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Fishing on Our Lakes & Ponds

Please let us have your catch reports to help keep this page up to date, just visit the Submit a Catch Report page.

*** NEW *** Looking for Catch Reports on our Rivers? Just click here. *** NEW ***

This pond can be very busy during the close season, especially at the weekends, although with 69 swims you can normally find one that is free.

With many anglers fishing for the Carp, the outstanding Bream and silver fish potential can often be overlooked by pleasure anglers  unfamiliar with the water wishing to fish on the pole, the waggler of the quiver tip. The method feeder and maggots or pellet often account for large bags of Bream, including occasional Tench of all sizes and Carp from 5lb to 30lb+. 60 lbs of mixed species are quite common among pleasure anglers who know the fishery catches include Bream 5-6lb, with plenty of 8lb and occasional specimens of 10lb+. The silver fish can be excellent, with nets of good quality Roach to 1lb+ and Roach-Bream hybrids to 1lb and Perch being caught on the pole and those fishing the waggler.

The Carp will respond to standard tactics, with a large bed of bait producing multiple catches of Carp, Grass Carp and often include a Catfish. As the water warms up and the fish start to move up through the water, surface fishing can be great fun and quite productive.

Generally the Carp at the Lea can be quite accommodating, falling to most methods, including hemp and pellets, ground bait with corn, boilies, maggots, paste, worms, fish baits and bread with Method-feeders and almost any hook bait bringing good results. The larger fish, 20lb+ and up to over 35lb for both Common and Mirror Carp tend to be caught on bigger baits such as big boilies and pellets. If fishing is quiet, ring the changes to see what will work on the given day. The Grass Carp start moving as the water warms in late April and May and plenty are normally caught by maize, pop-up baits or even ‘zig’ rigs.

The large and very powerful Catfish are usually caught by accident by the Carp anglers, using heavy gear that is capable of landing such fish, although many may hook them only to have them surge off and left to wonder as what it may have been ! Few anglers have the equipment to safely weigh these large Catfish if caught, so please leave them in the water in a landing net, preferably held by a fellow angler or firmly secured to the bank whilst you quickly get some help. Please do not try to deal with them with inadequate kit, you will need extra unhooking mats, a very large and strong weigh sling and a serious set of scales.

Note: Please remember that only landing nets, keep nets, unhooking mats and weigh slings supplied by FAS and kept in the secure cages at the complex can be used on this fishery. See Byelaw 4.b.3 Page 9 of your Handbook.

The Small Pond is the Society’s premier match fishery and has been now for more than twenty years, capable of providing prolific sport for all of our members throughout the year, demonstrated by recent winning weights of 22lb in the latter stages of the Winter Series matches.

The dominant species are Carp up to 10 lb, Bream to 4 lb and large shoals of Roach and hybrids, Perch, Tench and occasional Crucians. The beauty of the fishery is its capacity to offer great sport in all seasons. Carp and Tench in the summer months, Roach, Bream and Carp in the autumn and Roach, Bream and hybrids in the depths of winter. Whatever methods you are comfortable using can produce large nets of fish with pole, feeder or waggler fishing all able to produce 50 lb + bags of mixed species whilst pleasure fishing.

Note: Please remember that only landing nets, keep nets, unhooking mats and weigh slings supplied by FAS and kept in the secure cages at the complex can be used on this fishery. See Byelaw 4.b.3 Page 9 of your Handbook.

This 16-peg fishery sited on the Badshot Lea complex has quickly become a firm favourite with both Junior anglers, pleasure anglers, Match Anglers and those seeking a ‘lift’ after some fishing on more restful venues.

Every swim has lily pads both sides and vegetation on the far bank with lush green grass swims making it a picturesque little water. The stockings have been generous to provide good sport for all seasons and hundreds of 8-10 ounce Crucian Carp: green and golden Tench to 2 lb 8 oz and Roach, Chub and Roach/Bream hybrids to 1 lb 8 oz and even some fingerling Barbel. Whilst the more accomplished anglers may usually catch the larger bags of fish on this venue because it has been designed to offer easy sport for the less experienced members and to train and coach our Junior Members how to float fish, the less experienced can still have a great day with plenty of smaller fish up to 2lb, but generally around the 4-10oz mark at present; though the Chub are showing up to 10oz and the Barbel already increasing in weight to about 4oz and giving a good account of themselves on light gear, it will be interesting to see how much weight they put on this year. You may wish to arrive early to get a peg, especially at the weekends.

