Welcome to our Elinor Trout Fishery Reports for 2023 ...
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
Elinor Weekly Fishing Report Saturday 18th – Friday 24th November 2023
60 Anglers caught 140 fish of which fish 85 were returned.
A flying start to the weekend despite the windy conditions. On Saturday Darren Oram fished the bank netting 8, using washing line tactics. Adrian Wilkins braved the wind on Sunday in a boat netting 25 from the dam area of the lake, on a mixture of cormorants and black tadpoles and John Balladon had 6 by the trees on Brookside, caught on black/green cormorants and black/green tadpoles. Dan Brackley did well in the first of the predator weekends, catching 16 pike on Saturday and 17 on Sunday with the biggest weighing in at 16lbs. Chris Selby had a great week, catching 14 on Monday using black/green snakes, Pitsford peas and cormorants and on Wednesday he caught 7 on snakes and bloodworms. Fishing remains best at the lodge end of the lake; a few fish are feeding on fry, but the majority are eating small buzzers. In cloudy conditions you need to concentrate on the top 2 ft, however, 4 to 5 ft seems to be the zone when the sun is out . On the colder frosty mornings, the fishing can be slow but switches on around 11am. Bank anglers are having the best sport on breezy days with boats having a definite advantage in the bright still conditions.
Best Areas
Bank - Gravel bar, Goodfellow Bay, Boat Bay, Dam, Brookside-East Arm.
Boat - Dam to the Middle Pylon, Brookside, Brookside Bay.
Best Patterns
Black/Green Snakes, White/Green Snakes, Black Tadpole, Cats whiskers, red apps, Black Buzzers, Crunchers, Dawl Bach, Cormorants.
Water Temp 8 deg
Next Stocking - Thursday 30th November.
We are closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day for day tickets, with the last day of the season being the 31st December - season permit holders only can bank fish during January.
Elinor Weekly Fishing Report Saturday 11th – Friday 17th November 2023
95 Anglers caught 183 fish, of which fish 64 were returned.
The weather conditions made for a hard start at the beginning of the week, but the fishing steadily progressed as the week went on, for both boat and bank anglers, fish were spread evenly throughout the lake and finally some of the larger fish are being caught. On calmer days there were decent numbers of fish rising to small black midges throughout the day. The best method was floating lines in the top foot. On Friday John Parker from Cambridge had a successful morning on the bank releasing 9 including a 5.9lb beauty and Keith Wallace had 11 to his boat on black and green tadpoles and hare’s ears. Water clarity is now at 4ft, and Elinor is fishing well.
Best Fish
5.9lb John Parker - Apache lure
5.5lb James Wallis - White Green Snake
5.2lb Geoff Allsop - Cormorant
4.2lb Dusan Black - Tadpole
Best Areas
Bank Gravel bar, boat bay, dam, brookside-East arm
Boat - Dam to the Middle Pylon , Brookside, Brookside Bay
Best Patterns
Black/Green Snakes, Pink Snakes, Black Tadpole, Cats whiskers, Red Apps, Black Buzzers, Crunchers, Dawl Bachs and Cormorants
We are shut Christmas Day and Boxing Day for day tickets, the last day of the season is December 31st. Season permit holders only can bank fish during January.
Water Temp - 9 deg
Next Stocking - TBC
Nigel Cheetham’s Memorial Fur & Feather Sunday November 12th
20 boat and 21 bank anglers took part and between them caught 54 fish. The first frost and cold flat calm conditions greeted the anglers, making the conditions tricky. The only limit of the day was caught by Andrius Papeika, and first place was never in doubt, he had caught his 6 fish by 11.35am with a total weight including time bonus of 18.4lb. Andrius was fishing from the bank under the first set of trees at Brookside using black and green tadpoles underneath an indicator, the runners up fished a mixture of fabs, small black nymphs and tadpoles. Geoff Allsop caught the biggest fish on a cormorant and Darren Oram was the best boat with 4 fish at 8lb.
The scores were as follows;
1) Andrius Papeika 6 fish @18.4lb
2) Dusan 4 fish @9.14lb
3) Darius Lasata 5 fish @9.12lb
4) Darren Oram 4 fish @8.0lb
5) Richard Slater 4 fish @7.10lb
6) Mick Lewandowski 3 fish @6.10lb
7) Steve Lewandowski 3 fish @ 6.42lb
8) Graham Willis 3 fish @ 6.3lb
9) Eddy Lee 3 fish @6.2lb
10) John Thompson 2 fish @6.2lb
We would like to convey our gratitude and say a massive thank you to everyone that supported this event, donated prizes and bought raffle tickets, you managed to raise £707 towards Get Hooked on Fishing charity.
Water Temp – 9 deg
Next Stocking TBC
Elinor Weekly Fishing Report Saturday 4th – Friday 10th November 2023
44 Anglers caught 104 fish of which fish 78 were returned
A wet start to the weekend here at Elinor, with Sunday proving the best day to be out, season ticket holders Darren Oram netted 18 on black/green tadpoles and Adrian Wilkins going one better netting 19, on black wet flies and black lures. Catch rates remained steady throughout the week, Chris Selby had 6 on the bank of the Dam on Monday and Ivor Fisher wins the prize for best fish (and hat!) – he caught a beautiful 5.6lb on Wednesday. using tequila fabs and black buzzers. Fish have been showing over the deeper water, from the middle pylon down to the Dam feeding on small black buzzers. Both bank and boat anglers are catching equally, fishing down the edge on a mixture of fabs with black/red diawl bachs and crunchers, small black buzzer patterns along with the usual white/ green and black/green lures and pink/black snakes. Water clarity continues to improve, and visibility is at 4ft.
Best Fish
5.6 lb Ivor Fisher - black buzzer
5.2lb Robert Senior
4.9lb Malcolm Broughton – Dawson’s olive
4.0lb Mike Carpenter - black snake
Best Areas
Bank - Gravel Bar, Boat Bay, Dam, Brookside-East Arm
Boat - Dam to the Middle Pylon
Best Patterns
Black/Green Snakes, Pink Snakes, Black Tadpole, Cats whiskers, Red Apps, Black Buzzers, Crunchers, Diawl Bach and Cormorants.
Last few places for the Predator Weekends
Elinor will once again be holding some predator days - anglers can target pike and perch (using lures or sea dead baits only). Remaining dates are 9/10 December with an extra day over the Christmas period 28 December. Eight boats will be available each day from 7am until dark.
Prices:
£35:00 x 1 angler/boat
£55:00 x 2 anglers/boat
A non-refundable payment is required in advance to secure the boat.
Last Day of the Season
We are shut Christmas Day and Boxing Day for day tickets, the last day of the season is December 31st - season permit holders only can bank fish during Jan.
Elinor Weekly Fishing Report Saturday 28th October – Friday 3 November 2023
43 anglers caught 65 fish of which 40 were released.
Although the water was coloured and visibility was down to 1–2 foot, both boat and bank anglers did equally well last week. On Saturday Darren Oram caught 6 and Martin Ward caught 4, from boats on damsel patterns and black/silver lures. During the week both Jim Nixon and Dave Strudwick had good days on the bank, netting 5 each; Jim was using buzzers under an indicator. The fish have been showing all through the middle and down the margins, feeding on small black buzzers, and a few are showing interest in the good head of roach and perch fry. Fish have been caught from all depths, some on dries and some at 8ft under an indicator. Fortunately, the banks of the brook held with the latest deluge and the water clarity continues to improve and is currently at 2.5 – 3ft. The water temperature is now at an optimum 9.8 degrees, and if the catches yesterday are anything to go by, along with the drier weather forecast this week, Elinor will finally be heading into some good winter sport.
Best Fish
6lb 11oz Mrs Mardell Montana Nymph
5lb Ricardo Black Snake
Methods
In the sunshine a slow intermediate fishing down to 3 -6ft and in overcast conditions floating line slowly in the top 2ft.
