Elinor Trout Fishery

16/06/2026

Back by popular demand - Improver Sessions at Elinor -

Tickets are now available for Improvers Fly Fishing Session at Elinor Trout Fishery at Elinor Trout Fishery, Kettering on Saturday 27th June 2026. Click the link for further information and to secure your tickets now!

15/06/2026

Elinor Weekly Fishing Report Saturday 6th – Friday 12th June 2026 Weekly Summary

Anglers: 45
Total Fish Caught: 49
Fish Released: 43

We're sure your just as fed up with hearing about how windy it's been as we are writing about it, so we won't! Instead, a brief summary of last week and more focus on the week ahead.

The persistent winds over the past week slowed the damsel hatches and made fishing more challenging than usual.

Sunday's (yesterday) drop in the wind and warmer air temperatures saw plenty of fish moving throughout the lake, with fish in the East Arm, West Arm and across the middle. Plenty of anglers enjoyed success, with damsel hatches appearing all around the lake and fish readily taking the blue adult damsels. With a week of calmer weather forecast, we're looking forward to much better fishing conditions.

Tactics & Advice
Keep your flies in the top foot - The most successful methods have been fishing a floating line with a Damsel B***y or FAB, with Diawl Bachs or Crunchers on the droppers. Dry or wet Hoppers, Daddies, and white or green lures pulled close to the surface have also accounted for plenty of fish.

Catch Report Highlights
Plenty of 2s and 3’s but the standout catches were Darren Oram who managed 6 on Saturday and congratulations to Declan Farrell who had 8 on Friday and bag of the week on blue flash damsels, in the West Arm. P

Flies
Black/Olive Buzzers • Red Holo DB • Crunchers • Muskins • Orange/Tequila • Candy • Coral FAB • Cat B***ys • Cormorant B***y • Pitsford Peas • Black Snake • Olive Snake • Blue Flash Damsel • White & Green Lures • Yellow Owl CDC • Orange Foam Daddy • Brown Foam Daddy • Crippled Midge

Water Temperature: 18°C
Water Clarity: 2 - 3 feet
Next Stocking Friday 19th June

08/06/2026

Fishing Report Saturday 30th May – Friday 5th June 2026

Anglers: 57
Total Fish Caught: 127
Fish Released: 101

After the very warm spell the previous week the lake's surface temperature reached 22°C. The continuous strong winds and cooler weather have thankfully brought the water temperature back down to 17°C, although the persistent winds continue to make fishing conditions challenging.

Friday's stocking went in well and included some lovely blue trout!

The fish are feeding closer to the surface, although proving quite challenging to catch. Good numbers of fish are now showing in the East Arm beneath the wires and around the Course Bank Lagoon.

With cooler weather forecast for the week ahead, anglers can look forward to some improving sport. Bank fishing continues to be most productive during the morning, before the fish move further offshore as the day progresses.

Tactics and Advice
The most successful methods have been fishing a floating line with a Damsel B***y or FAB, with Diawl Bachs or Crunchers on the droppers. Dry or wet Hoppers, Daddies, and white or green lures pulled close to the surface have also accounted for plenty of fish.

Successful Fly Patterns: Black & Olive Buzzers, Red Holo Diawl Bach, Crunchers, Muskins, Orange Tequila, Candy, Coral FAB, Cat Bo***es, Cormorant B***y, Pitsford Pea, Black Snake, Olive Snake, Blue Flash Damsel, White & Green Lures, Yellow Owl CDC, Orange Foam Daddy, Brown Foam Daddy and Crippled Midge.

Notable Catches
Catch returns were low this week due to the difficult weather conditions, but there were still some notable catches.

Tuesday: Adrian enjoyed an excellent session in the West Arm, landing 20 trout.