Note: Please remember that only landing nets, keep nets, unhooking mats and weigh slings supplied by FAS and kept in the secure cages at the complex can be used on this fishery. See Byelaw 4.b.3 Page 9 of your Handbook.

Water Report

October 2011 to 14th March 2012: Mike Slater, Head Bailiff

The lake received a higher amount of attention this autumn & winter.

Carp anglers, not unlike the summer, have found sport inconsistent. The latter part of the season found catches becoming easier to come by, but having received more attention this year the Carp returns have been generally low with fish averaging around 18lb and a larger Mirror going to 27lb.

The winters piking has also been inconsistent, the fish that were caught averaged around 10 lb, with a small number of fish between 16lb-18lb being reported. The bridle bank seemed to give better results than anywhere else. A small number of lure anglers found that even in the coldest conditions sport was more consistent than any other method.

Perch again have largely been ignored, but those who have tried, have caught fish just under 3lbs. Legered Lobworm over sprayed Maggot being by far the best tactic.

The Lakes Rudd have been fairly elusive even though anglers have targeted them throughout the winter.

For those who do not know, a recent weed survey has shown that the weed that has been all to evident in recent years, has now disappeared. Contrary to rumours, this is not due to any suspicious circumstances, there have been regular water checks carried out and no chemicals etc. have been detected.

On the subject of water checks, on 24th of March 2012 a pH reading was taken with a reading of 7.41, the lowest reading ever recorded at Frensham Great Pond. Usually readings have been around 8.5 at this time of year.

With no weed present, algae blooms could be high as they have no competition for the nutrients and dissolved oxygen available within the pond, but with such a low starting point the pH levels may not reach the levels where the blue-green algae becomes a problem and reaches critically high levels that can cause problems. The pH of the pond will continue to be monitored until the end of the summer.

Recently a meeting involving the Sailing Club took place, which went very well. In recent years relations have improved between both parties and at the meeting with new officials of the sailing club a greater level of mutual understanding has been reached. The small number of remaining issues have been discussed by both parties and will in the future hopefully be resolved. If however problems do arise, I ask that members remain patient and contact me immediately. Please refrain from using abusive behaviour towards the sailing club members, as this will not help the good relations that I have built, and which have improved the issues that were evident in previous years. Both parties have agreed to report any abusive behaviour to either the commodore or myself, and these will be dealt with severely.

Frensham Great Pond water report - 16th June – 29th August 2011 by Mike Slater, Head Bailiff

The season so far has started inconsistently. This is mainly due to the unexpected return of a blue/green algae outbreak, and although it isn't as bad as times gone by, it has still affected sport overall. 

The Tench fishing has been average and anglers are having to work harder for their catches. Anglers who are willing to scale down and float fish for the Tench are experiencing better sport as the fish this year haven't had their usual suicidal few weeks at the start of the season. This approach always gives better results as the summer progresses and this year is no different. Try and float fish as light as you can with maggot fed little and often, and expect very shy bites. The Tench that are being caught are in fantastic condition, not unlike the rest of the fish that are found at Frensham, and you can expect them to average 5lbs.

The Rudd like the Tench fishing has also, on the whole, been average, with similar tactics giving more reliable sport along with fishing the feeder using small particle baits. Expect fish to average 1-1.5 lbs.

The Carp have been elusive and unwilling to feed in a regular, consistent manner that has caused sport to be slow for most; there are anglers who are still waiting to bank their first Carp this year. Expect fish to average 18lbs.

If you are planning to fish Frensham Great Pond, the best advice I can give is to try and find signs of the fish before you choose your selected swim/area. Every year I am amazed that many anglers are willing to just turn up and plonk themselves in an area that they think is best to fish, even before reaching the water?!  With the outbreak of the algae this year, the fish are not feeding as well as they should and anglers who are putting a lot of bait in to draw the fish to them are at most times, only putting the fish off.

