

Friday started off very wet & remained very wet for the rest of the day. Those who braved the elements were rewarded with some excellent fishing with the reservoir yielding an 8.9 rod average for the day. Yet again Buzzer patterns & Nymphs featured very highly on the catch returns with both the banks & the boats being equally productive. Mick Farrell returned after his previously successful bank session, but this time from the boats. Mick went on to have a very productive day with his boat partner Mr Harris, landing well over 20 fish to the boat. From the banks, regular visitors Nigel Woolnough & Garry Mickley landed 15 & 14 fish respectively with Garry opting to fish Diawl Bachs rather than Buzzers. The Diawl Bach is an excellent suggestive nymph pattern that Buzzer feeding fish find hard to resist. Being a lot lighter than a buzzer, it sinks slower, so therefore it will spend more time in a potential fish holding zone before it sinks too deep. A truly great pattern that catches fish all year round on any venue. The most productive areas remain the Leicester Bank, from the Hawthorns to the Chestnut.

After the overnight deluge of rain, the water clarity was set to deteriorate throughout the day as surface run off from the surrounding fields & the Eye Brook running high & coloured would begin to take its toll. As the day progressed the north of the reservoir, from the Island upwards, bore the brunt of poor water clarity. The southern end continued to fish well with Buzzers & Black Nymphs again featuring high on the catch returns. Fish were caught from the banks & the boats who benefited from targeting the margins as these presented the greater clarity. The most productive methods were either straight lined buzzers or washing lined Nymphs & Buzzers on a tip line or floater. Household Members Albert Coales & Rob Edmunds enjoyed a very successful day, landing well over 20 fish to the boat. Another Member, Mark Hunt, caught very well fishing Nymphs on a 6ft Tip Line finishing with 14 fish to the boat. Saturday also saw the start of the England Ladies open weekend which saw 10 anglers take to the water to hone their skills for the forthcoming season. They all had an enjoyable day catching plenty of fish, with the most successful flies being Buzzers on either the washing line or fished straight lined.

Sunday saw the water clarity deteriorate further as the Eye Brook was still carrying a lot of coloured water. There were still fish caught from both the boats & the banks, as the fish continued to feed on Buzzers. The most productive area remained the Hawthorns & Sam’s Dyke as finding the better water clarity proved to be critical. Eyebrook Member Steve Lawrence had a great day off the bank given the clarity, landing 10. Steve fished an Orange Blob in Sam’s Dyke. Other members Malcolm Thompson & Dave Etty also had a good day landing 6 apiece from the bank on nymphs. On the water, Neil Shilton had 9 from his Float tube. Whereas, fishing from separate boats, Rob Edmunds & Sam Smith both got well into double figures, which was a great effort given the conditions.

The outlook for the forthcoming week looks great. The weather looks relatively dry with no heavy rain forecast so there will be a  noticeable improvement of the water clarity on a daily basis. For updates call the Lodge on 01536 770264.

Weekly Fishing Report: Draycote, Eyebrook, Thornton

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

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

Fishery YouTube Channel: YouTube Flyfishstore

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 Membership details Visit   www.flyfishthornton.co.uk/about-us-2/season-permits/ for details of our 2023 membership options

Week Ending:26^th March 2023    Rod Av: 5.4    Water Temperature: 8c

Monday and a quiet start to the week with angler moving their bookings due to the forecast. Although we had some rain in the morning by lunchtime the wind had dropped and the sun was out. With the water clarity 18inch+ the trout have moved into the clearer water along the shallows. Bob Menhams caught 4 for his 3 hour visit with Andrew Wilson catching 16 for his full day visit. Both found fishing a floating line with a black & green tadpole or cats whisker on the point with a diawl bach on the dropper anchored 30 yards off the bank casting tight to the margins is where they found the fish with most hooked 10ft off the bank.

Tuesday, some overnight rain had reduced the clarity by a few inches but the shallows along the bank opposite the lodge in front of the wood to the corner of the wood was the area to fish. Again, a floating line with black & green tadpole with diawl bach on the dropper cast tight to the bank produced the fish. P Cox caught 9 on diawl bachs, P Wrigley caught his 7 on black & green with Pam Shuttleworth catching 3.

Wednesday and a brighter with a few showers. Visibility is still 18inch+ and we advised everyone to fish floating lines, black and green lures with yellow blob, diawl bach on the dropper and fish close into the margins opposite the lodge and wood. Jason Bishop and Carl Bond caught 6 with B Deeley catching 5 with the overall average for the 4.0

Thursday with the wind forecast as brisk south westerly the Thornton arm with the shallow bank opposite the lodge and in front of the wood offered the best fishing out of the wind. Water level keeps dropping and our clarity is around 2ft. All Water member Jim Greasley bank fished opposite the lodge catching 10 trout, Ian Leach and Mark Cowley caught 8 with L Serrano catching double figures. They all fished floating lines with various patterns working, black and green fritz, green pea, cormorant, black cruncher, diawl bach with most of the trout caught within 12ft of the bank.

Friday and another day with the brisk south westerly with boats fishing the calmer water opposite the lodge and concentrating their efforts close to the bank. Same method as the day before working with Dave Pritchard catching 8, J Bebbington caught 4 with some of his fish coming from the middle of the Thornton arm with L Serrano catching 17 close along the bank.

Saturday and the first of the summer visitors have arrived the sand martins, busily working across the main basin. Change to the wind direction with a strong colder north, north westerly greeting anglers. Certainly a more challenging day than earlier in the week with anglers picking up some fish in the middle of the Thornton arm. Sinking lines with green & black booby & small black snake on sink 3 & sink 7 lines.

Sunday with a poor forecast anglers moved their bookings to another day

With our water level dropping back to its normal level & our clarity improving it was good to see at long last the trout moving back into the margins especially on the milder days when we had the south westerly winds. Despite the weather an excellent rod average 5.4 for the week

——————————————————————————————————————————

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/

Week Ending:  26^th March 2023       Rod Av:5.8     Water Temperature: 7°C

A mild start to the week with the temperatures hitting double figures with the wind coming from the Southwest which was a little gusty at times. On the bank Draycote member Tony Broadway fished for his first trip of the season. Landing 6 fish on size 12 black buzzers fished on a floating line from along the Cornfield. Fishing from Toft on the bank John Dickens landed a dozen fish on the morning using tadpoles and snakes before taking a boat for the afternoon and landing another 18. Mr J Cheeny fished from the bank on his first ever Draycote Bank visit and landed 6 fish. Using a black and green lure first thing and then buzzers in the afternoon, with Rainbow Corner being the best area. On the boats fishery guide and ranger Lee Henfrey took Mike Kennedy out for a 4 hour guided session. With the aim to show Mike how to catch more fish using sinking lines and understand how they fish. With Lee’s help this is exactly what happened. With Mike, landing 11 fish using sunk lines with Croft Shoal being the hotspot. If you’re interested in any guiding please contact Tom on guiding.tuition@flyfishsotre.co.uk All water member Lorenzo Serrano landed a good cricket score using lures down in Toft near the nature reserve buoy. With former fishery manager Kevin Hart using a Di 5 in the morning and buzzers in the afternoon to land 33 fish from Middle Shoal.

A windy day Tuesday coming from the Southwest again and even stronger than the previous day. As a result it made getting on the current hotspots a little uncomfortable. On the bank Draycote member Alan Grant fished in Toft with a blue flash damsel using an intermediate line to land 5 fish. All water member Jim Greasley also fished in Toft using a green pea to land 10 fish. On the boats Sam Smith fished with Albert Coales with he pair boating 18 fish, using a Di 8 sinking line and boobies with the hotspot being Croft Shoal. With some nice overwintered fish also making an appearance in their catch.

