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

Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report 

Lodge – 01536 770264 & Fishery Mobile 07834581424

Email: eyebrook@flyfishstore.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

Week Ending: 19^th November   Rod Av:  0.05      Water Temperature: 09°c

It has been yet another extremely quiet week here at Eyebrook, with the poor water clarity continuing to have a detrimental impact on the fishing. Very few anglers ventured out with very few fish caught. Those that did catch caught from the bank as the sediment began to drop through the water column. A few Pike anglers went out this week & fared slightly better than the trout anglers with a few fish caught, nothing of no real size though.

Eyebrook Fly Fishers held their club Fur & Feather on Sunday, where Dave Etty took the honours fishing Nymphs in Mucky Bay from the bank, well done Dave. By the time this report goes out, it will be the last day of our 2023 Season, so next week’s report will be a Season Review.

2023 Winter Restrictions.

From the 01 November, we will be operating a reduced number of boats, 10, so pre-booking will be important. Also, the bank fishing will see some winter restrictions, with Banking Fishing limited from the Chestnut, down the Leicester Bank, to the Lodge & along the Dam, around to Robbo’s Cabin. These winter bank restrictions have been increased since last year.

2023 Eyebrook Closing Date.

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

Weather: we use two weather forecast pages.

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

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

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

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Thornton Fishery Weekly Report – 01530 230807

Email: thornton@flyfishstore.co.uk

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

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

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

Week Ending: 19^th November Rod Av: 0.5 Water Temperature: 9°c

Once again more rain caused the fishing to remain a challenge as the water level rose. On Saturday member Jan Webber landed 3 fish. Fishing 50 yards off the wood bank using a white and green booby fished on a sinking line.

Looking ahead this week looks a lot drier and turning cooler towards the weekend, these cold nights will help to drop the levels of water coming in to the reservoir. Resulting in the sediment dropping and we hope this will see a vast improvement in the fishing.

If you wish to book a boat Thursday, Friday or the weekend. On the days the lodge is not open if you call the lodge on 01536 770264 and then leave a voicemail we will pick up the message and book you a boat.

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

Weather: we use two weather forecast pages.

Both options give a good 48 to 72 hour forecast.

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

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

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Draycote Fishery Weekly Report – 01788 812018

Email:  draycote@flyfishstore.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

Week Ending:  Sunday 19^th November 2023  Rod Av: 3.0   Water Temperature: 9°C

A windy start to the week resulted in the boats being cancelled and the weather so foul that no bank anglers wanted to head out either.

A much improved day Tuesday with the wind coming from the Southwest and the rain that was forecast thankfully held off for most of the day. On the bank all water member Norman Perkins landed 4 fish from the Swan’s Nest using a washing line. With a minkie booby on the point and crunchers on the droppers, with the fish taking a mix of both. Fellow member Pete Allen landed 4 fish from Dunn’s Bay also using crunchers. Fishery ranger and guide Lee Henfrey fished with Kevin Hart with the pair landing over 25 fish. Using fast intermediates with snakes and various fry patterns. Fishing from J & T Buoy drifting into the Farborough Dam wall taking fish from 100 yards off all the way to right onto the Dam Wall. Draycote member John Falconbridge fished from a boat for the las four hours landing 6 fish from in Toft also on fry patterns.

An overcast and windy start to the day on Wednesday with a bit of a nip in the air. Not the most comfortable of conditions to be out on the water, however those who did venture out made some good returns. Season permit holder Mark Smith had a brace off the bank using fry patterns at the Swans Nest. Young Dennis Tidmarsh also caught a brace from the bank using lures. Dennis plied his trade off the Swans Nest as well as the Cornfield and Lincroft Point. Out on the boats Lee Patten and Peter Elliott caught a total of 10 fish between them. Lee and Peter fished along the Farborough Dam wall, as well as Toft Shallows and Biggin Bay. Draycote regular Mr Brian Moore used a DI5 sinking line with snakes to boat 5 fish during a morning session. Brian tried various areas around the reservoir before settling on the Draycote Dam.

Although a little chilly, it was a lovely morning on Thursday with a soft breeze and high based cloud. The Farborough Dam was very busy early on with anglers and rods could be seen bending from just outside the harbour. Indeed the area just in front of the pontoon and down the wall seemed to be about the hottest spot on the reservoir, as we watched anglers bending into some good fish throughout the day. The bank fishing was a bit quiet with only 1’s and 2’s caught here and there, sparse pickings perhaps because of the  bright conditions. Out on the boats however anything from an intermediate line to a DI5 with lures was producing some great returns. Draycote stalwart Ed Douglas had a dozen to the boat on a fast glass line with snakes, boobies and shrimp patterns fished along the edge of the Western Wall.  Ian Richardson and Bob Smith had 19 fish to the boat and commented on a cracking day. They were using small snakes fished on a DI3 line along the Farborough Dam and around M buoy near the Hensborough Bank. West Midlands Police were out on the water today with 10 anglers. Obviously good communication was key to their day as between them they caught a total of 30 fish, giving them a rod average of 3 for the group.

Another cold bright start here at Draycote on Friday morning with the forecast being quite calm for the day. The bank fishing gave us some better returns on Friday, and the calmer conditions meant that the anglers could use almost all of the areas around the reservoir. Tony Broadway caught 7 fish from the bank from various areas along the northern shoreline using popper minkies fished off a buzzer tip line. Season permit holder Richard Walker caught 3 fish from the Tower Bank using minkies fished on an intermediate line, with the best of his fish weighing in at 6lbs. Many other bank anglers had a brace to the net including, Pete Allen, Mick Cronin, Stan Hillman and Mr G Armitage. The vast majority of these fish were caught on either a tip or an intermediate line with lure patterns. Anglers also faired pretty well off the boats on Friday with Thornton member Mr Chris Sayer boating 9 fish using a midge tip with nymphs and blobs. Season permit holder Paul Havard netted 8 fish from a drifting boat using a DI3 with black and gold humungus, and remarked on some cracking fish. Bob Barfoot caught 5 fish along the Hensborough Bank and around N buoy using a combination of sinking lines with snakes and cormorants. Ian Reeve worked his way around the reservoir before settling in Rainbow Corner, where he caught 3 fish on snakes using an intermediate line.

A very, very wet start to Saturday morning with a south westerly wind blowing across Draycote Water. The weather for most of the day was a lot kinder than initially forecast, with the wind not picking up properly until about 1 o’clock in the afternoon. Seasoned regular Jon Crowley took to the bank to net 7 fish. Jon spent his morning down at the Swans Nest using a floating line with hares ears and popper hoppers. Mike Garner fished from the bank along the northern shore line to net a brace on kate mclarens and hares ears. Out on the boats Kasidit Leoviriyakit had half a dozen fish to the boat around T and J buoy. Kas used a DI5 line as well as a DI7 line with humungus boobies to net his fish. Draycote regular Alex Campbell caught 3 fish during an afternoon session using a DI5 line and a small perch fry pattern. Season permit holders Sam and Rob Edmunds had 16 fish to the boat between them. Sam and Rob used sinking lines and boobies to catch their fish over Croft Shoal and the front of the pontoons.

Yet another wet and windy start on Sunday morning with a strong south westerly blowing across the reservoir. With the weather being so windy and wet, it kept a number of anglers off the water. However, those that did venture out enjoyed some good sport. On the bank Draycote member John Dickens landed 3 fish using a blue flash damsel and a FAB fishing at the Old Pipe in Biggin Bay. On the boats, fishery ranger Michael Hanlon landed 6 fish using a black and green snake. Fishing at S Buoy and Croft shoal using a Di 3 sinking line. All water member Frazer Duffy Snr & Jnr enjoyed a great day landing 27 fish to their boat. Using a Di 3 sinking line and snake. Drifting from J Buoy in to the Farborough Dam Wall and then drifting around S Buoy and Lincroft Shoal.

Upcoming Events.

26th November- Fur & Feather

Draycote’s closing date

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

Weather: we use two weather forecast pages.

Both options give a good 48 to 72 hour forecast.

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

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

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

Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report 

Lodge – 01536 770264 & Fishery Mobile 07834581424

Email: eyebrook@flyfishstore.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

Week Ending: 12^th November   Rod Av:  0.15      Water Temperature: 11°c

The week has been dominated by the poor water clarity which has not got any better during the week. There has just been enough rain to prevent the Eye Brook from running clear & therefore bringing clean water into the reservoir. Also, there has been just enough wind strong enough to keep the sediment that colours the water, in suspension, preventing it dropping out which isn’t helping matters. Anglers have ventured out but have found fish difficult to come by, with the only a few fish to be caught. Pike anglers have reported that there are large numbers of prey fish gathering up the northern end of the reservoir & there are large fish clearly seen sat below them. Pike have been hooked, but none landed.

There appears to be a dry week forecast ahead, which can only increase the likelihood of the water clarity improving. If you are planning a visit to Eyebrook, please call the lodge on 01536 770264, to receive the latest update on the water clarity.

2023 Winter Restrictions.

From the 01 November, we will be operating a reduced number of boats, 10, so pre-booking will be important. Also, the bank fishing will see some winter restrictions, with Banking Fishing limited from the Chestnut, down the Leicester Bank, to the Lodge & along the Dam, around to Robbo’s Cabin. These winter bank restrictions have been increased since last year.

2023 Eyebrook Closing Date.

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

Weather: we use two weather forecast pages.

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

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

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

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Thornton Fishery Weekly Report – 01530 230807

Email: thornton@flyfishstore.co.uk

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

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

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

Week Ending: 12^th November Rod Av: 0.27  Water Temperature: 10°c

While we hoped for a drier week, it turned out not to be the case, with more coloured water causing the visibility to drop after it had started to clear last Sunday. This being said we did see a slightly improvement this week on last weeks rod average with some anglers landing fish. The best tactic was fishing tight into the Wood Bank using boobies on sinking lines. With Yellow or Black & Green boobies being the best colours.

Looking ahead to next weekend it does look like a drier week is forecast, so hopefully the colour will drop out ahead of the weekend.

If you wish to book a boat Thursday, Friday or the weekend. On the days the lodge is not open if you call the lodge on 01536 770264 and then leave a voicemail we will pick up the message and book you a boat.

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

Weather: we use two weather forecast pages.

Both options give a good 48 to 72 hour forecast.

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

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

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Draycote Fishery Weekly Report – 01788 812018

Email:  draycote@flyfishstore.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

Week Ending:  Sunday 12^th November 2023  Rod Av: 2.3   Water Temperature: 10°C

A very challenging day Monday, with bright skies and the wind coming from the Southwest. On the bank Draycote member Paul Walker landed a brace from Lincroft point. With the fish taking a FAB on the point of a washing line. On the boats Bob Barfoot fished a snake on a Di 3 forty plus line, landing a cracking 4lb 8oz Rainbow. Taken drifting in towards the Farborough Dam from J Buoy.

Another bright day Tuesday, with quite a strong Southwest wind at times. As with the previous day it was the bank anglers who enjoyed the best sport of the day. Tony Broadway fished at the Old Pipe in Biggin Bay landing 7 fish. Using a washing line with a FAB on the point and then crunchers on the droppers, with his best fish being a 3lb 8oz Rainbow. Ifor Bullock fished at Lincroft point using a cats whisker to land 4 fish. Another angler who used Cat’s Whisker to great effect was Andy Lillie who also landed 4 fish, using a bead head cats whisker on the point and hares ears on the droppers. Andy, found the Swan’s nest to be the best area and lost of couple of fish as well. On the boats John Jones fished in Toft near G Buoy and through the middle of Toft. Using a Di 3 sinking line with two black ang gold humungous. Mr N Butler also landed 5 taking his fish at the Swan’s Nest. Using a popper minkie on the point and crunchers on the droppers. Kevin Hart fished with John Hoskins with the pair landing 10 fish to the boat. They used fry patterns on sinking lines around the Farborough Dam to land their fish.

A wet start to the day, with a strong South wind, which thankfully dropped back by 9am. As a result of the poor conditions we only had a few brave souls that headed out on the water. Mr Whitehouse & Mr Mills enjoyed a good day landing 7 fish. However, left no comments as to what method or area they used to tempt the fish.

Sunny on the most part Thursday, with the odd rain shower with the wind once again coming from the Southwest. The strong wind made the bank fishing a challenging, as the Swan’s Nest hotspot coloured up a little with the wind. Martin Bourne landed a brace from this area using a blob and a cruncher, before the wind made the fishing to challenging. Out on the boats Paul Havard landed 3 fish from the Draycote Dam around B Buoy using a Di 3 with a black and gold humungus. Steve Owen also out in the boats, found the fish to be high in the water column landing 5 fish on an orange lure fished on a floating line in Toft.

It was a great day to be out on Draycote Water on Friday. It all started flat calm, then a light northerly breeze picked up and stayed with us all day. The good fishing continues here at Draycote, with fish being caught on all sorts of methods including dries, snakes, sparkler boobies and nymphs. Tony Broadway caught 9 fish from the bank, over near the Old Pipe in Biggin Bay. Tony used floating fry and crunchers fished on a floating line. Mr Brian Joseph caught 3 fish on nymphs whilst bank fishing near the Valve Tower and up in Rainbow Corner. Season permit holder Andy Lilley had 3 from the bank on hares ears down by the Swans Nest. Out on the boats young Alex Campbell had 3 fish to the boat early on in the day along the Hensborough Bank, with all of them falling to a foam daddy. The boat pairing of Peter Elliott and Lee Patten had well over 30 fish to the boat on sinking lines and snakes whilst drifting down in Toft Shallows. Young Mr Ian Reeve and Steve Hibberd had and absolute hat full of fish to the boat using blue flash damsels and snakes fished on sinking lines and said that they kept on the move throughout the day. Dave Kennell had 11 fish to the boat using an Airflo DI3 40+ line with FAB’s and sparklers.