Best Areas
Boat – Dam, Brookside, East Arm, and all through the middle.
Bank - Dam, Brookside - Brookside Bay, East Arm, Gravel Bar and Pensioner’s Point.
Best Patterns
Pink/black – black/green snakes, black buzzers
Water Temp – 9.8 degrees
Next Stocking - TBC
Annual Fur & Feather – Sunday 12 November 9am -3pm
Briefing at 8.30am – rules, 6 fish limit with a 2lb an hour time bonus. Ticket prices £30 and £5 for season ticket holders, top prizes are selections of organic meat. Fur and Feather raffle tickets are on sale at the lodge with the chance to win a Snowbee Spectre Pro rod, all proceeds will go towards Nigel Cheetham’s chosen charity Get Hooked on Fishing – an angling charity which helps provide positive opportunities for young people and communities, and any raffle prize donations are gratefully received.
Last few places for the Predator Weekends
Elinor will once again be holding some predator days - anglers can target pike and perch (using lures or sea dead baits only). Dates are 18/19 November 9/10 December with an extra day over the Christmas period 28 December. Eight boats will be available each day from 7am until dark.
Prices:
£35:00 x 1 angler/boat
£55:00 x 2 anglers/boat
A non-refundable payment is required in advance to secure the boat.
Elinor Weekly Fishing Report Saturday 14th – Friday 20th October 2023
65 anglers caught 91 fish of which 49 were released.
A promising start to the week, although the conditions were not ideal with bright sunshine and wind; father and son team Darren and John Oram still netted 8 to the boat, on their morning session, on a washing line with candy fabs and a mixture of buzzers and crunchers on the dropper. Gregg Potts had a few hours on Sunday morning, netting 5 on foam daddies, crunchers, and damsel patterns. The second day of Ian Barr’s Masterclass was held on Thursday, once again the feedback was all round and as these sessions are now full, we will be holding some more classes in the Spring.
Sadly it seems the elements are against us at the moment, after a good stocking on Friday, the heavens opened, the brook burst it’s banks and flooded into Elinor; water clarity is @1ft but improving daily and will clear in a couple of weeks, the good news is the extra influx of water bought the temperature down to 12.5 degrees!
Fur and Feather raffle tickets are on sale at the lodge with the chance to win a Snowbee Spectre Pro rod, all proceeds will go towards Nigel Cheetham’s chosen charity Get Hooked on Fishing – an angling charity which helps provide positive opportunities for young people and communities.
Method
Fishing under an indicator down to 10ft
Best Areas
Boat – Dam, Brookside, East Arm, and all through the middle.
Bank - Dam, Brookside - Brookside Bay, East Arm, Course Fish Bank and Lagoon.
Best Patterns
blue flash damsel, diawl bachs, black crunchers, black/red buzzers, black/green or white/green tadpoles and foam daddies, top hat buzzers and small black cdc.
Water Temp – 12.5 degrees
Next Stocking - TBC
Last few places for the Predator Weekends
Elinor will once again be holding some predator days - anglers can target pike and perch (using lures or sea dead baits only). Dates are 18/19 November 9/10 December with an extra day over the Christmas period 28 December. Eight boats will be available each day from 7am until dark.
Prices:
£35:00 x 1 angler/boat
£55:00 x 2 anglers/boat
A non-refundable payment is required in advance to secure the boat.
Annual Fur & Feather
This year’s match is being held on Sunday 12th November and is in memory of Nigel Cheetham.
Elinor Weekly Fishing Report Saturday 7th – Friday 13th October 2023
58 anglers caught 78 fish of which 55 were released.
A short and sweet fishing report this week - weather wise we’ve had four seasons in one week! The boats continue to have more success than the bank and the fish remain in the top 2ft, washing line being the most consistent method with dries and snakes working well. The fish are mainly feeding on small black, or olive buzzers and daddy long legs along the banks. The water temperature continues to drop, and the fishing slowly continues to improve.
On Thursday Iain Barr held the first of his masterclasses, which, according to the feedback was a roaring success, there is still a couple of places left on the November dates.
Best Areas
Boat – Mouth of the Lagoon, Brookside, East Arm, and all through the middle.
Bank - Dam, Brookside - Brookside Bay, East Arm, Course Fish Bank and Lagoon.
Best Patterns
Tequila blob/fab, candy blob/fab, unweighted damsels, blue flash damsel, diawl bachs, black crunchers, black/red buzzers, olive buzzers, black/green or white/green lures and foam daddies, top hat buzzers and shipman’s buzzers.
Water Temp – 15.8 degrees
Next Stocking - 20th October
Last few places left for Iain Barr’s Masterclass
Grab a place on an Iain Barr’s Masterclass! Brush up on your skills or come along to learn some of the techniques to improve your catch rate here at Elinor. Correct all the wrongs and learn all the rights in this skill focussed session. There is 8 per group and Iain will observe each angler and offer advice and firsthand experience with your casting, fishing styles and tackle. Free fly pack worth £15 for all anglers! Book early, limited places.
3rd & 17th November 10am - 2pm. £40 per head plus 1 fish day ticket @ £15 (£40 per head for season ticket holders). Please bring all your own tackle.
Last few places for the Predator Weekends
Elinor will once again be holding some predator days - anglers can target pike and perch (using lures or sea dead baits only). Dates are 18/19 November 9/10 December with an extra day over the Christmas period 28 December. Eight boats will be available each day from 7am until dark.
Prices:
£35:00 x 1 angler/boat
£55:00 x 2 anglers/boat
A non-refundable payment is required in advance to secure the boat.
Annual Fur & Feather
This year’s match is being held on Sunday 12th November and is in memory of Nigel Cheetham; all donations will go towards his chosen charity Get Hooked on Fishing – an angling charity which helps provide positive opportunities for young people and communities.
Elinor Weekly Fishing Report Saturday 30th September – Friday 6th October 2023
75 Anglers caught 165 fish, of which 70 were released.
Some positive news at Elinor, the fishing steadily picked up as the week progressed, although the blustery weather meant only 75 anglers ventured out. Some good buzzer hatches are taking place now, with plenty of fish rising and showing down the middle of the lake. In overcast conditions the fish are in the surface with dries/washing line working well, and in the sun or wind the best catches are coming from 3-4 ft down. Fish are evenly spread throughout the lake, with the boats faring better than the bank, however fish are being caught in the Lagoon and from the Course Fish Bank.
Best Areas
Boat - Brookside, East Arm, down the middle.
Bank - Dam, Brookside - Brookside Bay, East Arm, Course Fish Bank and Lagoon.
Best Patterns
Tequila blob/fab, candy blob/fab, unweighted damsels, blue flash damsel, diawl bachs, hares’ ear, black or brown hoppers, black/red buzzers, olive buzzers, black/green or white/green lures and foam daddies, top hat buzzers and shipman’s buzzers.
Water Temp – 15.8 degrees
Next Stocking - 12th October
Last few places left for Iain Barr’s Masterclass
Grab a place on an Iain Barr’s Masterclass! Brush up on your skills or come along to learn some of the techniques to improve your catch rate here at Elinor. Correct all the wrongs and learn all the rights in this skill focussed session. There is 8 per group and Iain will observe each angler and offer advice and firsthand experience with your casting, fishing styles and tackle. Free fly pack worth £15 for all anglers! Book early, limited places.
3rd & 17th November 10am - 2pm. £40 per head plus 1 fish day ticket @ £15 (£40 per head for season ticket holders). Please bring all your own tackle.
Last few places for the Predator Weekends
Elinor will once again be holding some predator days - anglers can target pike and perch (using lures or sea dead baits only). Dates are 18/19 November 9/10 December with an extra day over the Christmas period 28 December. Eight boats will be available each day from 7am until dark.
Prices:
£35:00 x 1 angler/boat
£55:00 x 2 anglers/boat
A non-refundable payment is required in advance to secure the boat.
