Quick facts
Postcode
Species
Facilities
Pricing
About Drayton Reservoir
Drayton Reservoir is a 25 acre Canal and River Trust fishery on the edge of Daventry in Northamptonshire, widely rated among the most prolific day ticket carp waters in the country. The reservoir feeds the Grand Union Canal and is packed with carp averaging 14 to 18lb, plenty over 20lb and a reservoir best around 35lb, alongside roach, perch and winter pike to 28lb. Day permits cost £12 for two rods, bought from the bailiff on the bank, with day fishing on the dam wall and night sessions on the Point and the Boards booked ahead by text on 07889 532563. Pike fishing runs from October to the end of March. Check the Canal and River Trust site for current prices before travelling.
Snippet auto-extracted from public sources; verify with the venue before travelling.
The water
Drayton is a 25 acre supply reservoir that tops up the Grand Union Canal, sitting off the A361 just outside Daventry within easy reach of the M1 and A45. Fishing splits into four areas: the 28 peg dam wall, the Straight, the Point and the Boards. Day anglers fish the dam wall, while the Point and the Boards are reserved for pre booked night sessions. Nearly all pegs are wooden platforms, so bring a pod or stage stands rather than relying on banksticks.
Tickets and prices
The Canal and River Trust lists adult day permits at £12 for two rods and £10 concession, evening permits at £10 and night permits at £30 for two rods. Day tickets are sold on the bank by the bailiff on a first come basis, and nights must be booked in advance by texting 07889 532563. Gates open around 7.30am on weekdays and 7am at weekends, and the venue shares the water with a sailing club, so a handful of pegs close on Sundays. Confirm current prices with the Trust before travelling.
What to fish for
Carp went in as small fish in the early 1990s and have piled on weight ever since: the Trust quotes an average of 14 to 18lb with many over 20lb and a reservoir best around 35lb. Multiple fish sessions are the norm rather than the exception, which is why match anglers and pleasure carpers rate it so highly. Roach and perch are plentiful if rarely targeted, and pike to 28lb make Drayton a genuine winter predator venue, with pike fishing permitted from 1 October to 31 March.
Tactics
Angling Times' venue guide suggests starting at around three quarter depth, with zig rigs fished over a cloudy spod mix a year round approach here, advice credited to Drayton regular Kev Hewitt. In warm weather the carp ride high in the water, so floating pellets and surface tactics score, while method feeders and solid bags cover colder days. Budget bait does the job: porridge oat and hemp based spod mixes with corn draw fish, yellow hookbaits have a strong record, and the best action tends to come in the afternoons and evenings.
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Claim this venueDrayton Reservoir: frequently asked questions
Yes — Drayton Reservoir is a fishing venue in Daventry, Northamptonshire (postcode NN11 0SG). Check the fishery website for current rules and bookings.
Yes — Drayton Reservoir offers day tickets. Indicative prices: £12 adult day (2 rods); £30 night permit. Always confirm current ticket prices and availability with the venue before travelling.
Drayton Reservoir is stocked with Common carp, Roach, Perch, Pike. Stocks vary by lake and season — check with the fishery for the latest catch reports.
Yes — anyone aged 13 or over fishing for freshwater fish in England or Wales needs an Environment Agency rod licence, even on private waters like Drayton Reservoir. A 12-month 2-rod licence is £36.80 in 2026, and juniors aged 13–16 fish free but must register. Read our full guide at /blog/fishing-licence-uk-guide.
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