More strong winds Wednesday made it a difficult day for the anglers to be able to once again get on the hotspots. Fishery Ranger & Guide Lee Henfrey fished with Martin Rowson with the pair landing 8 before deciding to call it a day early due to the strong winds. First thing in the morning the took fish from Croft Shoal then once the wind picked up, fish came from Farborough Dam and Rainbow Corner. Using a Di 5 sweep with a mix of boobies and cormorants. Draycote member Graham Homer fished in Rainbow Corner out of the wind to land 8 fish on Diawl Bach’s & Buzzers. With All Water member Pete Eville also catching up there boating 8 fish taking advantage of the last four hour members boat.

The same as the previous days, Thursday was a windy day with heavy showers in the afternoon as well. Due to this only a few anglers headed out to brave the wind and the rain. Ian Spicer fished from a boat landing 4 fish from Rainbow corner using a washing line set up with buzzers and a FAB on the point. Draycote members Ian Richardson & Bob Smith landed 9 fish from Rainbow Corner including 2 cracking overwintered fish caught by Bob. The best method was to us a Di 5 sinking line with a humungus, however Ian did land one using the bung with buzzers.

Friday followed the same pattern as the previous few days, with winds set to abate on Sunday. Most rods once again headed for the shelter of the Draycote Dam and Rainbow Corner, and whilst these aren’t seen as current hotspots, they are producing. Rob and Craig Middleton headed out in a boat for a couple of hours to net half a dozen fish between them. Season permit holder David Stott had 7 fish to the boat using buzzers on the bung. Brendon Thomas and Gary Murray caught half a dozen fish using snakes fished on a DI3 around the Inlet in Rainbow Corner. Draycote regular Martin Ashby used buzzers on the bung in much the same area to net a total of 5 fish.

Saturday was once again a hard days fishing with heavy winds blowing in to Toft. Those who ventured out mainly spent their time in Rainbiow Corner,to with the odd drift through Biggin Bay when the wind allowed it. Phil Mee and John Kirk had 10 fish to the boat which was very good considering the conditions. Phil and John used a mixture of buzzers, nymphs and snakes  to tempt their fish to the boat. Mr T Long had 4 fish to the boat on buzzers, all from Rainbow Corner. Season permit holder Graham Homer netted half a dozen fish from a  boat using diawl bachs fished on a floating line.

A much better wind Sunday with it swinging to a Northeast with showers in the morning but thankfully these cleared up as the day progressed. While the Northeast wind meant the anglers where able to get on the hotspots of the previous weeks it was a very cold day. On the bank fishing for the afternoon season ticket holder Martyn Hancox landed 10 fish from along the Cornfield and Toft. Using a black and green tadpole on the point and buzzers on the droppers. The boats enjoyed good sport with Buzzers featuring well on the catch report. Ed Douglas landed 24 using buzzers on the bung from Biggin Bay. All water members Fraser Duffy Snr & Jnr landed 34 fish to the boat with buzzers also being their nest tactic. Steve Cullen fished with Tony Baldwin with he pair landing 35 to the boat using buzzers and boobies in Biggin Bay. The All Abilities Friendly Fly Fishers had their first club day, with 23 anglers landing 158 fish for a rod average of 6.87 with Buzzers proving to be the most popular and successful tactic. The main hotspot for the AAFFF was down in Toft near the nature reserve buoys.

——————————————————————————————————————————

Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report – 01536 770264

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/

Main Entrance Road Maintenance – The Main Entrance to Eyebrook will be closed for general access this week due to essential maintenance of the approach road & cattle grids. For access to the fishery, please use the Alec Lane Gate entrance. For further info please call the Lodge on 01536 770264.

Week Ending: 26th March 23          Rod Av: 4.2     Water Temperature: 8°C

Monday at Eyebrook saw the water clarity on the windward area of the Hawthorns & Sam’s Dyke improve to 4-5ft in some parts & consequently those areas fished well. Eyebrook member Roy Swinfield landed 12 from the Hawthorns fishing a floating line & 3 black Diawl Bachs & Mr Hawley landed 6 from the same area on small black Buzzers & a Iven’s Green & Brown. First time visitor Mateusz had a day to remember Fly Fishing for Pike, on only his 3^rd cast Mateusz hooked into one of Eyebrook’s many larger females. After a hard fight she came to the net & tipped the scales at 23lb. It just goes to show that the big girls are starting to move.

There was a blustery damp start to Tuesday which developed into very bright conditions & a strong south westerly wind. Strong winds & bright is never a good combination & made fishing somewhat challenging. The water clarity remained the same as the previous day, particularly around the margins & as a result the Hawthorns yet again fished well. There were 24 fish caught between 5 rods giving a bank rod average of 4.8, which is a great return given the conditions. Top rod on the day was All Water Member Norman Perkins who fished a Blob on the point & small black nymphs on the droppers & finished the day with 11 fish. The boats are finding it more challenging due to the water clarity with the clearer water being found close to the bank.

Wednesday’s morning damp, overcast, blustery conditions gave way to bright, warming spring sunshine in the afternoon. At 5-6ft, the water clarity had improved on the previous days & this was reflected in the catch returns as the reservoir fished well from both the banks & now the boats. The Hawthorns continued its fine form with some good bags coming from that area, especially for those fishing small black nymphs slow – static on Floating Lines. Letting your flies swing round naturally in breeze can be deadly method as the fish find them hard to resist. It was clearly apparent that those intent on fishing quick from the bank struggled. From the boats, All Water Members Clive & Ian found a lot of fish in front of Pens at the Chestnut area off the Leicester Bank. By the end of the day they had a high number of Fish from that area on a variety of methods & techniques. The fish were relatively high in the water column & the most productive lines proved to be Floating Lines & Short Tip Lines with dark nymphs being their most productive flies. It was great to see the boat anglers doing well & with the water clarity improving day by day, the prospects are looking great.

Thursday saw the reservoir continue to fish well, with fish still being caught along the Hawthorns on small dark natural patterns fished slow to static. Eyebrook member Dave Schofield had great short morning session landing 10 on bloodworm patterns fished on a floating line. Another Eyebrook member, Dave  Searson, landed 5 as to did Fishery Guide Mike Oliver. Both fished floating lines & nymphs to tempt their fish. First time visitor Karen Walker also had a productive day landing 4 fish, again from the Hawthorns area. Glad you enjoyed your visit, Karen; we hope to see you again soon.

Eyebrook fished very well on Friday yielding a daily rod average of 7.6. The Hawthorns to Sam’s Dyke area was yet again the most productive bank area where dark nymphs fished slow to static either straight lined or washing lined was the order of the day. Eyebrook member Roy Swinfield had a very productive day landing 22 fish straight lining Diawl Bachs & was closely followed by Max Woolnough & Mick Farrell who had 18 & 14 fish respectively. Max chose to fish Diawl Bachs & Crunchers on a washing line whilst Mick opted for black Muskins to tempt his fish.

Saturday started with a strong south westerly wind that brought with it periods of bright sunlight & isolated showers. The unsettled start to the day did not deter from the fishing as there were caught from the very start all the through the day to the end. Fish were caught on a variety of methods from both the boats & the bank. From the bank, the washing line featured very heavy on the catch returns with fish mainly falling to the nymphs; Crunchers, Diawl Bachs, Muskins & Buzzers. If they were dark & fished slow to static, the fish would find them hard to resist as they cruised up & down the banks. During the brighter spells it was noticeable that they would sit further out & move into the shallows when it was overcast. Eyebrook member Mick Farrell built an excellent bag of fish from Mucky Bay, catching 10 on the washing line. Mick also managed to tempt 4 of his fish on CDC’s later in the day as the wind subsided. Garry Mickley had 12 fish from the Hawthorns on Diawl Bachs & Keith Johnson had 10 from the same area on black Diawl Bachs & Muskins. From the boats, Sam Edmunds had a very productive day, landing 15 fish on a variety of methods from various areas. Sam caught on the washing line, pulling on a mid-glass & also on dries, with the most productive area being Sam’s Dyke. Covering a lot of water, fish were also caught up past the Chestnut & off the Island.