Frensham Great Pond water report - 16th June - 16th August 2010 by Mike Slater, Head Bailiff

The Tench fishing has been consistent but not outstanding this year. This was due to the Tench spawning on and off from mid June 'til mid July. With this we did not experience the normal big feed at the start of the season. Instead we have had a longer feeding period but with less explosive action. The usual tactics and baits have continued to score, being either traditional float or feeder fished alongside groundbait, particles and mini boilies. Location is simple for the Tench; find the weed, which isn't hard, and find the Tench.

The Carp anglers have picked up far more Tench this year and along with the vast amount of natural food with in the waters weed, sport has been slow and inconsistent.

The lakes Rudd have been out in numbers but in general the sizes are down so far. The usual float or a small feeder fished with the little and often bait approach will work. As usual with all fishing, location is key and I recommend looking for signs of fish before committing yourself to a certain swim.

Members should be aware that the National Trust officials have been more pro-active with charging on the gates of the main car park this year. If you show them your current FAS membership handbook you will be allowed to enter free of charge. If this is not the case, please contact me immediately and it will be sorted. There have been a couple of officials who were not aware that we enter for free, but they have been made aware about this.

Another important issue I would like to raise is that with the waters weed being in good health again, members are struggling to sink their lines. Due to this, a number of lines have been taken by the yachts. Please be mindful of this and do all that you can to get your lines as low as possible. I recommend either fishing with a true sinking braid or a heavy high breaking strain fluorocarbon main line fished as slack as possible with your rod tips sunk low into the water, or as long as you have minimal weed in front of you fish with back leads.

May I remind members to take litter home. Although this is not normally an issue on this water. There has been a small number of new faces who possibly think it doesn't apply to them and if you are caught you will risk losing your membership, there will be no excuses accepted on this issue. Please also be mindful to look for anglers whom you suspect are not FAS members. If you feel anyone on the water should not be there, do not challenge them if you feel intimidated. Instead, contact me and it will be dealt with.

One other issue worth remembering is that between the dates of Monday 23rd to Friday 27th the sailing club have their Junior Sailing days. This generally involves inexperienced young sailors being coached on the water. Expect boats to possibly come in closer than normal due to the lack of control of the junior sailors, if you experience problems remain polite and patient. If the issue continues, please contact me.

Alan Murphy had great mixed catches on the maggot feeder on 16th & 17th June 2010:

16th June - Fishing from 4.30 until 7pm, he had 4 Tench to 7-3 along with 10 Rudd, including 5 x 2 pounders up to 2lb 8oz plus a nice Perch of 1lb 9oz.

17th June - Fished 4.30am until 12.30pm, he had 3 Tench to 6lb 1oz and 6 Rudd between 1lb 4oz and 2lb 2oz.

That's 16 Rudd over the two sessions weighing in at 27lb 14oz. The Tench fishing was quite slow, possibly because most of the fish were still carrying spawn.

June 2009 to November 2009 – Mike Slater: Head Bailiff

Start of the season the lakes Tench had their normal pre and post spawn munch up. Winning Tactics were either traditional float or feeder tactics with groundbait, maggots, corn and mini boilies, or a straightforward boilie approach. Bags of up to 30 fish averaging 4-5 lb were reported in early season, tailing off as the season progressed
The lakes Rudd, although sometimes hard to track down, were obliging with fish averaging 1lb 8oz being caught through either feeder tactics as above or float fishing baits mid water. Again sport slowed as the season progressed, with some bags of fish including 11 Rudd between 2lb 8oz and 3lb 1oz in just an hour and some anglers have had several fish over the 3lb mark this season.

The Perch have not been seriously targeted, but fish have shown, averaging 1lb 8oz 2 lbs, with legered or float fished lobworm being by far the best bait and method, some anglers have targeted the Perch with both lures and fish baits but with little success. The Perch will be prepared to feed through out the whole season, with sport being best in low light conditions, especially as the water is again crystal clear, Members must remember if lure or fish baits are used for Perch a wire trace must be used – Byelaw 4.s.ii l.

The lakes Carp are being more and more pressured every year and due to this they have seen a lot of bait, this has made sport patchy. Even with the lakes shoals of Tench the weed is giving both the Carp and Tench a lot of natural food and in turn leaving an amount of uneaten bait causing slow sport and leaving some anglers to be still fishless so far this season. The fish that have been caught have averaged 18 lbs.

