Again this week has been hampered by cold Northerly winds and occasional over night frosts, causing the fish to drop in the water. It has almost become predictable of late, on the colder the days the fish have gone down and on milder less windier days the fish have been taken nearer the surface. Daily catches have reflected this with the rod average one day being over 8, then the very next day dropping to below 4! We must remember we are still in April, which can be so unpredictable with the weather!
This week has seen some of the more resident fish starting to show, with a brown and rainbow over 7lb being caught, both on the same day!
Mr R Wilsons bag weighed 36lb for 8 fish, whereas Eddie Kirks bag weighed 18lb for 4 fish! Friday and Saturday produced some excellent catches with the rod average topping 8.6 on the Friday. Over 26 fish recorded in excess of 4lb.
Sunday however started with a frost and the Northerly wind had increased thus having an effect on the fishing as the rod average dropped below 4.
Fish have generally been deeper, with the DI-5 being the best line from the boat. Mr Severn took a great bag from the boat fishing from the point off Biggin Bay to the tower. He also lost a fish in the region of 10lb!!
Bank anglers have again faired better with the ability to fish the flies slowly and more controlled in the fresher winds. Black and green lures have worked best with intermediate lines, however regular Graham Homer took 4 cracking fish on size 14 buzzers. The usual clouds of buzzers this week have been scarce, this is due to the colder weather. As I write this report the buzzers are back with a vengeance, there’s one even in my coffee!
The water clarity is exceptional, and the lake is continuing to rise as the water is being pumped in from the nearby river. Heavy rain is again forecast for the next 3 days, so pumping is likely to continue.
Number of rods 165 Fish Killed 287 Fish released 416 Rod average 4.3
Lodge & bank fishing open 7.30am
Full Day Boats 8.30am – 7.45pm
Part Day Boats 8.30am – 2.00pm / 2.00pm – 7.45pm
Last Four Hours 3.45 – 7.45pm
Bank Fishing Closes 8.00pm
Bank anglers can drive around the reservoir, but is limited to 30 cars at any one time, we therefore recommend visiting bank anglers call the lodge and book one of the 30 available bank anglers car pass.
July the 1st is the day of the Rio Challenge Pairs match at Draycote. Fished to full International rules. Entry fee is £23 and deposit is required at point of booking. Prizes will be down to 20th place, with the winners winning in excess of £1000 worth of Rio tackle and £100 cash.
tight lines
Craig Barr
Tel: 01788 812018