Sunday brought with it a wind change of 180° with the previously prolific Hawthorns Area being initially subjected to a still North Easterly. As the day progressed, the wind swing round to a Northerly which made this more accessible to bank anglers. Fish were caught throughout the day from various locations including a cracking Brown Trout from Stoke Dry for Luke Maylin. Luke fished a Black Snake in relatively shallow water to tempt the magnificent fish which wasn’t weighed & it returned strongly. Elsewhere, Eyebrook member Neil Shilton had a productive day out on his float tube. Neil concentrated his efforts at the northern end of the reservoir, landing 13 fish on a variety of methods. Off the banks, Sam’s Dyke & later in the day, the Hawthorns, continued to be productive. Fishery Members Dave Etty & Lynsay Bates fished small buzzers in Sam’s Dyke for the majority of the day & were rewarded landing 8 & 7 fish respectively.

Eyebrook also hosted it’s first tuition day of the season, where under the tutelage of Instructors Tom Bird & Mike Oliver, 3 participants were taken through the basics & taught how to cast a fly rod. Taking to the boats in the afternoon all 3 went on to catch their first ever trout on a fly rod. All of them had a great day, despite the very cold Northerly wind. Well done to all. For anyone interested in our Tuition Courses please follow this link: https://www.flyfishstore.co.uk/?s=tuition&s_cs=true

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

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 Membership details Visit   www.flyfishthornton.co.uk/about-us-2/season-permits/ for details of our 2023 membership options

Week Ending:19^th March 2023    Rod Av: 0.9      Water Temperature: 8c

Quiet start to the week with average wind speeds exceeding 25mph our cut off point for allowing boats out. Reservoir levels are high due to the snow melt & rain with visibility around 1ft. Although it’s disappointing to lose days to the weather we need the rain to ensure ground water levels are normal or above normal to ensure any high summer temperatures have as little impact as possible on reservoir levels. It’s the joys of earning a living around the weather.

Tuesday to Thursday with the high levels & coloured water we recommended that anglers didn’t fish or went to Draycote.

Friday, water level was returning to normal, visibility was improving with two members deciding to fish the morning session. J Bebbington caught 2 up the Thornton arm with L Serrano catching 3 from the corner of the wood. Sinking lines with black coloured boobies worked best.

Saturday morning with the level continuing to fall our clarity is around 18inch. Fishing wasn’t easy with anglers picking up an odd fish along the wood and corner of the wood with black booby or black humungous best on a fast sinker.

Sunday with our clarity at 18inch+ and as the colour / sediment drops from the top downwards it meant the clearer water would be closer to the bank. Bob Jones caught his 4 fish limit doing just that, catching his first fish on a fast sinker & booby but due to catching weed changed to a floater & a black & green lure. Fishing opposite the lodge and casting tight to the bank he caught a further 3 & missed a few as the takes were tentative.

Challenging week due to snow melt & rain which raised the level & bought in dirty water. Currently our level is dropping & returning to normal, clarity is improving daily & currently 18inch+. Last weeks stocking has increased the head of fish to 3450 rainbows we would therefore weather permitting expect to see the fishing improve. Contact the lodge for latest updates.

——————————————————————————————————————————

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/

Week Ending: 19^th March 2023     Rod Av:   13.92     Water Temperature: 6-7°C

After the snow and cold weather of the previous week, we all hoped that the bad weather was behind us and that spring would start to spring in earnest. Although, the Great British weather had other ideas with strong winds over 30mph stopped the boats going out. When this was teamed with heavy rain showers it certainly was a day for the hardy anglers. Two such anglers were D Clawson & D Bray, the pair fished in Rainbow Corner and enjoyed great sport landing 24 fish between the two. Using a floating line with a black and green goldhead. Great angling on what was certainly not a very pleasant day on the water, but it beats being stuck in an office at work.

The wind swung to the Northwest, Tuesday and dropped considerable from the previous day with the temperatures also hitting double figures, although the wind did make it feel cooler. Fishing from a boat Mark Frost & Richard Webb enjoyed a good days sport landing 27 to the boat using black & green lures and also Diawl Bachs, with their best area being Biggin Bay. All water member Pete Eville fished from a boat enjoying a good day’s sport landing 16 fish. Using a tequila booby fishing along the Farborough Bank, with the same tactics also accounting for some fish out of Biggin Bay. On the bank new member Peter Jefferies fished for his first ever time on the bank. Only fishing for a couple of hours before the cold got the better of him, Peter landed 1 and lost one more. Using a black and green lure from Rainbow Corner with the one landed being a great 3lb rainbow.

It was dull and overcast for most of the day on Wednesday with light breezes and the odd spot of rain through the afternoon. The bank anglers have been faring well over this early part of the season with some good returns coming from the north shore and Toft Shallows. Young James Kelly had a bakers dozen from Lincroft Point on black and orange lures, while Mike Garner caught his fish from the Cornfield. Peter Elliott and Lee Patten had an absolute hat full of fish from the bank down in Toft Shallows using DI3’s and snakes. Out on the boats anglers were also doing extremely well Adam Larbalester and Ben Bayliss had over 30 fish each to the boat using a mixture of snakes, nymphs and lure patterns. Ian Morris plied his trade around the Valve Tower and Lincroft Point on small boobies fished deep and slow to net 16 fish from a drifting boat.

A windy day with rain in the afternoon on Thursday, which deterred some anglers from venturing out. Although those that did enjoyed great sport, Mike Oliver fished on the bank in the afternoon from 1pm onwards. Landing 27 using a black lure on the point and then pheasant tail nymph on the droppers and buzzers. The best area Mike found was down the Cornfield all the way up to Lincroft point and then in Biggin Bay as well. On the boats Lianne Frost & Chris Bobby landed 32 fish using a DI 5 sinking line and various boobies and blobs. Also using Di 5 lines to great affect, Fraser Duffer Snr & Jnr who landed 40 fish to the boat. The hotspots for the boat anglers seemed to be Toft, Lincroft Point and Biggin Bay.

A much improved day weather wise on Friday with mild conditions and a touch of spring in the air. And the mood these fish are in will definitely put a spring in your step here at Draycote because once again the rod average is through the roof. (14.9). The best of the fishing for both bank and boat anglers is along the northern shoreline running from Biggin Bay down to the Cornfield. Season permit holder Mr Paul Walker netted 26 fish from the bank . Paul used minkies and diawl bachs to catch his fish in Biggin Bay. Another season permit holder Mr Paul Walley caught a dozen fish from the bank at Lincroft Point using a Pitsford pea. Mr M Baggott and Mr D Jinkins also took to the bank to net 16 fish between them on black lures from Toft Shallows and the Cornfield. Young Ian Richardson and Bob Smith had an unholy number of fish to the boat yesterday 88 in all. The lads used cormorants fished on sinking lines in Dougies Gap to tempt their fish and remarked on a red letter day. Mr David Mason had 20 fish to the boat using boobies and buzzers. Mr James Carr and Mr Tony Rowley had nearly 40 fish to the boat between them on buzzers and boobies and remarked on a great day.