Saturday morning was very cold on the pontoon with our first real frost here at Draycote Water. These conditions coupled with bright sunshine all day slowed the fishing a little but there were still some good returns from both boat and bank anglers. Season permit holder Jon Crowley caught a brace whilst fishing the bank by the Swans Nest on a floating fry pattern during a morning session. Mike Garner also took to the bank to net a brace down  in Toft Shallows. Both of Mike’s fish fell to a “ kate mclaren “. Jim and Richard Hall caught half a dozen fish from a drifting boat down in Toft Shallows using lure patterns such as snakes. Young Ed Douglas had 7 fish to the boat using snakes and FAB’s from various points around the reservoir. Mr Tom Roberts caught 3 fish from a drifting in Biggin Bay on orange daddies.

A wet day on Sunday, with showers for most of the day. On the bank Draycote member Martyn Hancox came fished for a short 3 hour session on the afternoon landing 4 fish from the Tower Bank on snakes and also 2 cracking Perch. On the boats Mr C Brodest and his boat partner landed 9 fish, using a floating line with minkies. Jim Smith fished with Ed Douglas landing 16 fish to the boat. With the hotspot being Farborough Dam and the Split. Using a Di 5 40+ sinking line with a mix of tubes and snakes with a roly-poly retrieve. Husband & Wife household all water members Rob & Sam Edmunds landed 17 fish to the boat. They too found the fish at Farborough Spit and the Dam Wall. Using a Di 3 sinking line and snakes again with a roly-poly retrieve.

Upcoming Events.

26th November- Fur & Feather

Draycote’s closing date

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

Weather: we use two weather forecast pages.

Both options give a good 48 to 72 hour forecast.

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

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

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

Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report 

Lodge – 01536 770264 & Fishery Mobile 07834581424

Email: eyebrook@flyfishstore.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

Week Ending: 05^th November   Rod Av:  0.3      Water Temperature: 12°c

The water clarity during the early part of the week has hovered around the 1-2ft mark & consequently, there have been very few angler & very few fish caught. The fish that were caught, have been caught on Black lures fished relatively slow, on sinking lines from the boats & from the banks, it has been dark flies straight lined. The unsettled weather than arrived later in the week quickly eradicated what little improvement that there had been earlier in the week as the water clarity regressed to under 12 inches.

Before anyone travels to Eyebrook to fish, please call the lodge on 01536 770264, to get the latest update on the water clarity to minimise the potential of a wasted trip.  With some dry days to come, we are hopeful the colour will start to drop out, when it does, it will do so around the margins first as the sediment has less distance to drop out.

2023 Winter Restrictions.

From the 01 November, we will be operating a reduced number of boats, 10, so pre-booking will be important. Also, the bank fishing will see some winter restrictions, with Banking Fishing limited from the Chestnut, down the Leicester Bank, to the Lodge & along the Dam, around to Robbo’s Cabin. These winter bank restrictions have been increased since last year.

2023 Eyebrook Closing Date.

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

Weather: we use two weather forecast pages.

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

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

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

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Thornton Fishery Weekly Report – 01530 230807

Email: thornton@flyfishstore.co.uk

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

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

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

Week Ending: 5^th November Rod Av: N/A Water Temperature: 11°c

We were pleased to welcome anglers back to Thornton on Thursday. After being closed for a week as we operate a 4 day week until the end of November, opening Thursday to Sunday.

With all the rain we have Thornton is currently sitting at full capacity, with the visibility sitting about 9 inches. As a result of the fowl weather on Thursday, Friday Saturday & Sunday. They weren’t many anglers who ventured out, those that did found the fishing to be tough. However, there was reports of knocks to dark coloured flies fished on Di 5 sinking lines.

With a drier week forecast, we are hoping that the coming weeks visibility improves and that the fishing picks up to give some fantastic sport going into the remaining weeks of the season.

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

Weather: we use two weather forecast pages.

Both options give a good 48 to 72 hour forecast.

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

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

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Draycote Fishery Weekly Report – 01788 812018

Email:  draycote@flyfishstore.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

Week Ending:  Sunday 5^th November 2023  Rod Av: 2.0   Water Temperature: 11°C

Monday was quite a calm day with a very light southerly breeze and a shower through the afternoon, which wasn’t forecast. The rod average came out at 4.1, with once again most of the fish being caught in the top few feet of the water column. Tony Broadway fished from the bank to net 4 fish on FAB’s and shrimps. The father and son pairing of Jim and Richard Hall had 6 fish between them from the bank using lures and hares ears. Jim and Richard tried various areas around the shoreline before settling on the Swans Nest. Season permit holder Andrew Tasker caught 5 fish whilst bank fishing down in Toft Shallows. Andrew used minkies and floating fry patterns to catch his fish from the swans Nest down to the Big Willow Tree. Out on the boats Andy Lilley and Steve England had 16 fish to the boat between them, all on minkies. Bob Barfoot had 4 fish to the boat as did John Dickens. Bob used everything from a DI6 to a floater, whilst John used a midge tip line and black and white humungus.

A mild day Tuesday, with light winds from the South with a mix of cloud, sun and the odd rain shower. Fishing at Lincroft point Mark Smith landed 6 fish using FABs fished on a floating line with nymphs on the droppers. All water member Graham Davies fished alongside brother Roger at the Cornfield, with the pair landing 5 & 6 fish each. With Minkies fished on a floating line being their most successful method. Paul Walker another Draycote member landed 8 fish from the bank. Using a washing line with a FAB on the point and then Diawl Bachs and also took fish on a black hopper. Jude Tuffs fished at the Swan’s Nest on the bank using a minkie to land 3 fish, with the best being a cracking 6lb 8oz Rainbow. On the boats Dave Atkins enjoyed a good days sport landing some cracking silver Draycote Rainbows. Landing 7 in total, using a Di 3 sinking line with a Grey Snake at S Buoy. Peter Elliot & Lee Patten landed 25 fish to their boat, with Peter using a white snake on a Di 5 sinking line. While Lee using a humungous on midge tip sinking lines.

With rain and strong winds forecast Wednesday, it was a quite day at the fishery with only 1 boat taking to the water. The boat of Chris Howkins & Steve Owen found it a challenging day, with the gusty conditions making presentation a challenge. However, they did land 5 fish to the boat fishing in Rainbow Corner and along the top dam wall using snakes on a Di 3 sinking line.

With storm Ciaran rolling in later in the day, we had to take the decision to cancel the boats on Thursday. As a result of this John Wastle took the decision to start his 3 day break on the bank. Landing 3 fish and losing a number of others. Taking his first 2 at the Swan’s Nest on crunchers with a minkie on the point. Before moving to Lincroft Point to land another and loose a number more.

Friday was bright and sunny to start with but clouded over as the day progressed. We had lighter breezes than were forecast and this made for a comfortable day out on the reservoir. On the bank today were Tom Johnson and Dave Ward who between them netted 7 fish, using crunchers and snakes at the Swans Nest. Tony Broadway also fished the bank to net 4 fish using FAB’s and crunchers at various points along the northern shoreline. On the boats Graham Homer caught 3 fish using cormorants down in Toft Shallows. Another season permit holder Paul Havard fished at the western end of the reservoir, netting 4 fish in total. Paul used a floating line with small crunchers on the droppers and a candy booby on the point. Kevin Hart used a clear glass intermediate and olive zonkers to net 5 fish near the Farborough Dam, with two of his fish weighing in at nearly 5 lbs each. Jon Crowley caught 5 fish during a morning session. Jon fished around C buoy and along the Tower Bank using a fast glass line with cormorants.

A very wet start to Saturday morning with lots of water in the boats from some heavy overnight showers. Despite the recent weather the fish are clinging firmly to the top of the water column, making for some great visual back end action on popper fry patterns, sparkler boobies and still dries for some anglers. Draycote stalwart Mike Garner had a brace off the bank on kate mclarens.  Mr A Campbell also caught a brace from the bank during a morning session, using white minkies from the Tower Bank. Season permit holder Mark Hunt caught 3 fish from the bank on cats whiskers near the Swans Nest.  Visiting us on one of our ever popular 3 day packages was Mr John Wastle, who had 9 fish to the boat on foam daddies from various locations around the reservoir. Mr A Gregory also caught 9 fish using snakes fished on a DI3 line near G buoy down in Toft Shallows.

A chilly bright start to Sunday, with cloud arriving later in the afternoon with the odd shower. On the bank Draycote member Richard Walker landed 4 fish in a short session, while using a Minkie on an intermediate line fishing in Dunn’s Bay. Another angler out on the bank was R Taylor who landed 8 fish. Fishing a washing line with a humugous booby on the point and cormorants on the droppers. It was a trickier day on the boats, with a number of anglers struggling to find the method to unlock the key to a good days sport. Draycote member Martyn Hancox fished for the last four hours in boat landing 4 fish using a green and white snake booby fishing on a Di 5 sinking line. Martin Rowson & Neil Deakin enjoyed a great day on the boats landing 13 fish. With the pair using snakes and various fry patterns fished on sinking lines with the best area being J Buoy and in towards the Farborough Dam Wall.

Upcoming Events.

26th November- Fur & Feather

Draycote’s closing date

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

Weather: we use two weather forecast pages.

Both options give a good 48 to 72 hour forecast.

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

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

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

Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report 

Lodge – 01536 770264 & Fishery Mobile 07834581424

Email: eyebrook@flyfishstore.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

Week Ending: 29th October   Rod Av:  0.4      Water Temperature: 12°c

The week started with the full extent of the impact of last week’s rain now visible for all to see & with water being drawn off the reservoir to bring it back down to normal levels, the water clarity is non-existent. This will remain so until the Eye Brook starts to bring in clear water again & the reservoir release valve is switch off which will allow the water to settle & allow the sediment to drop out of the water, improving visibility.

Tuesday was a case of situation no change with regards to the water clarity, with sediment, dense water still coming into the reservoir via the Eye Brook. The water level of the Eye Brook was at least close to its normal level which is an improvement on previous days.

Wednesday, Thurs & Friday continued in the same vein as the previous days. On Saturday, there were a few boat anglers out practicing for Sundays Fur & Feather & there was very few fish caught. Those that did catch caught close into the bank on large, dark flies, fished slow, affording any fish in the vicinity the maximum change of seeing the fly.

Sunday saw us host Eyebrook’s 2023 Fur & Feather which saw 34 anglers take to the water. They were met by an initial bright spell that lasted to mid-morning before becoming overcast. The strong wind that was forecast earlier in the week, did not materialise & there was a light to moderate southerly all day. The water clarity remained a concern, although it was noticeably better than on previous days. Thank you to all of those that supported this year’s event & well done to all the prize winners. It was a closely run affair with a matter of ounces separating 2^nd to 4^th place but a huge congratulations goes to the winning pair of Stevie Peart & Tony Baldwin who caught 3 fish for a weight of 6lb 12oz. There were some cracking fish caught during the day, none more so for Mr Parnham who landed a great Brown Trout, estimated between 7-8lb, which unfortunately did not count towards the competition, but it did earn him a complementary boat voucher.

Over the next few days the water clarity should continue to improve which suggests there could be a great end to the season.

2023 Winter Restrictions.

From the 01 November, we will be operating a reduced number of boats, 10, so pre-booking will be important. Also, the bank fishing will see some winter restrictions, with Banking Fishing limited from the Chestnut, down the Leicester Bank, to the Lodge & along the Dam, around to Robbo’s Cabin. These winter bank restrictions have been increased since last year.

2023 Eyebrook Closing Date.

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

Weather: we use two weather forecast pages.

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

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

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

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Thornton Fishery Weekly Report – 01530 230807

Email: thornton@flyfishstore.co.uk

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

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

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

Week Ending: 29^th October Rod Av: N/A Water Temperature: 13°C

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your patience this week. As some of you may be aware Ifor has not been well. He is currently in hospital but making good progress, and we expect him to return home early this week. He then understandably needs to take some time to rest and recover with his family. I’m sure you will all join me in wishing him well.

The company is being run on a temporary basis by Ms Cassandra jones and Ms Sophia Jones as Acting Company Directors, along with Mr Tom Bird as General Manager.

Thornton Reservoir will reopen on Thursday the 2nd of November. It will then be open 4 days per week, Thursday to Sunday, until the end of the season.  Opening Times will be as normal for this time of year. Because of these limited opening times, all Thornton season permits will be honoured at both Draycote and Eyebrook Reservoirs.

The water at Thornton is currently clearing after some cooler evenings and fish are beginning to move on the top as well as in the margins.

Looking ahead to next season, we are currently finalising our stocking schedules, preseason tackle orders, and looking forward to welcoming you all back to what we believe will be our best season ever.

The management team would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support and is on hand to answer any questions you may have regarding memberships, orders, and fishing reports.

We look forward to seeing you all soon.

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

Weather: we use two weather forecast pages.

Both options give a good 48 to 72 hour forecast.

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

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

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Draycote Fishery Weekly Report – 01788 812018

Email:  draycote@flyfishstore.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

Week Ending:  Sunday 29th October 2023  Rod Av:  2.6  Water Temperature: 13.5C

A nice start the week with the wind coming from the Southeast with an overcast start with the sun making an appearance later in the day. On the bank Tony Broadway landed 4 fish using a washing line with crunchers. Taking 3 of his first thing in the morning at Lincroft Point and then took the final fish at Greys Barn. All water member Jim Greasley landed 3 fish from the Cornfield & Tower Bank using a washing line with a biscuit FAB on the point and shrimps on the droppers. Jim Hall like Tony, used a washing line with crunchers to land 4 fish. On the boats Ian Richardson & Bob Smith landed 11 fish to their boat. Fishing around H Buoy and the spit. With Ian using a 12ft slow tip with nemo crunchers on the droppers and a booby on the point. While Bob opted to use a tequila FAB and a flat daddy. Bob Barfoot also fished from the boats landing 9 fish drifting from H Buoy to S Buoy with mini humungus boobies doing the damage. Peter Elliot & Lee Patten fished around the Spit using fry patterns with the pair landing 15 fish.

