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Drayton Reservoir

Drayton is almost completely surrounded by a wooden walkway leading to jetty-style pegs. It covers 25 acres and supplies water to the local Grand Union Canal.

Fishing at Drayton Reservoir

Drayton was originally stocked in the early 1990s with a large number of small carp, averaging only a few ounces in weight. For several years it was the most prolific match fishery in the UK. These fish have now grown on and average 14 to 18lb in weight, with many weighing in at over 20lb. The lake record to date is 35lb.

There are four main fishing areas. The Dam wall, the Straight, the Point and the Boards.

There are 28 pegs along the dam wall 63-36A from Entrance Gate down to the exit gate. The left-hand side of the lake is called the straight, which leads to the point which has the following pegs, the oaks 86-88, the willows 89-90, the point 93-94, aqua 98-99 and sticks 102-105.

Day fishing is only permitted on the Dam wall.

The point is bookable for night fishing only.

The pegs known as The Boards are pegs 1b to 36 on the sailing club side of the lake, these are bookable night pegs only.

There are portable toilets on site.

Fishery rules

Please always check with the fishery bailiff for any changes or updates to the fishery rules.

The reservoir is in a residential area, so please be respectful and considerate to those who live nearby.

Drayton is a shared water with the sailing club. Together we work very hard to keep everyone safe when sailing is taking place, generally on a Sunday. Pegs 36a and 36b on the dam wall are closed during sailing hours. Please be aware when casting out during these times and treat the sailors with respect.

Drayton Reservoir fishery rules

Fish stocks

Carp - Many PB's are smashed at Drayton. Most modern carp fishing techniques will produce results, with the best sport to be had in the afternoons and evenings.

Roach and perch are plentiful, but these are rarely fished for.

Pike - there's also excellent pike fishing in winter, with a venue record of 28lb. Pike fishing is only permitted between 1st October and 31st March.

Angler with pike at Drayton Reservoir

Prices and opening times

The fishery is open 24 hours.

Day permit Monday to Friday from 7.30am gates open.

Day permit Saturday and Sunday from 7.00am gates open.

Check with baliff on the day for closing hours.

Night permit (midday to 11am). Must be booked in advance by texting 07889 532563.

  • Adult (two rods) £12
  • Concession* (two rods) £10
  • Evening (adult or concession, two rods) £10
  • Night (two rods) £25

*Concessionary permits are available to anglers who are in possession of a concessionary rod licence.

Limited numbers of day permits are available on the dam wall. Day permits are issued on the bank by the fishery bailiff.

Address and contact details

Off the A361
Daventry
Northamptonshire
NN11 0SG

On the northern edge of Daventry, you can reach here from the M1 from the north or south and from the A45 from the east or west.

What3words map (///bits.doubt.stack)

Call: 07889 532563 for general information
Text: 07889 532563 for night bookings

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DraytonUpdate/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@draytonangie

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Last Edited: 07 November 2023

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