Okay chaps .. new to this forum .. I mostly hang out on Surftalk (US based, primarily salter forum).

I've been across the pond for almost 18 years now and have kinda lost touch with fishing in the UK. I'd love it if anyone could give me some advice for when I'm over in April.

First I'm getting one day's fishing because at other times I'll have kids in tow (the exact day will be Weds, April 20th). Second I'm planning on going with an old coarse buddy of mine and will be teaching him the basics of FF. He lives in Woodstock, Oxon so we will be starting out from there. I think probably the best option is to find a decently stocked reservoir not more than 1.5hrs away from Woodstock and one that will rent boats. Some advice from the few UK'ers that frequent Surftalk suggested Draycote, but I'm open to other suggestions.

Below are a list of Q's .. if you can answer one or more of those then please "quote" each individual one with an answer and other suggestions/advice are welcome (but hopefully it won't go all over the map!). So here goes:

1) Is Draycote still open? .. I heard it was closed in 2010, but can't find if its actually opened back up

2) If Draycote is an option, where is the official website? .. seems a tough find!

3) In addition to the fishery day ticket, will I need a license from the local river authority?

4) Never still water fished before (its either been surf or boat for stripers/blues or creeks of NY for steelhead) .. what will I need to invest in? (I have 5wt and 6wt rods with floating lines .. but no intermediate or full sinking lines)

5) What x tapered leaders are a good size for reservoir fish?

6) I've read about fishing long leaders with multiple droppers (chain of buzzers) .. just how long is long, how far between flies and what size tippets?

7) Anything other than buzzers to tie up? I have an extensive set of small wets .. but anything else?

8) What are typical hook sizes for buzzer patterns? (any hook preference?)

9) oh .. any other "highly recommended" within reasonable distance of Woodstock (I heard Eyebrook, but that maybe a tad too far .. funny I have no problem driving 7hrs for steelhead fishing in New England! .. but then don't want to scare off my buddy)

10) anything else I forgot?

thanks in advance, Haddock

I would have a look at Farmoor mate, not exactly pretty but a very good reservoir with pretty good buzzer and dry fly fishing and only about half hour from woodstock. If the weather is settled and warm for a few days before your visit you mayw ell find that a 6# floater is perfect for presenting buzzers and dry flies in the surface layers and a bit deeper. However a range of sinkers is a good tool to have in case conditions dictate going deeper. (I normally only fish with a floater but thats because I enjoy it more and dont really care if I only catch one or two).

Fly wise your buzzer selection is a good place to start but would definitely include some boobies (invented at Farmoor) and blobs with possibly some damsels, tadpoles and cats whiskers. Good nypmhs to have are the ubiquitous hares ear and diawl bachs with a few crunchers. Would always take a small selection of dries as well, some emerging buzzers with shipmans and a few hoppers would be a good place to start.

If you want more info on Farmoor there are lots of threads on here if you use the search function.

Dan

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http://eclecticangler.blogspot.com/

Just in case nobody has said it already, welcome to the forum . Somebody with the relevant knowledge and experience will be along soon to answer anything danielp hasn't covered.

You will need an EA rod licence for trout and non-migratory freshwater species. (don't buy a salmon one, unless your mate has some good contacts and likes a longish drive) You can buy one for one day (£3.75) or for an 8 day period in any post office. You could also avoid the queues (which can be irritatingly long if you are on hols) and buy it online at

Environment Agency - Buy your rod licence online

Draycote is almost certain to be closed in April. It is something of a sore subject around here. If you are interested, go to the top of the forums page and in Fish&Fly News you will learn something of the sorry saga.

Have a great holiday and most importantly a great day out, wherever you land up.

Bill

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"Take not out your 'ounds on a werry windy day" Surtees.

4) A 6wt rod will do the job. I use 6s and 7s, but some use 8s on reservoirs too.

5) I don't use tapered leaders on reservoirs, just flurocarbon straight from the spool. There's no need to use tapered leaders on reservoirs in my opinion

6) Leaders would be from 15' - 20'. I usually go with 16-18' when fishing 3 buzzers, with 4-5' between them

7) Diawl Bachs, PTN, GRHE, Cruncher, damsels and lures

8) 10 or 12, go with 10 at this time of year IMO

9) I was at Eyebrook yesterday and it was on fire, it's usually great at this time of year. Can't speak for Farmoor but i've heard good things

4x, 5x, 6x, 7x?

+ many thanks for everyones input

Given state of Draycote, I'd welcome other suggestions for reservoirs that might be a little less exposed than Farmoor. Am checking into whether buddy is up for 2hr drive to Eyebrook.

I normally use 7 or 8lb flurocarbon, 6lb if it's flat calm and hot, but i know a lot of people use stronger on reservoirs.

Holy smokes .. I'm amazed .. here I am using 5x for 8lb steelhead 'coz they are so sensitive to the line in clear water.

Well should make it easy to haul 'em in (assuming I can actually hook one!).

- Haddock

Why not try Blenheim Palace Fishery(google) as right on the doorstep of Woodstock and your kit would be fine there plus maybe an easier water to take someone through the basics than a reservoir which can be quite daunting.Quite a setting also as you mention Farmoor a little exposed for your needs.I still think your 5x is a little borderline so which brand are you currently using? We normally go for good BS coupled with a low diameter.8lb is not unusual on the reservoirs here in UK for a variety of reasons.

Good luck. JP

Blenheim Palace - best fishery I have ever visited.

ok .. will check Blenheim out .. it doesn't seem to have boats (from what I can see other than for disabled access) .. had figured messing around on a boat for the day might be fun .. but then messing around in a car for many hours might not be fun, so will think about it

how well stocked is it .. will most reasonable FF'ers reach their limit?

as to leaders .. a mix, typically something like Orvis or make my own .. I have plenty of 3x & 4x so I'll bring those too