Saturday morning dawned with overcast skies, and light showers. It was a fairly mild day overall with quite a few anglers taking to the water. Mr N and Mr M Hollingshead ventured out on to the bank to catch 19 fish between them. They fished mainly in the Cornfield using a mixture of patterns such as damsels, diawl bachs and crunchers. Season permit holder Simon Ringer caught 8 fish from the bank during a morning session, all on buzzers. Mr John Hartley also fished buzzers from the bank to net 7 fish from Biggin Bay. Draycote regular Stan Hillman caught 15 fish from the bank on lures from various points along the northern shoreline. Saturday was the practice day for the 6 x 4 competition so some anglers were playing their cards very close to their chests. However we still managed a rod average of 8, with once again lots of fish being caught from the boats in Toft Shallows, along the Cornfield and in Biggin Bay.

A fantastic day at Draycote Sunday with all anglers enjoying great sport. On the bank manager Tom Bird & fishery instructor and guide Mike Oliver hosted the first beginner bank day of the season. A great day was had by all the participants, and they went on to land 12 fish from Lincroft Point. With the best flies being a white and chartreuse tadpole fished on a floating line.

Member Paul Walley fishing along the Cornfield landed a baker’s dozen using a black and green booby on an intermediate line. With fellow member Mark JJ landed 6 alongside Paul, again on a black and green lure. Fishing at Lincroft Point in the morning Richard Walker landed 6 fish using black buzzers. On the boats we hosted the first round of the 6X4 competition. They informed us that the there had been some very impressive catches the day before and that they expected the water to fish well again on Sunday. This proved to be the case with the 56 anglers producing a rod average of 21.4 fish per angler. With the best area’s being Toft, Croft Shoal, S Buoy and Lincroft point with the majority of anglers catching fish on Di 5 & 7 sinking lines with boobies, cormorants and blobs. Although Buzzers also featured well on the catch report with a 3ft Midge Tip and a team of buzzers working well. If you want to see any pictures and posts about with either the tuition day or competition, please visit www.facebook.com/flyfishstore

——————————————————————————————————————————

Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report – 01536 770264

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/

Week Ending: 19th March 23                    Rod Av: 2.3        Water Temperature: 6-7°C

Monday at Eyebrook was dominated by the weather. With heavy rain, very strong winds there was no anglers venturing out.

Due to the recent weather the water clarity was very poor with visibility down to around 1ft. This did not deter George Hall from taking a boat for a short session. George managed 3 fish from the Hawthorns to Sam’s Dyke area which is a great return given the lack of water clarity.

Wednesday was another quiet day on Eyebrook. The water clarity remained an issue, however it did improve as the day wore as the colour started to drop out. By mid-afternoon the visibility was between 1 & 2ft.  Those that did venture out still caught however where the Hawthorns remained the most productive area with fish getting caught on Buzzers & Lures fished from the bank.

It was a damp start to the day Thursday with light southerly winds which made for favourable bank conditions. The water clarity is improving day by day with the shallower area around banks being first to clear as the sediment particles begin to drop through the water column. Eyebrook member Mick Farrell had a very productive bank session landing 6 fish & reporting a lot of interest throughout the day. Mick used a Di3 & Boobies with a slow retrieve to tempt his fish.

Fridays start was damp & cold which developed into a warm, bright spring afternoon. The wind was a light southerly which remained consistent all day. The water clarity continued its improvement with visibility now being at 2ft +. Subsequently, the reservoir fished very well off the bank with fish getting caught all down the Hawthorns to the Island. Fish were caught on a variety of lines with black flies proving to be more successful than lighter coloured ones. The key seemed to be to fish your flies slow, giving the fish plenty of opportunities to see them. Garry Mickley had a very productive day, landing 18 fish on a 5ft tip line with a Black lure on the point & Black Diawl Bachs above it. Eyebrook member Keith Johnson had 10 fish on a Kate McLaren & Black Diawl Bachs.

Saturday saw both the boats & the banks busy. With the water clarity now at 3ft, fish were caught from both. Those fishing the margins faired better than those on the boats opting for open water. As previously mentioned, the sediment clears from the shallower areas first as it has less distance to fall. So at this time of year, when there is sediment in the water, the banks & margins are areas that with have the better clarity of water & affords the greater possibility of fish seeing your flies.

Sunday was a very quiet day with a few fish caught from the boats & banks but in no great numbers. With the weather for the forth coming week looking increasingly unsettled, targeting the areas that have better water clarity will become of paramount importance.

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

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 Membership details Visit   www.flyfishthornton.co.uk/about-us-2/season-permits/ for details of our 2023 membership options

Week Ending: 12^th March    Rod Av: 4.5     Water Temperature: 7c

Weather Forecast

The national weather forecast for the UK is likely to have an impact on us this week, although as I write this report locally it’s not too bad. I’m often asked which weather forecast we follow, we use two

https://www.xcweather.co.uk/ which you can also download as an App, all you do is enter the fisheries postcode

Thornton LE67 1AR,   Draycote CV23 8AB,    Eyebrook LE16 8RP

The other weather forecast we follow is https://www.windy.com/ and again all you do is enter the fisheries postcode

We find both to be pretty accurate 48h to 24hr before your visit.

Fishing Report

Monday with a mixed forecast only one angler took to the water new Thornton member Martin Hoskins was rewarded with 10 trout taken on a fast sinking line with a black and green booby.

Tuesday, how wrong could the national weather forecast be for the midlands, no rods and we had the worst days in February when anglers went out fishing! By late morning the sun was out. Follow the local forecast.

Wednesday, snow flurries and a bitterly cold easterly. One angler member Carl Bond took a boat out for a few hours catching 1 fish on a fast sinker and a black nymph before the cold drove him off the water.

Thursday, Friday snow arrived causing local disruption to travel with no anglers on the water. Saturday & following a quick thaw the reservoir level rose & water clarity was reduced to 1ft, with no rods out fishing.

Sunday following a bit of rain and the continued thaw the water level in the reservoir continued to rise with clarity reduced further. A couple of rods decided to give it a try, Richard Smith caught 1 and had other offers to a black humungus with John Reynold catching 6 on a fast sinker and a black and green booby.

With the reservoir running over the overflow due to the snow melt and rain our visibility is currently 1ft but will improve with this weeks forecast as always we recommend you call the lodge for the latest updates

——————————————————————————————————————————

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/

Week Ending:     12^th March 2023           Rod Av:  5.9        Water Temperature: 4-5°C

A cold start to the week with the temperatures dropping down to single figures and the a strong Southwest wind blowing. However, it didn’t seem to upset the fish to much as the rods who took to the water produced a 7.25 rod average. Draycote member Peter Elliot headed out on the bank using a black snake on a fast glass to return 16 fish from Dunn’s and the Cornfield. Another angler who found the fish at Dunn’s was Bob Barfoot who landed 7 fish on small buzzers in size 12 & 14s. New member Richard Collier also used the more natural approach landing a brace on Pheasant tailed nymphs with a further one on a viva. On the boats Brett Vinall & Andy Birkett started there first of a 3 day break returning 22 fish to the boat using boobies on sunk lines. Ian Morris also used a booby with some cormorants fished slowly at the Cornfield & Alberts Bottom landing a baker’s dozen. Anglers Bob Smith and Ian Richardson fishing in Toft and later in Biggin Bay also boating 13. With the best flies being bloodworm patterns, blobs and small snakes.

The cold weather continued Tuesday with very cold conditions 1°C mixed with some rain at the same time for the morning. Although in the afternoon the sun came out, making it much more pleasant day still cold but certainly more enjoyable to be out on the water. The previous days of colder weather and certainly knocked the fish off a little from the previous days. Season ticket holder Alan Grant fished for a few hours off Lincroft Point to land a brace using an intermediate with a damsel. Regular last four hour anglers Slav & Jony fished in Dunn’s again using various early season lures such as black & greens, snakes and cats whiskers. David Harrison fished from the boats with his best area being G Buoy in Toft fishing keep with a white snake. All water member John Kirk found the fish off Lincroft Point using the Bung and black buzzers. Brent Vinall & Andy Birkett fished for their second day landing 17 fish. The duo found that a Di 3 link with boobies to be most effective in the morning. While it was the Booby Basher in the afternoon that caught the fish. With the best areas being Toft, Biggin Bay and Lincroft Point.