Annual Fur & Feather
This year’s match is being held on Sunday 12th November and is in memory of Nigel Cheetham; all donations will go towards his chosen charity Get Hooked on Fishing – an angling charity which helps provide positive opportunities for young people and communities.
Elinor Weekly Fishing Report Saturday 16th – Friday 22nd September 2023
79 Anglers caught 174 fish of which 94 were returned
It was a steady week here at Elinor, with most of the fish coming out at the Dam. Mike Bownes had a marvellous morning on Monday, netting 16 on black hoppers. Braving the wind and torrential rain on Wednesday paid off for Quinn Hollick, who landed 10 on black shipman’s buzzers . There is a good number of daddies staring to show around the banks and hopefully the fish will get going on these in the coming weeks.
Best Patterns
Tequila blob/fab. candy blob/fab, unweighted damsels, blue flash damsel, red hollo crunchers, diawl bachs, black crunchers, black hoppers and small black dries and CD’s.
Water Temp -16.9 degrees
Next Stocking - Friday 29th September
Dates for the Diary
Last few places left for…….Iain Barr’s Masterclass
Grab a place on an Iain Barr’s Masterclass! Brush up on your skills or come along to learn some of the techniques to improve your catch rate here at Elinor. Correct all the wrongs and learn all the rights in this skill focussed session. There is 8 per group and Iain will observe each angler and offer advice and firsthand experience with your casting, fishing styles and tackle. Free fly pack worth £15 for all anglers! Book early, limited places.
12th & 19th Oct 10am - 2pm. £40 per head plus 1 fish day ticket @ £15 (£40 per head for season ticket holders). Please bring all your own tackle.
Predator Weekends
Elinor will once again be holding some predator days - anglers can target pike and perch (using lures or sea dead baits only). Dates are 18/19 November 9/10 December with an extra day over the Christmas period 28 December. Eight boats will be available each day from 7am until dark.
Prices:
£35:00 x 1 angler/boat
£55:00 x 2 anglers/boat
A non-refundable payment is required in advance to secure the boat - £9 x I angler, £12 x 2 angler.
Paying via BACS
Barclays
Account name - B P Gifford
Account number – 30497304
Sort code – 20 27 26
Reference – Pike
Annual Fur & Feather
This year’s match is being held on Sunday 12th November and is in memory of Nigel Cheetham; all donations will go towards his chosen charity Get Hooked on Fishing – an angling charity which helps provide positive opportunities for young people and communities.
Elinor Weekly Fishing Report, Friday 1st – Friday 8th September 2023
88 Anglers caught 445 fish of which fish 333 were returned.
What a cracking start to September here at Elinor; double figure bags were a plenty and consistent throughout the week. On opening day Mike Bounds had an excellent start, netting 13 on Tequila/Candy fabs, from the bank of the East Arm. On Saturday Sean Roe managed 18 on his morning ticket, on the bank of the Dam, fishing blue flash damsels and Neil Groves and his 2 grandsons caught 13 on their morning session on Sunday. The large numbers continued throughout the week, with the largest bag going to Elinor regular angler Quin Hollick from Cambridge, he netted 33, switching between pink/orange fabs and black shipman’s.
The water clarity is excellent for the time of year, although the hot weather has pushed the temperature to 23 degrees; fortunately this week’s forecast is much cooler, with some much-appreciated rain expected.
Best Patterns
Tequila blob/fab candy blob/fab, unweighted damsels, blue flash damsel, red hollo crunchers/diawl bachs, black crunchers/diawl bachs, black hoppers and small black dries and CD’s.
Water Temp -23 degrees
Next Stocking - Friday 15th September
Dates for the Diary
Predator Weekends
Elinor will once again be holding some predator days - anglers can target pike and perch (using lures or sea dead baits only). Dates are 18/19 November 9/10 December with an extra day over the Christmas period 28 December. Eight boats will be available each day from 7am until dark.
Prices
£35:00 x 1 angler/boat
£55:00 x 2 anglers/boat
A non-refundable payment is required in advance to secure the boat.
£9 x I angler
£12 x 2 anglers
Annual Fur & Feather
This year’s match is being held on Sunday 12 November and is in memory of Nigel Cheetham; all donations will go towards his chosen charity Get Hooked on Fishing – an angling charity which helps provide positive opportunities for young people and communities.
Elinor Weekly Fishing Report Saturday 15th – Friday 21st July 2023
45 Anglers caught 78 fish of which fish 63 were returned
A quiet start to the weekend at Elinor with unsettled and windy weather. The fishing continues to be slow, with the water temperature at 20 degrees. Anglers are finding the fish are still in the top of the water, near the East Arm and in front of the middle pylon. Damsels and buzzers continue to be the main food source, with fish taking nymphs and adults. Eddy Lee from Leicester, cracked it on Wednesday netting 9, switching between red apps, damsels, and buzzers and on Thursday Elinor regulars Darius and Andrius caught 10 apiece, on black hoppers and black/red buzzers, over the deeper water down the middle of the lake.
As always, but especially in the warmer weather, please take extra care when returning fish. They should be unhooked in the net without removing from the water.
Best Patterns
Tequila blob/fab, candy blob/fab, unweighted damsels, blue flash damsel, red/black diawl bachs, hoppers – black or brown, daddies, crunchers, black buzzers/red cheek, olive buzzers/red or orange cheeks and white/green lures.
Best Areas
East Arm, middle pylon, and overflow corner.
Water Temp – 20 degrees
Next Stocking 30/08/2023
Please note, Elinor will be closed from 2pm on Monday 31 July reopening on Friday 1st September, during this time if you want to reserve a boat for September, please email enquiries@elinortf.co.uk the lodge will be closed and any voicemails and emails will be picked up a few days before re-opening.
Elinor Weekly Fishing Report Saturday 8th – Friday 14th July 2023
90 Anglers caught 114 fish of which fish 74 were returned
A slower week here at Elinor as we near the end of the spring/summer season. The water temperature is at 19.7 making the fishing trickier, as it generally is at this time of the year. The mornings remain the most productive time to fish, with the fish feeding at around 10.30am. The best methods have been washing line, black buzzers, fabs and damsel patterns. Mike Bownes had a cracking morning off the bank on Tuesday, netting 14 on small black buzzers in the East Arm. The water clarity is at 2ft visibility, and the best areas remain in the deep water in front of the Middle Pylon - East Arm area.
As always, but especially in the warmer weather, please take extra care when returning fish. They should be unhooked in the net without removing from the water.
Best Patterns
Tequila blob/fab, candy blob/fab, unweighted damsels, blue flash damsel, red-black diawl bachs, hoppers – black or brown, daddies, crunchers, black buzzers/red cheek, olive buzzers/red or orange cheeks and white/green lures.
Best Areas
East Arm, middle pylon, and overflow corner.
Water Temp – 19.7 degrees
Next Stocking TBC
Please note, Elinor will be closed from 2pm on Monday 31 July reopening on Friday 1st September, during this time if you want to reserve a boat for September, please email enquiries@elinortf.co.uk the lodge will be closed and any voicemails and emails will be picked up a few days before re-opening.
Elinor Weekly Fishing Report Saturday 23rd June – Friday 30th June 2023
55 Anglers caught 77 fish of which fish 46 were returned
It was a warm and rather challenging week at Elinor and the surface temperature of the lake reached 22c! Thankfully, the cooler weather that followed throughout the week, bought it back down to 19c and the fish were feeding back up on the surface. Season ticket holders Andy Burgess and Ivor Fisher had a successful day in the East Arm on Wednesday, managing 31 to the boat, fishing a washing line, with buzzers and a damsel booby on the point, switching to a beaded damsel on the point as the fish fed deeper. On Thursday, season ticket holder Lazloe had a great day in the back of the lagoon, catching 17 on a mixture of dries and damsels. The East Arm has been the most productive area and has continued to produce some large bags throughout this weekend; the best methods being a floater with a damsel booby on the point, diawl bachs or crunchers on the droppers and dry or wet hoppers/daddies or white/green lures pulled near the surface. With the cooler forecast set for the week ahead, the boats can look forward to some decent fishing, although the bank fishing continues to be more challenging.
