Welcome to our Elinor Trout Fishery Reports for 2018 ...
To view any particular months report, please just click on that month you wish to read shown below.

February         March         April         May         June         July         August         September         October         November         December

Rod average of 4.3 and 22 fish over 4lb last week.

December 10th - 16th

101 anglers caught 430 fish of which 358 were returned

Best Fish
7lb 10oz Chris Redhead, Whittlesey, green mitten, boat
7lb 2oz Jurgis Mikalauskas, Peterborough, blob, boat
7lb 2oz Pete Welch, Boston, black buzzer
6lb 4oz Mel Dunn, Eye, damsel
6lb 3oz Lazloe Boden, Rothwell, apps bloodworm, boat
6lb 1oz Lazloe Boden, Rothwell, apps bloodworm, boat
5lb 12oz Nigel Cheetham, Thrapston, black snake, boat
5lb 7oz Gavin Cairns, Newmarket, bloodworm, boat

Best Areas
Bank - dam, boat bay, brookside
Boat - lodge end

Best Patterns
Apps bloodworm, small black buzzer, tequila fab/booby, suspender buzzer, black hopper, small damsel, olive/black snake.

On frosty mornings the fishing can be slow early and switching on later. Bank anglers having the best sport on breezy days. Boats a definite advantage in bright still conditions.
The action continues to be at the lodge end. Fish are either crashing into roach or perch fry or sipping small hatching black buzzers. The majority of fish are being caught in the top two foot with plenty rising in calm conditions.

Elinor is open until December 31st. Season permit holders only can bank fishing during January. The 2019 season starts on Saturday February 9th. Now the clocks have gone back half day tickets are valid 7am - 2pm or Midday until dark.

The Ideal Christmas Gift
Fishing ticket vouchers make a great gift.
I can supply anything from a half day permit to a full season permit.
Please email me with your requirement and they will be posted to you.

Forthcoming Competition
The perfect excuse to get some fresh air between Christmas and New Year.
Saturday December 29th
C&R bank competition. £45.00 entry fee includes fishing.
£700 first prize!
Full details on Iain Barr Facebook or at the fishery.

Next Stocking: December 21st.

Bank fishing best in a wind, boats an advantage on calmer days. Late morning onwards fishing best during colder weather

December 3rd - December 9th

89 anglers caught 377 fish of which 321 were returned

Best Fish
7lb 4oz Matt Harris, Cambridge, snakelet
7lb 0oz John Oram, Desborough, white/green lure
6lb 3oz Lazloe Boden, Rothwell, bloodworm, boat
6lb 0oz Darren Oram, Aldwincle, white/green lure
5lb 7oz Lazloe Boden, Rothwell, bloodworm, boat
5lb 6oz Shane Else, Northampton, black buzzer, boat
Brown 4lb 8oz Matt Collerson, Northampton, blob

Best Areas
Bank - dam, boat bay, brookside
Boat - lodge end

Best Patterns
Apps bloodworm, small black buzzer, tequila fab/booby, suspender buzzer, black hopper, small damsel, olive/black snake.

A good number of 4lb+ fish getting caught. On frosty mornings the fishing can be slow early and switching on later. Bank anglers having the best sport on breezy days. Boats a definite advantage in bright still conditions. The action continues to be at the lodge end. Fish are either crashing into roach or perch fry or sipping small hatching black buzzers.
The majority of fish are being caught in the top two foot.

Elinor is open until December 31st. Season permit holders only can bank fishing during January. The 2019 season starts on Saturday February 9th. Now the clocks have gone back half day tickets are valid 7am - 2pm or Midday until dark. Bookings/further info by email or telephone 01832 720786

The Ideal Christmas Gift
Fishing ticket vouchers make a great gift.
I can supply anything from a half day permit to a full season permit.
Please email me with your requirement and they will be posted to you.

Forthcoming Competition
The perfect excuse to get some fresh air between Christmas and New Year.
Saturday December 29th
C&R bank competition. £45.00 entry fee includes fishing.
£700 first prize!
Full details on Iain Barr Facebook or at the fishery.

Pike Fishing
Elinor will be holding three weekends when anglers can fish for pike from boats.
November 24th (fully booked) & 25th
December 8th & 9th
December 22nd & 23rd

Fishing is 7.30am until dark and Lures or sea deadbaits only. Payment in advance to secure booking: Single angler boat £27.50 & Two anglers boat £45.00. Bookings/further info by email or telephone 01832 720786

Next Stocking: December 21st.

Bank fishing best in a wind, boats an advantage on calmer days.

November 26th - December 2nd

88 anglers caught 424 fish of which 342 were returned.

Best Fish
7lb 0oz Nigel Cheetham, Thrapston, black snake, boat
6lb 0oz Mr Levkouskis
5lb 8oz Lazloe Boden, Rothwell, bloodworm, boat
5lb 4oz Neville Silver, bloodworm, boat
5lb 2oz Neville Silver, bloodworm, boat
5lb 1oz Paul Mortimer, Thrapston, tequila booby
5lb 0oz Lazloe Boden, Rothwell, bloodworm, boat
4lb 11oz Neil Groves, Oundle, olive lure

Best Areas
Bank - dam, boat bay, brookside
Boat - lodge end

Best Patterns
Apps bloodworm, small black buzzer, tequila fab/booby, suspender buzzer, black hopper, small damsel, olive/black snake.

Lodge end of the lake continues to hold most fish. This time last year anglers needed to walk to shallow bay and the west arm to catch. In cloudy conditions the fish are still being taken near the surface with floater & washing line or dries working. The water is incredibly clear so if the sun is out then the fishing is much harder. Anglers scaling down to lighter leaders and smaller flies have continued to catch. On frosty mornings the afternoons have seen more action. Now the clocks have gone back half day tickets are valid 7am - 2pm or Midday until dark.

The Ideal Christmas Gift
Fishing ticket vouchers make a great gift.
I can supply anything from a half day permit to a full season permit.
Please email me with your requirement and they will be posted to you.

Forthcoming Competition
The perfect excuse to get some fresh air between Christmas and New Year.
Saturday December 29th
C&R bank competition. £45.00 entry fee includes fishing.
£700 first prize!
Full details on Iain Barr Facebook or at the fishery.

Pike Fishing
Elinor will be holding three weekends when anglers can fish for pike from boats.
November 24th (fully booked) & 25th
December 8th & 9th
December 22nd & 23rd

Fishing is 7.30am until dark and Lures or sea deadbaits only. Payment in advance to secure booking: Single angler boat £27.50 & Two anglers boat £45.00. Bookings/further info by email or telephone 01832 720786

Next Stocking: December 7th.

November 19th - 25th

124 anglers caught 464 fish of which 399 were returned.

Best Fish
8lb 2oz Steve Quartley, London, apps bloodworm, boat
7lb 2oz. Alan Rennocks, Kettering, black buzzer
5lb 8oz Mal Broughton, Grantham, Ally McCoist, boat
5lb 5oz Mr Longfield, minkie
5lb 3oz Lazloe Boden, Rothwell, bloodworm, boat
5lb 2oz Nigel Cheetham, Thrapston, black snake, boat
5lb 0oz Paul Gillies, Desborough, boat
4lb 15oz Brian Carter, Peterborough, black buzzer

Best Areas
Bank - boat bay, dam
Boat - boat bay, dam

Best Patterns
Apps bloodworm, small black buzzer, damsel, red diawl bach, pitsford pea, white minkie, cats whisker, black snake.

Not quite as many anglers ventured out last week as the temperature dropped but the lodge end of the lake continued to fish well with fish feeding on small buzzers. Size 14 or 16 skinny black buzzers worked well in combination with a lightweight red apps on the point. Decent numbers of fry feeders along the dam. White minkie or minkie booby scored. Some fish are also now being caught further afield from the dam with the gravel bar and shallow bay showing signs of switching on. The first pike fishing weekend produced jacks and four doubles the best of which weighed 17lb 8oz caught by Dan Brackley on a lure.

Now the clocks have gone back half day tickets are valid 7am - 2pm or Midday until dark.

Forthcoming Competition
The perfect excuse to get some fresh air between Christmas and New Year.
Saturday December 29th
C&R bank competition. £45.00 entry fee includes fishing.
£700 first prize!
Full details on Iain Barr Facebook or at the fishery.

Pike Fishing
Elinor will be holding three weekends when anglers can fish for pike from boats.
November 24th (fully booked) & 25th
December 8th & 9th
December 22nd & 23rd

Fishing is 7.30am until dark and Lures or sea deadbaits only. Payment in advance to secure booking: Single angler boat £27.50 & Two anglers boat £45.00. Bookings/further info by email or telephone 01832 720786

Next Stocking: TBA

Lodge end of lake continue to fish best.

November 12th - 18th

196 anglers caught 849 fish of which 638 were returned.

Best Fish
7lb 0oz Mr Crofts, Coventry, pitsford pea
6lb 4oz Lazloe Boden, Rothwell, boat
6lb 1oz Peter Howlett, Peterborough
6lb 0oz Brian Cooper, white/green lure, boat
6lb 0oz Mr Lehrer, boat
5lb 9oz Neville Silver, boat
5lb 8oz Bill Stewart, Corby, white/green lure
5lb 8oz Mr Raby, apps bloodworm, boat
5lb 4oz Eric Wright, Woodford, hopper
5lb 3oz Mike Edwards, Nether Heyford, minkie booby
5lb 3oz Brian Carter, Peterborough
5lb 2oz Darren Oram, Aldwincle, black snake
5lb 2oz Pete Jinks, Peterborough
5lb 1oz Peter Earle, boat

Best Areas
Bank - boat bay, dam, brookside
Boat - boat bay, dam

Best Patterns
Bloodworm, small damsel, small black or olive buzzer, red diawl bach, wet hopper, white/green lure, pitsford pea, black, olive or pink snakes.