Friday: Matt Skinner landed 15 trout, including one at 8lb and another at 6lb, fishing with Blue Flash Damsels and Green Crunchers. Adrian also finished his session with 6 trout while Paul Davies caught 4 trout,

Water Temperature: 17 deg

Next Stocking TBC

05/06/2026

Water temp has cooled down nicely, 2 tanks of quality rainbows including some stunning blue Trout freshly stocked. We're looking forward to some continued Spring sport after the hot spell...🐟🦈🐋

01/06/2026

Elinor Weekly Fishing Report Saturday 23 ~ Friday 29 May 2026

Anglers 75
Total Fish Caught:134
Fish Released: 116

A very warm start to the Bank Holiday weekend which saw temperatures exceed 30°C, and continued for the majority of the week, this coupled with near flat-calm conditions fishing were challenging. Those who enjoyed the best sport generally switched to sinking lines and fished lures 8–12ft down and kept on the move as the fish were well spread throughout the lake.

Over the weekend, John Gray finished with 6 fish on a sinking line, while Eddy Lee landed a fine trout weighing 5.8lb. The standout catch of the week came on Wednesday when cooler, cloudier conditions brought improved sport. Adrian Wilkins landed over 20 fish from Overflow Corner using Dry Daddies, Suspender Hare's Ears and Damsel patterns.

Despite the difficult fishing conditions, the Complete Fly Fisher Forum thoroughly enjoyed their annual weekend at Elinor, and we would like to thank them for their continued support. On Saturday they held a memorial competition, in honour of former members, and it was won by Richard Dayne Cartwright with 9 fish caught on a fast-sinking line with blue flash damsels ahead of Nigel (6) and Rob Green (3).

The week ahead looks cooler with some overcast conditions, hopefully bringing with it some continued surface activity and a cooler water temperature.

Tactics & Advice: Conditions are changing constantly depending on the weather, stay flexible and adapt your approach on the day.

Successful Flies: Black/Olive Buzzers, Red Holo DBs, Crunchers, Muskins, Orange/Tequila, Candy, Coral FABs, Cat Bo***es, Cormorant Bo***es, Pitsford Peas, Black & Olive Snakes, Blue Flash Damsels, White & Green Lures, Yellow Owl CDCs, Orange & Brown Foam Daddies, and Crippled Midges.

Conditions/Stocking
Visibility 2ft
Water Temp 20 deg
Stocking Friday 5 June

25/05/2026

Elinor Weekly Fishing Report Saturday 16th – Friday 22nd May 2026

Anglers: 95
Total Fish Caught: 155
Fish Released: 116

The weekend saw a shift in wind direction from the cooler north/north-easterly to a warmer south/south-westerly, and the fishing really picked up with some good bags being caught. Strong winds then dominated much of the rest of the week, making for extremely challenging conditions.

Fish that had been concentrated around the lodge and boat dock areas have now spread out more evenly, moving into the east and west arms, particularly around the wires.

Catch Report Highlights
Saturday ~ Both Josh Ashton and Adrian Wilkins landed 9 fish each, with one of Adrian’s weighing in at 7lbs. Sean Marriot had 7 and both James Coulson and John Parker had 5. John fished the am and James the pm.
Sunday ~ John Gray, Darren Oram and Lazloe Boden all had 6 in their morning sessions, Lazlo caught fish of the week weighing 7.5lbs.
Mon, Tues, Weds ~ no notable catches due to the high winds
Thurs ~ Clive Trundle had 7
Fri ~ plenty of smaller bags were caught

Tactics and advice
Fishing has been more productive during the early mornings and later in the evenings. On the cooler, overcast days, fish have been feeding high in the water and are being caught on dries or with washing line tactics fished just under the surface.

In brighter conditions, anglers are finding success using long-line buzzer tactics or fishing a fast intermediate/DI3 line with Blue Flash Damsels, black and green, or white and green lures. In these brighter spells, most fish are being taken at depths of around 7–10 feet.

Successful Flies: Black & Olive Buzzers, Red Holo DB, Crunchers, Muskins, Orange/Tequila, Candy, Coral Fab, Cat Bo***es, Cormorant B***y, Pitsford Peas, Black Snake / Olive Snake, Blue Flash Damsel, White & Green Lures, Yellow Owl CDC, Orange Foam Daddies, Brown Foam Daddies, Crippled Midge.