In other news……Congratulations to team Elinor for coming first place at Draycote – in the Fly Fish Store loch style competition, held on Sunday 25 June.
Please note, Elinor will be closed from 2pm on Monday 31 July reopening on Friday 1st September, during this time if you want to reserve a boat for September, please email enquiries@elinortf.co.uk, the lodge will be closed, and any voicemails will be picked up a few days before re-opening.
Best Patterns
Tequila blob/fab, candy blob/fab, unweighted damsels, blue flash damsel, red-black diawl bachs, hoppers – black or brown, daddies, crunchers, black buzzers/red cheek, olive buzzers/red or orange cheeks and white/green lures.
Best Areas
East Arm, middle pylon, and overflow corner.
Water Temp – 19 degrees
Next Stocking TBC
Elinor Weekly Fishing Report Saturday 17 – Friday 23 June 2023
61 Anglers caught 111 fish of which fish were returned
With the hot weather continuing at the beginning of last week the fish were still at 10ft down, Steve Welling from Kings Lynn had a great day on Sunday netting 17 from his float tube, using black/olive buzzers and fishing deep in front of the middle pylon . A change in the wind direction and some cloud cover mid-week, meant the fish were back up on the surface, feeding in the top 3ft. Season ticket holders Andy Burgess and Ivor Fisher caught 17 on Wednesday on a washing line with black/red and olive/orange buzzers with a damsel booby on the point. The best methods throughout the week have included a floater with damsel booby on the point and diawl bachs, buzzers or cruncher on the droppers and dry or wet hopper/daddy near or on the surface. Bank fishing is the best in the early morning, with fish showing within range in the East Arm, feeding on damsels and small buzzers. The forecast for this week looks promising with cooler temps, cloud cover and favourable wind directions.
Best Patterns
Tequila blob/fab, candy blob/fab, cats’ whisker, unweighted damsels, blue flash damsel red-black diawl bachs, black, olive or brown hoppers, foam daddy and black/red and olive/orange buzzers.
Best Areas
East Arm, middle pylon and overflow corner.
Water Temp – 21 degrees taken on Sunday 25th
Next Stocking 30th June
Elinor Weekly Fishing Report Saturday 9th – Friday 16th June 2023
73 Anglers caught 162 fish of which 125 fish were returned
Another bright and breezy start to the week here at Elinor….A nice fall of flying ants on Saturday morning tempted the fish to feed on the surface, Darren Oram caught 14 on his half-day morning session. In the afternoon Brad managed a couple of hours, netting 10 on claret dries. On Sunday regular angler John Balladon had a good day landing 16, switching between black or claret midas and damsels, at the dam end of the lake. Monday’s increased air temp made the fishing more difficult and pushed the surface temp to 21 degrees towards the end of the week. The fish are deeper in the water, fishing under an indicator at 10 feet down, with deep buzzers and sinking line tactics being the best method. We’re looking forward to cooler temperatures this week and a switch in the wind direction, finally!
Best Fish
7.6lb - Adrian Wilkins
6.12lb – James Wallace Black Buzzer
6.5lb – S.Greenwood Black Buzzer
Best Patterns
Black buzzers, weighted lures, tequila blob/fab, candy blob/fab, cat’s whisker, blue flash damsel, red/black diawl bachs, and hare’s ears.
Best Areas
Bank - Dam, East Arm, Boat Dock, Lodge bank
Boat – Dam -Brookside Bay, Middle Pylon, East Arm, down the middle
Water Temp – 21 degrees
Next Stocking – TBC
A huge congratulations to Team England on winning gold at the 5 Nations Fly fishing Championship, it was hard going with far from ideal conditions at both venues. Small fabs and nymphs and some deep wading was the way forward at Elinor, well done to all that fished.
Elinor Weekly Fishing Report Saturday 3rd June – Friday 9th June 2023
80 Anglers caught 192 fish of which 142 fish were returned
More of the same…..Another tricky week here at Elinor, again due to the ne winds and the unsettled cold weather, although, this has fortunately kept the water temperature down to around 18 degrees, which is great for this time of year. Surface files have been scoring well all week; foam daddies, black and claret hoppers, CDC’s and buzzers, along with washing line, fabs, white boobies and small nymphs being the best approaches. Tuesday had the best conditions of the week, with overcast skies, a lighter wind and increase in air temp. Dave Lawson netted 11 on black hoppers and small daddies from the bank and on the boats Paul Jennings and Steven Illingworth both landed 10 a piece on CDC’s and boobies.
Next week is looking warmer and the fishing really picked up over the weekend…..
Best Fish
6lb George Coseru - White Booby
5.1lb Ivor Fisher - White booby
4.5lb Andy Burgess - White Booby
Best Pattern
White booby, tequila blob/fab candy blob/fab unweighted damsels, blue flash damsel, red/black diawl bachs, hare’s ear, olive or black buzzers, black crunchers, dry shipman’s, black crippled midge, black/olive CDCs, hoppers – brown, yellow owls, suspender buzzers, olive hopper, brown hopper, foam daddy and candy or tequila fabs.
Best Areas
Bank – Dam, boat dock – wheelie boat
Boat – Dam, through the middle, East Arm
Events
This Wednesday and Thursday Elinor is hosting the bank heats for the 5 Nations fly fishing championship with practice day being held on Tuesday, pegged areas from the Wheelie Boat to the Boat Bay and either the Dam or the East Arm tbc, there will be 4 pegs in those areas, so plenty of bank space still available.
Water Temp – 18 degrees
Next Stocking - Friday 16th June
Elinor Weekly Fishing Report Saturday 28th May – Friday 2nd June 2023
72 Anglers caught 163 fish of which 133 fish were returned
The Complete Fly Fisher Forum enjoyed their float tube match on Saturday, despite the chilly north easterly wind, which seems determined to dominate the weather lately; disrupting the fly life and making the conditions more challenging. The cold wind didn’t deter season ticket holder Paul White who caught 10 on Sunday, 8 on Monday and 5 again on Tuesday, on a washing line; which was also the best method for Darren Oram who had 9 on Thursday. The fish are continuing feed in the top of the water with the early mornings and later in the day proving to be the best time to catch, with dries and washing line tactics the best method.
We received some sad news at Elinor on Wednesday, as we learned of the passing of Nigel Cheetham who died peacefully surrounded by his family. Nigel was a long-term season ticket holder and was well known and loved, also, a fantastic angler who never failed to catch, always happy to pass on his knowledge and whatever fly he was using - he will be greatly missed by many. We will be holding a charity match in his honour later in the year and for those wishing to attend his funeral please call the lodge and we will notify you of the date once it has been released.
Best Fish
6.2lb Adrian Wilkins
Best Patterns
Tequila blob/fab candy blob/fab unweighted damsels, blue flash damsel, red/black diawl bachs, hare’s ear, olive or black buzzers, black crunchers, dry shipman’s, black crippled midge, black/olive CDCs, hoppers – brown, yellow owls, suspender buzzers, olive hopper, brown hopper, foam daddy and candy or tequila fabs.
Best Areas
Bank Boat Bay, Dam
Boat Dam-Boat Bay, West Arm, Middle Pylon
Water Temp – 17.3 degrees
Next Stocking Friday 9th June
Events
We are pleased to announce that Elinor is hosting the bank heats for the 5 Nations Fly Fishing Championship on Tuesday 13th June (official practice day), and with match days being held on Wednesday 14th & Thursday 15th - some areas of the lake will be pegged for the match and will be announced nearer the time.