Fishing remains best at the lodge end of the lake despite plenty of fishing pressure. Some fish are feeding on fry but the majority are eating small buzzers. In cloudy conditions you need to concentrate on the top two feet. However 4 to 5 foot seems to be the zone when the sun is out. More so than usual last week you needed to be in the right area with the correct method. A couple of boats blanked last week whereas the top boat managed 42 fish. Regular visitor, Andy Lane from North London anchored off the dam and caught on bloodworm, small buzzers and also dries to top score. Justin Gardiner switched depth and flies to take 35 anchored off boat bay. Daddies, fab and buzzers were his best patterns.

Now the clocks have gone back half day tickets are valid 7am - 2pm or Midday until dark.

Forthcoming Competition
The perfect excuse to get some fresh air between Christmas and New Year.
Saturday December 29th
C&R bank competition. £45.00 entry fee includes fishing.
£700 first prize!
Full details on Iain Barr Facebook or at the fishery.

Pike Fishing
Elinor will be holding three weekends when anglers can fish for pike from boats.
November 24th (fully booked) & 25th
December 8th & 9th
December 22nd & 23rd

Fishing is 7.30am until dark and Lures or sea deadbaits only. Payment in advance to secure booking: Single angler boat £27.50 & Two anglers boat £45.00. Bookings/further info by email or telephone 01832 720786

Forthcoming Competition
The perfect excuse to get some fresh air between Christmas and New Year. Saturday December 29th C&R bank competition. £45.00 entry fee includes fishing. £700 first prize! Full details on Iain Barr Facebook or at the fishery.

Next Stocking: November 23rd

Plenty of 4lb+ fish continue to feature

November 5th - 11th

166 anglers caught 758 fish of which 509 were returned.

Best Fish
9lb 1oz Paul Laundon, Bedford, hares ear
7lb 2oz Paul Gillies, Desborough, orange fab, boat
7lb 0oz John Oram, Desborough, orange blob
6lb 6oz Jurgis Mikalauskas, Peterborough, white/green lure, boat
6lb 1oz Paul Gillies, Desborough, black booby, boat
5lb 14oz Paul Mortimer, Thrapston, red diawl bach
5lb 12oz Pete Welch, Boston, bloodworm
5lb 8oz Ray Burt, Tunbridge Wells Flyfishers, black snake
5lb 4oz Darren Oram, Aldwincle, green buzzer
5lb 4oz Geoff Makin, Leighton Buzzard
5lb 2oz Michael Breeson, Peterborough, boat
5lb 2oz Jim Nixon, Kettering, damsel
5lb 0oz David Gwinn, Walgrave, boat
5lb 0oz Philip Baughan, Tugby
5lb 0oz Tim Miller, Skegness, bloodworm, boat

Best Areas
Bank - boat bay, dam, brookside
Boat - boat bay, dam

Best Patterns
Bloodworm, small damsel, small black or olive buzzer, red diawl bach, wet hopper, white/green lure, montana, black, olive or pink snakes. Elinor continues on great form for both boat and bank anglers. Lodge end is easily the most productive with the majority of fish being caught in the top two foot. Most methods are working with lures most productive in a wind and nymphs/dries in calmer conditions. Now the clocks have gone back half day tickets are valid 7am - 2pm or Midday until dark.

11th Dave Hughes Memorial Fur & Feather
On Sunday the November we held the11th Dave Hughes Memorial Fur & Feather match. An excellent turn out of 45 anglers with an age range of 16 to 90. The match was fished to a 6 fish limit with a 2lb/hour time bonus. 24 bank anglers caught 76 fish and 21 boat anglers caught 52 fish. 6 fish over 4lb were weighed in with the best fish of 5lb 4oz to Geoff Makin. A strong SW wind made the fishing trickier. Many thanks to everyone who gave raffle prizes and bought tickets. A brilliant £461.00 was raised on the day! One of the competitors, Nigel Cheetham, works for local company Scott Bader. They have made a superb gesture of matching this amount so that £922.00 will be shared by Northants/Warks Air Ambulance & The British Heart Foundation.

Top 15 Anglers:
1. Mal Broughton, Grantham, 6 fish 21lb 11oz (black/green lure, olive snake, boat)
2. Richard Slater, Mawsley, 6 fish 18lb 2oz
3. Mark Haycock, Earls Barton, 6 fish 18lb 2oz
4. Iain Barr, 6 fish 17lb 13oz
5. Geoff Makin, 6 fish 14lb 12oz
6. Brad Gifford, 6 fish 13lb 9oz
7. Stuart Kerr, 6 fish 12lb 9oz (boat)
8. Adrian Wilkins, 6 fish 12lb 8oz
9. Adam Gunby, 6 fish 12lb 6oz (boat)
10. Mark Postles, 6 fish 12lb 2oz
11. Barry Cowland, 5 fish 11lb 10oz
12. Michael Breeson, 4 fish 10lb 6oz
13= Steve Parker, 5 fish 9lb 12oz
13= Ian Donaldson, 4 fish 9lb 12oz
15. Tom Finney, 5 fish 9lb 4oz

Forthcoming Competition
The perfect excuse to get some fresh air between Christmas and New Year. Saturday December 29th C&R bank competition. £45.00 entry fee includes fishing. £700 first prize! Full details on Iain Barr Facebook or at the fishery.

Next Stocking: November 15th

Pictured above are the top 10 prize winners in the annual Fur & Feather competition. £461.00 was raised on the day for the Air Ambulance and British Heart Foundation. Local Northamptonshire company, Scott Bader, based in Wollaston have kindly matched this amount to make a superb total of £922.00

Another good week with boat and bank anglers catching quality fish on or near the surface.

October 29th - November 4th

171 anglers caught 848 fish of which 720 were returned.

Best Fish
6lb 2oz Steve Johnson, Raunds, bloodworm
5lb 14oz Alan Briggs, Invicta Fly Fishers
5lb 12oz Roger Kerrison, Daventry, green diawl bach, boat
5lb 11oz Khurram Rana, London, hopper, boat
5lb 10oz Barry Read, Northampton
5lb 9oz L. Arnold, Northampton, cruncher, boat
5lb 8oz Mal Broughton, Grantham, orange blob, boat
5lb 3oz L. Arnold, Northampton, minkie, boat
5lb 1oz David Cairns, Newmarket, hopper, boat
5lb 0oz Paul Mortimer, Thrapston, tequila booby

Best Areas
Bank - boat bay, dam, brookside
Boat - boat bay, dam

Best Patterns
Bloodworm, small damsel, small black buzzer, red diawl bach, wet hopper, white/green lure, orange/tequila blob, snakes.

Boat and bank anglers did equally well last week with boats better in calm conditions and the bank edging it in a good wind. Fish remain in the top two feet with washing line the most consistent method. Dries and snakes also scored well. Fish are mainly feeding on small black or olive buzzers with a few trout showing interest in the good head of roach and perch fry.

Now the clocks have gone back half day tickets are valid 7am - 2pm or Midday until dark.

Arthur Sexton Trophy - Saturday November 3rd
Invicta Fly Fishers fished the bank for their Arthur Sexton Trophy
16 anglers caught 89 fish for a rod average of 5.5 despite the breezy conditions.
Washing line with red diawl bach was the best method.
1. Chris McLeod 15 fish
2. Gary How 12 fish
3= Dayood Sheik 11 fish
3= Keith Gilchrist 11 fish
5. John Brown 10 fish
6. Alan Briggs 8 fish

Dave Hughes Memorial Fur & Feather
This Sunday, November 11th, is the Dave Hughes Memorial Fur & Feather.
Prizes for the top 10 anglers. Everyone welcome. It’s an ideal first competition.
Full details below.

Pike Fishing
Elinor will be holding three weekends when anglers can fish for pike from boats.
November 24th & 25th
December 8th & 9th
December 22nd & 23rd

Fishing is 7.30am until dark with Lures or Sea Deadbaits only.

Payment in advance to secure booking is:
•  Single angler boat £27.50
•  Two anglers boat £45.00

Bookngs and any further information by email or telephone us on: 01832 720786

Dave Hughes Memorial Fur & Feather Competition 2018
Sunday November 11th is the date of the Dave Hughes Memorial Fur & Feather competition. Boat and bank anglers are welcome to enter. £25.00 entry fee includes fishing fees (£5.00 for season ticket holders). 9am -3pm, 6 fish limit, 2lb/hour time bonus. Proceeds from the raffle will be split between the Air Ambulance and the British Heart Foundation.

Next Stocking: November 9th

Bank fishing really picked up last week.

October 22nd - October 28th

110 anglers caught 565 fish of which 440 were returned.

