Quick summary: Staunton Harold Reservoir in Leicestershire is a large scenic Midlands water stocked with rainbow and brown trout. This guide explains the best seasonal flies, depth and line setups, and tackle tips so you can succeed year-round.
Staunton Harold Reservoir, set on the Leicestershire/Derbyshire border near Ashby-de-la-Zouch, offers excellent stillwater trout fishing. With over 200 acres of water, clear margins, and varied depths, it provides both bank and boat anglers with year-round sport.
Looking for the best flies and tactics for Staunton Harold Reservoir? This guide covers water typography, seasonal hatches, recommended fly patterns, depth and line setups, plus tackle tips for trout fishing success.
Water Typography & Location
- Shoreline: Mixture of wooded bays, points, and open banks. Both bank and boat fishing available.
- Depths: Shallow margins ideal for early season; deeper basins up to 30ft.
- Clarity: Generally clear, but can colour after heavy Midlands rain.
- Stocking: Regularly stocked with rainbow and brown trout, with overwintered fish providing strong sport.
Seasonal Flies & Tactics
Spring
- Flies: Buzzers, Diawl Bach, Pheasant Tail Nymphs.
- Depth & Line: Floating or midge-tip lines with 12–15ft leaders.
- Method: Slow figure-of-eight retrieves or static buzzers under an indicator.
Summer
- Flies: CDC sedges, hoppers, beetles, damsel nymphs.
- Depth & Line: Intermediate or slow sinking lines by day; floating lines for evening rises.
- Method: Fish dries static in evening rises, damsels with short sharp strips in bright conditions.
Autumn
- Flies: Minkies, fry patterns, zonkers, dabblers.
- Depth & Line: Intermediates or DI3 lines to target fry feeders.
- Method: Strip lures with varied retrieves to mimic wounded fry.
Winter
- Flies: Cats Whisker, black tadpoles, bloodworms, hothead lures.
- Depth & Line: DI5–DI7 sinking lines to reach deeper fish.
- Method: Slow, steady retrieves with pauses close to the lakebed.
Tackle & Tips
- 10ft rods rated #6–7 are versatile for both bank and boat fishing.
- Use fluorocarbon leaders for stealth in clear water.
- Boat drifts can cover open water fish effectively.
- Keep mobile – trout at Staunton Harold often move with wind direction and food sources.
Staunton Harold Reservoir combines classic Midlands scenery with reliable trout fishing, offering anglers a large, productive stillwater with year-round opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions – Staunton Harold Reservoir
What flies work best at Staunton Harold Reservoir?
Seasonal patterns such as Buzzers, Diawl Bach, Pheasant Tail Nymphs, and the Cats Whisker are consistently effective.
Do I need a boat to fish Staunton Harold?
No – both bank and boat fishing are available. The banks provide good access, but boats allow you to cover open water and drifting fish more effectively.
What tackle setup is recommended?
A 10ft rod rated #6–7 is versatile. Use floating or midge-tip lines in spring, intermediates in summer and autumn, and DI5–DI7 sinking lines in winter.
When is the best time of year to fish at Staunton Harold?
Trout can be caught year-round. Spring buzzer hatches and autumn fry-feeding are especially productive, while summer evenings bring exciting dry-fly sport.