Elinor Weekly Fishing Report Saturday 20th – Friday 26th May 2023
136 Anglers caught 229 fish of which 146 fish were returned.
It was a tougher week here at Elinor; mainly due to the cooler north easterly winds (that appear to be prevailing at present!). There has been lots of surface activity at the Dam end of the lake with dries, tequila blobs and hoppers all working. Damsel nymphs and adult damsels are keeping the fish occupied during the day, along with large hatches of small sedge and buzzers in the evening. Season ticket holder Paul White had a good day on Sunday, taking 13 on washing line tactics; using a sunburst fab on the point and red holographic diawl bachs on the droppers. Richard Pelly also had a great day on Tuesday, netting 14 on small dries and adult damsel patterns, afloat in the West Arm. Although the boats are having the biggest bags, there are plenty of fish in range for bank anglers. The fish continue to be in the top 2ft, feeding in the early morning and again in the evening, with the evening rise starting around 7.45pm - until dark, depending on the weather conditions.
Best Fish
9.3lb Adrian Wilkins
7lb Mervin White
6.7lb James Wallis Yellow Owl
5lb Chris Atherstone
5lb Rob Armitage (Brown)
5lb Rob Armitage (Brown)
5lb Dusan
Best Patterns
Unweighted damsels, blue flash damsel, red/black diawl bachs, hare’s ear, olive or black buzzers, black crunchers, dry shipman’s, black crippled midge, black/olive CDCs, hoppers brown/olive, yellow owls, suspender buzzers, foam daddy and candy or tequila fabs.
Best Areas
Bank - Dam, Boat Bay
Boat – Dam, Middle of West Arm/ East Arm and Middle Pylon
Water Temp - 17.1 degrees
Next Stocking - Friday 2nd June
Events
The 5 Nations Fly Fishing Championship is taking place from Tuesday 13th June (official practice day) with match days on Wednesday 14th and Thursday 15th and some areas of the lake will be pegged for the match, these will be announced nearer the time, boats will not be affected.
Elinor Weekly Fishing Report Saturday 13th – Friday 19th May 2023
155 Anglers caught 342 fish of which 230 fish were returned.
A steady week here at Elinor for both the boat and bank anglers, the fish were well spread throughout the lake. The warmer south westerly wind on Sunday and Monday paved the way for spectacular evening rises; the lake was a site to behold as fish rose everywhere, foraging on a mixture of Buzzers, Sedge and Caenis . Tuesday was an awesome day for season ticket holders Ivor Fisher and Andy Burgess who managed 26 from their boat in the dam, catching on a mixture of black or red buzzers, red holographic crunchers, and a white booby. The wind switched direction again on Thursday and Friday and bought with it a cooler north easterly breeze, supressing the fly hatches and making things a little trickier as a result!
Best Patterns
White/green or black/green lures, white booby, damsels, blue flash damsel, red/black diawl bachs, hare’s ear, olive or black buzzers, black crunchers, dry shipman’s, black crippled midge, black/olive CDCs, hoppers – brown, yellow owls, suspender buzzers, olive hopper, brown hopper, foam daddy and candy or tequila fabs.
Best Fish
7.3lb John Grey Black Buzzers
7lb Ingas Yellow owl
7lb Alan Colver
7lb Darren Oram
5.7lb Phil Harris
5lb Dave Strudwick
5lb John Oram
5lb Sean Hainsworth (Brown)
Best Areas
Bank - Fish are showing in all areas
Boat - Fish are showing in all areas
Water Temp – 15.2 degrees
Next Stocking Friday 26 May
Events
The Complete Fly Fisher Forum are holding a memorial float tube match on Saturday 27th May and there will be around 10 -15 tubers on the lake.
The 5 Nations Fly Fishing Championship is taking place from Tuesday 13th June (official practice day) with match days on Wednesday 14th and Thursday 15th and some areas of the lake will be pegged for the match, these will be announced nearer the time, boats will not be affected.
Elinor Weekly Fishing Report Saturday 6th- Friday 12th May 2023
115 Anglers caught 304 fish of which 223 fish were returned.
Elinor saw the first of the mayfly and adult damsel hatches this week, and these along with emerging black or olive buzzers and hawthorn flies, encourage the trout to feed on the surface at every opportunity. Some fine fish have been landed throughout the week, although once again the ever-changing weather conditions proved challenging for some. Fishing from the bank has been better in the early mornings and evenings; the boats continue to catch throughout the day, as the larger numbers of fish feed in the deeper water. The water clarity is still excellent, warming up slowly and at a temperature of 15.2C the conditions are perfect for imitative methods, with the dry fly continuing to work well when the wind is lighter.
Events
We are pleased to announce that Elinor is hosting the bank heats for the 5 Nations Fly Fishing Championship, taking place from Tuesday 13th June (official practice day) with match days on Wednesday 14th and Thursday 15th. some areas of the lake will be pegged for the match and these will be announced nearer the time, boats will not be affected.
Best Fish
7.10lb John Grey-Black Buzzer
6lb Ivor Fisher-White Booby
6lb Martin Ward
6lb Richard Pelly-CDC Emerger
5.7lb Malcom Broughton
5.4lb John Grey-Popper Minky
5.2lb John Grey-Black Buzzer
5lb Darren Oram-Black buzzer
Best Patterns
White/green or black/green lures, white booby, damsels, blue flash damsel, red/black diawl bachs, hare’s ear, olive or black buzzers, black crunchers, dry shipman’s, black crippled midge, black/olive CDCs, hoppers – brown, yellow owls, suspender buzzers, olive hopper, brown hopper, foam daddy and candy or tequila fabs.
Best Areas
Bank - Fish are showing in all areas
Boat - Fish are showing in all areas
Water Temp – 15.2 degrees
Next Stocking Friday 26th May
Elinor Weekly Fishing Report Saturday 29th April – Friday 5th May 2023
171 Anglers caught 449 fish of which 320 fish were returned.
The changeable weather and that notably cold North Easterly wind meant the conditions were once again more challenging for some. Bank anglers had to work hard, what with the sun and incredibly clear water, pushing the fish out to full casting range until the evening rise. Paul Jennings had a cracking day from the bank on Thursday managing 15, catching on CDC emergers. The hatches of small black or dark olive buzzers and hawthorn fly continue, there are also a few daddies starting to show around the banks. The dry fly fishing has been excellent; on the cloudier days there are plenty of fish showing all around the lake, with a floater/washing line being the best way to target them.
Best Fish
8.13lb Ken Nicholls
8.2lb Paul Cannon - Orange Booby
7.8lb Adrian Wilkins
7lb Dave Strudwick - Dry’s
6.12lb John Grey - Yellow owl
6.4lb Richard Clements
6.4lb Jon Bradbury
6.4lb Oliver Mills (Brown)
6.4lb Quin Hollick - Hopper
6.3lb Richard Cutworth - Diawl Bach
5.10lb Richard Ingley
5.7lb Andy Burgess - Black & Red Buzzer
5.4lb Clive Trundle - Corixa
5.3lb Mick Mosley (Brown)
5.2lb Oliver Mills (Brown)
5.2lb Adrian Wilkins
5lb Michael Rump (Brown)
4.4lb Oliver Mills (Brown)
4.4lb Richard Ingley
Best Patterns
White/green or black/green lures, white booby, damsels, blue flash damsel, red/black diawl bachs, hares’ ear, olive or black buzzers, black crunchers, dry shipman’s, black crippled midge, Black/Olive CDCs, hoppers – brown, yellow owls, suspender buzzers, olive hopper, brown hopper, foam daddy and candy or tequila fabs.
Best Areas
Bank - Shallow Bay, Gravel Bar, Boat Bay, Dam, Brookside - Brookside Point - East Arm, Lagoon
Boat - Fish are showing in all areas
Water Temp – 13.5 degrees
Next Stocking – Friday 12th May
If you would like to hire a boat, it is advisable to book in advance to avoid disappointment (no advance booking required for bank fishing). To make a reservation please call the lodge 01832 720786, or email enquires@elinortf.co.uk - payment can be made via BACs or cash on the day
Elinor Weekly Fishing Report Saturday 22nd – Friday 28th April 2023
138 Anglers caught 399 fish, of which 290 fish were returned.
Another cold start to the weekend made the conditions tough for some anglers, but the cold wind didn’t deter Jon Balladon and his son Ethan, who had a productive day on Saturday, 12 to the net using washing line tactics, dial bachs, black buzzers and candy blobs/fabs. Paul Jennings from Stamford caught 9 from the bank on Sunday, targeting those fish feeding around the edges, using size 16 buzzers and emergers; on Wednesday Paul returned and took to the water for the first time, catching an admirable 20, using the same tactics again.