An awful weather day Wednesday with North east winds fixed with snow and sleet showers for nearly the entire day, making it feel well below freezing. As a result we only had 3 anglers arrive at the fishery. Draycote member Dave Kennel fished off the bank to land a very welcome fish from the Cornfield. Then out on the boats we had Brent Vinall & Andy Birkett on the final day of their 3 day break. They once again used booby bashers and boobies. Landing 9 fish from around Farborough Spit including some cracking overwintered fish. Pictures of the fish can be seen on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/flyfishstore

Heavy snow and very inclement conditions put an end to any chance of fishing over Thursday and Friday, and indeed due to local road conditions Severn Trent closed Draycote over both days.

A light but cold north easterly breeze greeted us on Saturday morning, with the promise of reasonable fishing conditions throughout the day. Draycote did not disappoint from either the boat or the bank and is fishing well at the moment. Mr A Joseph fished from the bank in Toft Shallows to land 7 fish on a small orange lure. Mike Hunt landed half a dozen fish from the bank on an olive snake in the Cornfield. Out on the boats Mark Braun netted 16 fish using damsels on a fast glass in Toft Shallows. Ray Rawlings also boated 16 fish using green and black lures on a DI7 off the Cornfield. Young Mike Garner and Ian Ross had 20 fish to the boat between them using black and green lures fished along the northern shore.

The best day of the week arrived Sunday and the anglers who fished on the day enjoyed good sport with a rod average of 6.2 fish per angler. Bank angler and Draycote season ticket holder Jon Crowley landed 11 fish from Rainbow Corner using a blue flash Damsel fished on either a Di 5 sweep or on a midge tip. Also, fishing in Rainbow Corner Steve Orton using a brown buzzer to land 7 fish. Draycote member Richard Walker fished along the Northshore using a fast sinking line and a booby to also land 7 fish. Mr J Mackay fished in Toft in the afternoon from the bank to land 6 fish on blue flash damsels. On the boats all water member Kevin Hart fished with Dave Pacey landing 35 fish to the boat. The pair fished in Toft, Cornfield & The Farborough Dam with intermediate and medium sink lines. With the best flies being various boobies and tadpoles. All water members Fraser Duffy Snr & Fraser Duffy Jnr used Di 5 sinking lines and boobies to land 36 fish landing the fish from Toft, Cornfield & Biggin Bay. Jared Burton & L Jones fished from a boat along the Cornfield using Olive Snakes to land 28 fish.

——————————————————————————————————————————

Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report – 01536 770264

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/

Week Ending: 12th March 23       Rod Av: 3.0        Water Temperature: 5°C

Eyebrook Opening Day video on our YouTube Channel Flyfishstore https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POtAY7sh-rs

The week started with a moderate northerly wind that saw both the air & water temperature begin to plummet. This made the trout fishing somewhat challenging & fish hard to come by, particularly from the boats. The banks fared better with All Water Member & Eyebrook regular Ian Jobe landing 11 fish from the bank on lure patterns. Ian started along the Hawthorns & he moved frequently further along the bank picking up fish as he went. Other catches from included Mr Hawley & All Water Member Jim Watt who had 5 & 4 fish respectively. From the boats the Pike anglers proved to be more successful than the trout anglers with quite a few fish to 8lb being caught. The big girls did not make a showing on this day, but it is only a matter of time before they do.

Tuesday proved to be even colder than the previous day & the water temperature had dropped to 4°C. The water was 1°C colder than the previous day which would have a detrimental impact on the fishing, so it proved. It made the fishing beyond challenging & therefore very few fish were caught. The trout did make an appearance but only in 1’s & 2’s.

The cold weather continued Wednesday & so did Eyebrook’s challenging start to the season. Robbo’s cabin did produce some fish however, where fish were caught from both the banks & the boats. The boat anglers caught using lures on sinking lines fished relatively slow. Whereas the bank anglers caught fishing small nymphs which contained a small element of some kind of flash. Targeting the naturally feeding fish these small flashy nymphs proved to be a convincing imitation of the Corixa the trout were feeding on.

The weather Thursday & Friday were very typical of a British springtime with numerous bouts of snow, wind, rain, frost & sunshine. These changeable weather conditions were enough to deter the very hardiest of anglers & the fishery remained extremely quiet.

It was a very cold & clear start to Saturday. The reservoir resembled a mill pond & remarkably, fish could be seen moving across the area of the Main Basin. The Hawthorns proved to be the most productive area with the bank anglers catching on Intermediate Lines & White Humungus Boobies.

Sunday saw an increase in air temperature & the fishing really kicked into life with the reservoir producing a daily rod average of 7.08. Fish were caught from both the bank & the boats with the most productive area being the Leicester Bank from the Lodge to Sam’s Dyke. Fish were caught on a variety of flies & methods from Black & Green Lures being pulled to Diawl Bachs fished static on a Washing Line.

The forecast for the forthcoming week is one of changeable conditions with strong winds. However, it is also one of increased air temperature & from a favourable direction for the bank fishing so the recent upturn in form looks set to continue.

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

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/

Week Ending: 5^th March   Rod Av: 2.8      Water Temperature: 7c

Lost and Found, we have a rod with a sinking line on it which was handed into the lodge. If you’ve lost a rod in the last few months call the lodge, we will need to know the make of rod, reel & type of fly line.

Monday, quiet start to the week with a cold north easterly & rain forecast. Only one boat ventured out & he caught 2 fish before returning to the lodge for a hot drink to warm up.

Tuesday & a busier day with lighter winds forecast. Anglers generally concentrated around the corner of the wood. Barry Deeley fished a sink5 & Humungus to catch 7. Martin Hoskins fished a DI7 with boobies to catch his 12 trout with T Johnson & D Ward boating 7

Thursday and a challenging day with the surprisingly cold wind chill seeing most rods off the water by early afternoon. Tiny Lorrimer and his bunny patterns were top rod with 6 trout on a white and yellow pattern.

Friday Chris Sayer fished a minkie booby pattern to catch 7 trout with all other rods picking up 1 to 3 trout on booby, green pea and cats whiskers.

Saturday and a bit of a better day although the colder than expected wind chill seeing most of the rods off early afternoon. B Sibley and Martin Clay caught 6 trout for their visit, Mark Hunt fished a 6ft tip line to catch 8 on olive or black buzzer. David Woodall fished his new standard midge tip line & buzzers and was rewarded with 2 fish.

Sunday and a calmer day, with a cold chill to it. Martin Rowson & Neil Deakin found the winning combination fishing off the corner of the wood boating 20 trout with snakes proving to be the best pattern. Andrew Wilson fished with booby & buzzer patterns to catch his 5 trout, reporting a small buzzer hatch during a short period of the day.