Water Conditions
Water Temperature: 19°C
Clarity: Approximately 2 feet

Stocking
Last Stocked ~ Friday 22 May
Next stocking scheduled for ~ Friday 5th June

18/05/2026

Elinor Weekly Fishing Report Saturday 9th May – Friday 15th May 2026

Anglers: 76
Total Fish Caught: 367
Fish Released: 290

A cracking week for most here at Elinor despite the weather. Conditions were extremely unsettled throughout the week, with cold northerly and north-easterly winds creating difficult and blustery conditions at times on the lake. Despite this, the fish continued to feed well, with most catches coming from the Boat Dock down to the Dam.

Catch Report Highlights
Sat~ Well done to Keith Chapman and Guy Forsythe who both had 23 fish from their boats. Keith was fishing a washing line with Crunchers and Buzzers. Jo Gresty had 20 from his boat on a half-day PM session and Sean Roe had 8 from the bank in his half-day AM session.
Sun~ John Gray had 7 including a Brownie, Mark Cuthbert had 7, Darren Oram had 6 including an 8lb Rainbow Malcolm Thompson landed a lovely 5.5lb Rainbow and congratulations to Seumas Halliday from the Fly Dressers Guild for winning their bank match and to John Mills who caught a nice 8lb trout.
Mon~ Matt Collerson had 10 from the bank in his afternoon session fishing Fabs and DBs on the washing line. Mike Carpenter, John Brown and Paul Jones all had 5.
Tues~ Mike Bownes had 9 from the bank including a 6lb fish.
Wed~ Alan Colver had 5 including a Brown Trout.
Thurs~ Lazlo Boden had 20 from his boat on a washing line with Buzzers. Ive Fisher had 10 in his morning session, Clive Trundle had 13 and both Matt Hurren and Dave Miles had 5.
Fri~Lazlo Boden followed up with another 15 on the same setup as Thursday. Dave Arnold and Andy Bray both had 9, Mike Carpenter and Clive Doutre had 10 from their boat and both Paul Schofield and Adrian had 7.

Tactics and advice
Keeping flies within the top 3 feet of water has been the key to success, particularly using: Washing line tactics with Size 12–14 buzzers or Crunchers. Or small lures fished with a slow figure of 8 retrieve

There have also finally been a few fish taking dries, so anglers should try: small Sugar Cube Hare’s Ears Yellow Owl CDCs Foam Daddys Crippled Midges and hopper. Conditions changed daily throughout the week, so staying flexible and adapting tactics was essential.

Recommended Flies
Black/Olive Buzzers • Red Holo DB • Crunchers • Muskins • Orange/Tequila Candy • Coral Fab • Cat B***ys • Cormorant B***y • Pitsford Peas • Black Snake / Olive Snake • Blue Flash Damsel • White & Green Lures • Yellow Owl CDC • Foam Daddys • Crippled Midge

Water Temperature: 16°C
Water Clarity: 2 feet
Next Stocking - Friday 22nd May

11/05/2026

Weekly Fishing Report; Saturday 2nd~Friday 8th May 2026
Anglers: 122
Total Fish Caught: 358
Fish Released: 271

A good week at Elinor with the more overcast conditions improving the sport overall. Bank fishing picked up as fish moved within range and was most productive in the morning and again late in the evening. Washing line tactics proved especially effective, along with black & green and white & green lure patterns, and snakes.

Boat fishing continues to produce excellent results, with the majority of fish feeding in open water. Buzzers, crunchers, long-lined setups, and washing line tactics have all been the top methods.

Damsel hatches have now started. A size 10 or 12 unweighted olive pattern is working well to imitate nymphs swimming toward the shoreline to hatch. From around midday, Mayflies have also begun appearing. Large Hare’s Ear patterns or Brown Foam Daddies have been particularly successful imitations. Evening rises are now becoming more consistent on warmer nights, especially during small olive buzzer hatches.

Catch Report Highlights

Saturday saw some consistent sport, with Lazlo leading the way with 7 fish, closely followed by Martin Clay on 6 and Rob Armitage with 5, all fishing a slow intermediate with Crunchers, Buzzers and FABs.

Sunday brought more steady catches, with John Parker enjoying a return of 5 fish, while Marc Culeen also landed 5, including a lovely brownie.

Monday produced plenty of action during the half-day sessions, with Sam Bingley, Danny S, David Slessor and Brian Coe all recording 6 fish each. James Coulson and Les Lerigo both finished on 5, while Luke Key landed 3 fish, one of them a cracking 7.2lb rainbow.