Best Fish
7lb 4oz Darren Oram, Aldwincle, orange blob
6lb 5oz Bryan Swain, Brampton, white snake
6lb 2oz Jurgis Mikalauskas, Peterborough, orange blob, boat
6lb 2oz Pete Welch, Boston, bloodworm
6lb 1oz John Marshall, Raunds, black/green lure, boat
5lb 8oz Joshua Parker, Cambridge, white apache
5lb 5oz Jason Burns, Lilford, boat
5lb 1oz Roger Bosence, Corby, boat

Best Areas
Bank - boat bay, dam
Boat - boat bay, dam, gravel bar

Best Patterns
Bloodworm, small damsel, small black buzzer, red diawl bach, wet hopper, white/green lure, orange/tequila blob, snakes.

The rod average reached 5 last week with bank anglers matching and on some days beating the boat anglers. The lodge end of the lake is easily best with few fish showing past shallow bay on the lodge bank or further than brookside bay. A mixture of methods continue to catch from dries to snakes, mainly fished in the top 4 foot. The biggest catches are being taken by anglers using a floater with a booby or fab on the point and small buzzers and diawl bach on the droppers. Fish are in superb condition and fighting hard.

Now the clocks have gone back half day tickets are valid 7am - 2pm or Midday until dark.

Pike Fishing
Elinor will be holding three weekends when anglers can fish for pike from boats.
November 24th & 25th
December 8th & 9th
December 22nd & 23rd

Fishing is 7.30am until dark with Lures or Sea Deadbaits only.

Payment in advance to secure booking is:
•  Single angler boat £27.50
•  Two anglers boat £45.00

Bookngs and any further information by email or telephone us on: 01832 720786

Dave Hughes Memorial Fur & Feather Competition 2018
Sunday November 11th is the date of the Dave Hughes Memorial Fur & Feather competition. Boat and bank anglers are welcome to enter. £25.00 entry fee includes fishing fees (£5.00 for season ticket holders). 9am -3pm, 6 fish limit, 2lb/hour time bonus. Proceeds from the raffle will be split between the Air Ambulance and the British Heart Foundation.

Next Stocking: November 2nd

Two week report. Great fishing with a host of specimens caught.

October 15th - 21st

185 anglers caught 788 fish of which 679 were returned

Best Fish
7lb 5oz Chris Selby, Yaxley, olive snake
7lb 4oz Bob Symes, Geddington, black booby, boat
7lb 0oz Mr Chapman, black buzzer, boat
6lb 8oz Dave Macqullin, Worboys, white apache
6lb 5oz Bryan Swain, Brampton, white snake
6lb 3oz Brad Gifford, Kettering, brown midas
6lb 2oz Barry Chillingworth, Northampton, damsel, boat
6lb 2oz John Elderton, Earls Barton, olive snake, boat
6lb 1oz Lazloe Boden, Rothwell, silver invicta, boat
5lb 12oz D. Cooper
5lb 12oz Mr Shannon
5lb 5oz Mike Edwards, boat
5lb 5oz Shane Dickens, Northampton, damsel, boat
5lb 5oz Bryan Swain, Brampton, daddy
5lb 3oz Trevor Partridge, Corby, black/green lure, boat
5lb 2oz Chris Selby, Yaxley, olive snake
5lb 0oz Graham Wright, Deeping, hopper

Best Areas
Bank - boat bay, dam, gravel bar, brookside
Boat - dam, boat bay, gravel bar

Best Patterns
White/green lures, olive or black snake, bloodworm, small damsel, small black buzzer, red cruncher, wet or dry daddy, wet or dry hopper.

A good couple of weeks with the rod average above 4. On cloudy days the fishing has been fantastic with fish being caught on a variety of methods including dries, washing line or lures pulled just under the surface. Both boat and bank anglers scored. In sunny, breezy conditions the fishing was trickier especially from the bank. Boats continued to catch if they fished deeper. The majority of the big fish listed above have been returned. All fish have regained condition after limited feeding during the August heatwave and are fighting extremely hard.

Pike Fishing
Elinor will be holding three weekends when anglers can fish for pike from boats.
November 24th & 25th
December 8th & 9th
December 22nd & 23rd

Fishing is 7.30am until dark with Lures or Sea Deadbaits only.

Payment in advance to secure booking is:
• Single angler boat £27.50
• Two anglers boat £45.00

Bookngs and any further information by email or telephone us on: 01832 720786

Dave Hughes Memorial Fur & Feather Competition 2018
Sunday November 11th is the date of the Dave Hughes Memorial Fur & Feather competition. Boat and bank anglers are welcome to enter. £25.00 entry fee includes fishing fees (£5.00 for season ticket holders). 9am -3pm, 6 fish limit, 2lb/hour time bonus. Proceeds from the raffle will be split between the Air Ambulance and the British Heart Foundation.

Next Stocking: October 25th

Two week report. Great fishing with a host of specimens caught.

October 8th - October 14th

141 anglers caught 659 fish of which 574 were returned

Best Fish
8lb 4oz Jim Nixon, Kettering, candy fab
7lb 2oz Chris Holland, white/green lure, boat
6lb 9oz Finbarr McSweeney, Rushden, damsel
6lb 8oz Bryan Swain, Brampton, black/green lure, boat
6lb 8oz Steve Owen, Kettering
6lb 4oz Mike Bownes, Wilsthorpe, black shipmans
5lb 7oz Mick Moseley, Rushden, daddy, boat
5lb 0oz Paul Mortimer, Thrapston, white/green lure, boat
4lb 14oz Darren Oram, Aldwincle, bloodworm

Best Areas
Bank - boat bay, dam, gravel bar, brookside
Boat - dam, boat bay, gravel bar

Best Patterns
White/green lures, olive or black snake, bloodworm, small damsel, small black buzzer, red cruncher, wet or dry daddy, wet or dry hopper.

A good couple of weeks with the rod average above 4. On cloudy days the fishing has been fantastic with fish being caught on a variety of methods including dries, washing line or lures pulled just under the surface. Both boat and bank anglers scored. In sunny, breezy conditions the fishing was trickier especially from the bank. Boats continued to catch if they fished deeper. The majority of the big fish listed above have been returned. All fish have regained condition after limited feeding during the August heatwave and are fighting extremely hard.

Pike Fishing
Elinor will be holding three weekends when anglers can fish for pike from boats.
November 24th & 25th
December 8th & 9th
December 22nd & 23rd

Fishing is 7.30am until dark with Lures or Sea Deadbaits only.

Payment in advance to secure booking is:
• Single angler boat £27.50
• Two anglers boat £45.00

Bookngs and any further information by email or telephone us on: 01832 720786

Dave Hughes Memorial Fur & Feather Competition 2018
Sunday November 11th is the date of the Dave Hughes Memorial Fur & Feather competition. Boat and bank anglers are welcome to enter. £25.00 entry fee includes fishing fees (£5.00 for season ticket holders). 9am -3pm, 6 fish limit, 2lb/hour time bonus. Proceeds from the raffle will be split between the Air Ambulance and the British Heart Foundation.

Next Stocking: October 25th

Big fish and a 4.6 rod average last week in the good fishing conditions.

October 1st - October 7th

170 anglers caught 788 fish of which 615 were returned

Best Fish
10lb 2oz Christy Scanlon, Ennis, sparkler, boat
9lb 1oz Jurgis Mikalauskas, Peterborough, orange blob, boat
8lb 4oz Barry Chillingworth, Northampton, damsel, boat
7lb 0oz Paul Mortimer, Thrapston, black muskins, boat
6lb 2oz Darren Oram, Aldwincle, candy blob, boat
6lb 0oz Barry Chillingworth, Northampton, damsel, boat
5lb 8oz Alan Weatherley, Kettering, blue flash damsel, boat
5lb 4oz Darren Oram, Aldwincle, black buzzer, boat
5lb 2oz Roly Stanford, Finedon, black muskins, boat
5lb 0oz Alan Weatherley, blue flash damsel, boat
Brown 5lb 6oz Andrius Papeika, Northampton, pink snake, boat

Best Areas
Bank - dam, pensioners point, gravel bar, shallow bay, brookside
Boat - all areas holding fish but lodge end most productive

Best Patterns
Wet or dry daddy, hoppers, small black or olive buzzer, blue flash damsel, red diawl bach, red cruncher, white/green lure, candy fab/blob.

Last week saw the highest rod average since June. We had plenty of cloud cover which kept the fish near the surface taking buzzers and the odd daddy which was blown onto the water. Sunny/breezy days saw catches much lower with the fish dropping down to around 4 foot in the clear water. There wont be a newsletter sent out next week. For latest info please telephone the lodge on 01832 720786. Next report October 23rd.

Pike Fishing
Elinor will be holding three weekends when anglers can fish for pike from boats.
November 24th & 25th
December 8th & 9th
December 22nd & 23rd

Fishing is 7.30am until dark with Lures or Sea Deadbaits only.

Payment in advance to secure booking is:
•  Single angler boat £27.50
•  Two anglers boat £45.00

Bookngs and any further information by email or telephone us on: 01832 720786

Dave Hughes Memorial Fur & Feather Competition 2018
Sunday November 11th is the date of the Dave Hughes Memorial Fur & Feather competition. Boat and bank anglers are welcome to enter. £25.00 entry fee includes fishing fees (£5.00 for season ticket holders). 9am -3pm, 6 fish limit, 2lb/hour time bonus. Proceeds from the raffle will be split between the Air Ambulance and the British Heart Foundation.