Water clarity is still good with the water temperature at 7c, cold chill to the wind most of the week. Sinkers with cats whiskers, snakes, black green fritz, boobies of various colours worked best with a few fish taking buzzer. Trout are still some distance off the bank but are spread from the top of the Thornton Arm all the way down to the tern rafts

——————————————————————————————————————————

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/

Week Ending:     5^th March 2023           Rod Av:          Water Temperature: 5°C

Draycote Opening Day video on our YouTube Flyfishstore Channel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHCabibdCIc

The season kicked off with a bang on Wednesday with 88 rods producing a rod average of 10.19. As expected with such a high rod average there was some massive catches from both the boat and the bank. On the bank the hotspots were Toft, bottom end of the Cornfield, Lincroft Point & in between Dunn’s and Biggin Bay. With some slightly different methods depending on the area in Toft, intermediates with blobs and black and green lures featured. While along the Cornfield it was slightly faster intermediates and Di 3 proving to be the most productive with snakes, and longer tailed lure and FABS scoring best. With both areas showing up a good percentage of overwintered fish. Further up the bank it was fast intermediates with snakes and black and greens taking the majority of the fish and the key being a fast retrieve such as a roly-poly. On the boats Toft, Biggin Bay, Croft Shoal and Lincroft point all scored well. With boobies fished on sinking lines proving to be successful along with snakes. However a number of fish did fall to buzzers across the lake and a high proportion of overwintered fish.

Similar conditions Thursday with the wind remaining in the Northeast, with an overcast start and the sun making an appearance later in the day. The good sport continued with the rod average for the day 9.25 fish per angler. It was the boats that took the lion share of the sport, as the bank anglers reported the fish moved further off the bank once the sun broke through. However, James Kelly did enjoy some nice sport in the morning from Toft. On the boats season ticket holder Rob Middleton and boat partner Darren Cox enjoyed a good day landing over 30 fish. Using black buzzers on a floating line drifting along the Cornfield landing some great overwintered fish amongst them. Craig Middleton also used buzzers and also egg flies under the bung to land 25 fish in Toft. A George & I George used blue flash damsels in Toft to land 52 between them. All water members Steve Windram & Phil Cross fished at the nature reserve buoys in Toft on a Di 3 sinking line with a cut throat cat and blobs landing 69 fish.

Another chilly day Friday with the wind staying in the same direction with a few light showers in the morning. On the bank Gary Russell landed 7 fish from Toft using heavy black lures fished on a floating line. Simon Ringer fished along the Cornfield landing 6 fish on buzzers. On the boats all water season ticket holder Jamie Scott landed 40 fish using a white booby on a Di 7 before changing to buzzers under the bung. Draycote member Ray Rowlings used a Di 3 & Di 7 sinking with a mix of snakes and snake boobies to land 23 fish.

A slightly warmer day Saturday with the wind speed dropping although the overcast conditions remained. Tim Burn fished the bank at the Cornfield and Dunn’s with Draycote member Paul Mitchell to land 11 fish while Paul landed 5. Using intermediate lines and Di 3 with snakes and black and green lures. On the boats it was a busy day with a number of anglers traveling from Scotland & Wales to make the most of the opening weekend and the great fishing. With them being rewarded for their journey the 12 rods from Scotland landed a very impressive 399 fish for a rod average of 33.25 fish per angler. The lads used snakes, blobs and other lures on sinking lines in Toft to land their great numbers. Rob Edmounds and Sam Edmounds landed 30 fish to the boat using Di 8 sinking line with tadpoles and boobies to land their fish. Sam Smith fishing with Ed Elix landed 61 fish on boobies. With the hotspot for the day certainly being Toft.

The wind swung Saturday to the Southwest, put remained a cold day. Draycote member Paul Walker fished off the bank to land 7 fish fishing from Dunn’s and the Cornfield. With the wind change a number of the anglers bank tried Rainbow Corner for the first this season. Draycote member Jon Crowley was one such angler who landed 10 fish. Some from The Cornfield and the rest from Rainbow. Jon used a blue flash Damsel and a black & green. All water member Andy Lillie also fished in Rainbow Corner landing 3 fish on black & green lures. Airflo’s Gareth Jones also enjoyed a day on the bank with Anthony Cartwright. The pair fished along the Cornfield with the hotspot being the top end where it’s a little deeper. Gareth had the correct method using a 12ft Airflo fast tip with a black and green to land 20 fish. While Tony landed 6 struggling to get the dept with just his floating line. On the boats the Scottish party of anglers continued to catch fish from Toft using the same tactics as the day before, but not quite the same number as the wind direction change slightly knocked the fish off. New all water member Fraser Duffy Snr & Jnr enjoyed a good first day on Draycote landing 39 fish to the boat using lures on sinking lines. Draycote member Ian Reeve also enjoyed a good day landing 16 fish using a small black & green lure teamed with a blob with his best areas being Toft, Dunn’s & The Valve Tower.

Overall its been a fantastic opening week with 2,406 fish caught giving a rod average of 10.25 for the week. Its been great to see both bank and boat anglers enjoying the good sport. We have another load of 1,805 fish arriving this week to help make sure the great sport continues.

——————————————————————————————————————————

Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report – 01536 770264

Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report – 01536 770264

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/

Week Ending: 05 Mar 23                    Rod Av: 6.1         Water Temperature: 5-6°C

The start of 2023 season brought with it a stiff North Easterly breeze with plenty of cloud. The pre-season stocking had been completed & due to the recent lack of rain the water clarity remained very good for this time of year. The reservoir fishing very well, yielding a rod average of 7.8, with some high returns being recorded from both the bank & boats. The common dominator was that anglers needed to be fishing extremely close to the bank which obviously favoured the bank anglers initially. In the areas that the boats could get close to the margins, there were some extremely rich pickings to be had. All water members Ian Jobe & Clive Moore had an extremely productive day. Fishing the north side of the tower up into Harrison’s corner, casting at the Dam wall & moving their flies back quickly using a roly-poly retrieve they were to record a very high catch return. On the banks, fish in high numbers were caught from various locations, from Dogwood Bay to the Island & over at Harrisons Corner to the netted. Harrisons fished well from the off with Eyebrook Member Bill Law catching 8 extremely quickly. Over the Leicester Bank, fish were caught steadily throughout the day from various locations. Regular visitor Nigel Woolnough landed 14 over the course of his visit, dropping in on various locations throughout the day.

Saturday saw the air temperature decrease & the stiff North Easterly breeze continue. Consequently, the water temperature had fallen to 5°C which meant the trout were in a somewhat lethargic mood. Fish were still caught however, with the bank fishing proving to be more productive than the boats. Sam’s Dyke to the Island was again a prolific area where Jim Bright caught his 5 fish on Diawl Bachs. Fish were also picked up along the Hawthorns. The boats continued to pick up fish along the Dam Wall, North side of the Tower into Harrison’s Corner & also along the Hawthorns into Sam’s Dyke. Sue Potts landed her 7 fish from both the Hawthorns & Dam Wall on Blobs & Boobies. Given the conditions, this was an excellent return.

On Sunday, the wind had swung round to a Westerly & reduced in speed, resulting in a slight increase in both the air & water temperature. As on the previous day, locating the fish was not the issue, being there when they decided to feed was.

Eyebrook member Dave Etty benefited from being in the right place at the right time, landing 5 fish from the Hawthorns/Sam’s Dyke area. Fishing very slowly, Dave used Nymphs to tempt his fish. Whereas other bank anglers found that pulling lures as fast as they could was required to generate interest & elicit a response from the fish whenever they were in front of them. For consecutive days the bank has outfished the boats which is indicative of the time of year & where fish are likely to be found. With the forecast for the forthcoming week indicating cooler temperatures, the bank looks set to continue producing high catch returns.

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

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 Membership details Visit   www.flyfishthornton.co.uk/about-us-2/season-permits/ for details of our 2023 membership options

Week Ending: 26^th February    Rod Av: 5.3     Water Temperature: 6c – 7c

Monday, with a brisk cool wind anglers fished from the corner of the wood back up into the shelter of the Thornton arm. Mr & Mrs Warren decided to fish the sheltered water in front of the main car park catching 5 from this area. All Water member John Duncan caught 11 for his visit with Greg Weatherdon on his first visit of the year catching 7. Lee Henfrey returned and fished the 12ft slow tip line with bloodworm & buzzers to catch 17 for his visit.