Tuesday delivered perfect conditions and some excellent catches. Both Chris Selby and Trevor Maycock enjoyed standout morning sessions from the bank of the Dam, with Chris recording 20 fish, including a brown trout and a superb 7.5lb rainbow and Trevor taking 15 fish, including one weighing 8.7lb, with both anglers finding success on Pitsford Peas and Black & Green Snakes. Mr Heywood caught 5 fish, including an 8lb rainbow, while congratulations go to Sue Strickland, who recently took up fly fishing and caught her very first trout on a Pheasant Tail Nymph

Wednesday saw Adrian land 11 fish, including the fish of the week at an impressive 9.5lb.

Thursday continued the good sport, with Chris Selby adding another 16 fish from the dam. Mike Bownes caught 8 from the bank using Diawl Bachs, while Andy Burgess and Ive Fisher enjoyed 13 fish to their boat during the morning session, including a lovely brown trout. Ian Benbow also had 6 fish, including a brown trout ~ all on half day sessions.

Friday rounded off the week with David Judge finishing on 9 fish, along with 2 bream and 2 perch.

Recommended Flies
Black/Olive Buzzers • Red Holo DB • Crunchers • Muskins B • Orange/Tequila • Candy • Coral FABs • Pitsford Peas • Black Snake / Olive Snake • Blue Flash Damsel • White & Green Lures • Black/Yellow Owl CDC • Foam Daddies • Shipman’s Buzzer

Stocking/Conditions
Water Temperature: 16 deg
Water Clarity: 2 feet
Stocking Friday 22nd May

04/05/2026

Elinor Weekly Fishing Report ~Saturday 25th~ April - Friday 1st May 2026

Anglers: 153
Total Fish Caught: 245
Fish Released: 183

Our favourite time of year here at Elinor Trout Fishery; Spring is well underway, with the sound of the cuckoo echoing across the lake and daily visits from an osprey adding to the atmosphere. Bigger fish are now starting to show in the catch returns, always a welcome sight. Boat anglers continue to see the most productive sport, with fish feeding out in open water. Bright conditions have made things a little tougher from the bank, but early mornings are producing the best results ~ waders recommended. A lovely time to be on the water, with plenty more to come as the season builds!

Please note, effective from Tuesday, we have decided to increase our half-day catch and release fee to £18, to more accurately reflect the exceptional value this represents.

Catch Report Highlights
Saturday: Darren Oram led the way with 9 fish, including fish of the week a stonking 10lb rainbow, with Rob Thorold taking 6 and Gee also landing 6 on a half-day session.
Sunday: Doug Isles landed 12 fish from the boat, while John Gray had 3 fish including a 5.6lb, a 4.1lb, and a 3.4lb brown trout, and Gerald Barry recorded a 5.4lb rainbow.
Monday: Justin Gardner caught 6 fish, and Ive Fisher landed a 5lb trout.
Tuesday: Adrian had a standout day with 13 fish from the boat, with Jeff Cox taking 6.
Wednesday: Tony Cefai landed a 7.5lb trout.
Thursday: Pip Weatherington caught an 8lb fish, Andrius landed 6 fish including one at 6.4lb, Mark Angus caught a 5.5lb and Dave Miles caught 5 during a productive morning session.
Friday: Mr Arnold landed a 6.2lb fish, Mr Tebbett caught a 3.2lb brown trout, Gerald Barry took 7 fish, Adrian added 5, and Josh Ashton recorded a personal best of 6.4lb.

Tactics & Advice: Conditions are changing daily, so adaptability is key. In the early morning, fish lures at 2–4 ft depth before the buzzer hatches begins. As the day progresses, switch to washing tactics using buzzers, Diawl Bachs, and Crunchers.

Effective Flies
Buzzers & Nymphs - Black/Olive Buzzers, Red Holo Diawl Bach, Crunchers, Muskins,
Lures & Attractors - Pitsford Peas, Orange/Tequila FABs Blue Flash Damsel Cat’s Whisker
Dries - Black/Yellow Owl CDC, Shipmans buzzer crippled midge

Conditions and Stocking
Water Temperature: 14°C
Water Clarity: 2ft~3ft
Stocking: Friday 8th May