Ravensthorpe Reservoir, Northampton – 18 May 2003

The forecast said heavy showers and high winds in the afternoon, but we still went. The odds of the weather gurus getting it right are slim at the best of times.

Ravensthorpe was built in Victorian times and is England’s oldest stillwater fishery. It is 100 acres set in pretty rolling countryside and fairly sheltered. There is bank fishing and a fleet of 15 motorboats. The fishery also allows float tubes and has some for hire, I believe. The stock size goes from 1kg to 7kg and around 30,000 fish are stocked annually. A day ticket with a two fish limit and a motor boat set us back £27.00 each. (Note: There is a special deal when both boat anglers fish catch and release only of £21 each)

About 20 members of the WEFF (West End Fly Fishers) were fishing bank, boat and even float tube. We were joined by a couple of first time fly fishers being coached by Hughie. Hambo opted for a two fish limit with the option of catch and release after. At day's end several had caught fish. Someone had a another full-tailed fighter over 2.25kg (5lbs), Mark had taken a hefty 4.05kg (9lb) rainbow from one of the float tubes and some other good sized fish were taken.

Ravensthorpe is a pretty place to fish and has abundant fly life from what I could see. The weather was not good on the day, but I think it would be a great dry fly water in quieter conditions.