Draycote Water weekly report ending Sunday 15th June 2014
Telephone 01788 812018
Generally a harder week than of late but with a 3.4 rod average for the reporting period. Anglers had to contend with very humid, muggy conditions at the start of the week. On Monday what light winds there were swung around 360 degrees twice during the course of the day. Nevertheless, boat angler John Clifford managed to find 6 good rainbows deep off the Draycote Water Dam on a variety of lures. An afternoon/evening boat also took 8 rainbows up to 5lbs 4oz on CDC emergers.
Thornton member Norman Perkins visited on Tuesday and experienced terrific sport in Rainbow Corner on a mix of orange dries & diawl bachs. He took an eight fish limit of rainbows for 29lbs 8oz and his bag included two at 4lbs 8oz. Some of his fish had been covered but quite a few came to him blind. Meanwhile, regular Barry Buxton, in an afternoon boat, managed a 9 fish tally & commented that “Intermediate lines made the day”. It proved to be very hard on the bank during the day, however, Gary Darlow did well to land 7 from Rainbow Corner, the overflow & the bottom of the Hensborough Bank. He fished straight line black and green buzzers & a pheasant tail nymph and his catch included a picture perfect three & a half pound rainbow as well as a three pound brownie, both caught & released.
Improved conditions on Wednesday saw some good sport on boat & bank alike. Kevin Rees continued his good form on the bank taking 16 fish on a mixture of buzzer & sedge pupae. (Considerable numbers of sedge have been appearing in the evenings). Vince Aronica fished in both Biggin Bay & Rainbow Corner with olive & black buzzers. He caught a total of 13 rainbows which had clearly been cruising high in the water column. All his fish came to either the top or middle dropper at depths of three or six feet respectively. Vince described how spectacular his best fish, a fin perfect 5lbs 10oz rainbow, had looked fighting hard in what was gin clear water.
Weather conditions were best described as challenging come Thursday with one angler concluding that it had been a hard days fishing but great for the sun tan! (Remember to pack sunblock in the tackle bag). Despite the extreme heat & brightness, Geoff Preston caught nine rainbows deep on lures in a morning boat session. Eddie Kirk also managed a good eight fish total on crisp packet buzzers.
The effects of a few really hot days didn’t stop Mr Mason who, from the bank in Rainbow Corner on Friday morning, took a five fish bag on Foam Daddies.
The weekend saw a mix of tactics bringing success even though the hot days at the end of the week, combined with a change around of wind into the NE & NNE , upset things for a while. Jim Dempsey still managed to find fish on rudder tactics on Saturday. He recorded an 8 fish limit for 27lbs 4oz which included a brown of 4lbs 4oz. His boat partner Ifor Jones (no, not Thornton Ifor!) had a 5lbs rainbow in his catch. Dave Adams also managed a 12 fish total on black buzzer & diawl bachs.
By Sunday it was clear that the north shore marks were beginning to fish well with fish migrating up the now consistent NNE wind. David Lodge made the most of a Father’s Day fishing gift voucher describing his day on the bank at Lin Croft as “Excellent”. He caught 16 rainbows, all on a goldhead montana tadpole pattern, mostly “on the drop” at the full extent of his cast. Tony Hanks also had a tremendous session in a boat in Toft taking 20 fish on black buzzers fished static. Interestingly, one angler reported taking an eight fish limit on red head diawl bachs suspended three feet under an indicator.
The settled wind direction for the next few days should bring with it consistent sport. It should be noted though that there are two boat competitions taking place this coming week & the boat fleet is virtually booked up until Friday. There is ample bank availability but advance booking of car passes is recommended to guarantee access.
Weekly Stats:
Number Rods: 318 Number Trout Taken: 462 Number Trout Released: 617
Total Catch: 1079 Weekly Rod Average: 3.4
Current Fishing Time:
Bank: 07:30 – 22:00
Boat All Day: 08:30 – 21:45
Boat Part Day: AM 08:30 – 14:30 PM 14:30 – 21:45
Last 4 Hours from: 17:30
All Anglers to be off site by: 22:15
In order to maintain the accuracy of our records could all anglers please ensure that they fill in the catch return sheet before departure. If not in the lodge it will be found on the counter in the gutting room next door.
Bank Anglers car passes should be, where possible, booked prior to coming fishing as we only have a limited number available.
Boat anglers are also politely reminded of the ruling that there is no anchoring within 100 yards of any pontoon or aerators. This is especially relevant to the harbour pontoon as its own mooring chains & anchors extend out a considerable distance from the end of the harbour & are easily fouled.
Tight lines,
Kevin Hart
Up & coming events
22nd of June – Scierra Pairs Boat match – with a chance to reach the final at Rutland Water. Spaces available. Entry forms visit www.scierrapairs.co.uk .
9th and 10th of August – Lexus individual qualifying heats – the last chance to reach the final at Chew Valley. visit www.lexusflyfishing.co.uk to book your place.
Rio Pairs is Cancelled
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