Northamptonshire fishery extends season by another three weeks as fish continue to take dry flies and damsel nymphs
Eyebrook anglers are still taking fish off the top at the end of October.
Eyebrook, the fishery on the Rutland/Northamptonshire border, has extended its season by another three weeks.
Instead of shutting its doors on October 31, it will now close on November 20.
As of the end of October, water temperatures at Eyebrook were still between 12 and 13°C and fish were still being taken on dry flies – with Foam Daddies, CdCs, and Suspender Hare’s Ears featuring in the returns – and the weekly rod average was 2.4 fish per rod.
Ifor Jones, who manages the fishing at Eyebrook pointed to two factors that had influenced the decision, both relating to the mild weather, which has endured throughout October.
He told FF&FT: “The Eyebrook SSSI status relates to overwintering fowl. Bird counts indicate that the milder weather migration into the UK is occurring later. To ensure we minimise any disturbance we will be operating a reduced boat fleet & limiting bank angling away from the areas that overwintering fowl graze. By closing on the November 20 anglers will be away from the water by the time the main migration occurs.”
Also taking fish were Corixa and fry patterns, and a washing line was proving to be a telling technique, with intermediates and Di-3 lines also working.
The Eyebrook November boat-fleet will be limited to only ten boats plus one wheelyboat and bank anglers will be limited to the Dam Wall, Harrison’s Corner, and the netted bank down to Robbo’s Cabin.