October 2026 Fishing Report

October is a magical pivot point in the angler’s calendar. With the river trout season coming to a close earl in the month, focus shifts dramatically and enthusiastically, to two exciting pursuits. Stillwater trout action and the winter river grayling season.

Whether you’ve never held a fly rod before or you’re an experienced angler looking to refine your techniques, late autumn offers some of the most consistent and visually exciting sport of the year.

At Loynton Lakes stripping mini-streamers, Humungus, or Minkie patterns on floating or intermediate lines provided heart-stopping takes. On calmer, settled days when the sun broke through, fish moved off the fry and onto natural insect life. Suspended or slowly retrieved general nymphs, bloodworms, and buzzers consistently produced solid sport. Dry flies including Daddy Long Legs, caddis and small midge patterns accounted for great surface takes during mild, overcast afternoons. Fish we encountered with guests were predominantly rainbows in the 2–4lb weight range. 

The river trout season came to a close in early October. Anglers who squeezed in final river trips enjoyed superb action on dry-fly and nymph. Leaving our wild river trout to prepare for their winter spawning season, we look forward to the “Lady of the Stream”—the grayling.

Looking Forward to November

As temperatures drop further, stillwater trout tend to feed during the warmest parts of the day and fight really well. Great fun and no need to get up early😉!

• For Beginners: November stillwater fishing is one of the best entry points into the sport. Trout are responsive to simple retrieved streamer or static nymph fishing tactics.
• For Improving Anglers: Now is the time to master line density control. Switching between floating, sink-tip, and intermediate lines to locate the exact depth profile of feeding trout will double your catch rate.

With rivers like the River Dove opening up for grayling from November onwards, river anglers get to extend their stream time all winter. Grayling thrive in cold conditions and feed actively.

• Tactics: Euro nymphing with weighted bugs is killer method for grayling holding deep in river pools. Shallower areas are prime candidates for duo rigs, grayling will often take a dry during November and December.

Whether you’re taking your first cast or leveling up your watercraft, autumn is an ideal time.

• New to Fly Fishing? Autumn and winter stillwaters offer higher catches, open bank spaces, and forgiving conditions. Booking a 1-to-1 lesson gets you everything you need to start in just a single day.
• Looking to Improve? November is perfect for focused skill workshops:

• Master winter grayling.
• Refine skills for winter lakes.
• Plan now for 2027!

We look forward to welcoming you waterside!