Next Stocking: October 11th

Some cracking specimens caught last week

September 24th - September 30th

177 anglers caught 553 fish of which 381 were returned

Best Fish
11lb 2oz Ray Ward, Olney, damsel, boat
8lb 3oz John Oram, Desborough, white/green lure, boat
7lb 10oz Alan Rennocks, Kettering, black buzzer, boat
7lb 4oz Ray Ward, Olney, yellow/white lure, boat
7lb 2oz John Oram, Desborough, white/green lure, boat
6lb 3oz Alan Rennocks, Kettering, black buzzer, boat
5lb 12oz Michael Horton, Barnet, white/green lure
5lb 4oz Gary Martin, Corby, black/green lure, boat
5lb 4oz Lazloe Boden, Rothwell, invicta, boat
5lb 2oz Mr Arnold, Northampton, claret dry, boat
5lb 2oz Michael Breeson, Peterborough, black lure, boat
5lb 1oz Graham Wright, Peterborough, black hopper
5lb 0oz Pete Johnson, Wigston, daddy, boat
5lb 0oz Steve Stevens, Peterborough, blue flash damsel
+ plenty of 4lb fish

Best Areas
All areas holding fish but lodge end most productive

Best Patterns
Wet or dry daddy, hoppers, small black or olive buzzer, blue flash damsel, white/green or black/green lures, candy fab/blob.

The big resident fish woke up last week. Ray Ward caught the biggest of the season so far at 11lb 2oz. Fishing has been best when there is plenty of cloud cover with most fish caught in the top 2 foot to many methods including dries, washing line or pulled lures. In brighter conditions fish have been caught in the 4-6 foot zone. Water clarity is excellent and now at 12.5C. Everything looks in place for a bumper October.

Pike Fishing
Elinor will be holding three weekends when anglers can fish for pike from boats.
November 24th & 25th
December 8th & 9th
December 22nd & 23rd

Fishing is 7.30am until dark with Lures or Sea Deadbaits only.

Payment in advance to secure booking is:
•  Single angler boat £27.50
•  Two anglers boat £45.00

Bookngs and any further information by email or telephone us on: 01832 720786

Dave Hughes Memorial Fur & Feather Competition 2018
Sunday November 11th is the date of the Dave Hughes Memorial Fur & Feather competition. Boat and bank anglers are welcome to enter. £25.00 entry fee includes fishing fees (£5.00 for season ticket holders). 9am -3pm, 6 fish limit, 2lb/hour time bonus. Proceeds from the raffle will be split between the Air Ambulance and the British Heart Foundation.

Next Stocking: October 1st & 5th

Water clarity good and down to 13 degrees. Fish are active and hungry

September 17th - September 23rd

77 anglers caught 206 fish of which 148 were returned

Best Fish
6lb 8oz David Hall, white lure, boat
5lb 2oz Pete Welch, Boston, candy fab
5lb 2oz Bob Symes, Geddington, blue flash damsel
5lb 1oz Graham Carter, Retford, daddy

Best Areas
Bank - dam, boat bay, brookside, east arm, gravel bar
Boat - all areas holding fish but dam end most productive

Best Patterns
Black or olive buzzer, red diawl bach, grhe, wet or dry daddy, black hopper, tequila fab, white/green lures.

Three days of strong winds last week meant only 77 anglers ventured out. There are some good buzzer hatches taking place now with plenty of fish rising in cloudy and or calmer days. In sun/wind the good catches are coming from 3-4 foot down. Fish are being caught from most areas. After the recent rain there are plenty of daddies hatching. Either a NW or SE wind direction will see these getting blown onto the water from the surrounding fields.

Pike Fishing
Elinor will be holding three weekends when anglers can fish for pike from boats.
November 24th & 25th
December 8th & 9th
December 22nd & 23rd

Fishing is 7.30am until dark with Lures or Sea Deadbaits only.

Payment in advance to secure booking is:
•  Single angler boat £27.50
•  Two anglers boat £45.00

Bookngs and any further information by email or telephone us on: 01832 720786

Dave Hughes Memorial Fur & Feather Competition 2018
Sunday November 11th is the date of the Dave Hughes Memorial Fur & Feather competition. Boat and bank anglers are welcome to enter. £25.00 entry fee includes fishing fees (£5.00 for season ticket holders). 9am -3pm, 6 fish limit, 2lb/hour time bonus. Proceeds from the raffle will be split between the Air Ambulance and the British Heart Foundation.

Next Stocking: September 28th

Steady improvement in catches without exploding into life just yet

September 3rd - September 9th

144 anglers caught 396 fish of which 308 were returned.

Best Fish
7lb 10oz Alan Rennocks, Kettering, bloodworm, boat
5lb 12oz Andrius Papeika, Northampton, pink snake, boat
5lb 8oz John Sharman, Whittlesey
5lb 8oz Steve Loveridge, Kettering, hares ear, boat
5lb 2oz Lazloe Boden, Rothwell, muddler, boat

Best Areas
Bank - dam, boat bay
Boat - dam, down middle

Best Patterns
Black hopper, wet daddy, muddler, hares ear, black buzzer, red diawl bach, candy fab, black/green or white/green lure.

Elinor is showing signs of jumping back to life. On calmer days there are plenty of fish surface feeding but strong winds on Friday, Saturday, Sunday did hamper sport. The best methods for boat and bank anglers have been:
•  Dries or damp dries
•  Washing line with a fab or booby combined with buzzers
•  Pulling lures/snakes on a floater or intermediate
•  Water temperature is down to 16.5C and the algae continues to diminish.

Pike Fishing
Elinor will be holding three weekends when anglers can fish for pike from boats.
November 24th & 25th
December 8th & 9th
December 22nd & 23rd

Fishing is 7.30am until dark with Lures or Sea Deadbaits only.

Payment in advance to secure booking is:
•  Single angler boat £27.50
•  Two anglers boat £45.00

Bookngs and any further information by email or telephone us on: 01832 720786

Dave Hughes Memorial Fur & Feather Competition 2018
Sunday November 11th is the date of the Dave Hughes Memorial Fur & Feather competition. Boat and bank anglers are welcome to enter. £25.00 entry fee includes fishing fees (£5.00 for season ticket holders). 9am -3pm, 6 fish limit, 2lb/hour time bonus. Proceeds from the raffle will be split between the Air Ambulance and the British Heart Foundation.

Next Stocking: September 14th

Ivor Fisher picked up this beauty of 6lb 12oz just off pylon point on a Cats Whisker Booby.

Fishing is challenging on bright days but much better with cloud cover.

August 27th - September 2nd

138 anglers caught 294 fish of which 188 were returned.

Best Fish
7lb 4oz Mal Broughton, Grantham, boat
7lb 0oz Chris Selby, Yaxley, black hopper
6lb 4oz Pete Welch, Boston, black snake, boat
6lb 2oz Finbarr McSweeney, Rushden, grey duster
5lb 8oz Ken Nicholls, Farcet, black snake, boat
5lb 2oz Darren Oram, Aldwincle, black snake, boat

Best Areas
Bank - Dam(in a north wind), boat bay, East arm
Boat - Down middle

Best Patterns
Black snake, cormorant, hares ear, wet hopper, black buzzer, black shipmans.

Elinor is ready to explode anytime now with a cooler forecast. On cloudy days there is plenty of surface activity with dries, washing line or lures pulled near the surface taking fish. Many more bigger fish are being seen and caught. Water clarity continues to improve.

Dave Hughes Memorial Fur & Feather Competition 2018
Sunday November 11th is the date of the Dave Hughes Memorial Fur & Feather competition. Boat and bank anglers are welcome to enter. £25.00 entry fee includes fishing fees (£5.00 for season ticket holders). 9am -3pm, 6 fish limit, 2lb/hour time bonus. Proceeds from the raffle will be split between the Air Ambulance and the British Heart Foundation.

Next Stocking: September 4th & 7th

Better fishing in the cooler conditions last week.

August 20th - August 26th

102 anglers caught 238 fish of which 176 were returned

Best Fish
5lb 8oz Peter Ertle, Blunham, damsel
5lb 6oz Mike Bownes, Wilsthorpe, black hopper
5lb 0oz Lester Bishop, Bishops Stortford, black hopper

Best Areas
Bank - east arm, creek, boat bay, dam
Boat - east arm, pylon point, down middle

Best Patterns
Black hopper, hares ear, cormorant, red diawl bach, white/green tadpole, black snake.

Water temperature is down to 17.5C, weed is dying back and the algal bloom receding. Although the fishing is not easy there has been a big improvement over the last 10 days. Good numbers of fish rising, especially early morning and the fish are well spread over most areas of the lake. More of the resident big fish are starting to show now. Most fish are being caught in the top two foot. There should be even better sport over the coming week with the favourable weather forecast.

Dave Hughes Memorial Fur & Feather Competition 2018
Sunday November 11th is the date of the Dave Hughes Memorial Fur & Feather competition. Boat and bank anglers are welcome to enter. £25.00 entry fee includes fishing fees (£5.00 for season ticket holders). 9am -3pm, 6 fish limit, 2lb/hour time bonus. Proceeds from the raffle will be split between the Air Ambulance and the British Heart Foundation.

Next Stocking: TBA.

Cooler weather will switch the fishing back on anytime now.

August 6th - August 12th

53 anglers caught 51 fish of which 44 were returned.

