Ifor Jones has, for the past 35 years, managed fly fisheries, with it all starting at the scenic Thornton Reservoir (taking on Foremark 2009 and Draycote 2011).
During the last 35 years Ifor has developed Thornton into a popular midland fishery with anglers starting their season early, as Thornton opens on the 1st February and fishes through to mid-November. With its ease of access to the M1, Thornton attracts anglers from all over the midlands.
From February to early April the bank fishes well, however from mid April onwards the fly angler who takes to one of the 20 rowing boats or brings their float tube will usually enjoy the best of the sport. Thornton, over 20 years ago, was one of the first UK fly fisheries to allow float tubing with Ifor himself becoming the UK float tubing champion.
Despite being busy managing some of the top midlands fly fisheries when Ifor gets the time he enjoys his trips to the river Deveron in Scotland catching wild browns to 5lb and Atlantic salmon to 20lb he has also fished abroad in the Catskills, New York State fishing the rivers Delaware, West Branch and Beaverkill as well as Montana fishing the productive Missouri River at the small fishing town of Craig, Montana State
During the last few years he has travelled to Alaska to fish the Kanektok River for pacific salmon, arctic grayling & the leopard rainbows. Ifor does, at times, organise trips abroad for further information visit our Trips Page.
Tuition has always been important to us and over the years Thornton has deservedly gained a reputation for the quality of tuition we offer, with the fisheries Ifor now controls he can offer the same quality of tuition from Thornton (75 acre) to Foremark (230 acre) and Draycote (600 acre) – a fishery size to meet every need.
Ifor is passionate about our sport and was for many years the chairman of the Stillwater Trout Fisheries Association, which is there to ensure our fisheries are well managed and will be here for many years for us all to enjoy.
To speak to Ifor call him at the lodge: 01530 230807.