Mill Lane
Yateley, Hampshire
OS Map Reference: SU 819 615
Postcode: GU46 7TE
Water Type: Mature Gravel Pit
Designation: Specialist Carp Water
Size: 8 acres
Maximum Depth: 12 feet
Facilities:
Secure Parking
Toilets
Contacts:
Head Bailiff: Mr. R. Harper
Deputy Bailiff: Mr. Dean Beale
Local Police: 0845 1252222
Stock:
Mirror Carp to 40lb
Common Carp to 35lb
Crucian Carp to 4lb
Koi Carp to 25lb
Pike to 25lb
Perch to 4lb
Bream to 16lb
Rudd to 2.5lb
Without doubt the Society’s main specimen water where most of the species present grow to above average size. This eight acre lake is one of the more difficult waters, as stocks of the larger fish are not high. But when a big Mill Lane grass carp, koi or crucian is drawn over the net the cost in rod hours seems almost irrelevant. The lake is also a highly rated pike water.
Mill Lane is one of our premier carp waters and specimens into the 30lb class are a possibility for anglers willing to adopt a dedicated approach.
Common Carp to 38lb, Mirrors to 42lb and Grass Carp to 35lb are all present in the lake which offers a very attractive and secure environment. In addition, the lake also contains specimen sized Eels to 5lb plus, Tench to 12lb, Bream to 15lb and Perch to 3lb, Common Carp to 38lb and some Koi Carp to over 30lb.
Like most specimen
waters, the fishing is far from easy and you should be aware that a substantial
investment of time is usually required to obtain success with the specimen fish. As the lake also contains some good Pike, Members are reminded of the need
to comply with the specific Bye-law 4.s pages 10/11 regarding this delicate
species.
The species here require specialist tactics and the abundant weed makes this one of our most challenging venues, although the catches can be mind blowing with colossal fish of all species. This is a fenced and secluded water, providing a pleasant and private fishery for our members.
The short stretch of the River Blackwater that borders this venue contains Chub, Roach, Gudgeon, Dace and Pike.
Anglers use specialist tactics for most of the species in Mill Lane, whether they are after monster Carp or Bream. The weed makes presentation difficult and it is important to know exactly where your bait is landing to help ensure success.
A frequent tactic is finding a hole in the weed with a marker float and then casting a bait into the hole with a few free offerings or if you can find a reasonably sized hole, another tactic that has brought good results is fishing over a bed of hemp.
The Pike make an interesting quarry in winter and give good sport on suspended dead baits fished above or on the weed.
Easter to 28th August 2010 - Reg Harper, Head Bailiff
Mill Lane has been fishing well this summer. Tench to 10lb + coming to the net and a few Grass Carp of 20lb + as well. Although camera shy, a few of the Mill Lane Carp have been obliging and taken a bait, a 38lb 8oz specimen being one such fish ! That is why a large unhooking mat and landing net is required at Mill Lane. Margins are being productive, you don't need to cast a distance at Mill Lane and push to the limits of your swim ! The weed is not quite so bad this year, so spots can be found to present a bait.
I would take this opportunity to remind members not to use barbed hooks size 14 or larger on Farnham's waters as we are finding some on the bank. We do regular hook checks and a few members are being booked, please do not risk losing your permit !
Also, if you can be bothered to bring packets etc full, then please remember to take the litter back home with you. Most members do, to keep their waters clean and tidy.
Thank you, Reg.
Catch report - Nov 2009 - Easter 2010
Members have had good sport over the winter with the Pike, fish to mid-doubles falling to popped up deadbaits and spinning being very productive. Hopefully the cold weather is behind us now and the Tench are starting to show, with members reporting having one or two, mainly on boilies meant for the Carp. Those anglers that are targeting them are catching them on sweetcorn.
A few Carp have been seen, but none caught as yet, but that will change in the next few weeks. Last year a Common Carp of 38lb and a Mirror of 45lb came to the net, with other fish of 30lb + also coming out, but the Carp are not easy to fool and have seen it all before ! Hopefully the weed will not be quite as prolific this year.
All I can say is pick your spots carefully, check your rigs are strong and safe and of course barbless.
Good luck - John Pennington, Mill Lane Bailiff
Farnham Angling Society Record
| Species | lbs:ozs:drms | kilo.grms | Date | Captor |
| Grass Carp | 35:00:00 |
15.875 |
July 2006 |
Derek Rance |
| Mirror Carp | 42:12:00 |
19.051 |
August 2007 |
Robert Snape |
| Bream | 16:12:0 |
7.648 |
May 2004 |
Andy Thomas |
| Pike | 30:09:00 |
13.608 |
December 1988 |
Phillip Cottrell |
- All banks may be fished (but not the island).
- Please ensure that the gate is locked at all times, even if it was open on your arrival.
- Night fishing is allowed, but we must stress that junior members are not permitted to fish at night without an accompanying AND adjacent SENIOR MEMBER. (see bye-law 4.r page 10)
- No unattended wheelbarrows to be left on site.
Take the B3272 through Yateley, heading in the direction of Reading. After the shops and petrol stations on your right, turn right into Mill Lane, there is a signpost on the corner marked ‘Yateley Industries’. Follow the road for half a mile, you will see a recessed gateway on your right hand side, this is the fishery entrance.
Members must park within the fishery, not on the public highway. Three car parks are provided within the fishery, see map. Parking within the lay-by on the track to the right of the main access, is restricted to disabled anglers only.
All banks may be fished (but not the island). This is a fenced and secluded water, providing a pleasant and private fishery for our members.