Best Areas
Bank - east arm, creek
Boat - east arm, pylon point

Best Patterns
Red apps, wet daddy, red diawl bach, black buzzer, black blob, white/green lure

Fishing continued to be rock hard from bank and boat last week. The water temperature today has dropped to 20.5 deg. The forecast cooler weather along with longer nights should see the fish back on the feed very soon.

Dave Hughes Memorial Fur & Feather Competition 2018
Sunday November 11th is the date of the Dave Hughes Memorial Fur & Feather competition. Boat and bank anglers are welcome to enter. £25.00 entry fee includes fishing fees (£5.00 for season ticket holders). 9am -3pm, 6 fish limit, 2lb/hour time bonus. Proceeds from the raffle will be split between the Air Ambulance and the British Heart Foundation.

Next Stocking: August 15th.

Fishing continues to be difficult with high water temperatures

July 23rd - 29th

46 anglers caught 73 fish of which 46 were returned.

Best Fish
4lb 8oz Roly Stanford, Finedon, boat

Best Areas
Bank - east arm, creek
Boat - east arm, pylon point

Best Patterns
GRHE, daddy, red apps, orange blob/booby.

Another difficult week’s fishing. The water temperature peaked at just over 25c on Friday. Today Wednesday it had dropped a little to 22.4c but it really needs to get below 20c for the fish to feed consistently. Mornings have provided the best opportunity. Top of the wind best where the water is clearer.

Dave Hughes Memorial Fur & Feather Competition 2018
Sunday November 11th is the date of the Dave Hughes Memorial Fur & Feather competition. Boat and bank anglers are welcome to enter. £25.00 entry fee includes fishing fees (£5.00 for season ticket holders). 9am -3pm, 6 fish limit, 2lb/hour time bonus. Proceeds from the raffle will be split between the Air Ambulance and the British Heart Foundation.

Next Stocking: TBA

Fishing continues to be difficult with high water temperatures

July 16th - 22nd

75 anglers caught 105 fish of which 66 were returned

Best Areas
Bank - east arm, dam (in a north wind)
Boat - dam end in a north wind, pylon point or east arm in a southerly

Best Patterns
Red apps, black buzzer, damsel, white/green lures, black/green lures

A very difficult week during the high temperatures. Mornings have given anglers the best chance. Top of the wind where the water is clearer is the best option. Despite it being the hottest day so far yesterday three Elinor regulars managed some exceptional catches considering the harsh conditions. Alan Rennocks caught 16, Derek Benamore 8 and Clive Trundle 6. They all boat fished in the mouth of the east arm or off pylon point and used a red apps bloodworm and black buzzers. Bryan Swain managed 3 fish from the bank on an orange blob during an early morning session. Thanks to all the anglers who continue to support the fishery during the difficult summer months.

Sunday November 11th is the date of the Fur & Feather competition. Boat and bank anglers are welcome to enter.

Next Stocking: July 26th

Fishing continues to be difficult with high water temperatures

July 9th - 15th

84 anglers caught 237 fish of which 172 were returned

Best Fish
6lb 8oz Trevor Maycock, Northampton, orange booby
5lb 7oz Tim Castle, Leicester, cats whisker, boat
5lb 4oz Mal Broughton, Grantham, red apps, boat

Best Areas
Bank - dam, east arm
Boat - dam end in a north wind, pylon point or east arm in a southerly

Best Patterns
Damsel nymph, red diawl bach, red apps, black buzzer, black/green lures.

Another slow week in the hot weather. Water temperature today is 23.4C at 2 foot down. Best results have been fishing at the top of the wind where the water is clearer. Catches will improve as soon as we have a few cooler days.

Sunday November 11th is the date of the Fur & Feather competition. Boat and bank anglers are welcome to enter.

Fishing continued to be difficult during the hot weather

July 2nd - 8th

43 anglers caught 87 fish of which 66 were returned

Best Fish
4lb 13oz Richard Davis, Peterborough, hothead damsel, boat

Best Areas
Bank - dam, east arm
Boat - dam, pylon point, east arm

Best Patterns
Damsel nymph, daddy, red diawl bach, red apps, black buzzer, white/green lures.

Just a short report as it’s been a quiet week due to the hot weather and World Cup fever. Fishing was understandably slow with mornings giving the best opportunity. The water temperature has dropped a little today to 22c. Catches will improve as soon as we have a few cooler days.

Sunday November 11th is the date of the Fur & Feather competition. Boat and bank anglers are welcome to enter.

Next Stocking: July 3rd

Difficult fishing during the hot weather

June 25th - July 1st

76 anglers caught 165 fish of which 131 were returned

Best Fish
4lb 4oz Darren Oram, Aldwincle, black snake, boat

Best Areas
Bank - east arm, dam
Boat - east arm, pylon point, dam

Best Patterns
Damsel nymph, red diawl or cruncher, wet daddy, red apps, cats whisker.

Not as many anglers ventured out last week in the high temperatures. Fishing was much harder for boat and bank anglers with a rod average of just over 2. Bank fishing was best early morning. Boat anglers managed to tempt a few over the deeper water even during the middle of the day. The damsel hatch continues with spooned fish containing more adults now along with a few nymphs.

Sunday November 11th is the date of the Fur & Feather competition. Boat and bank anglers are welcome to enter.

Next Stocking: July 3rd

Plenty of damsel activity but fishing will be harder in the hot weather this week

June 18th - 24th

176 anglers caught 608 fish of which 414 were returned

Best Fish
7lb 2oz Sam Mallett, Norwich, cruncher, boat
5lb 7oz Phil Gardner, Luton, blueflash damsel, boat
5lb 0oz Lazloe Boden, Rothwell, brown dry, boat
4lb 10oz Paul Laundon, Bedford, olive nymph

Best Areas
Bank - east arm, gravel bar
Boat - east arm, pylon point

Best Patterns
Damsel nymph, adult damsel, wet or dry daddy, red apps, olive or red cruncher, red diawl bach.

Last week fished ok with a rod average of 3.4. With the high temperatures forecast this week the fishing is sure to be harder. The water is 21C today, Tuesday, so please take extra care if releasing fish. Mornings tend to be best now with the evening rise not always happening if the surface layers are too warm. The massive damsel hatch continues which at least keeps some fish on the surface on even the brightest days.

Sunday November 11th is the date of the Fur & Feather competition. Boat and bank anglers are welcome to enter.

Next Stocking: June 22nd

Damsels during the days, sedges & buzzers in the evening.

June 11th - 17th

161 anglers caught 540 fish of which 395 were returned

Best Fish
6lb 2oz Lazloe Boden, Rothwell, brown dry, boat
5lb 7oz Chris Mitchell, Norwich, damsel
Brown 6lb 6oz Lazloe Boden (fish photograph shown below), Rothwell, brown dry, boat


Best Areas
Bank - east arm, brookside, lagoon
Boat - east arm, pylon point or down the middle

Best Patterns
Wet or dry daddy, suspender buzzers, red diawl bach, black buzzer with red cheeks, damsel booby, tequila booby.

A steady week resulted in a 3.35 rod average. Anglers who cracked the method on the damsel feeders had some good bags during the day. The south or south west wind saw the fishing best af the pylon end of the lake with the East arm holding the most fish. Water temperature is 19.5 deg C today and the bank anglers have still got fish in range. Best method has been washing line on a floater, dries or wets pulled through the surface.

Sunday November 11th is the date of the Fur & Feather competition. Boat and bank anglers are welcome to enter.

Next Stocking: June 22nd

Fish preoccupied on damsel nymphs and adult damsels

June 4th - 10th

237 anglers caught 835 fish of which 605 were returned

Best Fish
5lb 4oz Michael Breeson, Peterborough, black/green tadpole, boat
5lb 2oz Dave McEwan, Sandy, cruncher
5lb 0oz Jim Nixon, Kettering, damsel
4lb 11oz Simon Hill, Nottingham, damsel, boat
4lb 8oz Jim Fordham, Bury St Edmunds, foam daddy, boat

Best Areas
Bank - dam, pensioners point, east arm
Boat - anchored off dam or down the middle

Best Patterns
Damsel nymph, adult damsel, red cruncher, grhe, olive hopper, tequila blob/booby, candy fab. Fishing was harder last week although the rod average was still a respectable 3.5. Plenty of fish rising to damsels during the day but they can prove difficult to tempt. The evening rise from 9.15pm sees fish taking small black or brown sedges plus hatching buzzers.
The recent NE winds has meant the biggest hatches have been at the lodge end although this may change with the wind finally forecast to change direction on Wednesday.

Sunday November 11th is the date of the Fur & Feather competition. Boat and bank anglers are welcome to enter.

Next Stocking: June 15th

Excellent daytime rises to damsel nymphs and adult damsels

May 28th - June 3rd

156 anglers caught 649 fish of which 498 were returned

Best Fish
5lb 5oz Jim Lister, Walsall, damsel, boat
4lb 14oz Peter Cox, Luton, daddy, boat
4lb 8oz Pete Nightingale, boat
4lb 8oz Darren Oram, Aldwincle, black snake, boat
4lb 8oz Bob Walmsley, Desborough, black buzzer

Best Areas
Bank - dam, pensioners point, east arm
Boat - all areas holding fish

Best Patterns
Damsel nymph, adult damsel, wet or dry daddy, black buzzer, Fraser nymph, red diawl bach, hares ear, orange blob.

