Eyebrook Stocking Policy 2023
Our 2023 stocking schedule for Eyebrook will be 22,500 trout with trout stocked from 1lb8oz to 2lb8oz+
This varied size stocking has been trialled at the Eyebrook during 2020 & 2021 & has increased the weekly, monthly & season rod average with the Eyebrook returning a 4.9 rod average for the 2022 season. The improved catches have seen an upturn in the anglers visiting the Eyebrook, especially during the summer months.
Eyebrook Stocking 2023
31% averaging 2lb+
43% averaging 1lb12oz size range stocked 1lb10oz – 1lb14oz
26% averaging 1lb10oz size range stocked 1lb8oz – 1lb12oz
Our planned 2023 stocking of 22,500 trout should provide good sport during the spring, summer & autumn, although the daily weather, atmospheric pressure & water temperature will always 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 3.0 & 5.0+
During the stocking trials in 2020 & 2021 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 1.0 & 1.5 during these increasingly hot summer months.
By stocking a more varied size of triploid trout we have improved the rod average and the visiting angler’s sport during the hottest summer months of late June to August. We found during the 2020 summer stocking trials the smaller stocked triploids in the 1lb8oz to 1lb12oz range were affected less by the higher water temperature with those smaller stocked triploids continuing to feed & take the fly returning a much improved weekly rod average during late June, July & August of between 1.5 & 3.5 The smaller 1lb8oz to 1lb12oz trout also recovered quicker & returned easier which is important when considering catch & release.
Our new stocking policy is working, returning an excellent 2022 season’s rod average of 4.9
Eyebrook 400acre reservoir built-in 1940, deepest water 35ft in front of the dam with an average depth of 12ft to 15ft constructed to supply water to the Corby steelworks. Its fed by the Eye Brook which can suffer from low summer flows & without an aeration system within the reservoir the trout fishing will be influenced by the 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 month’s of March & late October, 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 Eyebrook in front of the main dam & 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 01536 770264 for the latest fishing news or follow our weekly fishing report