The Pike have not shown in numbers yet this year and with the present weed being expected to again stay around all year, it's spreading the shoals of small fish which in turn is spreading the waters predators. Expect pike to average 7-8 lbs when caught with occasional double figure fish.

Note:
Members need to be aware that there have been numerous reports of the yachts catching Anglers lines and wiping out entire spools of line. So please be aware to have rod tips down well below the waters surface to reduce the risk of this happening.

Water Report

June 16th – 12th September 2011: Nigel Brown, Head Bailiff

This year the season got of to a slow but steady start, temperatures were a little bit on the cold side but still warm enough for some good bags, early mornings seem to be the best time for good bags of Tench, fishing with corn and maggot producing some good runs on light tackle with many fish in the 6-7lb bracket.

Both Roach and Rudd have made a very good show this year with some nice specimens being caught, my Son had a new PB Rudd of 3lb 3oz with him catching many over 2lb, the best setup for catching the larger fish seemed to be to bait a shallow area (2-3 feet) as the Sun comes over it, we saw so many anglers fishing the deeper water and catching nothing.

Carp have proved to be a little bit elusive this year with plenty of smaller fish coming out in the 10-20 lb bracket with a small number of low 30's being bagged, I'm sure the Autumn will get them feeding.

Sadly I received a phone call from the NT warden Tim saying a dog walker had reported a large dead 'seal' washed up on the beach, he sadly informed me it was no seal. Inspected by an angler an hour or so later, I was informed it was 'The 27' known by many around the country as 'The Double Row' an iconic Frensham Leney, 59 Years old and had a good run for its money, keep an eye out on the website for some old school photos and an epitaph to without doubt the greatest and prettiest of the Frensham carp, RIP old friend !

August – November 2010: Nigel Brown, Head Bailiff

The school summer holidays in late August brought the usual expected chaos with dogs and the general public, Roach and Rudd made a really good appearance towards the end of August with at least two 3 lb Rudd being caught and lots of large Roach. The best tactic seemed to be corn and maggot feeder. Tench have also been caught on corn and luncheon meat with best weights of 9lb this year. Carp slowly started picking up baits towards mid September with a good number of low 20’s coming out and a few 30’s. As we moved into October the Carp seems to be feeding on the ‘naturals’ again so trying to produce a run is mind numbing. Accurate distance casting seems to be putting a small number of Carp on the bank, feeding small amounts little and often.

Late October and the Jack pike sport is the best I have known in years, an evenings spinning usually produces 10-15 Jacks, as for the larger Pike they have not shown as yet. Unfortunately, the standard of fish handling of some of the anglers fishing for Pike, despite them having attended the Pike Teach-Ins is poor. I would like to remind members that Pike are delicate fish and require the utmost care when handling them, so please remember this when you have caught one. If you are unsure of how to unhook a Pike, there are plenty of YouTube videos to remind you of what to do or have a word with one of the Bailiffs on the water. Its better to have someone who can lend a hand if you have to unhook a deeply hooked fish, as opposed to cutting the line and causing the death of the Pike which is later washed up on the bank as has happened on a few occasions, this is completely unnecessary and can be avoided by striking early.

June 16th - August 15th by Nigel Brown - Head Bailiff

The season started slowly with winds from the north , northeast opening week, cold and overcast only a week before blistering sun and warm southerlies. The Carp had spawned before the opening night, so weights were well down on the few Carp that came out in June and July with the best being the old ‘Double row” at 34lb. Most carp falling to tight accurate beds of bait.

Tench were and still are ‘up for it’ with 5-6 lb’ers being caught quite regularly using maggot feeder and corn.

A few good Perch have been showing to chopped worm close to the reed line.

The Roach are not showing much as yet and a few reasonable Rudd are being banked with plenty of 2lb specimens, fishing close range with corn and maggot seem to give the best results.

We are now well into August and the school summer holidays bring a degree of chaos on the beaches and around some swims with bathers, swimming dogs etc, so be patient and do not loose your rag with anyone.

Just a friendly reminder that BBQ's are NOT permitted by anyone. If you do happen to see a BBQ being lit up, ask them politely not to. If you get abuse, contact the Head Bailiff or any one of the bailiffs on the water at the time and it will be dealt with. We lost the best part of 140 acres of prime heath land and came very close to loosing all of the reed swims and a couple of anglers lives in early July. So remember - No barbecues & No alcohol and No exceptions.