Some good size fish have been netted throughout the week from all areas of the lake. Dries and CDC patterns are working well, along with washing line tactics; fish are also responding to a pulled booby across the surface, a great method, particularly for boat anglers whilst the fish are feeding in the top couple of feet.
The renowned and spectacular Elinor evening rises have begun, with the warmer weather forecast this week, they should be in full swing; Chris Allen certainly enjoyed a great evening’s fishing in the West Arm on Friday, with 11 to the net and one break.
Best Fish
8.13lb Allan Colver - Yellow Owl
7.4Lb Jon Balladon - Black Buzzer
7.4lb Gordon Curtis - White Spot Buzzer
6.12lb Ivor Fisher - Black Buzzer
6lb Jon Balladon - Olive Buzzer
6lb Mark Cutworth - CDC Dry
6lb Tim Coles
5.7lb Noel Ramsey
5.5lb Gee - White Booby
5.5lb Gary Clarke
4.4lb Mr Stand
5.3lb Tony Deane
5lb Mr Turner
4.3lb Brian Coe (Brown)
Best Patterns
White/green or black/green lures, white booby, damsels, blue flash damsel, red/black diawl bachs, hares’ ear, olive or black buzzers, black crunchers, dry shipman’s, black crippled midge, Black/Olive CDCs, hoppers – brown, yellow owls, suspender buzzers, olive hopper, brown hopper, foam daddy and candy or tequila fabs.
Best Areas
Bank - Shallow Bay, Gravel Bar, Boat Bay, Dam, Brookside - Brookside Point - East Arm, Lagoon
Boat - Fish are showing in all areas
Water Temp – 13.5 degrees
Next Stocking – Friday 5th May
If you would like to hire a boat, it is advisable to book in advance to avoid disappointment (no advance booking required for bank fishing). To make a reservation please call the lodge 01832 720786, or email enquires@elinortf.co.uk
Elinor Weekly Fishing Report Saturday 15 th – 21 st April 2023
127 Anglers caught 290 fish of which 243 fish were returned.
There were prolific fly hatches at Elinor on Saturday, which kept the fish feeding near the
surface; on the menu were olive and black buzzers, in a mixture of sizes along with the
Alderfly. Sunday the Alex Booth Fly Fishers held their annual Spring bank match; a tough day
due to the changing wind. There were plenty of fishing of fish showing in the margins,
although they were difficult to tempt! Congratulations to Mike Smith who won the match,
proving they could indeed be caught, using a combination of olive and black foam shipman’s
buzzers.
Due to the ever changing but predominately Easterly wind most of week, the conditions
were challenging. On Monday Ivor Fisher had a lovely 7.2lb in his bag of 5, caught on an
olive buzzer. On Thursday Stephen Illingworth got the measure of the bright sunshine and
strong winds, catching 6 on buzzers 10ft down under an indicator. Those anglers that fished
imitative patterns had the best bags with a floater/washing line or dries being the best
methods. Boat fishing is the most productive, although there have been plenty of fish in
range of bank anglers from the Gravel Bar, Shallow Bay and Lagoon and under the wires -
through to the East Arm. I am sure you will join us in hoping for some settled weather which
maybe promising; the first cuckoo has been heard along with the first sightings of the
Osprey!
Best Patterns
White/green lures, yellow dancer, black/green lures, blue flash damsel, red apps, green
apps, red/black diawl bachs, bloodworms, olive or black buzzers, black crunchers, dry
shipman’s, black crippled midge, foam daddy’s, black olive CDC , yellow owls, black hoppers,
and red hoppers.
Best Fish
7.2lb Ivor Fisher - Olive buzzer
6lb G Mason - Blisworth
6lb Mark Cutworth - CDC Dry
5.3lb Andrius - Northampton
5lb Mr Turner - Bedford
Best Areas
Bank- Shallow Bay, Gravel Bar, boat bay, dam, Brookside - Brookside Point
Boat- Gravel bar, Shallow Bay, Lagoon, Brookside - Brookside Bay
Water Temp – 13.5 degrees
Next Stocking – Friday 28th April
Polite notice - please can all anglers park in the car park unless you have hired a boat. The
sheep are back in the field please close all gates and dogs to be kept on leads – thank you
for your co-operation.
Elinor Weekly Fishing Report Saturday 8th – Friday 14th April 2023
86 Anglers caught 363 fish of which 288 fish were returned.
Great start to the week the on Saturday, Keith Chapman managed 15 on a washing line and
season ticket holder Matt Skinner had 14 on yellow owls and black CDC’s – the boat fishing
picked up as the fish moved out into the deeper water, feeding on the abundance of olive
and black buzzers that are hatching.
On Sunday Elinor held the TEFF bank qualifiers match. We would like to thank Lee Cartmail
for such a well-run match and the 19 competitors, who travelled far and wide to fish the last
round of the small still-water eliminators. The gin clear water, coupled with the switch in
wind direction and general fishing pressure in the match area, made the match hard going.
Anglers had to catch early on and make every fish stick because the afternoon session was
very tough. Floating lines, damsels, top hats, CDC dries, buzzers and worms under a bung
were pretty much order of the day. Congratulations to Dave Franklin for winning the heat
and to the 8 qualifiers. The final score was 32 fish with a rod average of 1.6. Good luck to all
in the final at Chatton 30th April, we have been informed Graham Willis will be taking last
place as Mark Miles can’t now make the final.
Fishing proved difficult for the rest of the week due to the strong winds, although season
ticket holder Clive Trundle had a great day on the bank of Good Fellow Bay on Thursday,
taking 18 and a rainbow of 6.4lb - fishing black and olive buzzers with a orange fab on the
point; and on Friday season ticket holder Jimmy Thompson also had a good day on the bank
of Good Fellow Bay taking 11. We don’t know about you but here at Elinor most certainly
looking forward to a bit of decent weather with the increase in the air temperature this
week!
Best Patterns
White/green lures, yellow dancer, black/green lures, blue flash damsel red apps, green
apps, red/black diawl bach, bloodworms, olive or black buzzers, black crunchers, dry
shipman’s, black crippled midge, foam daddy’s, black olive CDC , yellow owls, black hoppers
and red hoppers.
Best Fish
6.4lb Clive Trundle - Black Buzzer
6lb Ross Lathane - Hitchin
6lb Darren Oram - Diawl Bach
6lb Colin Tilley - Mkt Harborough - Orange fab
5.6lb Jimmy Thomson
5.8lb (Brown) Mr Stroud -Peterborough
5.2lb John Grey Black Buzzer
Best Areas
Bank- Shallow Bay, Gravel Bar, boat bay, dam, Brookside - Brookside Point
Boat- Gravel bar, Shallow Bay, Lagoon, Brookside - Brookside Bay
Water Temp – 13.5 degrees
Next Stocking – Friday 21st April
Please be aware the sheep are back in the field all gates must be closed and dogs to be kept
on leads – thank you for your co-operation.
Elinor Weekly Fishing Report Saturday 1st – Friday 7th April 2023
187 Anglers caught 616 fish of which 464 fish were returned.
The North Easterly wind bought a cooler start to the weekend here at Elinor, but this didn’t slow the buzzer feeding down, fish were being caught from all areas of the lake, with small size 12 -14 buzzers and nymphs working well. The fish have started to move out into the deeper water with some good catches from Brookside Bay right through to the West Arm and Lagoon. Season Ticket holders Andy Burgess and Ivor fisher had a bonanza couple of days on a boat, catching 62 fish between them on olive buzzers/washing line. The lake is really starting to come into form, the buzzer hatches coupled with the warmer air temps suggest the evening rises should start to get going anytime soon.