Very light winds, with a flat calm for nearly all of the day. With the wind picking up late in the afternoon, with sunny spells. On the bank Jim Kelly landed 4 fish from Toft and Lincroft Point using crunchers. Andrew Tasker used Diawl Bach’s on a washing line to land 3 fish from the Swan’s nest. On the boats all water member Kevin Hart landed 7 fish from the Farborough Dam and Croft Shoal. Using either floating fry or a barred olive mini snake. With his best fish being a cracking Rainbow of 5lbs. John Jones landed 8 fish while on a boat, fishing in Toft and the Cornfield. Using a sparkler booby on the point and crunchers on the droppers using a 12ft slow tip. Letting it sink a little deeper when the sun came out and when the cloud was over pulled it across the surface. John Goodwin & L Waldron fished around H Buoy and the Farborough Spit to land 18 fish to there boat using a variety of fry patterns. Fishery Ranger & Guide Lee Henfrey took John Luchkin out for a full days guiding. With John enjoying a great day landing 16 fish, using a 12ft slow tip with 2 sparkler boobies. With the best area being around H Buoy and Farborough Spit, as well at S Buoy and Croft Shoal.

A cold feel to Wednesday, with a North wind blowing and a foggy start to the day with low cloud for most of the morning before the sun came out in the afternoon. On the bank Draycote member Pete Allen fished at the Old Pipe using small popper fry. Mark Smith fished at Lincroft Point using Cormorants landing 4 fish from the bank. All water member Mark Hunt used dries from the bank to good effect landing 6 fish, with daddies and Big Reds being his most productive flies. Fishing with Mark, Jude Tuffs used popper fry to land 5 fish. Another angler finding success on the bank was Ifor Bullock who fished in Dunn’s Bay landing 5 fish. On the boats all water members Kevin Coonihan fished with Ian Leech with the pair finding that the calmed water around the Tower Bank. Held a number of fish keen to take dries. Mick Iliffe fished around T Buoy & H Buoy using a black snake to land 7 fish using a medium sink line.

The wind started in the Southwest on Thursday, before swinging into the Southwest as the day progressed. Once again the bank anglers enjoyed good sport, Draycote member Paul Walker landed 5 fish. Using an olive suspender buzzer to land his fish, from the Swan’s nest and Lincroft Point. Mick Cronin also landed 5 fish on suspender Minkies from the Old Pipe in Biggin. With Stan Hillman landing 5 on the same flies from the Tower bank and in near the Willow Tree in Toft. On the boats Malcom Patrick & Ian McKenzie used dries to great effect landing 11 fish to the boat. With their best flies being a claret hopper and also a daddy. Mark Close fished a half day boat to land half a dozen fish, from Biggin Bay. Using a washing line with cormorants on the droppers and a booby on the point. Draycote member Bob Smith landed 10 fish while in a boat. With his best area being from Farborough Spit down to the Swans Nest along the dam wall. Using a Minkie Booby, mini minkie and a black snake commenting “on another good day”.

A very foggy start Friday, with the fog lifting about 11am, with the wind coming from the South. On the bank all water member Mick Glover landed a brace of fish in the first 30 mins falling to shrimp patterns at the Swan’s Nest. Draycote member Paul Walley fished at Lincroft point from the bank. Landing 5 fish, 3 of them falling to a grey mink snake fished on a floating line. One on a white snake and then the final fish coming to a daddy fished on the point of a washing line set up. On the boats all water member Paul Havard landed 7 fish. Using a floating lien with a candy booby on the point and shrimp patterns. Drifting from B Buoy to the Tower Bank. Mark Thistleton used the rudder to land 5 fish on an intermediate line in Toft on snakes.

Saturday started overcast with light breezes and brightened up as the day progressed. It was an excellent  day to be out on  the water with good returns coming several areas and on several different methods. Andy Lilley had a brace from the bank using white minkies off the Swans Nest and up in Rainbow Corner. Young Mike Garner caught 4 fish from the bank down in Toft Shallows using lures and floating fry patterns. Season permit holder Jim Hall caught a brace whilst fishing from the bank down in Toft Shallows again on a mixture of lures and floating fry. Season permit holder Jamie Scott had 10 fish to the boat on popper fry patterns and commented on “some great sport”. Staff member Michael Hanlon caught 5 fish from a drifting boat in Biggin and Duns Bay as well as Rainbow Corner. Michael used a midge tip line with sparkler boobies and cormorants.

A beautiful start to Sunday morning with a full moon still in the sky whilst we prepared the boats for the day. The bright start did not push the fish down in the water column, and indeed most of the returns for the day came from the top couple of feet on flies such as snakes, sparkler boobies and cormorants. Alex Campbell had a brace form the bank during a morning session. Alex used sparkler boobies and white minkies from the Tower Bank and Rainbow Corner. Out on the boats Debbie and Sean Gilbert netted a brace during a morning session using olive snakes fished on a DI3 line. Ben Bayliss’s party of 4 anglers had 19 fish between them to the boat. The lads used a mixture of snakes, cormorants and orange mini lures, fished on a DI3 sweep line in open water. James Alexander and his boat partner caught 11 fish between them from  a drifting boat on sparkler boobies fished on a midge tip line.

Upcoming Events.

26th November- Fur & Feather

Draycote’s closing date

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

Weather: we use two weather forecast pages.

Both options give a good 48 to 72 hour forecast.

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

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

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

Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report 

Lodge – 01536 770264 & Fishery Mobile 07834581424

Email: eyebrook@flyfishstore.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

Week Ending: 22^nd October   Rod Av:  1.0      Water Temperature: 14°c

It was a quiet start to week with few anglers out. The weather was a vast improvement from the previous day, with light overcast skies all day & a gentle easterly breeze. Subsequently, the reservoir fished better than in previous days with a lot of fish moving across the middle of the reservoir, from the island to Robbo’s, up to the Chestnut & across to the Willows. Mr Sanderson & his boat partner had a productive day landing into double figures between them, catching mainly on the Dries, Foam Daddies. Fishing slightly deeper in his Float Tube was All Water Member Ian Jobe, who went onto land 7 fish, fishing lures on sinking lines. Today just went to show how important the weather & conditions can be at this time of year.

Tuesday brought with it a stiff Easterly wind which chilled the air & made the fishing challenging as the fish adjusted to the new conditions. There was a good degree of cloud cover all day but because the drop in air temperature the fish remained slightly deeper in the water column. A few anglers ventured out, but they fish hard to come by with those fishing Intermediates & sinking lines with lures proving to be more productive than those fishing higher up in the water column.

The weather forecast had looked horrendous earlier in the week for Wednesday; however the heavy rain did not materialise until early evening. Subsequently, very few anglers ventured out & those that were out caught on medium sinking lines & lures, drifting the open water of the Main Basin.

It was a damp start to Thursday following the heavy rain of the previous evening & there was a light drizzle that filled the morning air. The recent rainfall had not yet affected the water clarity, but it would only be a matter of days. All Water Member Mark Hunt ventured out & opted to target the fry feeders, on the surface & under it. For his endeavours, Mark landed 4 fish, catching 2 on sinking lines & 2 off the surface, including a cracking Rainbow over 4lb.

Friday was a complete washout, with torrential rain lasting all day, no anglers ventured out.

Saturday saw the rain abate, but the water clarity had started to deteriorate with few clear areas remaining. One area that was clear was the Willows where Thomas Long enjoyed a very productive day on the Popper Fry, landing 7 fish which was a great return under the circumstances.

By Sunday, the full extent of the recent rainfall was starting to be felt as the Reservoir began to colour up in its entirety, consequently, there were very few fish caught. Sunday also saw us host the Thornton Fly Fishers annual Single Fly Competition which saw 6 anglers take to the water in what can at best, be described, as challenging conditions. Congratulations to Ray Jordan who took the spoils for the day, well done Ray.

With settled weather forecast for the forthcoming week, the water clarity should improve dramatically as the sediment drops through the water. Subsequently, the margins will begin to clear first as the sediment has less distance to fall. For updates on the water clarity please call the Lodge, 01536 770264.

Upcoming Events.

29^th October – Eyebrook Fur & Feather – All Boats.

2023 Winter Restrictions.

From the 01 November, we will be operating a reduced number of boats, 10, so pre-booking will be important. Also, the bank fishing will see some winter restrictions, with Banking Fishing limited from the Chestnut, down the Leicester Bank, to the Lodge & along the Dam, around to Robbo’s Cabin. These winter bank restrictions have been increased since last year.

2023 Eyebrook Closing Date.

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

Weather: we use two weather forecast pages.

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

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

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

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Thornton Fishery Weekly Report – 01530 230807

Email: thornton@flyfishstore.co.uk

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

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

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

Week Ending: 22^nd October Rod Av: 0.3 Water Temperature:14c

The heavy rainfall has bought the level of Thornton to the highest level it’s been for several years. Its starting to drop back to its usual level and the water clarity is also starting to improve but it’s likely to be Wednesday or Thursday before its worth visiting Thornton.

My advice speak to the Thornton lodge for latest update and advice, if required we can advise you visit either Eyebrook or Draycote, with Draycote currently averaging close to 4.

As we always advise contact the lodge for latest advice and information.

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

Weather: we use two weather forecast pages.

Both options give a good 48 to 72 hour forecast.

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

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

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Draycote Fishery Weekly Report – 01788 812018

Email:  draycote@flyfishstore.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

Week Ending:  Sunday 15th October 2023  Rod Av:  3.7  Water Temperature: 14°C

Another cold day Monday with a very light frost first thing in the morning with the wind coming from the East. Beginner member Andrew Tasker landed a brace from the bank using a mini minkie at the Old Pipe in Biggin Bay. On the boats Draycote members Peter Elliot & Lee Patten enjoyed a good day landing 30 fish to the boat. Finding the fish high in the water willing to either take dries or using a washing line with a booby on the point. Another boat finding the fish high in the water was that of Andy Lilley and Graham England who landed 24 fish to their boat. With Andy using a washing line while Graham used minkies, taking their fish from E & J Buoy. Draycote member Dave Atkins landed 8 fish from E Buoy using a snake on a Di 3 sinking line. Fishing at the Tower Bank, Ian Richardson & Bob Smith boated 21 fish. Using a minkie booby on the point with cormorants on the droppers using an intermediate line.

A bright day Tuesday with the wind coming from the Northeast and was quite gusty at times. With the wind in the North it was an ideal day for the bank anglers to get out. This proved to be the place to be as the bank anglers enjoyed the lion share of the sport. Tony Broadway fished at Lincroft using popper minkies landing 4 fish. Then moving to the Willow Tree in Toft once the wind picked up taking another fish on a washing lined buzzer. Norman Perkins fished at the Cornfield using a FAB on the point, a black buzzer and then a natural cruncher landing 7 fish. Fishing at Lincroft Point, Gary Russel landed 6 fish from the bank with them all falling to an orange blob fished on the top dropper. Draycote member Dennis Tidmarsh fished at the Cornfield and the Willow Tree in Toft. Using a humungus fished on a sink tip line to land 9 fish. The fishing on the boats was a little trickier. John Jones drifted from the Farborough Dam landing 5 fish on small snakes fished on a fast glass. The best boat catch came to Kevin Hart who landed 9 fish, from Croft Shoal and the Farborough Dam. Using a floating line and a popper minkie or a Di 3 sinking line.

A blustery day with he wind coming from the East resulting in a chilly feel to the day, with showers arriving later in the afternoon. As a result it was a quite day at the Reservoir with most anglers opting to head out later in the week once the winds had dropped. All water member John Kirk fished from a boat landing 6 fish. From the Tower bank using a white lure on a Di 3 sinking line. Graham Homer fished with Chris Howkins with the pair boating 15 fish. Fishing from around Farborough Spit and the Dam wall, with Chris using a snake and Graham opting for a minkie. Mr Gregory from America landed 4 fish and lost about 3 at the net. Fishing from G Buoy in Toft drifting towards H Buoy using a Di 3 sinking line and a white snake.

The wind dropped Thursday, with some rain in the afternoon. However, overall it was a better day than the forecast. On the bank both Alan Grant landed a brace from Lincroft on a minkie fished on an intermediate. Draycote members Bob Barfoot & Bob Smith landed 14 fish to their boat. With Bob Barfoot using boobies on an intermediate. While Bob Smith using a small minkie booby and black hoppers. With the best area being the Tower bank and drifting from S Buoy to E Bouy. Fellow member Ian Richardson fished with his brother from a boat landing 15 to the boat. They used a slow sinking midge tip with a washing line, with a booby on the point and cormorants on the droppers. Their best drift was Farborough Spit to Lincroft point. Mr Greogory on his last day of a 4 day break landed 11 fish, using a Di 3 and a white snake. With a fast retrieve being the key going to H Buoy to S Buoy.

Despite a very worrying forecast Friday turned out to be a day of easterly breezes and light showers. Only a few anglers took to the water but all of them seemed to produce good returns. Mr A Campbell fished white minkies on an intermediate line off the Tower Bank to net 3 fish during an afternoon session. Draycote stalwart Will Hunt netted 8 good fish from a drifting boat using silver humungus. Will plied his trade off the Farborough Dam and around T buoy. Season permit holder Craig Middleton caught a total of 9 fish using dries such as flat daddies.

