Elinor Trout Fishery

14/09/2026

Elinor Weekly Fishing Report Weekending Friday 11 September 26
It has been a slow week, as expected, while we wait for the water temperature to come down. A double stocking went in on Friday, and those anglers who did catch found the fish higher in the water. Washing-line tactics, using Diawl Bachs, Crunchers and small dries, have been producing some fish. At the moment, it’s very much a game of patience. We are open if you want to get out of the house, enjoy the mild weather and have a relaxing day on the water.

Please note that our next report will be issued once the fishing has picked up. Historically, this tends to be towards the end of September or the beginning of October.

Dates for the Diary

Beginners Day Mid Northants Trout Fishers Association Sat 24 October for more info and booking please use the link https://www.ticketsource.com/mntf/t-ejqmajk

Fur & Feather - Sunday 15th November prices to be announced shortly.

Pike Fishing - Our Pike season runs from 16th November to 31st December. We will be offering 6 boats per day, with the exception of the weekend of 5th & 6th December. Prices will be announced shortly.

Introducing the Elinor Codgers
We’re pleased to announce the formation of Elinor Codgers, a free-to-join fly-fishing club for senior anglers. The club is intended to bring together anglers with similar interests, providing an opportunity to: meet and form friendships with fellow anglers, share experiences and fishing stories, exchange tips and tactics, learn from one another, improve your fishing and generally enjoy some good company at Elinor.
All abilities are welcome, from complete beginners through to experienced anglers, so there will be plenty of opportunities to learn, share knowledge and enjoy your fishing. We plan to meet on the first Wednesday of each month, in accordance with the fishery calendar. Normal fishery rules and ticket arrangements will apply; however, Codger club members will be able to fish on a six-hour ticket from 9:30am to 3:30pm. Our First Meeting Wednesday 7th October. If you would like to join the Elinor Codgers, please contact: John Parker 📞 07879 581677. John will also be setting up a WhatsApp group so members can keep in touch, share information and arrange future fishing days.

Tickets are now available for Bank Fly Fishing Course at Elinor Trout Fishery with MNTFA at Elinor Trout Fishery, Kettering on Sat 24 Oct 2026 at 9:00AM. Click the link for further information and to secure your tickets now!

11/09/2026

A slow week at Elinor as is usual for the start of September...2 tanks of quality rainbows stocked today, water temp is slowly coming down as the nights draw in. We're looking forward to some decent sport as the month progresses....🎣

02/09/2026

Dear Anglers,
We hope you’ve all had a fantastic summer and enjoyed the glorious weather. We’re delighted to be welcoming you back to Elinor this Friday 4th September, as we look ahead to what we hope will be a fantastic Autumn/Winter fishing season, without any flooding following the implementation of our flood mitigation measures!

Conditions
The current water temperature is 19°C, with visibility of around 2.5–3 feet on the calmer days. As the water temperature begins to fall over the coming weeks, the fishing will start to improve, with things generally getting into full swing again by October.

Following the hot summer, water levels are currently low, so we recommend using a boat where possible, please take extra care when entering and exiting the boats as there is a drop from the boat platform. If you’re fishing from the bank, waders are recommended.
Stocking will take place this Thursday and will be every week thereafter.

Tactics for the Coming Weeks
The tried-and-tested Elinor tactics should continue to produce, including:
Washing line with nymphs, with either a FAB or Foam Daddy on the point. Unweighted white & green lures and black & green lures. As always, fish to the conditions and let the day dictate your approach.

Dates for the Diary
Fur & Feather - Sunday 15th November prices to be announced shortly.

Pike Fishing - Our Pike season runs from 16th November to 31st December. We will be offering 6 boats per day, with the exception of the weekend of 5th & 6th December. Prices will be announced shortly.

Introducing the Elinor Codgers (working title, not my idea!) First meeting Wednesday 7th October. We’re pleased to announce Elinor Codgers, a free-to-join fly-fishing club for senior anglers of all abilities. The club is a great opportunity to meet fellow anglers, make new friends, share fishing stories, tips and tactics, and enjoy good company at Elinor. They plan to meet on the first Wednesday of each month, in line with the fishery calendar. Normal fishery rules apply, but Codger members can enjoy a six-hour ticket from 9:30am–3:30pm. To join, please contact John Parker on 07879 581677. John will also set up a WhatsApp group to keep members connected and help arrange future fishing days.

Tight lines, and here’s hoping we have a fantastic season ahead! 🎣

Best wishes,
Jo and Brad

05/08/2026

Dear Season Ticket Holders and Customers

We hope you're all enjoying the summer and are looking forward to getting back out on the water.

Firstly, we'd like to let everyone know that Elinor will now reopen on Friday, 4th September, rather than the Tuesday 1st opening we previously announced. We appreciate this is a slight change of plan and apologise for any inconvenience.

The reason for the delay is some positive news. We have recently been given permission by the Environment Agency to begin what we hope will be the first stage of our long-term flood mitigation programme over the Bank Holiday weekend. This gives us a valuable opportunity to carry out some important preparatory work while conditions are suitable, helping us protect the fishery for the future.

Many of you will know just how challenging the flooding has been in recent years. After many months of discussions with the Environment Agency, it is encouraging to finally be taking this first step. Although we have not yet received permission to carry out strategic bank reinforcement works, we are continuing to work closely with the Environment Agency and hope to submit the necessary applications so these improvements can begin next year. As much of Elinor lies within a flood plain, these works require more detailed environmental permits and approvals. Unfortunately, there simply wasn't enough time for these to be granted before the wetter autumn and winter months arrive.