Tuesday with a good forecast we had all of the boats out, milder day with our water temperature at 6c+. Bit of a mixed days fishing with a rod av of 3.4 Buzzer patterns caught a few mor fish with Steve Fairgrieve catching 6 on buzzer patterns, Bob Jones caught 7 for his visit on a mixture of cats whisker & buzzer patterns. Andrew Wilson fished out in front of the lodge with a DI3 and viva pattern catching 8 trout

Wednesday, although a bit cooler the weather was better than forecast with the fishery returning a rod average 5 for the day. Anglers are finding increasing numbers of trout past the end of the wood down to the tern raft and is well worth a look when the wind allows. 4 weeks into the season the Thornton arm and in front of the wood continues to produce well for the boats. All water members Ian Jobe and Clive Moore caught 14 for their visit with other rods catching on small minkie, booby, cats whisker, bloodworm and buzzers using a 12ft slow tip down to a DI7

Thursday, much cooler start to the day with a brisk northerly wind. With a north wind the end of the wood, lonesome pine down the Markfield arm offered some relief from the cold. It was a day for fast sinkers with a variety of boobies from a cats whisker, white, coral to pink. All Water member John Duncan fished with R Bedder boating 11 trout, Keith Cowen caught 6 on a cats whisker with J Scott catching 8

Friday and a colder northerly wind kept the rods off the water, a quiet day with S Hall & M Bishop on their first visit to Thornton catching 12 trout on a fast sinker & black booby with green eyes fishing along the wood bank & corner of the wood.

Saturday, and a daily rod average 9.1 with anglers finding fish from in front of the lodge, along the wood down the Markfield arm towards the tern raft, unfortunately majority of the trout remain a good way off the bank. Kevin Hart fished with D Pacey catching 23 on booby patterns on a fast sinker and a midge tip with buzzers. N Perrie caught 10 on a black and green fritz with Thornton member Jan Webber catching 11 on fast sinking lines and boobies. Sam & Rob Edmonds caught 20 on fast sinkers and booby patterns. The longer daylight hours are helping to move the water temperature upwards it now sits at 7c

Sunday, and a busy day with all of the boats out on the water. Lee Henfrey & Nigel Keeber caught 26 for their visit with Neil Deakin & Martin Rowson catching 25 trout for their visit. All Water member J Reynolds caught 15 with All Water members F Duffy jnr & F Duffy snr catching 25 for their visit. Fast sinking lines with various booby patterns caught the majority of the trout although Mark Hunt persevered with a midge tip & buzzers to catch 7

Water clarity is excellent, boat anglers are still enjoying the best of the sport with the area opposite the lodge in front of the wood and down the Markfield arm to the tern rafts fishing best. Water temperature is starting to creep upwards and was at 7c by the end of the week.

With only 2 days left for February we have enjoyed an excellent opening month from the boats with a rod average of 5.9 for February

——————————————————————————————————————————

Draycote Fishery Weekly Report – 01788 812018

Email:  draycote@flyfishstore.co.uk

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

DRAYCOTE OPENS 1^st March

 Main gate and lodge open from 7.30am

Call the lodge to prebook boats, we will be asking for pre-payment, to speed up the process please have your debit / credit card to hand.

Details on Day Permit & Boat cost are on our website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/day-permits/

For bank anglers to take your vehicle around the perimeter road you will need to call and book one of the 30 car passes

Severn Trent have major works going on along the Hensborough Dam while the work continues access to and from the bank is from the barrier at the Farnborough dam.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

Sunday 9^th April

RIO & SAGE Day with Simon Gawesworth RIO, Peter Knox & Chris Anderson of SAGE & Jim Fearn of Guide Fly Fishing

FREE 1 to 1 casting session with Simon, Peter, Chris or Jim, Trout, Pike, Saltwater or Salmon with any SAGE Rod & RIO fly line you would like to try. Great opportunity for beginners or anglers wanting to improve.

Also 1½hr FREE guided session with one of the Draycote guides fishing with a SAGE rod or RIO fly line of your choice

To book your spot call the Draycote Lodge 01788812018

 ——————————————————————————————————————————

Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report – 01536 770264

Email: eyebrook@flyfishstore.co.uk

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

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

Eyebrook Opens 3^rd March

Main gate and fishing lodge open from 7.30am

Call Lloyd to book your boat 01536770264 pre-payment required for the boat bookings. To speed up the booking process please have your debit / credit card to hand.

Visit the Eyebrook website for details www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk/about-us-2/day-permits/

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

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 Permit, Boat rates and pre-payment details www.flyfishthornton.co.uk/about-us-2/day-permits/

Week Ending: 19^th February   Rod Av: 6.3      Water Temperature: 5.5c

Monday and a milder start to the week with the boats still finding the best of the fishing 50yd+ off the bank. Some boats were into double figures while others were 4 or 5 fish to the boat, it seemed to be down to line choice with a sink 3 working best. All water member Richard Dayman fished a DI3 sweep catching 17 by 1pm on a Fab & cats whisker pattern. John Duncan caught 16 for his visit with Ian Jobe braving the 5c water temperature fishing from his float tube being rewarded with 18, overall rod average 7.6

Tuesday and a cold frosty, foggy morning which didn’t improve until after lunch, but once the sun had burnt away the fog we were left with a milder brighter afternoon. Fishing was slow during the morning but picked up once conditions improved. Andrew Wilson caught 7 on a cats whisker and buzzer, Barry Deeley, Pete Cox, Arthur Olding, Phil Mee all caught 6 fish each on cats whiskers, cut throat cat, humungus & fab patterns on a DI3, DI5 & DI7

Wednesday and another cold frosty start to the day. There are fish at the top of the Thornton and fish now pushing round towards the lonesome pine, but still frustratingly too far our for any reliable bank sport. Lee Henfrey fished with Kevin Hart catching 20 on boobies & humungus. All Water member Mick Glover fished the morning session catching 7 on a black & silver humungus with Ian Jobe & Clive Moore catching 14 for their visit. R Swan & A Trabankowski on their first visit to Thornton caught 11

Thursday, busy day with all of the boats out. Some of the boats pushed further down the Markfield arm with D Pritchard going down the arm catching 5 close to the bank. Keith Cowen fished a cats whisker booby to catch his 6 trout with Martin Hoskins on his first visit to Thornton catching 9 on a DI7 and boobies. R Swan & A Trabankowski returned for day 2 catching 12 with Tony Lorrimer using his rabbit patterns a yellow rabbit pattern on this occasion to catch 9 with Steve Fairgrieve fishing a cats whisker to boat 7 trout.

Friday, we missed the worst of the forecasted winds. Chris Sayer fished a white booby to catch his 7 trout with John Bebbington fishing the much calmer afternoon session catching 6 on a cats whisker. All water member C Middleton had an excellent day catching well into double figures on a white booby.

Saturday, milder day with the water temperature for the first time this season creeping upwards. Forecast of strong winds saw a number of anglers cancelling and inline with our boat fishing pre payment policy received a full refund or the day carried over to their next visit. As it happened similar to Friday the winds were nowhere near as bad as forecast with the anglers who went out returning a rod average of 12 for the day. Neil Shilton took to his float tube fishing a fast sinker with pink booby to catch his 15 trout. All water members Rob & Sam Edmonds caught 25 for their visit on DI7 and boobies with Jan Webber also fishing boobies on a DI7 to catch his 15 trout. Brian Sibley opted to fish a DI3 with black buzzers catching 7 trout with Mark Hunt fishing a 12ft tip line with olive and black buzzers catching 21

Sunday, All water members Fraser Duffy & Fraser jnr on their first visit to Thornton caught 11, Lee Henfrey making the most of his time before he resumes his fishery ranger / guiding duties at Draycote on the 1^st March, fished with N Keeber catching 21 trout to the boat during a morning session. Lee initially caught on DI7 & booby patterns before switching to a 12ft tip line with bloodworm patterns & buzzers. Richard Smith fished a morning session catching 6 on DI7 and booby patterns.