Huge numbers of fishing rising during the day to damsels although they are certainly not easy to tempt. A damsel booby or daddy pulled across the surface has worked well when there is a decent ripple. NE winds continued to dominate which didn’t produce good evening rises. Possibly the fish were full from feeding heavily all day. Apart from damsels, boat anglers have also had success with long leaders and buzzers down the middle. Bank fishing was difficult on bright days but reasonable with some cloud cover.

Next Stocking: June 7th

Good numbers of fishing rising during the day to buzzers, damsels and mayfly

May 21st - 27th

183 anglers caught 808 fish of which 592 were returned.

Best Fish
6lb 0oz Walter Kemp, Chatteris, black/green lure, boat
5lb 4oz Bob Walmsley, Desborough, damsel
5lb 3oz Finbarr McSweeney, Rushden, damsel
5lb 2oz Trevor Partridge, Corby, red cdc, boat
5lb 1oz Trevor Partridge, Corby, red cdc, boat
5lb 0oz Colin Ashworth, Great Linford, boat

Best Areas
Bank - dam, boat bay, gravel bar, east arm
Boat - all areas producing well

Best Patterns
Damsel nymph, black or olive buzzers, wet or dry daddy, olive or hares ear suspender, orange or tequila blob.

Boat anglers are enjoying good sport on most days whatever the conditions. Plenty of fish rising during the day although they have been harder to tempt whereas anglers fishing deep buzzers have had the bigger bags. One angler to buck the trend was Matt Harris who took a boat out on Friday and used dries and emergers to take 40 fish in a mammoth 13 hour session! Matt’s best fly was a s12 hares ear suspender buzzer. Bank anglers also also had a decent week as lng as there wasn’t a combination of sun and wind. The damsel hatch is keeping fish feeding all day and in the afternoon/early evening there has been a prolific mayfly hatch along the brookside and east arm. Fish have been taking them as they struggle to emerge in the flat calm. A daddy has been the best pattern to tempt them. The cool NE wind of last week meant that the late evening rise was sporadic.

Next Stocking: June 1st

Boat anglers catching well on buzzers and damsels. Bank fishing more difficult in hot weather. Most of the potholes in the road down to the fishery have been repaired!

May 14th - 20th

243 anglers caught 872 fish of which 624 were returned

Best Fish
6lb 8oz Danny Whitehead, Oundle, black/green lure
6lb 4oz Scott Bowman, Northampton, olive buzzer, boat
5lb 15oz Graham Jarvis, Norwich, damsel, boat
5lb 2oz Bob Senior, Peterborough, buzzer, boat
5lb 1oz Tim Charles, Brighton, black buzzer, boat

Best Areas
Bank - lagoon, east arm, gravel bar(evenings), dam(in a north wind)
Boat - anywhere down the middle for deep nymphing, west arm for dries

Best Patterns
Olive or black buzzer, olive cruncher, damsel, red diawl, red apps, candy blob, white/green or black/green lures.

Boat anglers continue to catch well on buzzers fished deep and slow although it’s not been quite as easy as the preceding two weeks as the fish are well spread over the lake with no real hotspots. The warmer weather has got the damsel hatch in full swing. The fish concentrate on the nymphs during early summer so it’s worth trying a small unweighted olive nymph or a damsel twitched back in the top two foot if you see splashy daytime rises. The evening rise sees fish back on hatching buzzers with shipmans and small hoppers scoring.
Anglers can fish until an hour after sunset which means 10pm at the moment. The last hour can be a spectacular sight but also frustrating with fish moving everywhere. There more mayfly hatching this year than in previous seasons with the afternoons producing good numbers from the dam and brookside. Bank anglers have struggled on some days in the hot weather. However the water is very clear and only 15 deg so this will only be a temporary blip until we get some better fishing conditions.

Next Stocking: May 22nd & 24th

Boat fishing consistently good. Bank fishing well on all but the brightest days. Most of the potholes in the road down to the fishery have been repaired!

May 7th - 13th

206 anglers caught 1109 fish of which 816 were returned

Best Fish
6lb 12oz Ralph Barnet, Diss, red buzzer, boat
6lb 10oz Matt Tuck, Yelling, black buzzer, boat
6lb 6oz Matt Tuck, Yelling, black buzzer, boat
6lb 1oz Lazloe Boden, Rothwell, wet hopper
6lb 0oz Dave Macquillin, Worboys, cruncher
5lb 9oz Matt Tuck, Yelling, black buzzer, boat
5lb 8oz Bryan Swain, Brampton, tequila blob
5lb 4oz Pete Welch, Boston, black/white buzzer, boat
5lb 3oz Dave McEwan, Sandy, olive buzzer
5lb 0oz Al Steels, Peterborough, olive buzzer, boat
5lb 0oz Lazloe Boden, Rothwell, bibio

Best Areas
Bank - most areas holding fish but coarse bank, creek and gravel bar good
Boat - west arm, gravel bar, dam end in a north wind

Best Patterns
Olive or black buzzer, olive or red cruncher, small damsel, black or brown shipmans, black hopper, small damsel, bloodworm.

A buzzer bonanza for boat anglers last week with fish coming to straight line tactics over the deeper water and washing line over the shallows. S12 or s14 olive buzzers working best.
Bank anglers are having to work harder for their fish during the day but there are plenty rising to keep you interested. The evenng rise has been spectacular from around 8.30pm onwards. Big hatches of dark olive buzzers has seen the gravel bar and shallow bay areas bubbling with fish. Water clarity remains superb. As well as buzzers we’ve seen hawthorn fly and the first few mayfly and damsels.

Next Stocking: May 18th & 22nd.

A fantastic week for boat anglers with some large fly hatches that brought the bigger fish on the feed.

April 30th - May 6th

226 anglers caught 1422 fish of which 1121 were returned

Best Fish
9lb 11oz S Millar, Scotland, black buzzer, boat
8lb 8oz Adrian Portlock, Daventry, blue flash damsel, boat
8lb 6oz Jason Cooke, Roade, black buzzer, boat
8lb 4oz Trevor Partridge, Corby, black/green lure, boat
8lb 2oz Jason Cooke, Roade, black buzzer, boat
7lb 2oz Trevor Partridge, Corby, black/green lure, boat
6lb 8oz Greg Potts, Whittlesey, black buzzer, boat
6lb 1oz Luke Key, Market Harborough, black buzzer with gold cheeks, boat
5lb 8oz Steve Windram, Stoney Stanton, boat
5lb 7oz Gavin Cairns, Newmarket
5lb 7oz Phillip Slane, Old Weston, cats whisker, boat
5lb 6oz Terry Caddy, Northampton, boat
5lb 6oz Tim Ward, Kirby Muxloe, black traffic light buzzer, boat
5lb 2oz David Dearman, Peakirk, olive cruncher
5lb 2oz Neil Groves, Oundle, black/green lure
Brown 3lb 6oz Steve Owen, Kettering, hares ear

Best Areas
Bank - coarse bank, lagoon, shallow bay, gravel bar, east arm
Boat - west arm, gravel bar, down middle

Best Patterns
Black or olive buzzer, olive cruncher, small damsel, olive or hares ear cdc, black hopper, tequila blob/fab, white/green lures.

A much warmer week saw some excellent fly hatches with fish gorging themselves on buzzers, hawthorn fly and alders. The water is crystal clear again so the warm bright conditions made bank fishing trickier over the bank holiday weekend although Liam Johnson managed 18 from the coarse bank yesterday by fishing his buzzers deep and slow. Top score on the boats last week was Andy Lane from North London who had 49 on black crunchers in the morning and olive or black cdc in the afternoon. On the same day, Friday, Chris Redhead from Whittlesey had 40 on s14 buzzers. Prospects for boat fishing remain excellent. Please book boats in advance as Elinor is busy at the moment. Bank fishing should be easier in the cooler temperatures forecast for later this week.

Stop Press
The latest edition of Trout Fisherman magazine (issue 509) has a centre page feature on Elinor and includes a dvd with Iain Barr and Gareth Jones bank fishing here.

Kirby Muxloe Fly Fishers
On Sunday May 6th, Kirby Muxloe Fly Fishers had 7 pairs fishing a boat match. A total of 67 fish were weighed in with plenty more returned. Biggest fish of 5lb 6oz was caught by Tim Ward.

1. Tim Ward/John Foster 12 fish 28lb 3oz
2. Frank Parker/Russ Jackson 12 fish 27lb 12oz
3. Richard Dayman/Malcolm Peck 12 fish 26lb 6oz

Next Stocking: May 8th & 11th.

Alex Frank booked instructor and guide Allan Sefton for a mornings boat fishing on a scorching bank holiday Monday. Alex caught 3 fish including this 3lb 14oz rainbow

Despite the cold weather last week the fishing was superb.

April 23rd - 29th

158 anglers caught 975 fish of which 720 were returned

Best Fish
7lb 2oz Chris Selby, Yaxley, orange blob
7lb 1oz Paul Mortimer, Thrapston, uv buzzer, boat
7lb 0oz George Brock, Corby, black buzzer
6lb 8oz Trevor Partridge, Corby, black/green lure, boat
6lb 7oz P. White, Northampton, buzzer
6lb 3oz Chris Selby, Yaxley, orange blob
6lb 1oz Chris Selby, Yaxley, damsel
5lb 9oz Mr Longfield, Northampton, diawl bach
5lb 8oz Walter Kemp, Chatteris, black/green lure, boat

Best Areas
Bank - coarse bank, lagoon, shallow bay, gravel bar
Boat - west arm, gravel bar

Best Patterns
Black or olive buzzer, black cruncher, small damsel, tequila blob, white/green lures.