Best Fish
8.3lb Robert Senior
7.6lb Ivor Fisher, Olive buzzer
7.4lb Alwyn Fuggle
7lb John Grey, Black buzzer
6.1lb Phil Harris, Suspender buzzer
6.7lb Chris Allen , Cormorant
6.3lb Mr Hall Black Buzzer
6.2lb Shane Else
6lb Walter Norton
5.8lb Mr Hall. Black Buzzer
5.8lb Mr Wade. Diawl Bach
5.5lb Andy Burgess
Best Areas
Bank - Shallow Bay, Gravel Bar, Boat Bay, Dam, Brookside - Brookside Point - East Arm
Boat - Fish showing in all areas
Best Patterns
White/green lures, yellow dancer, black/green lures, blue flash damsel, red apps, red /black diawl bachs, bloodworms, olive or black buzzers. black crunchers, dry shipman’s, black crippled midge, black /olive CDC and olive Hoppers
Water Temp – 13 degrees
Next Stocking – Friday 14th April
Elinor Weekly Fishing Report Saturday 25th – Friday 31st March 2023
109 Anglers caught 481 fish of which 351 fish were returned.
Elinor has seen an abundance of buzzer hatches this week, and throughout the day the fish have been feeding on black and olive buzzers. The water clarity is excellent, although this, coupled with the ever changing wind direction has meant some anglers found the conditions tough. Fishing a washing line with small nymphs 12/14s, dries and CDC’s worked well for Darren Oram who had a fantastic day on Sunday catching 19, including a rainbow weighing in at 10lb from the bank of the Gravel Bar. The fish have been feeding at all depths but have mainly been caught at 1- 3ft, with overcast days being more favourable. Andy Burgess and Ivor Fisher had 14 fish to their boat on on Wednesday out over the deeper water in between the boat dock and Brookside Bay.
Please note that on Sunday April 9 Elinor will be hosting a national qualifier for the England bank team - so some areas of the bank will be reserved for the match.
Best Fish
10lb Darren Oram Black & Green Booby
7lb Steve Jacques, Billesden
7lb Andy Burgess, Hares Ear
7lb Jim Nixon
6.8lb James Wallis, Yellow Owl
6.4lb Malcolm Broughton
5.14lb Rich Hall, Earls Barton
5.7lb Andy Burgess, Hares Ear
5.7lb G Curtis, Waterbeach
5lb Ralph Grace (Brown)
5lb Brian Coe
Best Patterns
White/green lures, yellow dancer, black/green lures, blue flash damsel red apps, green apps, red/black diawl bach, bloodworms, olive or black buzzers, black crunchers, dry shipman’s, black crippled midge, foam daddy’s, black olive CDC , yellow owls, black hoppers and red hoppers.
Best Areas
Bank- Shallow Bay, Gravel Bar, boat bay, dam, Brookside - Brookside point
Boat- Gravel bar, Shallow bay, Lagoon ,Brookside - Brookside bay
Water Temp – 10 degrees
Next Stocking – Friday 7th April
Elinor Weekly Fishing Report Saturday 18th – Friday 24th March 2023
89 Anglers caught 231 fish of which 89 fish were returned.
Great conditions on Saturday greeted the Invicta Fly Fishers, who were on their annual trip to Elinor. Mark Searl got off to a cracking start catching 9 before lunch, on buzzers and dial bachs in Goodfellow Bay. Matt Collerson also had 9 at half time, but unfortunately due to his excitement of catching a further 14 and a time change due to the Rugby, missed the final weigh in!
The strong SW winds from Sunday made fishing almost impossible for the rest of the week, however season ticket holders Mike Bownes caught 14 on black buzzers on Monday and Brain Coe managed 7 between the gusts on Wednesday – both from the bank of Brookside Bay. The fish are feeding on buzzers and are still not far from the bank on the overcast days.
Please be aware that on Sunday April 9 Elinor will be hosting a national qualifier for the England Bank team so some areas of the bank will be reserved for the match.
Best Fish
8lb Martin Ward - Green and white lure
8lb Craig Ashcroft
6lb Jordon Spolton (brown) - Damsel
6lb Auriccho
5lb 9oz Andrius Papeika
4lb 8oz Brian Coe
4lb Roy Hosmer
Best Patterns
White/green lures, yellow dancer, black/green lures, pink or black snakes, blue flash damsel, red apps, green apps, red black diawl bachs, bloodworms, and olive or black buzzers, black runchers, dry Shipman’s, black crippled midge, foam daddies and CDC’s.
Best Areas
Bank- Shallow Bay, Gravel bar, boat bay, dam, Brookside - Brookside Point.
Boat- dam, Gravel Bar, Brookside-Brookside Bay.
Water Temp – 8 degrees
Next Stocking – Friday 31st March
Dates for the Diary
Anglian Trust Team England (AT TEFF) fly fishing is holding the last qualifying heat at Elinor on 9/4/23, open to anyone who would like to try and represent England in Stillwater fly fishing – please use link for further details.
https://anglingtrust.net/.../at-teff-bank-national-elinor/
Account Details
Barclays Account name - B P Gifford
Account number – 30497304
Sort code – 20 27 26
Elinor Weekly Fishing Report Saturday 11th – Friday 17th March 2023
109 Anglers caught 481 fish of which 351 fish were returned.
At last Elinor has seen some decent hatches of black and olive buzzers, on those days the cold wind dropped. There have been some decent double figure bags consistently throughout the week; on Saturday season ticket holder Dave Strudwick landed 17 from Brookside using a straight line with buzzers, fellow season ticket holder Lazloe followed suit on Sunday, bagging 17 whilst on his usual stroll of Elinor, and on Friday Matt Collerson caught 23, switching between a straight line and buzzers under the bung. When the mornings have been cooler the fishing has generally picked up in the afternoons and the best method from the bank has been a fab on the point with buzzers or diawl bachs on the dropper. Boat fishing should start to get going shortly, as the fish have been seen moving further out over the deeper water.
Best Fish
8.3lb Mihai, Northampton
8lb Nigel Cheetham
7.5lb Nigel Cheetham
7lb Mr Massey, Black Buzzer
7.6lb Frank Quinn
7lb Mick Mosley
7lb Mike Carpenter
5.9lb Juska Vaidas, Nymph
5.5lb Juska Vaidas, Blue flash damsel
5lb Phil Caress
Best Patterns
White/green lures, black/green lures, pink or black snakes, blue flash damsels, red apps, green apps, red-black diawl bachs, bloodworms, olive or black buzzers, black crunchers, dry shipman’s and crippled midges.
Best Areas
All areas are producing fish
Dates for the Diary
Anglian Trust Team England (AT TEFF) fly fishing is holding the last qualifying heat at Elinor on 09/04/23, open to anyone who would like to try and represent England in Stillwater fly fishing – please use link for further details. https://anglingtrust.net/.../at-teff-bank-national-elinor/. Please call in advance to book a boat and you can either pay cash on the day or make a payment in advance by bank transfer to:
Account Details
Barclays Account name - B P Gifford
Account number – 30497304
Sort code – 20 27 26
Elinor Weekly Fishing Report Saturday 4th – Friday 10th March 2023
73 Anglers caught 370 fish of which 272 fish were returned.
Although it was a cold week it certainly didn’t put the fish off from feeding, and on the calmer days they were rising to small hatching buzzers. Fishing from the bank continues to be the best option, Andrius Papeika caught 27 on Wednesday using a slow intermediate line and blue flash damsel; those who did venture out in a boat also enjoyed some decent sport. There has been a noticeable increase in fish being caught on nymphs alongside the usual early season lures. Fish are high in the water with plenty being taken in the top two feet. On Friday after the snow thawed the brook flooded in at the overflow corner and into brookside - thankfully the colour isn’t too bad and hasn’t spread over the lake, it certainly didn’t hamper the fishing over the weekend!
