It was a great day to be out on the 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 4 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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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: 13c

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

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.

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

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 22^nd 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

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.

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 its been for a number of years. Its starting to drop back to its usual level and the water clarity is also starting to improve but its 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

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.

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.