Fly Fishing Draycote Water
Draycote water is located in the village of Dunchurch on the outskirts of Rugby, It offers a country park with walking, cycling, play area for the family, sailing and Fly Fishing.It also has a cafe area with a veranda for seating, with views overlooking the water. It is a truly modern , diverse and sensational venue to visit. Draycote Water is about 600 acre water with a hard surface road that circumvents the water, this can be used by bank anglers. It has a walkway around the lake that is just as busy with families , cyclists and keep fit enthusiasts. The car park is hard surfaced and has adequate parking to fulfill the needs of all visitors. Anglers can obtain a parking permit for the shop that must be displayed on the windscreen of your vehicle Facilities & ratings.
The bank has plenty of areas to make your visit interesting , the boat angler also finds plenty of areas to enjoy.
Draycote water has become a popular venue for match angling and there are regular matches, but it also has a popular following with the average fly fishing enthusiast as it offers some of the best fishing in england. It is run by Ifor Jones who also manages Eyebrook and Thornton Fisheries all are well known and worth a visit.
Draycote water fishery also offers an annual membership scheme, please see their site that allows you to visit the fishery. There is a guiding service available via the office and the staff are very professional and helpful to the visitor.
Car Parking 8/10
The place has ample hard-surfaced space to park your cars not far from the office and cafe. Ample space to fulfill the needs of all visitors and has recently had a second car park added adjacent to first one.Note, you must get a display parking ticket from the office and display this on the vehicle.
Disabled Access 9/10
The water has a wheelie boat that was acquired a few years ago .
Toilets and Hot Food 8/10
The toilet’s are located next to the office and have a separate entrance , they are clean and well maintained. There are separate toilets for both men and women . The cafe offers hot food and drinks ..
Shop 7/10
There is a good sized shop at the main office with a good supply of flies, fly tying materials and other equipment for sale.
Life Jacket 9/10
These are provided by the fishery and must be worn at all times. The life jackets are provided when boat fishing and are available at the main office, post covid they are left outside the office and sanitized daily..
Wading 8/10
There is access to many bank areas for wading , but beware some of the areas have clay and these can hold or grip your shoes and make life difficult.
Views 7/10
Are very good, rolling farms around Dunchurch and the fishery has well maintained banks with foliage to support the natural insect life that Draycote is famous for..
Fly Fishing 8/10
Draycote offers a full range to Fly Anglers and its Buzzer hatches are well known throughout the year, causing a feeding frenzy for the trout. It also has a species of shrimp not the same as the one at Grafham that has appeared over time that again helps the trout to pack some weight and muscle. There are too many areas to discuss but most areas hold fish , the North shore, Lincroft Point, Cornfields, Dunns bay, Biggin, Toft Shallows, Farnborough dam, Hensbrough, Rainbow corner and tower bank just some of them.
The boats are all petrol motor engined and the fleet is entirely goulam boats.
It is without question one of the best fisheries in England and has plenty of places for the new entrant or recreational fly angler.
My overall rating 9/10
A must visit for any Fly Angler, the trip is well worth it and catching the hard fighting trout of this water is an experience to savour. Especially during the early season buzzer hatches and the late season fry feeding season. The fishery is stocked regularly so the angler can expect to have a day to remember. I have fished this many times and it is definitely one of my favourites as it offers all you want from a fishery.
Location/Post Code/contact details
The Fishing Lodge, Draycote Water, Nr Dunchurch, Rugby, Warwickshire CV23 8AB Tel: 01788 812018