Best Fish
7lb 7oz Andrius (Brown)
5lb Frank Quinn (Brown)
4lb Marius - Corby Black buzzer
4lb 6oz Mr Clarke Northampton
4lb 7oz Mike Carpenter
4lb 3oz John Davis
Best Areas
Bank – Lagoon, Gravel Bar, Boat Bay, Dam, Brookside - Brookside Bay.
Boat - Dam, Boat Bay, Brookside Bay.
Best Patterns
White/green lures, black/green lures, pink or black snakes, damsels, red apps, red diawl bachs, bloodworms and olive or black buzzers.
Water Temp – 7 degrees
Next Stocking – Friday 10th March
Dates for the Diary
Anglian Trust Team England (AT TEFF) fly fishing is holding the last qualifying heat at Elinor on 09/04/23, open to anyone who would like to try and represent England in Stillwater fly fishing – please use link for further details. https://anglingtrust.net/.../at-teff-bank-national-elinor/. Please call in advance to book a boat and you can either pay cash on the day or make a payment in advance by bank transfer to:
Account Details
Barclays Account name - B P Gifford
Account number – 30497304
Sort code – 20 27 26
Elinor Weekly Fishing Report Saturday 25th February – Friday 3rd March 2023
95 Anglers caught 460 fish of which 337 fish were returned.
A change in the wind direction brought a cold North Easterly blast to Elinor for the majority of the week. The bank anglers continued to do much better than the boat anglers, as the fish maintained their close proximity to the bank; however, this trend was bucked later on in the week when season ticket holder Andy Burgess caught 24 from his boat along the full length of the Brookside bank, using a floating line with buzzers and Montana nymphs. This area has produced the better bags all week, but there have been some nice catches all over the lake. The buzzer hatches are starting, and the fish are noticeably switching on from 11.30am - the spring fishing is looking good.
Best Fish
8lb 12oz Brian Carter
7lb 2oz Mike Bownes Black Booby
6lb 11oz Andrew Lebish Pond Olive
6lb 8oz Kevin Cornwall
6lb 7oz Keith Whithylon
6lb 4oz Quin Hollick Black Shipman’s
6lb 3oz David Smith West Haddon
6lb 3oz Ivor Fisher Black buzzer
6lb 2oz Andy Bayford
6lb Mr Lashcroft
6lb Jude Tuffs Black and Green Lure
5lb 7oz Andy Burgess Montana
5lb 7oz Mr Harris
5lb 4oz John Grey
5lb Paul Lee
4lb 5oz (Brown) Clive Trundle
Best Patterns
White/green lures, black/green lures, pink or black snakes, damsels, red apps, red/black diawl bachs, bloodworms, olive or black buzzers, black crunchers, and shipman’s
Water Temp – 7 degrees
Next Stocking – Friday 10th March
Dates for the Diary
Anglian Trust Team England (AT TEFF) fly fishing is holding the last qualifying heat at Elinor on 09/04/23, open to anyone who would like to try and represent England in Stillwater fly fishing – please use link for further details. https://anglingtrust.net/.../at-teff-bank-national-elinor/. Please call in advance to book a boat and you can either pay cash on the day or make a payment in advance by bank transfer to:
Account Details
Barclays Account name - B P Gifford
Account number – 30497304
Sort code – 20 27 26
Elinor Weekly Fishing Report Saturday 18th – Friday 24th February 2023
156 anglers caught 458 fish of which 336 fish were returned.
Another great start to the week here at Elinor. The fish are staying within 15 yards of the bank and are feeding on the first of the extremely small buzzer hatches. On Saturday GWFF members had a pre-season get together and caught some decent bags from the bank - Mr Archer had 14 on a washing line with red dial bachs and black boobies and Steve Cracknell managed 12. Darren Oram caught 17 on Sunday from Good Fellow Bay, using a mixture of lures and nymphs and mid-week Phil Caress caught 12 on black shipman’s from the bank of Brookside.
Best Fish
7lb 7oz Mr Bourne - Mkt Harborough
6lb 2oz David Harrison - orange blob on a boat East Arm
6lb 2oz Alan Bayford, black buzzer
6lb Mr Sharman
6lb Andrius – Northampton, black and green tadpole
5lb 11oz Jude Tuffs Mkt Harborough
5lb 7oz Jude Tuffs Mkt Harborough
5lb Mr Bourne - Mkt Harborough
4lb 7oz Mr Parsley, Diawl Bach
Best Areas
Bank – Lagoon, Gravel Bar, Boat Bay, Dam, Brookside - Brookside Bay and Pensioners Point.
Boat - Dam, East Arm, Boat Bay, and Brookside Bay.
Best Patterns
White/green lures, black/green lures, pink or black snakes, damsels, blue flash damsel, red apps, red-black diawl bachs, bloodworms, olive or black buzzers or crunchers and dry shipman’s.
Water Temp – 6 degrees
Next Stocking – Friday 3rd March
Dates for the Diary
Anglian Trust Team England (AT TEFF) fly fishing is holding the last qualifying heat at Elinor on 09/04/23, open to anyone who would like to try and represent England in Stillwater fly fishing – please use link for further details. https://anglingtrust.net/.../at-teff-bank-national-elinor/. Please call in advance to book a boat and you can either pay cash on the day or make a payment in advance by bank transfer to:
Account Details
Barclays Account name - B P Gifford
Account number – 30497304
Sort code – 20 27 26
Elinor Weekly Fishing Report Saturday 11th – Friday 17th February 2023
187 Anglers caught 1151 fish of which 893 fish were returned.
Elinor has had a superb start to the 2023 season. On opening day, the mild weather and light winds made way for a cracking day - 47 anglers banked 536 rainbows and browns, along with some incredible overwintered fish. Bart Farmer had an incredible day on Sunday catching 42 on Brookside Point using washing line tactics.
Throughout most of the week catches from the bank have been excellent, although the bright sunshine on Wednesday gave the boats the edge as the fish moved further out in the clear water. After the initial opening day extravaganza, the fish are wising up with nymphs catching as many fish as lures, black buzzers and crunchers are both working. A few fish are rising in the calmer water, but most are at 1-3 foot and 10 yards from the bank.
Best Fish
8lb 7oz Dan Chira - Northampton
7lb 7oz Paul Gillies, Yellow Dancer
7lb 2oz Dave Rowell - Minkie
7lb Darren Oram, Red App
6lb 10oz Jude Tuffs
6lb 9oz Brian Carter
6lb 7oz Geoff B
6lb Frank Quinn (Brown) - please see photograph below
6lb Rob Weaver
6lb Tim Hodgkinson
6lb Royce Hayes - Bourne
6lb Trevor Griggs, Damsel
6lb Peter Andrews
6lb Dave Miles, Black Buzzer
6lb Aaron - Scadwell
6lb Mr Yaris - Corby
5lb 7oz Neil Groves - Oundle
5lb 4oz Mr Burton
5lb Ivor Fisher
5lb Darren Oram, Red Apps
5lb Alan Clover (Brown) - please see photograph below
Best Areas
Bank – Lagoon, Gravel Bar, Boat Bay, Dam, Brookside - Brookside Bay.
Boat - Dam, Boat Bay, Brookside Bay.
Best Patterns
White/green lures, black/green lures, pink or black snakes, damsels, red apps, red diawl bachs, bloodworms and olive or black buzzers.
Water Temp – 6 degrees
Next Stocking – Friday 24th
Dates for the Diary
Anglian Trust Team England (AT TEFF) fly fishing is holding the last qualifying heat at Elinor on 09/04/23, open to anyone who would like to try and represent England in Stillwater fly fishing – please use link for further details. https://anglingtrust.net/.../at-teff-bank-national-elinor/. Please call in advance to book a boat and you can either pay cash on the day or make a payment in advance by bank transfer to:
Account Details
Barclays Account name - B P Gifford
Account number – 30497304
Sort code – 20 27 26