Protecting Elinor from future flooding is one of our highest priorities, and we are committed to investing in measures that will help safeguard the fishery for many years to come.

We hope that proceeds from the Fur & Feather Raffle will help fund these essential flood protection works. Every ticket purchased will contribute directly towards improving the fishery and helping to secure its future for everyone who enjoys fishing here.

Thank you for your patience, understanding and continued support. We know many of you have fished at Elinor for years, and your loyalty means a great deal to us.

We look forward to welcoming you back on Friday, 4th September, and we hope you'll enjoy another fantastic season at Elinor.

With best wishes,

Brad & Jo

06/07/2026

Important Fishery Update

Dear Customers and Season Ticket Holders,

Due to the forecast of very hot weather over the coming week, we have made the difficult decision to close the fishery from Wednesday 8 July pm.

As water temperatures rise, oxygen levels decrease, which can place significant stress on the fish. The welfare of our fish is always our highest priority, and we feel it is the responsible decision to close the fishery rather than risk unnecessary harm during this period of extreme temperatures.

The fishery was due to close for the season on 31st July in any case, so we have decided to bring this closure forward in the interests of fish welfare.

Should water temperatures fall significantly and conditions improve, we will, of course, reopen the fishery before 31st July. However, based on the current forecast, we do not foresee this happening.

We appreciate that this may be disappointing, but we're sure you'll understand that protecting the health of our stock must come first.

Thank you for your understanding, your continued support. We look forward to welcoming you back in September and hope you enjoy your summer.

Elinor Trout Fishery.

29/06/2026

Elinor Weekly Fishing Report Saturday 20th June – Friday 26th June 2026

Anglers: 36
Total Fish Caught: 68
Fish Released: 47

Despite the hot conditions over the weekend, there were still some excellent catches. Darren Oram enjoyed a superb Saturday morning with 15 fish, while Mitch followed up on Sunday with 13 fish. Chris Turner also had a productive half-day session, landing 7 fish. There were several quality fish caught around the 4lb mark. Due to the very hot conditions the rest of the week was very quiet.

Tactics & Advice
In the bright sunnier conditions fish are holding between 7 and 10 feet, try fishing a Fast Intermediate or DI3 line with lures and bo***es.

When fish are feeding higher in the water, keep your flies within the top foot of the surface. The most successful method this week has been a floating line with a Damsel B***y or FAB on the point and Diawl Bachs or Crunchers on the droppers. Dry or wet Hoppers, Foam Daddies, and white or green lures fished close to the surface have also accounted for plenty of fish.

Productive Flies
Black/Olive Buzzers • Red Holo Diawl Bach • 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 Daddy • Brown Foam Daddy • Crippled Midge

Fish Care Reminder As always, but especially during the warmer weather, please take extra care when returning fish to the water. In accordance with Elinor's fishery rules, anglers should keep fish in the landing net and avoid removing them from the water while unhooking. Using barbless hooks makes the process quicker and easier, helping to minimise stress on the fish and ensuring they are returned in the best possible condition.

As is normal for this time of year, the warmer weather has raised the water temperature, and the fishing has begun to slow down. We'll now be publishing reports only when there's something noteworthy to share, rather than every week.

Please note that Elinor will close at 2:00 pm on Friday 31st July and reopen on Tuesday 1st September. Should water temperatures rise significantly before 31st July and we need to close earlier than planned, we will announce this via our newsletter, website and social media channels.

Conditions
Water Surface Temperature: 25°C
Water Clarity: Approximately 3 feet

22/06/2026

Elinor Weekly Fishing Report Saturday 13 June – Friday 19 June 2026
Anglers: 72
Total Fish Caught: 119
Fish Released: 79

A good start to the week with the wind easing on Sunday bringing more settled overcast weather. These conditions favoured dry flies and washing-line tactics fished on or near the surface.

The key was to keep flies high in the water when cloud cover persists. There has been plenty of activity around the w**d beds, with trout actively targeting emerging adult damsels and shoals of pin fry.

Bank fishing continues to be most productive during the morning, before slowing through the middle of the day and then picking up again during the final couple of hours of light.

At this time of year, we would recommend fishing from a boat, as the fish tend to push out into deeper water. For those fishing from the bank, wearing waders is advisable as it can help reach the fish in the deeper water.

Fish Care Reminder
As always, but especially during the warmer weather, please take extra care when returning fish to the water. As per Elinor’s rules anglers are to keep fish in the landing net and avoid removing them from the water while unhooking. Using barbless hooks makes the process quicker and easier, helping to minimise stress on the fish.

Notable Catches
Saturday – Darren Oram had 7 in his morning session and Ian Saunderson had a nice 4lb rainbow,
Sunday both Rob Armitage and Adrian had 5 and Laurance Barry had a nice 5.5l.b
Monday – Laurence Ferney had 6 including a nice 4lb i wading off the dam and MIke Bownes had 4 both on a morning session
Tuesday – Tom Bailey had 5 in his afternoon session on dries from the bank of the East Arm, Robert Senior had 4 including a 4.4lb and Gene Robinson also had 4.
Wednesday Chris Allen had 5 including a good 5.5lb in his morning session
Thursday Clive Trundle had a quality 4.8lb trout.

Tactics & Advice

With temperatures on the rise, we expect the fish to move further down in the water column and will probably be holding between 7 and 10 feet deep. If conditions remain bright and warm, try fishing a fast Intermediate or DI3 line with lures and bo***es.

When fish are feeding higher in the water, keep your flies in the top foot. The most successful methods this week have been fishing a floating line with a Damsel B***y or FAB on the point and 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.

Productive 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: 20°C
Water Clarity: 3 ft
Last stocked Friday 19.06.26

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