Saturday dawned overcast with a light northerly breeze. The rod average turned out to be 4.5, and what a great day to be out on the water. There were some good returns from all 4 corners of the reservoir and on a wide variety of methods and patterns. Young Mike Garner had a brace from the bank during a morning session on cormorants at Lincroft Point. Mark Hunt caught 8 fish from the bank on dries such as daddies and big reds, from various points along the northern shoreline. Ed Douglas used white minkies off the Farborough Dam early in the day, before fishing a washing line and crunchers through the afternoon to net a dozen fish from a drifting boat. Jon Crowley caught 7 fish on cormorants fished on a slow intermediate line. Jons’ best drift was from D to Y buoy across the line of the aerators. Visiting anglers Tim Grove and John Smith used a mixture of dries and lures to net 18 fish between them. Tim commented that one of the best drifts was from the old pipe out across Biggin Bay.

Sunday was a beautiful morning here at Draycote Water, with a light south westerly breeze and a clear blue sky. On the bank Draycote member Richard Walker landed 5 fish from Dunn’s Bay using perch fry patterns. Fellow member Paul Walley landed 4 from the bank from the Cornfield and the Swans nest using minkie and foam daddies. Also on the bank Mr M Hodgekinson fished at Lincroft point landing 5 fish using a booby on the point and a daddy on the dropper. Out on the boats Draycote member Martyn Hancox enjoyed a great day landing 25 fish to the boat using sparkler boobies. Tim Burn and Paul Mitchell enjoyed a good day landing 13 fish using a washing line with cormorants on the droppers and a FAB on the point. Richard Shaw landed 9 while fishing along the Farborough Dam Wall along to the Swan’s Nest using a floating line. With a Cruncher Booby on the point, then a small orange FAB on the dropper. With daddies also working fished on the surface.

Upcoming Events.

26th November- Fur & Feather

Draycote’s closing date

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

Weather: we use two weather forecast pages.

Both options give a good 48 to 72 hour forecast.

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

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

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

Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report 

Lodge – 01536 770264 & Fishery Mobile 07834581424

Email: eyebrook@flyfishstore.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

Week Ending: 15^th October   Rod Av:  2.0      Water Temperature: 14°c

The week started with a gentle south westerly breeze that brought some cloud cover early on. As the day progressed, the wind dropped & the cloud disappeared which left the reservoir in a flat calm for much of the day. The bright, still conditions made the bank fishing somewhat challenging as the fish remained at distance in the deeper water. They may have been out of reach from the banks, but they were not out of reach from the boats. Subsequently, the reservoir fished well from the boats, with fish caught from the open water above the Island, 40-50m off the reeds at the Seat, In front of Robbo’s & off the netted bank & also round the tower in the Basin. Eyebrook Member Dean Shilton, fished Snakes from his Float Tube to take 9 fish above the Island, including a cracking Rainbow just short of 5lb at 4lb 15oz. All Water Member Andy Lilley had a very productive morning session landing 12 fish on Floating Lines & also a Midge Tip. Andy’s most productive fly was a Foam Daddy. Eyebrook Regular, Brian White caught very well in the Main Basin, fishing a Floating Line & Lures he landed 17 fish, which given the conditions was an excellent return. As you can see, despite the conditions, the fish remained high in the water column near the surface & most were caught subsurface.

Tuesday began as Monday had finished, looking like a mill pond in a flat calm. By mid-morning though a ripple had formed brought on by a building south westerly breeze which also brought a light covering of cloud. The wind at strengthened as the day wore on & on occasions it was very blustery which made for challenging conditions. This reflected in how the reservoir performed, with some finding it more challenging than others, which resulted in a varying catch return. From the bank, Kit Doleman caught 5 fish from the Chestnut to the Cowshed on a Washing Line with a Foam daddy on the point. Kit reported that there were no fish moving, but the Foam Daddy was still able to draw them up. That’s a great return from the bank Kit, well done.  Another to catch 5 was Eyebrook Member Tora Liggins. Tora took to the boat & landed her fish from 50m off the Netted Bank & also caught on a Foam Daddy. Regular Eyebrook visitor & All Water Member Ed Douglas had an exceptional day. Persevering with the Dries, trusting they would work, Ed landed well over double figures, most of which came from long drifts across the area of the Main Basin. Great angling Ed, well done.

It was a damp & blustery start to Wednesday with a strong south westerly pushing round to strong westerly as the day progressed. With the wind, came overcast skies & the occasional shower. The dense cloud meant that the fish would be up in the upper layers, feeding confidently & as it proved, happy to feed off the surface. Those that fished dries proved to be more successful than those that didn’t. Today we hosted the England Disabled Fly Fishers annual Fur & Feather which saw 17 anglers take to the water & between them they caught 64 fish which gave an excellent rod average of 3.8. Congratulations goes to Stephen Fairgrieve who was the winner on the day, well done. The most productive area was the Main Basin & the most productive method being the Dries with the Midas, Foam Daddies, Popper Hoppers all featuring high on the catch returns.

After the previous evenings heavy rainfall & the 180° change in wind direction, the fishing was always going to be somewhat challenging. In addition, as the day progressed, the air pressure began to plummet ahead of impending weather front that was due to come in overnight. Consequently, the reservoir fished slightly better in the morning than it did in the afternoon. The boat anglers generally found it very challenging, with a few fish caught relatively high up in the water column on Foam Daddies, nymphs & lures. The bank anglers found it more productive with Eyebrook Member Roy Swinfield catching 4 fish, 2 from the Chestnut & another 2 from the Island. All Water Member Jim Greasley fished further up the reservoir at the Cowshed & had landed 8 fish. Jim targeted the feeding fish around the weedbeds & his bag included a couple of fish over 3lb which is typical of the fish to be found around that area of the reservoir.

Friday was a day of strong winds & heavy rain. The wind, initially from the Southwest, moved round to a North Westerly as the day progressed & brought with it some persistent, heavy showers. Subsequently, there were very few boats out. Those that did venture out caught in the Main Basin on a variety of methods, Foam Daddies on a Floater or Pulling Lures on a sinking line. Both proved to be productive, although the strong wind meant that Pulling Lures was the easier to control.

It was a cold, clear start to Saturday with the air temperature into single figures. After an initial calm start, the wind developed into a moderate North Westerly with the “north” factor in the wind, ensuring that the air temperature remained cool. Initially, fish were caught off the surface on Foam Daddies before the autumnal sun got high in the sky but as the day progressed, fish were getting caught a few feet deeper in the water column. Eyebrook Member Bob Margery had a productive morning session landing 7 fish, 3 of which came to Foam Daddies early on & the rest to a white Snake on an Intermediate. Bob caught all his fish out from the Chestnut. The marginal areas seemed to be the more productive with a few fish coming from Dogwood Bay & the bank anglers have found that the stretch between the Chestnut & the Cowshed is still fishing well. Another Eyebrook member Keith Johnson caught 4 fish from this area earlier in the day. For the boats, the Main Basin is still holding fish, but the most productive method seems to be pulling snakes on either a Di3 or Di5, covering plenty of water from a drifting boat.

There was another early morning cold snap on Sunday, with the air temperature down as low as 2°C & the skies clear & bright. The Eye Brook was also showing some coloured water, a result of the recent heavy rainfall & was now beginning to colour some of the northern parts of Reservoir. The day started with a gentle northerly breeze that developed into a strong to moderate westerly & the skies remained bright & clear all day which made for challenging fishing conditions. There were some discussions to whether the cold start would invite some of Eyebrook’s larger resident fish to feed. We did not have to wait for long for the answer with Eyebrook Members & brothers Neil & Dean Shilton, both out in Float Tubes, landed some cracking overwintered fish. Dean had a Rainbow of 5lb 14oz & Neil had a Brown of 9lb. Both fish took fry patterns, were weighed & returned strongly. Elsewhere, All Water Member John Reynolds took 6 fish off the bank, fishing from the Cowshed to the Tern Rafts & the Limit of Fishing, on fry & shrimp patterns. Sunday saw us host the All-Abilities Friendly Fly Fishers, which saw 25 anglers take to the water in very challenging conditions. Those that caught better than others were fishing Fry imitations, be that Sparklers, Snakes or Cats Whiskers.

The forecast for the forthcoming week looks settled with an easterly breeze for the most part which will see the water temperature continue to drop & the Fry Feeding carry on.

Upcoming Events.

21^st October – Greylags – 10 Boats.

29^th October – Eyebrook Fur & Feather – All Boats.

2023 Winter Restrictions.

From the 01 November, we will be operating a reduced number of boats, 10, so pre-booking will be important. Also, the bank fishing will see some winter restrictions, with Banking Fishing limited from the Chestnut, down the Leicester Bank, to the Lodge & along the Dam, around to Robbo’s Cabin. These winter bank restrictions have been increased since last year.

2023 Eyebrook Closing Date.

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

Weather: we use two weather forecast pages.

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

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

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

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Thornton Fishery Weekly Report – 01530 230807

Email: thornton@flyfishstore.co.uk

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

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

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

Week Ending: 15^th October Rod Av: 0.6 Water Temperature: 15c

Monday to Thursday we were starting to see more fish on the surface at times with anglers catching a few trout from different areas, in front of the wood, Markfield arm. Varied patterns and lines from sink tips to fast sinkers with small patterns, blobs, booby, fry fished as slow as possible best method. Anglers with fish finders report several fish across the main basin at 18ft although their seeing more fish moving into the shallows.

Friday, we had heavy rainfall which put the level of the reservoir up by 6inch, water clarity reduced, although I do think as the level drops & clarity improves over the next few days the fresh water, I think can only help us to get this autumn fishing better.

Sunday morning first frost of the autumn which can again only help with improving the clarity.

As I always recommend call the lodge for latest report

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

Weather: we use two weather forecast pages.

Both options give a good 48 to 72 hour forecast.

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

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

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Draycote Fishery Weekly Report – 01788 812018

Email:  draycote@flyfishstore.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

Week Ending:  Sunday 15th October 2023  Rod Av:  3.2  Water Temperature: 15°C

A bright day to the start the week Monday, with light weeks in the morning which dropped away completely around lunch. Tricky conditions for the Troutmasters, with 20 anglers taking to the bank hoping to be crowned champion. The session was fished bank only this year with 2 zones being chosen for the anglers to fish. Zone A, was Toft and Zone B Lincroft Point around to the Valve Tower. In the morning it was Zone A that fished best with fish being caught on a washing line set up with crunchers. Including a cracking 4lb 7oz Rainbow. In the afternoon it was the deeper water in Zone B that fished better, with Lincroft point and also the Valve Tower bank fishing well. Overall the winner of the match was Phil Green who landed 5 fish across his two sessions. The boats faired a little better than the bank with some good catches. Peter Evans landed 8 fish, using a washing line. Fished on either a 12ft slow tip or an intermediate with an Orange FAB on the point. With Peter’s best areas being around D Buoy or Y Buoy. Draycote member Graham Homer also used a washing line to great effect landing 9 fish with crunchers on the droppers being his best fly.

A calm start to the day, with low cloud with the sun breaking through around mid-morning and the wind picking up. However, the cloud rolled back in around lunch. Lee Patten & Peter Elliot fished on the boats landing 32 to the boat. With Peter opting to use dries taking 12, while Lee used a washing line to land 20 fish. Landing their fish around Rainbow Corner to A Buoy and then fishing around D Buoy. Tony Broadway fishing with Jim Hall landed 15 fish to their boat. With a bit of mix of methods, Tony used dries and then crunchers fished on a neutral density line. While Jim used snakes to great effect to land 6. Tony Broadway used dries to land 18 fish, with Midas and hoppers being his mist productive flies. Ian Bradfield fished with Paul Davision with the pair landing 26 fish to their boat. Landing them from J Buoy along the Farborough Dam wall and then around A Buoy and Rainbow Corner.

Strong blustery winds greeted us as we opened up on Wednesday morning, with the promise of showers throughout the day. Despite the conditions, those anglers that did venture out made some good returns. The bank here at Draycote is fishing quite well at the moment with the best of the fishing coming from the Swans Nest, Lincroft Point, The Old Pipe in Biggin Bay and the Tower Bank. Mr S Taylor caught a brace from the bank during a last 4 hour session, whilst Mr A Campbell had 4 fish off the bank in Toft Shallows. The best method was a floating line with cormorants and crunchers. Out on the boats Mr J Jacobs and Mr S Lloyd caught a dozen fish between them whilst fishing near B buoy. Mr Mike Nolan, Mr D Stott and Mr G Laking all had a brace each from the boats, but played their cards very close to their chest.

With a light north easterly breeze and good cloud cover, it was a great day to be out on Draycote Water on Thursday. The rod average for the day was 4.8, which is no surprise really, as fish can be seen in the top of the water column, right across the reservoir. Bank anglers are taking advantage of a great back end to the season with some good returns on a wide variety of methods and fly patterns. Draycote regular Ivor Bullock caught 4 fish from the bank using crunchers and floating fry from Lincroft Point. Mick Cronin had a brace from the bank on lures from the Tower Bank. Stan Hillman caught half a dozen fish from the Tower Bank on a white minkie and remarked on the quality of the fish. Graham and Roger Davis took to the bank for a days fishing to net 8 fish between them. The pair used minkie boobies and fished from various points along the northern shoreline. Out on the boats the anglers were also having some great sport with Mr T fox and Mr M Hermitage netting over 30 fish between them on dries. Ian Richardson and Bob Smith had well over 20 fish to the boat between them using boobies and appetizers fished on intermediate lines. Ian and Bob fished along the Tower Bank as well As in Rainbow Corner.

Heavy overnight rain and strong winds made for an interesting start to Friday morning. A few brave souls ventured out onto the water but held to the leeward side of the reservoir. Strong winds dominated the day and limited the fishing, but perseverance paid off for all concerned. Season permit holder Ian Western caught a brace from the bank using lure patterns near the Valve Tower. Mr K Barnett and Mr R Bagnall had 8 fish between them using a mixture of lure patterns and nymphs in the top few feet of the water. Craig Middleton and Mike Smith took to the water to net 5 fish between them from a drifting boat on what they described as a very challenging day.

