A big water with a big reputation

Drayton Reservoir… oh Drayton! To many people, this could be described as the Wembley of places to go fishing (not in a facilities kind of way). Walking round the boards on the way to your peg must feel like emerging from the tunnel ready for an FA Cup final or England international match. The reservoir is packed with fish, not just and kind of fish, it is packed with lumps! There aren’t many places where you could get bored of catching double figure carp, but this is potentially one of them!

Over the years, Drayton has changed as a fishing venue. The reservoir used to be a big match venue, with some big weights coming out. However, the carp have now grown to such a size that it’s predominanly a specimen water. As with many other venues, adding an unhooking mat rule kills off the match anglers! This is a runs water, you should catch plenty of fish, that may or may not tickle your fancy.

If you are planning a visit then there are a few things to bear in mind. Make sure you take strong enough tackle, you will be catching some big fish and there will be no better way to spoil the day than to keep loosing them! The pegs around the venue are located on wooden platforms, this can potentially cause a few issues as it is not possible to get bank sticks into the ground. Also, make sure you hold onto your tackle.. everyone knows someone who has lost a rod or a pole at Drayton!

Main Species at Drayton Reservoir

  • Carp
    Carp
  • Perch
    Perch
  • Pike
    Pike
  • Roach
    Roach
  • Tench
    Tench

Top Methods

Most carp techniques will perform and result in some rod bending action. Take plenty of bait, these fish are hungry and will clear the bait out of your swim before you know it!

Best Pegs

The deepest water which goes to around 30ft can be found along the dam wall. The venue then levels out to around 3ft deep at the far end, with around 7ft being an average depth around the sides.

Drayton Reservoir along the dam wall

Rules and Restrictions

  • Unhooking mats must be used
  • Barbless hooks
  • Mono mainline must be used
  • No standing with fish
  • No nuts
  • No dogs

Day Tickets, Membership and Prices

Tickets are available on the bank from the bailiff.

Adults day tickets: £12 – up to two rods
Concessionary day tickets: £8 – up to two rods

Night ticket: £25 – These must be booked in advance and a 50% deposit is required. The only pegs for night fishing which don’t need to be booked in advance are numbers 63-79, these are available on a first come, first served basis.

Find out more information

Telephone: 07889532563

Address: Ashby Road, Drayton, Northamptonshire, NN11 0SG.

Directions

Drayton Reservoir is located on the north side of Daventry. From the north or south leave the M1 at junction 19 and then follow the signs to Drayton. Head along the A45 if you are travelling from the east or west.

The car park is along the back of the dam wall. Make sure you drive in the correct entrance, the car park is a one way road.

Sat Nav Postcode: NN11 0SG

Drayton Reservoir Location Map

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