British Waterways installs new fishing platforms at Drayton Resevoir

23 July 2010

British Waterways has begun work on a £20,000 refurbishment project to improve fishing platforms at a popular fishing destination in Daventry.

The three week project at Drayton Reservoir involves refurbishing 35 fishing platforms, located along the edge of the dam wall, by fitting them with new anti slip timbers.

The reservoir will be remain open during the works, however the platforms will need to be closed at regular intervals to allow the refurbishment to take place.

Drayton Reservoir is considered one of the best easy specimen carp (varying from 10 – 30lbs) and match fisheries of its type in England and is well stocked with a large variety of fish including roach, perch, tench and pike.

The reservoir is up to 30ft deep in places and is also an excellent habitat for water birds such as swans, mallards and geese.

The reservoir is also an important source of water for the Grand Union Canal, as it used to provide the water needed to operate the locks along the canal during the summer boating period. During the busy periods water from the reservoir can drop by 10cm a day.

John Ellis British Waterways’ national angling manager said: “Drayton Reservoir is an extremely popular fishing destination and is always busy with anglers throughout the week. The fishing platforms are over 15 years old and over time have become worn by wear and tear. These improvements will ensure that anglers can have safe, easy access to the reservoir for many years to come.”

Tickets to fish at the reservoir start from £4 per day for one rod and can be purchased from the reservoir bailiff. A rod licence is also needed and can be purchased from the Post Office. The reservoir is also suitable for night fishing which can be booked in advance through the reservoir bailiff.

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact Sarah Rudy on 01908 302584 / 07788 691 219 or email sarah.rudy@britishwaterways.co.uk

British Waterways cares for Britain’s 200-year old network of historic canals, rivers and docks, which attract over 13 million people each year for walking, cycling, angling, boating or simply the peace and quiet. We wish to establish a ‘national trust’ for the waterways in order to secure the network for future generations and to give local people a greater say in how they are run. www.britishwaterways.co.uk