Light breezes with sporadic cloud cover on Saturday morning made for reasonable conditions out on Draycote Water. To be fair the fishing wasn’t easy on Saturday and this showed up in the rod average which had dropped to 3.4. Slow through the early part of the day, anglers were picking fish up on tequila blobs and humungus fished on intermediate lines. Season permit holder Paul Walley fished at various locations around the bank and netted 5 fish on cormorants and white snakes. Mr Steve Proffitt caught 4 fish from the bank at Lincroft Point using humungus as well as dries such as bob’s bits. Out on the boats young Jon Crowley used blobs on a fast glass to net 7 fish near M buoy. Mark Goodge and Sean Higgins had 11 fish to the boat using snakes on sinking lines from various areas of the reservoir. Tim Burn and Paul Mitchell caught 14 fish from a drifting boat in the top few feet of the water column using a washing line with crunchers as well as dries. Draycote regular Mr J McVay caught 5 fish on nemo crunchers and diawl bachs  from Rainbow Corner and Biggin Bay.

The first ground frost of the year Sunday morning with bright skies and Northwest winds. Not the easiest of conditions for the anglers taking to the water. On the bank the Draycote Fly Fishing Association (DFFA) hosted their Autumn bank pairs. Despite the difficult conditions there were a number of good catches from the bank for the DFFA. Paul Walley fished at either Lincroft point or in Dunns Bay to land 4 fish on black hoppers. Brian Allwood fished at Lincroft point using a snake to land 3 fish with a cracking 3lb Rainbow included in his bag. On the boats Tim & Dave Moody enjoyed a good day landing 17 fish between them using fry patterns and small snakes fished on intermediates and Di 3 sinking lines. Household all water members Neil & Sue Potts used a washing line set up with a FAB on the point and nymphs on the droppers in Rainbow Corner to land 14 fish. With the second half of the day once it had warmed fishing more productive. Another boat also landing 14 was that of Adam Labalistier and Ben Bayliss who used Di 3 sinking lines and fast intermediates with tubes and snakes. All water members Frazer Duffy Jnr & Snr landed 21 fish to their boat. Fishing smaller flies with a booby on the point and cormorants on the droppers. Landing their fish in Rainbow Corner, The Valve Tower and the Farborough Dam Wall. Fishery Manager Tom Bird fished with Jim Smith with the pair landing just short of 30 fish to the boat. With Tom using a Di 3 sweep sinking line with 2 small Snakes in olive and black. While Jim Smith used a Di 3 forty plus with 2 snake boobies. With the pair catching at Farborough Spit, S Buoy, J Buoy and the School Slips.

Upcoming Events.

21^st & 22^nd Army Championships 15 Boats.

26th November- Fur & Feather

Draycote’s closing date

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

Weather: we use two weather forecast pages.

Both options give a good 48 to 72 hour forecast.

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

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

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

Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report 

Lodge – 01536 770264 & Fishery Mobile 07834581424

Email: eyebrook@flyfishstore.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

Week Ending: 08^th October   Rod Av:  2.8      Water Temperature: 15°c

It was a relatively quiet start to the week, with only a few boats venturing out. The fish remained in the upper layers & were caught on a mixture of the Washing Line or Dries. The Main Basin remains very productive, as does the open water between the Chestnut & the Seat. All those that did venture out caught, with Eyebrook regular Jude Tuffs & All Water Member Ed Douglas catching particularly well. Jude fished the Washing Line, whereas Ed fished a mixture of the Washing Line & Dries, they both landed 9 apiece.

There was a damp start to Tuesday, with a light South Westerly breeze which developed into a moderate westerly by mid-morning & a strong, blustery westerly by lunchtime. With the wind, came bright, clear skies which made for very challenging conditions. Bright sunlight with strong wind is never easy. The weather can have a huge impact on how the Trout behave, both negatively & positively & unfortunately, with these conditions it was the former. Subsequently, very few fish were caught. One angler who did do well was Eyebrook Member Keith Johnson who toiled hard for his 5 fish off the bank. Keith found that during the brief spells the wind dropped the fish would move right into the shallows to feed. 5 fish on a day like today, is a great effort. Well done, Keith.

Wednesday brought with it a moderate westerly wind with plenty of cloud cover & by mid-afternoon, there were some isolated patches of sunshine. The fish remained relatively high up in the water column & were caught predominately on the washing line from the boats with the open water of the Main Basin & between the Island & Robbo’s Cabin proving to be quite productive. Those who fished colour on their washing lines, be that as a top dropper or on the point, fared better than those who didn’t. The banks continue to be consistent, with fish caught from the area of the Hawthorns & down as far as the Chestnut. What has been noticeable with the banks is that during the calmer periods, the fish are more than happy to move right into the shallows. When the wind is at its strongest, they will sit that little bit further out.

The conditions in the morning on Thursday were nye on perfect, a gentle south westerly wind with consistent cloud cover. As the day progressed, the weather deteriorated to a strong westerly with sunny intervals by the mid-afternoon. The fishing reflected the weather as the reservoir fished better in the morning than it did in the afternoon, which just goes to show how important the weather is, especially at this time of year. There were some good bags caught from both the boats & the banks, the banks are really starting to hit some consistent form. All Water Member Ian Jobe caught well up by the Chestnut, landing some cracking fish as he targeted the naturally feeding fish around the weedbeds. From the boats, the fish remained high up in the water column & were caught on a mixture of Dries &/or the Washing Line. The Foam daddy featured highly on the catch returns, as did FABs, Cormorants & Diawl Bachs.

Friday was a day of mixed fortunes, with anglers catching very well & others struggling. The banks continued to fish very well with Eyebrook Member, Keith Johnson venturing up towards the Chestnut & Cowshed areas of the reservoir. Keith landed 10 cracking Rainbows on an Olive Popper Minkie fished over the top of the weedbeds. On the boats, Neil Heath landed 11 fish on a variety of methods, from Foam Daddies on a Floating Line to Snakes on a Sweep Line. It once again shows the importance of changing methods to suit the conditions as the fish have no choice but to respond to meteorological changes.

Saturday was an uncharacteristically warm day for October with temperatures exceeding 20 degrees. This warmer air temperature led to an increase in surface activity & subsequently, there were a good number of fish caught on dries from various locations around the reservoir. Popper Hoppers, Foam Daddies & Popper Fry all featured highly on the catch returns as most boats catching relatively well. Those that didn’t catch on the Dries, caught on the washing line with a Foam Daddy on the point & Diawl Bachs on the Droppers.

There was a calm, clear & bright start to Sunday. The gentle southerly breeze eventually brought with it some cloud cover that was interspersed with periods of isolated sunny intervals. There were some great catch returns recorded with the fish feeding high up in the water column & off the surface. All Water Member Ed Douglas had a great day on the Dries & the Washing Line, changing methods to match the conditions, Ed landed 20 fish which is a great return. Foam Daddies & a Crippled Midge were his most effective Dries. Sunday also saw us host the Alex Booth Fly Fishers which saw 16 anglers take to the water. Between them they caught 54 fish, which gave them a very credible rod average of 3.3. Congratulations to Kev Slater who was top rod on day, pipping Riccardo Saccone by a matter of ounces. Elsewhere Neil Shilton out in his Float Tube had 10 fish down by the Willows, fishing tight into the reeds with fry patterns.

Upcoming Events.

11^th October – England Disabled Fly Fishers Fur & Feather – 15 Boats + 2 Wheely Boats.

15^th October – All Abilities Friendly Fly Fishers – 14 Boats + 2 Wheely Boats.

21^st October – Greylags – 10 Boats.

29^th October – Eyebrook Fur & Feather – All Boats.

2023 Winter Restrictions.

From the 01 November, we will be operating a reduced number of boats, 10, so pre-booking will be important. Also, the bank fishing will see some winter restrictions, with Banking Fishing limited from the Chestnut, down the Leicester Bank, to the Lodge & along the Dam, around to Robbo’s Cabin. These winter bank restrictions have been increased since last year.

2023 Eyebrook Closing Date.

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

Weather: we use two weather forecast pages.

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

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

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

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Thornton Fishery Weekly Report – 01530 230807

Email: thornton@flyfishstore.co.uk

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

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

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

Week Ending: 8^th October Rod Av: 0.6  Water Temperature:16c

Fishing at Thornton continues to be challenging due to the weather we experienced during September & the algae that helped to cause.

Our clarity continues to improve, currently around the shallows its 3ft with our water temperature now at 16c which is what we would expect for early October.

Some anglers with fish finders are reporting a good number of trout are still in the deeper water at depths of 19ft+.

We have seen this week especially during the morning fish starting to feed on the surface with some buzzer from small midge buzzer to the usual large buzzer. Anglers also report in front of the wood and stones fry moving.

Ironically despite the fish finders showing fish in the deeper water the best of the catches has come from the shallower water in front of the wood, shallows of the Markfield arm.

Our advice, contact the fishery for the latest up to date information.

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

Weather: we use two weather forecast pages.

Both options give a good 48 to 72 hour forecast.

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

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

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Draycote Fishery Weekly Report – 01788 812018

Email:  draycote@flyfishstore.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

Week Ending:  Sunday 8th October 2023  Rod Av: 5.3  Water Temperature: 15-16°C

Monday started lovely and calm with good cloud cover and a spot of rain promised in the afternoon. The calm conditions remained for most of the day. On the bank all water member Norman Perkins landed 4 fish using a washing lining with buzzers on the droppers and a FAB on the point. Draycote member James Kelly landed 3 using Diawl Bachs on the droppers and a minkie on the point. Out on the boats Draycote member Ian Reeve fishing with Steve Hibberd landed 19 to their boat. With Ian using a daddy on the point and crunchers on the droppers. While Steve Opted to used a blue flash damsel, landing their fish at N Buoy. Jim Marriot enjoyed a good day landing 7 fish including 2 cracking rainbows of 6lb & 4lb. Mr K Buckley fished with J Jones with the pair landing 14 fish to their boat on hoppers. Fishing for the second day of a 2 day break. Derek Moore & Felicity Appleton landed a dozen fish between them on a mix of dries or a washing line.

An overcast start to the day but the sun soon made an appearance with southwest winds. On the bank Draycote member Alan Grant enjoyed a good day landing 8 fish from the Tower Bank. Using a slow sinking intermediate and minkies. Also fishing on the bank Mick Cronin landed 5 fish using fry patterns, from various spot around the bank. With Mick’s best fish being a cracking rainbow of 5lb 4oz. On the boats Bob Barfoot landed a dozen fish. Drifting from the Valve Tower down to Y Buoy, using various snakes and boobies on intermediate lines. Fishing in Rainbow Corner, Ian Richardson & Bob Smith enjoyed a great days sport landing 31 fish to their boat. Using intermediate lines and sparkler boobies proved to be their most productive method on the day. Fishing with hoppers in Rainbow Corner Nick Righton enjoyed a good half day boat landing 6 fish.

Wednesday wasn’t too bad a day weatherwise, but it did get a bit bumpy out on the boats through the afternoon. The bank here at Draycote is holding it’s own with Paul Walker netting 4 fish on Kate Mclarens. Alex Campbell had a brace off the bank during a morning session, fishing crunchers off the Old Pipe in Biggin Bay. Out on the boats young Ed Douglas had a dozen on dries as well as the washing line. Visiting angler Tim Grove also had a dozen to the boat using hoppers. Staff member and in house guide Lee Henfrey had over two dozen fish to the boat during a morning session. Lee used a fast glass line with two black hoppers in between two sparkler boobies and fished along the Farborough Dam. Mr J Herman and Mr D Bartram had 16 fish between them using white snakes fished on a fast glass line.

Thursday morning was overcast at Draycote Water, with a light south westerly breeze. Despite some early forecasts it turned out to be an almost perfect day with anglers catching fish almost everywhere, and the rod average holding at around 7. Season permit holder Alan Grant took to the bank to net 5 fish on small nymphs from various points along the northern shoreline. Colin Day took 6 fish from the bank. Colin fished in Biggin Bay near the Old Pipe using humungus and commented on the quality of the bank fishing this season. Young Norman Perkins plied his trade off the bank near the Swans Nest to net 10 fish on buzzers and blobs. Draycote regular Stan Hillman caught a dozen fish whilst out on the bank using floating fry near the Valve Tower, and commented on “Some Cracking Sport”. Out on the boats Ian Richardson and Bob Smith had nearly 30 fish to the boat between them. Ian and Bob used sparkler boobies and hoppers on intermediate lines and fished in areas such as Farborough Spit, Rainbow Corner and the Tower Bank. Mr M Schofield had 14 fish to the boat using a variety of flies such as cormorants, crunchers and hoppers. Kevin Rees caught 16 fish from a drifting boat, all on dries such as bob’s bits and the F fly. Season permit holder Peter Jeffries and his boat partner had a bakers dozen to the net, and every one of them fell to a dry fly.

A windy day Friday, with a number of anglers practicing for the AMFC Autumn match. As is normally the case with practice days exact information wasn’t given up very readily. However, having spoke to the anglers it was clear that the fishery was fishing well with a number of fish getting caught. There seemed to be a couple of key methods working. One was washing line with nymphs on the droppers with a FAB on the point using various midge tips. While the other was to pull boobies using an intermediate line with hoppers or cormorants in the middle. Area’s producing fish seemed to be either drifting down the Farnborough Dam Wall from J Buoy. Coming from Rainbow Corner towards A Buoy and also off the exclusion buoys at the Hensborough Bank drifting towards M Buoy. There was also fish getting caught around X Buoy and Y Buoy.