Main area continues to be down the Thornton arm, out in front of the wood and wood corner with some fish been caught all the way down the Markfield arm to the tern rafts. Fast sinkers with various booby patterns with the 12ft tip line with bloodworm & buzzer. Water clarity is good with the water temperature a cold 5.5c

——————————————————————————————————————————

Draycote Fishery Weekly Report – 01788 812018

Email:  draycote@flyfishstore.co.uk

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

DRAYCOTE OPENS 1^st March

Call the lodge to prebook boats, we will be asking for pre payment Details on Day Permit & Boat cost are on our website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us-2/day-permits/

For bank anglers to take your vehicle around the perimeter road you will need to book one of the 30 car passes

Severn Trent have major works going on along the Hensborough Dam while the work continues access to and from the bank is from the barrier at the Farnborough dam.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

Sunday 9^th April

RIO & SAGE Day with Simon Gawesworth RIO, Peter Knox & Chris Anderson of SAGE & Jim Fearn of Guide Fly Fishing

FREE 1 to 1 casting session with Simon, Peter, Chris or Jim, Trout, Pike, Saltwater or Salmon with any SAGE Rod & RIO fly line you would like to try. Great opportunity for beginners or anglers wanting to improve.

Also 1½hr FREE guided session with one of the Draycote guides fishing with a SAGE rod or RIO fly line of your choice

To book your spot call the Draycote Lodge 01788812018

——————————————————————————————————————————

Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report – 01536 770264

Email: eyebrook@flyfishstore.co.uk

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

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

Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report – 01536 770264

Email: eyebrook@flyfishstore.co.uk

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

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

                                                                                        Eyebrook Opens 3^rd March

Call Lloyd to book your boat 01536770264 pre payment required for the boat bookings. Visit the Eyebrook website for details www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk/about-us-2/day-permits/

Thornton 2023 Season Opens 1st February

With the 2023 fly fishing season opening at Thornton on 1st February we are busy preparing for the new season

Our preseason stocking of 2350 rainbows of which 550 are 2lb+ with 1800 averaging 1lb10oz have gone in with our boats also due back on the water. Our 2023 stocking policy is on our website https://www.flyfishthornton.co.uk/about-us-2/stocking-policy/  along with our day permit prices for 2023

Water clarity is good with our water temperature at 5c, which is were you would expect it to be for the time of year.

If your planning to fish the bank you will need waders with the lodge & main gate open from 7.30am

Boats are due out from 8.30am but will be out sooner if the staff get the pontoon ready quicker than expected.

Previous years the shallows opposite the lodge along the Thornton Arm, wood bank & corner of the wood fishes best with lines from intermediate down to fast sinkers with green pea, tadpole, cats whisker, blobs & booby patterns although some fish are always taken on buzzer, diawls & bloodworm patterns.

To book call the lodge 01530230807 we will be asking for prepayment of your boat booking with prepayment due a week before your visit. If for any reason your visit is cancelled you will receive a full refund.

Prepayment will save you queuing at the lodge & will eliminate no shows which cost the fishery money

Tight lines

Ifor

2023 Season

With a little over a week to go before we start the 2023 season at Thornton, if you’ve booked a boat can you call the Thornton lodge 01530230807 to arrange the required pre payment.

Lodges are open at 7.30am. Boats available from 8.30am but could be out sooner if the fishery staff have finished their early morning pontoon & boat checks earlier than expected.

Opening dates 2023
Thornton 1^st February to book call the lodge 01530 230807
Visit the website www.flyfishthornton.co.uk and click on the “About Us” tab to see our 2023 stocking policy & permits.

Draycote 1^st March to book call the lodge 01788 812018
Visit the website www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk and click on the “About Us” tab to see our 2023 stocking policy & permits.
Also for Draycote if your fishing the bank we recommend you call & book one of the 30 car passes which allow bank anglers, members & day permits to take their car around Draycote perimeter road. We will require your car registration & contact number.

Eyebrook 3^rd March to book call the lodge 01536 770264
Visit the website www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk and click on the “About Us” tab to see our 2023 stocking policy & permits.

During 2023 we will be producing a range of YouTube video, from general fishing videos at Draycote, Eyebrook & Thornton to instructional & tackle reviews & if organisers of competitions require we can video their events, all will be posted on our channel YouTube Flyfishstore
The latest video https://youtu.be/VncwnC8yNM0 gives you a short insight to some of the work fishery staff need to do once the season closes to ensure were ready for the next one.
Sale Items
On our online shop we have some sale items reduced by 60% click on the link and hopefully grab a bargain https://www.flyfishstore.co.uk/shop/category/sale-items/
Date for your diary
British Fly Fair International www.bffi.co.uk on the 11^th & 12^th February, we will have our usual stand in Hall 2 with, Snowbee, RIO, SAGE, Vision, Loon, Greys tackle, some show deals.

Draycote, Eyebrook, Thornton

The 2022 season is completed, boats are off the water for their winter maintenance, engines away for the winter overhaul.

Following 2020 & 2021 covid impacted seasons it was great to get back to a full season without any restrictions.

All three waters enjoyed an excellent year’s fishing despite a long dry spell, lack of rain & a hot summer. We must thank our suppliers, Ex, Rainbow Valley, Torre & Westacre for their hard work keeping us supplied with trout during difficult conditions they experienced on the farms due to lack of rain, low summer water flows & high temperatures.

The change to our stocking policy at Thornton & Eyebrook back in 2020 has been vindicated with both fisheries annual rod average increasing despite the hot summer. Thornton averaged 3.9 for the year with Eyebrook returning an excellent annual rod average of 5.2

Thornton being the smallest of the 3 waters at 70acres is the first to open, opening on the 1^st February. Following a couple of seasons of low water while work to upgrade the overflow took place enjoyed a 2020 season with water levels at full for most of the season. Concerns that the low water levels would affect our buzzer hatches didn’t materialise with buzzer hatches, especially the smaller olive buzzer hatches during the summer keeping the fish high in the water.

Eyebrook with its extended season to the 20^th November was our best performing fishery with its impressive 5.2 rod average. As in past years it did produce large grown on browns & rainbows with our anglers fly fishing for the pike recording pike to 28lb. Huge damsel hatches provided superb dry fly sport to the blue damsel with the long awaited rain early September ensuring great daddy sport. It was interesting to see during our extended fishing into November that anglers were still catching on cdc patterns especially the yellow owl

Draycote has always been a consistent fishery returning a 4+ rod average every season with 2022 season rod average a respectable 4.4

Draycote hosted a number of high profile competitions, England Eliminator, John Horsey Anglers World, Airflo, 6×4 comp & the Angling Trust Team Loch Style.

For us however the superb fishing during October & November was outstanding with 3lb+, 4lb+ & 5lb+ rainbows been taken by boat & bank anglers in good numbers

Id like to thank our fisheries team, Alan, Tom, Lloyd, Lee, Andy M, Jim S, Michael, Derek, Martin, Steve, Andy D, Jason & Mark for their hard work during the year.

In 8 weekends it all starts again, the 2023 season at Thornton on the 1^st February, followed by Draycote 1^st March & Eyebrook 3^rd March

Permit prices, package prices & membership details for 2023 can be found by clicking the “About Us” tab located on the fisheries website home page

https://www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk/

https://www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/

https://www.flyfishthornton.co.uk/

We wish you all a very happy festive period and look forward to seeing you in 2023

Ifor

iforjones@gmail.com    Tel: 01530230807