Draycote week ending 5th August 2012
Draycote Water is now widely being talked about as being back to its best. This Midlands based reservoir holds its reputation for its vast food source enabling the fish to grow on quick, and put up a fight as described by many visitors as the best they have found!
This week has seen some exceptional catches as the fish are feeding well on buzzers and snails. A recent competition with 30 anglers taking part, reported a rod average of 7.5 per man! The majority of these fish were taken on floating or midge tip lines, in many different areas of the lake.
Early last week we were hit by an algae bloom, however this lasted only 36 hours and as I write this report, the water is, and has been for the last 5 days, very clear with excellent visibility all over.
The fish are well spread throughout the lake now, and the bigger ones are now starting to show in good numbers, especially in the middle areas, around the shoals. An angler fishing from the pontoon returned a brown estimated around 9-10lb, after it took 80 yards of line, not to mention the launch of a boat to go after it, before it finally succumb to the net!!
Father and son J & T Gamble recorded a good day landing 20 fish between them from a boat, with their 8 fish weighing 27lb, the biggest 5lb 5oz. Mr M Clarke also enjoyed a good day with 14 fish to the boat, the biggest being 5lb 4oz. Mr B Bonniger weighed in the best recorded fish for the week, a cracking 6lb rainbow. Plenty of fish between the 3 and 5lb mark are coming out, pretty much on a daily basis. This is exceptional fishing for considering it is August!
It was reported the editor of Trout & Salmon magazine, Andrew Flitcroft, was taking some good fish on dry flies, down to size 14, whilst drifting out in the middle areas of the lake. Fish have been moving ok during the day, when cloudy, however during the evenings, weather permitting, the fish have been coming up in vast numbers. Sedges, bobs bits, and daddies are among some of the best flies for this last week. Boat and bank anglers using floating and midge tip lines have had some excellent sport, with the best flies being, red or green holographic diawl bachs, crunchers, black or olive buzzers,hoppers, red or black bits, and fab blobs. Competition angler Lee Henfrey took 8 fish for 28lb on Sunday, and when gutting the fish several were full to the brim with snails, big ones too! Lee was fishing over the top of a shoal in 3′ of water where there was a lot of weed, and obviously a lot of snails!!
This coming Friday (10th) sees the last chance match to reach the Lexus Individual final to be held at Chew Valley, Bristol. If you would like to take part please call the Draycote fishing lodge to book a place. Entry fee is £30 + usual fishing fees. The biggest prize fund competition in the UK.
Sunday 19th of August is the Draycote Open Pairs match fished to fishery rules. There are a few remaining boats left to win yourself £1000!!! The heaviest 16 fish (if anyone gets there limits!!) wins. You fish with your partner and the competition is from 10am – 6pm. To book one of the remaining boats please call the fishing lodge on 01788 812018
Total number of fish caught 893 Total number of fish returned 477
Total number of rods 225 Rod weekly average 3.9
Access is available for bank anglers around the lakes perimeter, however on planning a day please call the fishing lodge to book a FREE car permit to display in your car. This is available when you purchase your ticket. Our phone is manned from 7.30am til 9pm so if you wish to book a boat please feel free to call between these times. 01788 812018
Tight Lines
Craig Barr