Less wind Saturday than the day before, although it did remain in the same direction from the Southwest. On the bank Phil Green fished ahead of the Troutmasters on Monday. Landing a dozen fish while fishing in the Troutmaster zones in Toft and Lincroft to the Valve Tower Bank. However, kept the exact methods of how to himself. John Pearn also practicing for Monday used a washing line with  crunchers and a FAB to land 5 fish. On the boats the Association of Major Fishing Clubs (AMFC) hosted their Autumn match with teams from all 3 groups competing to decide the final placings for the year. Overall all the anglers enjoyed great sport landing 515 fish for a rod average of 8.0 fish per angler. There was a variety of methods used on the day. However, the best catch came from Gary How who landed his 12 fish by 1.35pm. Using a 12ft slow tip with a size 12 FAB on the top dropper 2 pearly cormorants and another FAB on the point. With the best area being 100 yards around D Buoy. Lee Cartmail fishing with Gary also landed his 12 fish by 2pm doing the same method. Other anglers found success roly-polying sparkler boobies and cormorants around the Farborough Dam Wall. With another very successful area being Rainbow Corner towards A Buoy again either using sparkler boobies on intermediates or washing lining on various midge tips.

More challenging conditions Sunday with bright flat conditions for most of the morning. As a result the afternoon fished a lot better when the cloud arrived with a  ripple on the water. On the bank Phil Green fished once again practicing for the Troutmasters and landed 6 fish on various snakes and other lures. On the boats all water member Roger Kerrison landed 10 fish using a washing lining set up around Rainbow Corner to A Buoy. With boat partner Stan Studdick landing 15 fish giving them 25 to the boat. Sam Smith fished with Albert Coales with the pair using tubes fished on sinking lines to land over 40 fish to the boat. With some cracking overwintered fish amongst them, picking fish up from nearly every area on the lake they tried.

Upcoming Events.

9^th October- Troutmasters Bank Only (BANK CLOSED)

26th November- Fur & Feather

Draycote’s closing date

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

Weather: we use two weather forecast pages.

Both options give a good 48 to 72 hour forecast.

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

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

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

Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report 

Lodge – 01536 770264 & Fishery Mobile 07834581424

Email: eyebrook@flyfishstore.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

Week Ending: 01^st October   Rod Av: 3.7       Water Temperature: 16°c

It was a bright, clear start to the week with a gentle southerly that developed into a moderate, gusty southerly by late morning, which remained for the rest of the day. The cloud cover was intermittent at best, with some extended period of sunshine. Despite the bright conditions, those targeting fish higher up in the water column, with Dries & the Washing Line on floating lines, fared better than those fishing sinking lines. As the water continues to cool, the fish are beginning to get caught up the shallower end of the reservoir, Mucky Bay, the Chestnut, Stoke Dry & the Willows. There were a few good returns recorded, which indicates that the fish are beginning to settle after the previous weather fronts. Eyebrook Member Keith Johnson landed 8, David Moore & Terry Bayes landed 15 & Bill Woods & Mr Munro had 10 between them. The most Main Basin remained a very productive area & Dries & the Washing Line, were the percentage methods.

The weather followed a similar pattern to the previous day, calm start, developing to a moderate, gusty winds with extended periods of sunshine. It was a challenging day with some mixed returns. All Water Member had 5 off the bank, including a couple of overwintered fish, targeting Fry feeding fish around the weedbeds. After Initially catching down by the Hawthorns, Mark also went on to catch along the Dam & Harrisons Corner. Fishing the 2^nd day of a Short Break, Bill Woods had another productive day. This time he was fishing with a Mr Mckay, with Mr Munro in a separate boat. They went on to land well over 20 fish between them, catching on a multitude of patterns including Foam Daddies & traditional Wets, from various locations around the reservoir. That’s great angling. For anyone interested in one of our short breaks, please use the following link https://www.flyfisheyebrook.co.uk/about-us-2/short-break-packages

As each day of the week has passed, the fishing has got better & better. Wednesday saw the previously forecast strong winds not materialise until late afternoon/early evening & for the those venturing out they were rewarded with good fishing as the reservoir fished well from the Float Tubes, boats & the bank. For the boat anglers, the Main Basin fished well as it has all week, with fish being caught high up in the water column on a variety of methods; Washing Lined Floating Lines/Midge Tip or Dries. On their Final day of a 3 Day Short Break, the Woods, Munro & McKay enjoyed another productive day landing nearly 30 fish between them on Foam & CDC Daddies. From the banks, Eyebrook member Roy Swinfield & Eyebrook regular Max Woolnough both had very productive mornings, landing well into double figures, fishing natural patterns, slow & tight in along the Dam Wall. Concentrating on the Main Basin, Pete Lehure enjoyed his session in his Float Tube, landing 12 fish, fishing the Washing Line.

Thursday saw the weather pay a significant part in how the reservoir fished. The conditions looked great but there was a strong wind in the morning that petered out in the afternoon. Not for the first time, the fish here at Eyebrook seemed very reluctant to stick their noses up into a good wave, despite the very favourable conditions. By afternoon, the wind had dropped, so to the waves & fish could be seen moving all over. Subsequently, the Washing Line & Straight-Lined Floaters were the most productive methods in the morning & Dries were in the afternoon. Mark Gee landed 10 fish using Straight-Lined tactics & All Water Member Mark Hunt had 16 fish on a single Grunter in the afternoon. Mark did not see a fish until 12.30hrs, just to echo the importance of the conditions. Elsewhere from the bank, Max Bazely had 6 in a short morning session from the Dam & fish from the bank were caught as far down as the willows. Eyebrook regular Max Woolnough, went out fly fishing for Pike & was duly rewarded with a couple of mid doubles which is indication the Pike are starting to move.

Friday was yet another day of 2 halves. The morning was very bright, whereas the afternoon was overcast. As the previous day, the reservoir fished well to the Washing Line in the morning & then the Dries in the afternoon. One to benefit from this was All Water Member Ed Douglas who caught well in the morning on the Washing Line & switched to Dries in the afternoon. Ed finished the day on 17 fish which was excellent. There were plenty of the boats getting into double figures on either method from various locations around the reservoir, with the open water between the Island & the Willows proving to be productive. From the Banks, Stuart Normanton landed 6 fish on a Cat’s Whisker, Diawl Bachs & Buzzers.

The conditions were great on Saturday with plenty of cloud cover & a gentle South westerly Breeze. On the boats fish were caught from various locations around the reservoir, from Mucky Bay to the Willows & down to Dam. Both the Dries & the Washing line, on a floater or a tip line, caught well with long drifts & having clear, open water in front of your boat proving to be key. Some good, consistent returns were recorded, Eyebrook Member Mick Farrell, landed 12 on the Washing Line with Diawl Bachs on the droppers. The bank anglers really got amongst some fish with both the Leicester Bank down to Sam’s Dyke & the Dam fishing well. More Eyebrook Members, Bob Margery & Steve Lawrence had a great morning session fishing the Dam with Intermediates & Floating Lines, landing well over 30 fish between them.

Sunday saw us host the latest AMFC Group 3 match, which saw 5 teams take to the water in very favourable conditions, a moderate south westerly breeze with plenty of cloud cover. The reservoir fished well, fishing to a rod average of 4.5 with fish being caught on Dries & on the Washing Line, from long drifts across the Main Basin. Well done to all participants & congratulations to the winning team, Bristol Reservoirs Fly Fishing Association, who, with a great team performance, catching an impressive 46 fish. Elsewhere, Eyebrook Member Dave Etty had a very productive day off the bank. Dave fished the Leicester Bank, targeting naturally feeding fish around the weedbeds using Olive Nymphs, Corixa patterns & CDC Emergers to land a high number of fish. The bank fishing is really starting to switch on with fish starting to get from various locations around the reservoir.

Upcoming Events.

08^th October – Alex Booth Fly Fishers – 13 Boats.

11^th October – England Disabled Fly Fishers Fur & Feather – 15 Boats + 2 Wheely Boats.

15^th October – All Abilities Friendly Fly Fishers – 14 Boats + 2 Wheely Boats.

21^st October – Greylags – 10 Boats.

29^th October – Eyebrook Fur & Feather – All Boats.

2023 Eyebrook Closing Date.

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

Weather: we use two weather forecast pages.

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

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

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

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Thornton Fishery Weekly Report – 01530 230807

Email: thornton@flyfishstore.co.uk

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

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

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

Week Ending: 1^st October Rod Av: 1.0  Water Temperature:16c – 17c

Our water temperature is dropping to where we would normally expect it to be for September. Water conditions are improving we have 2ft – 3ft clarity.

We are on some days starting to see some rising trout although the best of the catches continuous to be with sinking lines, booby & fry patterns with the shallower water in front of the willows, corner of the wood & off the bank down the Markfield arm has fished best.

Currently we have 5800+ trout in the fishery which should produce good sport during October & November as our water condition continuous to improve & our water temperature is between 12c & 16c.

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

Weather: we use two weather forecast pages.

Both options give a good 48 to 72 hour forecast.

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

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

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Draycote Fishery Weekly Report – 01788 812018

Email:  draycote@flyfishstore.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

Week Ending:  Sunday 1^st October 2023  Rod Av: 5.4  Water Temperature:  16°C

A bright start to the week with the wind coming from the South, which picked up as the day progressed and then swung a little more to the Southwest. Member Pete Allen fished on the bank landing 4 fish from Rainbow Corner using a hopper booby on the point and then crunchers on the droppers. On the boats Tony Broadway fished with former fishing partner Mike Davies with the pair landing a dozen fish in a morning session. Tony, opted for a neutral density line with a white snake. With Mike using a slow sinking line and a white booby. Kevin Hart enjoyed a good day landing a dozen fish using a slow intermediate and mini snakes. Landing a cracking fish over 4lb with the best drift being from the Hensborough Bank to Y Buoy. All water member Ged O’Donoghue landed 10 fish while fishing with fellow member Steve Orton in a boat all taken a Cinnamon Sedge pattern. Mr D Rees and M Woodward landed 15 fish during their day using snakes and humongous. Fishing down in Toft in a boat Bob Barfoot landed 7 fish on a variety of flies, with all of his fish c0ming from over the weed beds.

Tuesday was overcast and breezy to start with, but brightened up as the day progressed. Season permit holder Ken Key fished from the bank by the Swans Nest, bagging 3 fish on cormorants. Mr C J Day also netted 3 fish from the bank whilst fishing between Lincroft Point and the Valve Tower. Young Andy Lilley had a brace on FAB’s and diawl bachs fished off a midge tip line. John Dickens had half a dozen fish to the boat on dries such as the F fly. Mr M Francis drifted from the Aerators to D buoy in Duns Bay using a sunburst dabbler and a white dog knobbler to bring 12 fish to the net. Draycote regulars Andy Birkett and Brent Vinall had just under 30 fish between them to the boat using a washing line and crunchers in the morning and dries through the afternoon. James Alexander and his boat partner caught 7 fish using foam daddies near M buoy just up past the sailing club. John Falconbridge and Paul Walker used cormorants and crunchers to boat 18 fish between them from areas such as the Aerators and Duns Bay.

Wednesday morning started with a level of low slung cloud and southerly winds, which picked up resulting in a very wind day by lunch. As a result of the forecast only a few boat ventured out. One such boat was that of Fishery Manager Tom Bird & Fishery Ranger Lee Henfrey. The pair fished till lunch before the worst of the wind arrived, landing 13 fish. Lee took the majority of them. With the best tactic being a fast intermediate with a sparkler booby on the top dropper, cormorant in the middle then a minkie booby on the point. Using a roly-poly retrieve, with the pair landing fish at E Buoy into Biggin Bay, J Buoy and N Buoy. Andy Birkett & Brent Vinall fished for their second day of a 2 day break, boating 33 fish. They drifted from N Buoy across to Y Buoy and used dries or fry patterns pulled on an intermediate line.

Once again Thursday started with over cast conditions and a stiff breeze coming out of the south west. What a great  day it was to be out on Draycote Water. There were some excellent returns from all 4 points of the compass, mainly caught in the top few feet on anything from small snakes and floating fry patterns to crunchers on a washing line and dries for some. Mr Brian Joseh caught half a dozen fish from the bank at Lincroft Point and the Tower Bank. Season permit holder Phil Cross also ventured out onto the bank, netting 3 fish on this occasion. Out on the boats the pairing of Kevin Hart and young John Hoskins had 18 fish between them with long drifts off the Hensborough Bank out to Y and P buoy. The pair used intermediate lines with black bunny leaches and tequila blobs. Ina Richardson and Bob Smith also netted 18 fish between them on the drift using sparkler boobies and cormorants. Ian and Bob had their fish from the area around E buoy and Alberts Bottom as well as The Tower Bank. Bob Barfoot had some big fish to the boat, weighing in at 4, 5 and 6 lbs. Bob caught a total of 10 fish on cormorants along the Draycote Dam and also down in Toft Shallows. Mr Nick Righton and Mr Keith Eastbury had 17 fish to the boat between them. The pair used a mixture of wet flies with a foam daddy on the point on a floating line,  as well as cormorants and crunchers. Draycote stalwart Ed Douglas had 10 fish to the boat on foam daddies as well as nymphs on a washing line.#

Friday was initially overcast but changed into a clear blue sky very quickly with a south westerly wind. A more difficult day out on the water that never the less still produced some good returns from right across the reservoir. Draycote regular Mick Cronin caught 5 fish from the bank using fry patterns from various areas including the Tower Bank. DFF (Draycote Fly Fishers) member Paul Walley caught 3 fish from the bank using white and silver zonkers. Paul tried a number of areas before also settling on the Tower Bank. Season permit holder Andrew Tasker caught a brace from the bank but played his cards very close to his chest. Sean and Debbie Gilbert had 10 fish to the boat using small minkies, daddies and cormorants. Debbie and Sean fished along the Draycote Dam as well as the Hensborough Bank. Paul Havard had 5 fish to the boat . Paul used a midge tip line and caught all of his fish on a candy booby. Mr A Moore and Mr I Baynes netted a total of 10 fish between them. The pair fished along the Draycote Dam and used a green pea lure as well as ginger crunchers. Mr K Williams and Mr G Barclay also caught 10 fish between them using buzzers and lures and remarked that they caught fish everywhere they went on the reservoir.