Anglers who braved the cold were generally rewarded with some great catches with a rod average of just over 6. Buzzers continue to be the top fly. Some anglers are using a washing line now that the fish are higher in the water. Keep an eye out for where the birds are working the water as this will be where the biggest buzzer hatches are. Plenty of Alder fly hatching. A splashy rise indicates the fish are taking them rather than a more leisurely head and tail of a hatching buzzer feeding fish. I expect the evening rise to finally begin this week with the more normal spring weather. It’s a month late this season. A large number of anglers are suffering broken leaders over the last two weeks. The average size of fish in Elinor is the highest ever. I’ve not been able to get hold of any good quality doubles this year so have spent the excess on bigger stockies. In the cool, well oxygenated water the fish are fighting hard so it’s worth upping your usual tippet strength.

STOP PRESS
The latest edition of Trout Fisherman magazine (issue 509) has a centre page feature on Elinor and includes a dvd with Iain Barr and Gareth Jones bank fishing here.

Sunday April 29th Scierra Pairs heat
8 pairs took to the water in a very cold NE wind. The top two pairs qualify for the final at Grafham in August, see photographs below.
1. Shane Else/Jason Cooke 12 fish 30lb 15oz (SJ Buzzers in West Arm)
2. Mick Griffin/Roger Kerrison 12 fish 28lb 5oz
3. Steve Johnson/Matt Tuck 7 fish 16lb 0oz
Biggest fish 4lb 0oz by Pip Wearherington

Next Stocking: May 2nd.

Sierra Pairs 1st Place - Jason Cooke & Shane Else

Sierra Pairs 2nd Place - Mick Griffin & Roger Kerrison

Sierra Pairs Best Fish - Pip Weatherington

Bank and Boat anglers enjoying great buzzer fishing.

April 16th - 22nd

208 anglers caught 1187 fish of which 891 were returned

Best Fish
8lb 2oz Jason Cooke, Roade, black buzzer, boat
5lb 12oz Roy Brown, Rushden, damsel, boat
5lb 9oz Paul Laundon, Bedford, green diawl bach
5lb 8oz Leigh Gregory, Crowland, green quill, boat
5lb 5oz Liam Johnson, Rushden, buzzer, boat
5lb 4oz Shane Else, Northampton, buzzer, boat
5lb 2oz Darren Oram, Aldwincle
5lb 1oz Liam Johnson, Rushden, buzzer, boat
4lb 14oz Mr Wilson, Melton Mowbray, grhe
Brown 4lb 2oz Will Childs, Lowick, black buzzer

Best Areas
Bank - coarse bank, lagoon, shallow bay, gravel bar
Boat - west arm, gravel bar

Best Patterns
Black or olive buzzer, black cruncher, red or green diawl bach, small damsel, orange blob.

An excellent week for both bank and boat anglers with the water clear again and some huge buzzer hatches. Size 12 buzzers with red or white cheeks either straight lined or under a bung is the best method although plenty of fish are also coming to small unweighted damsels, crunchers and diawl bachs. Most areas are producing fish although top quality specimens are being taken from the coarse bank and west arm. A few fish are rising on calmer days and evenings. The latest edition of Trout Fisherman magazine (issue 509) has a centre page feature on Elinor and includes a dvd with Iain Barr and Gareth Jones bank fishing here.

Wednesday April 18th
Troutmasters Fish off was won by Scott Bowman who will represent Elinor at the Draycote final in October.
1. Scott Bowman 5 fish 8lb 14oz
2. Roger Bosence 2 fish 5lb 5oz
3. Toby Craig 2 fish 3lb 11oz

Sunday April 22nd
Manor Farm Fly Fishers had a boat outing. 6 anglers caught 23 fish with some quality fish landed. Top bag was Mick Tracey with 6 fish weighing 22lb 8oz including a 4lb 10oz rainbow on a bloodworm.

The Fly Dressers Guild
The Guild held a spring bank event. Only 10 anglers competed but they caught 78 fish. Best fish was 4lb 4oz by Malcolm Price. Top bag was Les Cooke with 4 fish weighing 8lb 14oz + a further 8 fish released.

Next Stocking
April 24th, May 1st

Sunday April 29th
Elinor will hold a heat of the Scierra Pairs boat competition. More details at www.scierrapairs.co.uk

Next Stocking: April 24th & May 1st.

Troutmasters 2018

April 9th - 15th

123 anglers caught 749 fish of which 593 were returned

Best Fish
7lb 12oz Pete Welch, Boston, black/green tadpole
6lb 8oz Mike Bownes, Wilsthorpe, black buzzer
6lb 2oz Mike Bownes, Wilsthorpe, bloodworm
5lb 4oz Pete Welch, Boston, olive buzzer
5lb 1oz Walter Kemp, Chatteris, black/green lure

Best Areas
Bank - shallow bay, gravel bar, lagoon, Goodfellow bay, brookside point.
Boat - west arm, gravel bar

Best Patterns
Black buzzer, black cruncher, red or green diawl bach, red apps, black/green or white/green lures, orange blob.

Some huge buzzer hatches have switched the fish on to imitative patterns. Water clarity continues to improve with the rod average hitting 6 last week. There have been some large buzzer hatches with fish feeding on them at all depths but mostly being caught in the 18” to 3 foot range. A few fish are rising on calmer days. This weeks warmer forecast should see the boats taking fish in open water. Matt Tuck went afloat on Sunday in the West arm and managed 15 fish, all on black buzzers with orange cheeks. Four of his fish were over 4lb. Bank angers have been catching from all areas of the lake. An osprey made three appearances last week and easily managed his daily one fish limit.

Sunday April 29th
Elinor will hold a heat of the Scierra Pairs boat competition. More details at www.scierrapairs.co.uk

Next Stocking: April 16th & 20th.

April 2nd - 8th

Water slowly clearing but fishing well in milder weather. 78 anglers caught 284 fish of which 207 were returned. No monsters but 18 fish over 4lb

Best Areas
Bank - shallow bay, gravel bar, lagoon, east arm, dam
Boat - east arm, coarse bank, gravel bar, dam

Best Patterns
Black/green or white/green lures, black buzzer, black cruncher, green diawl bach, red apps.

Wet weather and flooding kept many anglers away. The water level is very high but clarity is improving daily. Only two boats have been out so far this week. On Monday, Richard Honey anchored off the pylon then the lagoon to take 14 fish on a floating line with a white lure. Meanwhile on the bank, Chris Selby also took 14 on a red apps while fishing shallow bay. Only bank anglers fished today, Tuesday. There was a huge buzzer hatch and fish were rising in the calm conditions although most fish were caught 1-3 foot down. Colin Ashpole had 11, mostly from the lagoon. Alan Rennocks managed 12 from brookside and Jim Nixon had a bonanza with 18 from shallow bay and Goodfellow bay, many of his fish coming to buzzers. Elinor is rammed full of fish as there’s been too much stocking and not enough anglers!

Sunday April 29th
Elinor will hold a heat of the Scierra Pairs boat competition. More details at www.scierrapairs.co.uk

Next Stocking: April 12th.

March 19th - April 1st

Recent heavy rain has coloured the water so fishing is bound to be difficult over the next few days.

63 anglers caught 302 fish of which 201 were returned

Best Fish
Rainbow 7lb 0oz Adrian Wilkins, Spaldwick, black buzzer
Brown 5lb 2oz Alan Calver, Oundle, Black Harry Potter

Water is coloured now so black or black/green patterns fished slowly generally work best. Hopefully the clarity will soon improve for some great buzzer fishing. Please phone or email if you require details of current water conditions.

March 19th - 25th

225 anglers caught 1006 fish of which 779 were returned

Best Fish
6lb 2oz Graham Bodsworth, Toddington, buzzer
6lb 1oz Roger Bosence, Corby, hares ear
6lb 0oz Chris Selby, Yaxley, red diawl bach

March 24th
Invicta Fly Fishers held their spring bank trip.
16 anglers caught 85 fish with no blanks.
1. John Brown 13 fish
2. Chris McLeod 12 fish
3. Peter Brewer 8 fish

Sunday April 29th
Elinor will hold a heat of the Scierra Pairs boat competition. More details at www.scierrapairs.co.uk

Next Stocking: TBA.

Adrian Wilkins (above) from Spaldwick with his biggest of the week, 7lb 0oz rainbow which took a black buzzer despite the coloured water on Easter Saturday.

Alan Calver (above) from Oundle caught and released this 5lb 2oz Brown on a black Harry Potter on Good Friday.

March 27th

Apologies for the short report as I’m away fishing. The water continues to clear with visibility over 2 foot now. See below for the different areas that are now producing fish. Please phone the lodge on 01832 720786 if you require more info. Double stocking this week should keep sport excellent!

Best Areas
East arm, coarse bank, boat bay, brookside point

Best Patterns
Black lures, damsel, black or brown buzzer, hares ear

Next Stocking: March 27th & 29th

Sunday April 29th
Elinor will hold a heat of the Scierra Pairs boat competition. More details at www.scierrapairs.co.uk

Next Stocking: March 23rd & 29th.

March 12th - 18th

Water clarity gradually improving and bank fishing continues in fine form.
134 anglers caught 584 fish of which 482 were returned

Best Fish
6lb 7oz Trevor Maycock, Northampton, hares ear
4lb 12oz Tony Blann, Wellingborough, black/green lure
4lb 11oz Tony Mitchell, Rushden, black/green lure
4lb 11oz Peter Green, Walsall, damsel
4lb 8oz. Pip Weatherington, Oundle

Best Areas
Dam, gravel bar, shallow bay

Best Patterns
Black/green or white/green lure, orange blob, damsel, black or brown buzzer, hares ear.

Very few boats went out as the cold weather returned. Fish remain close to the bank with plenty being caught within 10 yards. Floating or intermediate lines are scoring with a slow retrieve. Water clarity is certainly better than a week ago emphasised by fish being caught on buzzers and nymph as well as the usual early season lures.

Next Stocking
March 23rd, 29th

Southern Bank Fishing Semi Final
On Sunday March 18th, Elinor hosted the Southern bank fishing semi final in freezing conditions and a -8 deg wind chill. The 23 anglers fished eight 40 minute sessions on pegs from the dam down to shallow bay. A total of 117 fish were caught and released for an excellent 5 fish rod average. Top 12 go through to the National final in May.

1. Craig Barr 12 fish, damsel and blobs
2. Tom Finney
3. Ian Watts
4. Jed Stone
5. Mark Harrison
6. Steve Wiggins
7. David Perks
8. Ed Foster
9. Ollie Jenkinson
10. Brian Lillie
11. Dave Johns
12. Anthony Meadows

Sunday April 29th
Elinor will hold a heat of the Scierra Pairs boat competition. More details at www.scierrapairs.co.uk

Next Stocking: March 23rd & 29th.

March 5th - 11th

Great sport for bank anglers last week, especially in the afternoon.
132 anglers caught 714 fish of which 609 were returned.

Best Fish

6lb 9oz Mick Moseley, Rushden, black buzzer
6lb 2oz Mr Nicholson, Louth, muskins
6lb 2oz Finbarr McSweeney, Rushden, black/green lure
6lb 1oz Judy Tuffs, Market Harborough, hares ear
6lb 0oz Rob Lenton, Blisworth, damsel
5lb 5oz Alan Rennocks, Kettering, black buzzer
5lb 4oz Finbarr McSweeney, Rushden, black/green lure
5lb 3oz Alan Weatherley, Kettering, damsel

Best Areas
Dam, gravel bar, shallow bay, creek, brookside point.

Best Patterns
Black/green lure, cats whisker, damsel, bloodworm, black buzzer, hares ear.

Bank outscored the boats again last week with fish being caught in many areas of the lake. Spooned fish have been feeding on immature damsel, hog louse and small black buzzers. With all all the heavy rain on Friday night the brook did overflow so the water is coloured so I expect the fishing to be more difficult over the next few days. However the ten anglers that fished today, Monday 12th did manage to catch 43 fish despite the conditions.

Sunday April 29th
Elinor will hold a heat of the Scierra Pairs boat competition. More details at www.scierrapairs.co.uk

Next Stocking: March15th.

February 26th - March 4th

A short report as very few anglers fished last week in the bad weather.
15 anglers caught 80 fish of which 68 were returned.

Best Areas
Bank - dam, whole of lodge bank
Boat - only 1 boat went out, they are safe and receiving counselling

Best Patterns
Black/green lure, cats whisker, damsel, bloodworm, black buzzer, hares ear.

Most anglers last week fished on the dam with a cold NE wind on their back. Water remains clear with no flooding.

Sunday April 29th
Elinor will hold a heat of the Scierra Pairs boat competition. More details at www.scierrapairs.co.uk.

Sunday April 29th
Elinor will hold a heat of the Scierra Pairs boat competition. More details at www.scierrapairs.co.uk

Next Stocking: March 7th, 15th.

February 19th - 25th

Freezing cold but the fish don’t mind with a 5.3 rod average.

127 anglers caught 677 fish of which 561 were returned

Best Fish
6lb 4oz Derek Benamore, Finedon, grhe
6lb 2oz Lea Tones, Earl Shilton, orange blob
5lb 15oz Rick Fisher, Gamlingay, black buzzer
5lb 8oz Mike Bownes, Wilsthorpe
5lb 6oz Judy Tufts, Market Harborough, bloodworm
5lb 4oz Darren Oram, Aldwincle, black snake
5lb 3oz Lea Tones, Earl Shilton, black/green lure
5lb 1oz. Paul Mortimer, Thrapston, bloodworm
5lb 0oz Chris Selby, Yaxley, pitsford pea

Best Areas
Bank - dam, whole of lodge bank
Boat - dam, boat bay, gravel bar, west arm

Best Patterns
Black/green lure, cats whisker, damsel, bloodworm, black buzzer, hares ear.

Not as many anglers although the fishing remains excellent from the bank. The cold wind saw anglers using intermediate lines score best by keeping their flies around 4 foot down.
Although the usual early season flies continue to work there are now plenty coming to nymphs, especially bloodworm and hares ear.

Sunday April 29th
Elinor will hold a heat of the Scierra Pairs boat competition. More details at www.scierrapairs.co.uk

February 12th - 18th

A busy week with anglers catching quality fish and a rod ave of 5.2.

169 anglers caught 879 fish of which 703 were returned.

Best Fish
8lb 2oz David Broome, black/green lure
8lb 1oz Rob Keeber, Leicester, white/green lure
7lb 3oz Andrew Lebish, Linton, pitsford pea
6lb 0oz Clive Doutre, Letchworth, red apps, boat
5lb 7oz David Robus, Wellingborough, pitsford pea
5lb 4oz Paul Dunstan, Towcwster, black lure, float tube
5lb 2oz Brian Hollidge, Wansford, black/green lure
5lb 2oz Anthony Meadows, Newcastle, red apps
5lb 2oz Finbarr McSweeney, Rushden, black/green
5lb 1oz Barry Chillingworth, Northampton, damsel, boat
5lb 0oz Matt Harris, Cambridge, damsel booby, boat

Best Areas
Bank - dam, boat bay,gravel bar, shallow bay, lagoon, creek.
Boat - dam, shallow bay, west arm

Best Patterns
Black/green or white/green lures, damsel, bloodworm, black buzzer, hares ear.

Anglers enjoyed a good week with many of the best catches coming from the bank. On milder or dull days most fish are being caught 2 - 4 foot down. In colder conditions it’s worth trying a little deeper at 6ft with the usual lures or a black buzzzer. 15 year old George Foster (below right) from Ringstead caught and released a 4lb 14oz rainbow in shallow bay on a white/green lure. Clive Doutre (below left) from Letchworth caught this 6lb 0oz overwintered rainbow while boat fishing on a cold day in shallow bay on a red apps. As well as the usual early season hotspot on the dam there are plenty of other areas fishing well. The whole of the lodge bank has produced fish Some fry feeders have been spotted in the creek. Double stocking this week!

Saturday February 17th
7 brave members of the British Float Tube Association took to the water(and ice!) and did extremely well to catch 56 fish. Lures fished on sinkers and intermediates did the damage.
1. Dave Carrie 6 fish 15lb 3oz
2. Gary Cragg 6 fish 14lb 3oz
3. Tony Parker 6 fish 13lb 6oz
4. Brian Heald 5 fish 13lb 13oz
5. Andre Russell 6 fish 13lb 0oz
6. Steve Frakes 6 fish 12lb 1oz
7. Ric Dunnett 6 fish 10lb 8oz

Next Stocking: Feb 19th, 23rd.

Opening weekend, February 10th & 11th

A cold, wet and windy start to the season but excellent catches. 45 anglers caught 451 fish of which 357 were returned. No monsters were landed but numerous between 3lb and 5lb.

Best Areas
Bank - dam, brookside, gravel bar, shallow bay.
Boat - dam, shallow bay.

Best Patterns
Black/green or white/green lures, orange blob, candy blob, bloodworm.

Floating or intermediate lines took most fish over the weekend that seemed to be holding at 2-4 foot. When the sun came out on Monday combined with a cold wind the fish went deeper and catches were slower. Although many good bags were taken at the dam end there have been fish taken from the whole of brookside today. Lures should continue to dominate catches for the first couple of weeks. A good tip is to hang your flies for a few seconds at the end of the retrieve. With the water level high anglers are catching very close in when cloudy.

Next Stocking: February 15th.

Opening weekend, February 10th

Elinor opens for the 2018 season on Saturday February 10th at 7am, so less than a week to go before the new season!

All prices remain the same as 2017. Although the water level is high the clarity is good and prospects are excellent. Generally the lodge end of the lake fishes best at this time of year for the new stock fish but for overwintered specimens it’s worth trying shallow bay, gravel bar or East arm. During the first couple of weeks the bank fishing is usually more productive than boat. Early season patterns such as black/green or white/green lures, blobs and snakes on a floater or intermediate line work well although residents may well fall to more imitative nymphs such as bloodworm, hares ear and fry imitations. The preseason stocking of over 1500 fish will include a good proportion of 3lb+ specimens.There is no need to book for bank fishing but it’s best to book boats, especially from April onwards. I hope you enjoy a memorable season, Ed.