Saturday was a bright start with the cloud arriving later in the day, with he winds from the South. On the bank Kasidit Leoviriyakit landed 11 fish including a fantastic 4lb rainbow. Kas, used either a washing line with crunchers and a FAB on the point or a cats whisker. Catching all over the lake although the Swan’s Nest was properly the most effective area. Season ticket holder Mike Garner also fished the bank landing 4 fish from Lincroft and the Swan’s nest using fry patterns. On the boats fishery ranger Mark Braun landed a dozen fish using snakes on Di3, Di5 and intermediate lines. Taking fish near J Buoy in the morning before heading up to the Draycote Dam. Father & Son duo David & Gary Turner landed 15 fish from a morning boat. Using a washing line with the nymphs on the dropper being the most productive, however a couple of their fish fell to dries. Fishing at Rainbow Corner towards A Buoy. Draycote member Jon Crowley landed 14 fish with an orange daddy on the top dropper and a buzzer on the dropper at M Buoy. Peter Elliot fished with Lee Patten landed 37 fishing around Rainbow Corner and the Draycote Dam on floating fry.

A warm muggy day here at Draycote Water on Sunday saw yet another rise in the rod average. Both boat and bank anglers are making good returns, especially those who keep on the move. Mr Andy Jordan had a good number of fish from the bank in Rainbow Corner using green holographic diawl bachs. Season permit holder Richard Walker had 7 fish to the boat on intermediate lines and snakes. Paul Walley ventured out in a boat to net 18 fish using humungus and big reds around A bouy. Mr M Rogers and Mr A Hart had a bakers dozen to the boat using a washing line with FAB’s, humungus boobies and diawl bachs. The All Abilities Fly Fishers took to the water on Sunday with  a total  of 19 rods. There were some great returns made by all participants and a total of 124 fish caught, giving them a rod average of  6.5.

Upcoming Events.

7^th October – AMFC Group Autumn Match – 32 Boats.

8^th October- Troutmasters Bank Only (BANK CLOSED)

26th November- Fur & Feather

Draycote’s closing date

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

Weather: we use two weather forecast pages.

Both options give a good 48 to 72 hour forecast.

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

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

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

Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report 

Lodge – 01536 770264 & Fishery Mobile 07834581424

Email: eyebrook@flyfishstore.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

Week Ending: 24^th September   Rod Av: 2.2       Water Temperature: 16°c

There was a bright, clear start to the week with a gentle southerly that developed into a strong southerly by late morning, which then swung round to a Westerly. Very few anglers ventured out due to the previously forecast weather, but for those that did catch, caught along the weedbeds of the Hawthorns & through the Main Basin.

Tuesday & Wednesday saw all boats cancelled due to the expected windspeeds that exceeded our safety mean limit of 25mph. On Wednesday, local angler, Max Woolnough ventured out from the bank & was rewarded with 3 fish. Max caught along the Leicester Bank, from the Lodge to Sam’s Dyke, targeting feeding fish along the weed beds.

Thursday brought with it a lot calmer conditions. The recent strong winds & heavy had brought the water temperature back down to 16°c, which is lowest it has been for a long time. It is often the case that after weather front has passed through, there can be a period of adjustment when the fish take a while to settle down to the new conditions. This proved to be the case today with fish proving difficult to tempt. On the boats, Eyebrook member Stuart Bilsdon & his regular boat partner Tony Tibbett had a productive day landing 10 fish between them which was a great return on the day. Thursday, also saw us host the annual police pairs match, organised by the hard working, Steve Owen who ensures that the day always runs smoothly. Well done to all anglers taking part, between them they caught 53 fish, which was good under the circumstances. Congratulations to all the prize winners on the day, it was great to see you all again. Elsewhere, another Eyebrook Member, Dave Searson took to the bank & fished the weedbeds, down at the Hawthorns & landed 3 fish. Targeting fish in the shallow water of Stoke Dry, All Water Member Mark Hunt found a single CDC the most productive method & caught 4 well-earned fish.

Friday saw the cooler weather continue with the water temperature continuing to drop & the fish in a similar mood to the previous days. Finding fish isn’t the issue but tempting them is. With the fish occupying the upper layers of the water column, those that caught better, caught using a washing line on floaters down to intermediates. Fish were caught from various locations around the Reservoir, with Robbo’s Cabin, The Main Basin & the Willows all proving to be consistently productive. Foam Daddies, Sparkler Boobies, Cormorants, FABs & Diawl Bachs all featured on the catch returns as their seemed to be no standout, patterns.

Saturday started clear & bright with a gentle southerly wind that built as the day progressed & slowly swung round to a westerly. The reservoir fished better than in previous days as the fish began to acclimatise to the new conditions & feed. There appeared to be some fish sat at midwater, but these fish were difficult to catch at this depth, but they could be caught as they rose in the water column to feed. The bright sunlight put paid to any prolific surface action, so those fishing under the surface by the means of a washing lined tip line or intermediate, were more successful. The most productive fly patterns were Sparkler Boobies, Cormorants, Foam Daddies, FAB’s, Diawl Bach, Dabblers & Snakes. Whereas, the most productive areas were the North Side of the Dam, Willows, Robbo’s Cabin, the Hawthorns & off the Island. The bank also fished well with fished still getting caught down by Hawthorns with regular angler & Eyebrook member, Roy Swinfield landing 9 fish on a washing line presented just above the weedbeds.

It was a blustery & damp start to Sunday with a moderate Southerly bringing in some light showers. By mid-morning the rain had disappeared, the cloud remained & the once moderate wind was now strong & gusty.  Sunday saw us host the Midlands Counties Cup, with 32 anglers taking to the water from the Alex Booth, Foremark, Kirby & Colwick Fly Fishers. Between them, they caught 63 fish for a rod average of 1.9, which given the conditions was a great effort. Congratulations goes to the Colwick Fly Fishers who were the winners on day with an overall bag of 25 fish. With the wind limiting anglers to the Main Basin, fish were caught from various locations within that, with once again, the North side of the Dam proving to be productive. Long, open water drifts also produced some good bags of fish due to anglers fishing clear water in front of them & simply sat behind another boat.

Upcoming Events.

01^st October – AMFC Group 3 – 15 Boats.

08^th October – Alex Booth Fly Fishers – 13 Boats.

11^th October – England Disabled Fly Fishers Fur & Feather – 15 Boats + 2 Wheely Boats.

15^th October – All Abilities Friendly Fly Fishers – 14 Boats + 2 Wheely Boats.

21^st October – Greylags – 10 Boats.

29^th October – Eyebrook Fur & Feather – All Boats.

2023 Eyebrook Closing Date.

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

Weather: we use two weather forecast pages.

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

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

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

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Thornton Fishery Weekly Report – 01530 230807

Email: thornton@flyfishstore.co.uk

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

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

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

Week Ending: 24^th September Rod Av: 0.5  Water Temperature:17c – 18c

Fishing has certainly been challenging due to the weather & algae.  Quiet days at the fishery to start the week due to the weather with gale force winds on Tuesday & Wednesday. Thursday to Saturday better forecast with the algae continuing to reduce, currently we have 2ft clarity. By Sunday we had another windy day.

The most successful method on Saturday was fished by J Bebbington catching 3 trout during his mornings visit using a fast sinking fly lines with booby patterns 150yds in front of the willows towards the Markfield arm.

Sunday John Reynolds also caught 3 trout during his mornings visit again using a fast sinking line and cats whisker booby fishing 40 to 60yd off the bank down the Markfield arm.

On the plus side towards the end of the week our water temperature was 17c hopefully our sport will pick up as the cooler weather takes us into the autumn. Currently we have 5,900+ trout in the reservoir.

Contact the lodge for latest information 01530230807

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

Weather: we use two weather forecast pages.

Both options give a good 48 to 72 hour forecast.

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

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

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Draycote Fishery Weekly Report – 01788 812018

Email:  draycote@flyfishstore.co.uk

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

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

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

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

Week Ending:  Sunday 24^th September 2023  Rod Av: 3.78  Water Temperature:  16°C

Monday gave a good indication of what the weather would be like for the next couple of days, with strong gusty winds and some heavy showers at times. Those brave souls who ventured out against the elements did quite well, returning a rod average of 3.5 for the day. Mr G Quigley and Mr D McGuigan had 10 fish to the boat between them on CDC’s and cormorants. Young Andy Lilley used sinking lines and lures on the rudder to boat 4 fish, one of which weighed in at a touch over 4 lbs. Draycote stalwart Kevin Rees persisted with dry flies such as bob’s bits and the F fly to net 3 fish in very difficult conditions. Mr Kevin Hart plied his trade near the Inlet in Rainbow Corner to net a brace on floating fry patterns.

The first strong winds as we enter into Autumn arrived Tuesday resulting in the boats being cancelled. As a result of the strong winds we only had a couple of bank anglers out. All water member Ken Key enjoyed a good morning’s sport, landing 4 fish. Taking them from the Swan’s nest and also Rainbow Corner on cormorants.

After the strong wind and heavy rain of Wednesday, which resulted in no anglers fishing. It was good to see a strong turn out Thursday enjoying the much improved weather. On the bank Draycote member Tony Broadway fished at the Swan’s nest landing 8 fish. Included in Tony’s 8 fish catch were some cracking rainbows of 5lb,4lb & 3lb which can be seen here www.facebook.com/flyfishstore Tony used a washing line set up with a FAB on the point and size 12 crunchers on the droppers with all of his fish taking the crunchers. Fishing alongside Tony was Pete Allen who landed 3 fish. On the boats all water members Ged O’Donoghue & Steve Orton landed 20 fish to the boat. They fished in Biggin Bay near Alberts Bottom using washing lining tactics with hares ears on the droppers on Daiwl Bachs. With the majority of the fish coming on the hang, and commented they could have landed over 30 if they landed everything they hooked. Lee Tones fished on his own landing 11 fish moving all round the lake to land them, catching at P Buoy, Lincroft Point, Valve Tower, Boils and Rainbow Corner. Using either a midge tip or slow intermediate with a black and green booby and then cormorants. All water member Ed Douglas landed 10 fish 4 of them taking dries with the other 6 coming to washing lining. Draycote member Eddie Mitchell & Dave Kennel landed 15 fish to the boat. Using a midge tip line with 2 boobies on the point and the top dropper with 2 black daddies in the middle.

A foggy start to the day, which burnt off around 9.30 in the morning leaving a bright day, with some rain showers arriving on the afternoon. It was a great day for the bank anglers with great catches. Stan Hillman landed 7 fish from the bank fishing at the Tower Bank and the Old Pipe. Fellow bank angler Mick Cronin also fished the bank landing a dozen fish from the same areas. Colin Day fished in Biggin Bay near the Old Pipe in Biggin to land 9 fish using a midge tip line. With a booby on the point and then crunchers on the droppers. On the boats Draycote member Ray Rawlings landed 10 fish drifting from A Buoy to M Buoy using a RIO hover line. With a snake on the point and cormorants on the droppers. Alan Master & Ed Wilson fished in Toft landing 14 fish to their boat using a washing line with buzzers on the droppers and a booby on the point. Kevin Hart landed 14 fish while out in a boat using a midge tip line with a nemo cruncher on the top dropper, Diawl Bach in the middle then a sparkler booby on the point. Catching fish at Y Buoy, N Buoy, S Buoy, Swan’s Nest and also Biggin Bay.

There was certainly an Autumnal feel to Saturday, which warmed later in the day. On the bank Draycote member Paul Walker landed 4 fish fishing from Lincroft point on Diawl Bachs. Also landing 4 fish from Lincroft was Mike Garner who used fry patterns and a Kate McLaren. Fellow member Paul Walley fished the bank for the afternoon landing 5 fish on foam daddies fished at the Old Pipe in Biggin Bay and also the Swan’s Nest. On the boats fishery ranger Mark Braun landed 9 fish using a slow sinking intermediate with a black and green lure, cormorant and a blob. Taking his first fish at Y Buoy before moving to drift along from C to B buoy. Jon Crowley fished for the morning landing 13 fish on a Dawsons olive variant on an intermediate line. Drifting from M Buoy all the wat through to the Farnborough Dam Wall. All water member Roger Kerrison landed 10 fish while out on the boat all on daddies. Father and son team David & Gary Turner fished in a boat for the morning landing 16 fish to the boat. Drifting from A Buoy to M Buoy using a washing line set up with a FAB on the point and nymphs on the droppers using a midge tip. Stephen Peart fished in a boat landing 14 fish with his best method being a Di 3 sinking line with sparklers.

A drizzly start to Sunday, with gusty winds arriving around lunch, however, the inclement weather didn’t seem to put the fish off as the fishery produced a 4.2 fish rod average. On the boats Thomas Long enjoyed a great day landing 17 fish. Using a FAB on the point and then a red Diawl Bach and a black and red buzzer. With the strong wind Thomas opted to just back drift the flies and let the wind do the work. He landed his fish at E Buoy, M Buoy and then around in Toft. Dalwyn Leddington & Wander Santos enjoyed a good day fishing around Rainbow Corner and M Buoy landing 19 fish to the boat. Draycote member Mark Thistleton used snakes on an intermediate to land 14 fish drifting from X Buoy to S Buoy being his most productive area. James Alexander fished with father-in-law Sharpy with the pair landing 10 fish. All taken on Yellow Daddies fished at M Buoy.

Upcoming Events.

7^th October – AMFC Group Autumn Match – 32 Boats.

8^th October- Troutmasters Bank Only (BANK CLOSED)

26th November- Fur & Feather

Draycote’s closing date

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

Weather: we use two weather forecast pages.

Both options give a good 48 to 72 hour forecast.

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

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

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

Eyebrook Fishery Weekly Report 

Lodge – 01536 770264 & Fishery Mobile 07834581424

Email: eyebrook@flyfishstore.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

Week Ending: 17^th September   Rod Av:  2.9      Water Temperature: 18°c

There was a slightly cooler start to the week with intermittent cloud cover. Fish were caught throughout the Main Basin on a variety of methods, Dries, Nymphs straight lined & washing lined & Lures on Sinking Lines. The water temperature remains over 20°c, so whatever fish are getting caught higher up in the water column, are not spending any length of time at that depth. They are coming up to feed briefly before returning to the deeper more comfortable water & they are the fish getting caught at depth. All Water Member Ged O’Donoghue, on his first visit of the season had a very productive day, landing 7 fish, most of which came to a Midas or a Foam Daddy. Well done, Ged, it was great to see you again. Elsewhere, from the banks, Mr Coles landed 4 fish from the Hawthorns on a Foam Daddy & Diawl Bachs. With cooler weather coming, the outlook for the banks is excellent.

It was a very quiet day Tuesday, which brought with it a persistent rain that remained all day. Initially there was a light, warm southerly breeze that developed into in by a cold northerly wind by early afternoon. This extreme 180° change in wind direction ensured that the Eyebrook trout were at their finicky best & consequently there were very few fish caught, most of which, were mainly in the morning.

Wednesday saw a moderate Northerly prevailing wind drive most of the Algae into the Harbour resulting in large areas of clear water. The boats that headed out, all went upwind to find clear water & consequently these areas fished relatively well. Wednesday saw us host 2 groups, the Higham Ferrers Fly Fishers & the Fishing For Fun club Higham Ferrers had 12 anglers & these went on to catch 37 fish between, returning a rod average of 3.1 which was great given the previous day. Fishing for Fun had 11 anglers out, catching 34 fish for another rod average of 3.1. Elsewhere, all water member Ed Douglas had a great day, landing 17 fish, 16 of which came to Cormorants on a washing line from various locations around the reservoir. The Willows & Robbo’s Cabin fished very well early on as these were located up wind & later in the day, the Northerly areas of the Main Basin fished well later in the day. There were also fish caught over the top of the weedbeds down by the Hawthorn.

There was a light southerly wind on Thursday which brought with it some good, consistent cloud cover. The reservoir fished well consequently, with some good bags coming from both the banks & the boats. It was the banks that really sprung into life with regular visitor Max Woolnough having an excellent morning from the bank landing 20 fish on a Washing Line with a Sparkler Booby on the point & Diawl Bachs on the droppers. Max targeted feeding fish in the weedbeds down at the Hawthorns. Another angler to do this was All Water Member Jim Greasley, Jim fished the Hawthorns later in the day & took his 6 fish on various, coloured Shipman’s Buzzers fished over the weedbeds. On the Boats, Eyebrook Member, Stuart Bilsdon had a productive Day on the Daddies landing 10 fish from various locations around the reservoir.

Friday saw the reservoir fish well from the boats & from the Float Tube with Eyebrook member Dean Shilton landing 7 fish on Foam Daddies from various locations. From the boats, Dries & the Washing Line, be that with a floater or on a Tip Line, seem to be the most productive methods. Once again what has been important with the Washing Line, is to have colour on the point, in the form of either a FAB or a Blob Booby. All Water Member Paul Havard found the fish he caught only interested in the colour, to the point that he fished a FAB on the top dropper & a Blob Booby on the point to maximise his catch rate. As a result, Paul ended the day with 8 fish which was a good return for the day. Another option for a buoyant fly that can be fished on the washing line is the ever versatile, Foam Daddy. Thomas Long, used this method to land his 11 fish for the day, with some of his fish, coming to the Buzzers on the droppers. The Main Basin proved to be the most productive area.

For the Saturday, the wind had swung round to a moderate Northerly which brought with it some extended periods of sunshine, particularly in the morning. Despite the weather, the Reservoir fished well with once again with some steady bags of fish recorded, with again the Main Basin being the most productive area. As for methods, Dries & the washing line were the percentage methods & it paid to fish from a drifting boat, covering more water. All Water Member Mark Hunt fished a washing lined 6ft Tip Line in the morning, during the bright spells & he swapped to a single Orange Foam Daddy for the afternoon & was rewarded with a great return of 14 fish in a morning session. Elsewhere, another All-Water Member, Sue Potts, also had a productive day, landing 7 fish on the Washing Line with a pink FAB taking its fair share. John Balladon & Rimalew Naidu were others to catch well on the washing line, landing well into double figures from the Main Basin.

Sunday started with a strong northerly breeze blowing into the harbour bringing with it a cooling wind & consistent cloud cover. As the day progressed, the wind eased but the cloud cover remained, leaving great conditions. Today we hosted the All-Abilities Friendly Fly-Fishing Club which saw 22 anglers of varying experience levels take to water & between them they caught 56 fish on a variety of methods. Most of the boats headed down to the general area of the Willows with some catching on Dries, Foam Daddies & popper Hoppers featuring well on the catch returns. Other methods that caught well were Washing Lined Floaters, Tip Lines & Intermediates but what was noticeable was that movement of the Flies was important to illicit a response from feeding fish. Elsewhere, All Water Members Fraser Duffy, Senior & Junior & Terry Bayes who accompanied them, took their 2 boats down to Stoke Dry & targeted feeding fish in the shallower water. The 2 boats were duly rewarded with an excellent bag of over 30 fish between them.

There is some extreme weather forecast for later in the week with some very heavy rain & very strong winds. Please contact the Lodge on 01536 770264 for updates & use the Weather Links below. On a positive note, the low pressure that is due will undoubtably lower the water temperature somewhat.

Upcoming Events.

20^th September – AMFC Group 2 – 15 Boats.

21^st September – Police Pairs – 18 Boats

24^th September – Mid Northants Fly Fishers – 16 Boats

01^st October – AMFC Group 3 – 15 Boats.

2023 Eyebrook Closing Date.

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

Weather: we use two weather forecast pages.

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

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

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

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Thornton Fishery Weekly Report – 01530 230807

Email: thornton@flyfishstore.co.uk

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

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

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

Week Ending: 17^th September Rod Av:1.0 Water Temperature:19c

Following on from the early September heatwave our water temperature has started to drop and is currently 19c, usually for this time of year we should be 17c – 18c.

The algae condition has started to show sign of improvement clear visibility between 16inch to 18inch.

A sign that the algae condition is starting to improve is that some trout were caught higher in the water on intermediate or sink 3 lines with booby & fry patterns with a few caught on a daddy.

Hopefully clarity will continue to improve. We advise you call the lodge & follow our advice.

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

Weather: we use two weather forecast pages.

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

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

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

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Draycote Fishery Weekly Report – 01788 812018

Email:  draycote@flyfishstore.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

Week Ending:  Sunday 17^th September 2023  Rod Av: 3.7  Water Temperature: 18 °C

A warm start to the week, with the sun making an appearance in the morning before the cloud rolled in later in the day. However, the afternoon remained humid and muggy thankfully the Southwest winds helped to take the edge of the heat. On the boats Jim Dempsey fished for a morning using the rudder to good effect landing 6 fish. Using a Di 7 sinking line with various snakes with his best area being the top side of Y Buoy down to P Buoy. All water member Ed Douglas landed 10 fish while out on the boat landing 2 of them on dries, with the other 8 falling to a washing line set up. Ed fished at the flat stones drifting out towards B Bouy using a Snowbee buzzer tip with Diawl Bachs on the droppers and a FAB on the point. On their second day of a 4 day break, Steven Bett & Brian Collins enjoyed great sport landing 28 fish. The pair fished all along the Draycote Dam Wall drifting out towards the middle. With Steven using a 5ft midge tip with a weighted fly on the point and cormorants on the droppers. While Brian opted to use a Di 3 sweep sinking line with 2 sparkler boobies ten feet apart. The pair commented on how they lost as many as they caught and could have finished the day with over 50 fish to the boat.

Overcast first thing in the morning with very light winds, with the rain arriving around 9am and it didn’t’ really let up until about 5pm. With the wind picking up and swinging to the North later in the afternoon. On the bank Draycote member Pete Allen fished at Lincroft point using a grey minkie to land a great brace of fish. On the boats all water member Steve Orton & Ged O’Donoghue landed 5 between them but left no comments as to how.

A bright start to Wednesday, with some cloud arriving later in the day with the wind coming from the North. Mick Cronin fished from the bank using minkies to land a brace of fish from Lincroft Point. On the boats Mark Smith fished for a morning using a washing line set up to land 5 fish, from Toft. Draycote member Bob Barfoot also used a washing line with cormorants on the droppers landing 7 fish. With the majority of Bob’s fish coming when he covered moving fish. Mick Cartlidge & Tim Strachan fished in Toft to land 9 fish between them using a mixture of FABs and cormorants. Roy Taylor also fishing in Toft with Barry Butler with the pair landing a dozen fish to the boat on a mix of methods. With claret hoppers, minkie boobies and standard minkies all accounting for their fish. We also had a number of teams on the water practicing ahead of the Airflo Sheild on Saturday. While the specifics were a closely guarded secret, the teams did say there is certainly two layers of fish. With a number of anglers getting good success on dries with a lot of fish coming blind and showing interest. While a number of other anglers found the fish deep using Di 7 sinking lines and sparkler boobies.

A wet day Thursday with drizzle for most of the day and the wind coming from the South. On the bank Tony Broadway fished down in Toft landing 7 fish using a washing line with crunchers. James Kelly also fished in Toft landing 6 fish also on a washing line with all of the fish taking the Diawl Bachs on the middle. Fellow member John Dickens also fished in Toft landing 8 fish 6 on a washing line and 2 taking a Midas. On the boats Draycote hosted the English Fly Fishing Association with the 34 anglers landing 114 fish. With the winner of the day being Pete Skelton who caught his 8 fish limit. The anglers fished to full C/R measuring the fish, so Pete’s winning length was 356cm. There was a mix of methods with a number of anglers opting to fish dries. However washing lining and also boobies on sunk lines proved to more productive. Outside of the EFFA, we had a number of teams once again practicing for the match at the weekend. Speaking to the anglers as they came off there was some very good  number of 16s to the boat, 20s and the occasional 30. Once again lots of comments of a mix of methods from a Di 7 all the way to the surface and dries. With Toft proving to be very productive so to the Draycote Dam wall.

A misty start to Friday, which lifted around 10am leaving a calm bright day but thankfully the wind did pick up a little around lunch blowing from the South. On the bank Steve Proffitt landed 4 fish from Toft, using a washing line with Daiwl Bachs & Shrimps. However, all of Steve’s fish came before 9am before it got bright. Kasidit Leoviriyakit fished the bank landing 6 fish using a cat whisker and a snake. On the boats it was the final practice day before the Airflo Shield Final on Saturday. Given the conditions it was a trickier day for the anglers, but once again specifics were kept close to their chest. Outside of the match practice boats Stephen Peart landed a dozen fish. Using a 6ft midge tip with 2 FABs and 2 black Diawl Bachs catching from B & C Buoy.

Saturday saw the fishery host the Airflo Open Shield Final with 12, 6 man teams competing to be crowned champion. With conditions much improved from the day before and good practice days, everyone hoped for a good days sport. This proved to be the case with the 72 anglers catching 498 fish giving a rod average of 6.92. Winning the match with a fantastic performance was RAF Fish Hawks A. Who landed 66 fish for 136lb 14oz. There best method was to use a cutthroat cat on the point cormorants on the droppers and then a tequila FAB on the top dropper. With the lads catching from Duns Bay, Rainbow Corner and Biggin Bay. In second place was the Alba Cats who landed 50 fish for 99lb 13oz, using either CDC dries or washing lining tactics with cormorants on nymphs. In the same areas as the RAF, however, they did land a number of fish later in the day around Lincroft point drifting from E Buoy out towards P Buoy. In third place, the Welsh Wizards with 44 fish used various tip lines and cormorants on the droppers. The top rod on the day was James Rice from the Welsh Wizards who landed his 12 fish by 1pm. Using the same tactic he used to win the Wychwood Induvial championships. Which was a 12ft slow tip with a cormorant booby on the point and top dropper and cormorants in the middle around D Buoy drifting towards C Buoy. Outside of the match Draycote member Mike Garner fished on the Cornfield and Lincroft Point to land 3 fish, including a cracking 5lb rainbow that took a fry pattern.

The weather on Sunday was overcast to start with, promising a few sunny spells, and perhaps the odd shower later in the day. The fishing has carries on from previous days with good returns coming from several different areas. Once again the fish are sitting pretty high in the water with the preferred lines being midge tips and floaters. Flies such as red diawl bachs, black buzzers and cormorants are all proving very popular, as are dries such as foam daddies, black hoppers and crippled midge patterns. Mr Thomas Long had 10 fish to the boat using diawl bachs and buzzers. David and Jack O’Farrell caught a bakers dozen between them on claret hoppers, crippled midge and big reds. Season permit holder Paul Walley had 8 fish to the boat pulling daddies across the surface near D buoy in Duns Bay. Mr D Keeble had 4 fish around D buoy using a mixture of dries and cormorants. Young Will Hunt caught half a dozen fish on black hoppers in Biggin Bay. Season permit holder Mark Thistleton caught 7 fish in Biggin Bay on a mixture of snakes and buzzers.

Draycote’s closing date

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

Weather: we use two weather forecast pages.

Both options give a good 48 to 72 hour forecast.

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

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