January 2010 to March 2010 – Nigel Brown: Head Bailiff

What a winter, I have never known one as bad, with the lake locked in ice for a good month and with temperatures plummeting and with wind chills down to –13: all of which does little to aid the capture of fish.

That said, a few ‘die hards’ came out in February, but caught no Carp or Pike, but maintained their application until the end of the season. As temperatures sought to climb, the wind-chill knocked it back, until the dying hours of the final day when a Delkim burst into life ! A single solitary tone, the Carp angler just stood there for a split second before realisation dawned and he struck the rod that bent double as the fish surfaced about 140 yards out. After a great fight, all eyes seemed to be on this one angler, the first Carp since the end of October. It pulled the scales around to 26lb, still in its winter colours and covered in leeches, so that’s where they have all been then laid up !

Until next season . . . . . . Nigel Brown – Head Bailiff

November 2009 to mid-January 2010 – Nigel Brown: Head Bailiff

November got off to a good start with lots of Jack pike coming to spinners around the reed margins, best weight was just over 18lbs. Not as many Pike bank anglers around this year which is surprising as the quality and size of fish that hit the bank last season was awesome, this included a 33lb monster which has yet to grace the bank this season but has been spotted by a Rudd angler, who vowed never to wade in the pond again after it swam past in front of him !

The Carp seem to have ‘shut up shop’ by late November with the last fish of the year being a 22lb Common, the pictures that were seen of this fish are stunning, ‘a chestnut brown woodcarving’, would be an apt description of this perfect ‘Burton’.
December was wet, cold and misty with very few anglers gracing the bank with just the odd ‘die hard’ who had a good nights sleep.

As we moved into January the weather changed to cold and then very cold, as I write there is probably have about 5 inches of solid ice all across the pond. On the plus side one fish was caught, an 8lb pike to an angler who broke an ice hole in the reed margins, now that’s dedication for you. The ice should have completely thawed by the end of January so lets hope for some better weather for February.

June 2009 to October 2009 – Nigel Brown: Head Bailiff

The season started as usual very slowly on the Carp front with just one fish being caught in the first week, but gradually picked up as the anglers located them.
The best Carp to date was one of the ‘old warriors’ of 37lb 2oz Mirror caught by a 14-year old Tench angler. The elusive 40-pounder has yet to be seen this season, although unconfirmed rumours circulate.

Tench & Rudd were getting bagged from just about every swim with Tench weights averaging 4-5lb and Rudd 1-2lb, with the best witnessed at just over 3lb, taken on mini strawberry boilies. Perch started to show in numbers in August to worm and maggot feeder.

September kicked off with a few good Carp, coming out at range, mainly upper 25lb + fish and a few 30lb + fish. Pike started to show in numbers to spinners with very little caught on dead baits as yet, with the best fish at 26lb to date.

Carp fishing is ‘rock hard’, but if you can sit it out, then you could land a good fish.

 

Water Report

Wendy Kemp - Head Bailiff: February 2011

The water is fishing well with a fair number of carp between 10 - 20lb showing.

October & November 2009 – Rob Orford

Some 20lb + Carp are still showing, but sport is slowing down due to seasonal conditions.

A Pike of 27lb 8oz has been reported, though most fish are caught on dead baits in the margins, with the small jacks below 10lbs providing interesting sport none the less.
Bream and Roach continue to provide fair sport to maggot, paste, pellet and corn.

Lodge Pond is still one of our most popular fisheries and is often very busy at weekends, especially as some waters are still closed due to the old ‘close season’, therefore weekday sessions are probably best.

When it is heavily fished, it can be best to fish small beds of boilies or even single hook baits to produce the better sized fish, the average size of Carp from open water can be over 16 lb were as the average size from the end swims may only be 13-14 lbs, although the number of fish caught when you get into the smaller fish tend to be higher. Recent seasons have included one angler having caught 32 Carp around the 13 to 15 lb mark with fish up to 26 Ibs ,including a 20Ib Common Carp in only 36 hours! The largest Carp is currently around the 31 lb mark and we suspect there may be several other fish approaching that size.

Pleasure anglers often have reasonable bags of Bream up to 8 lbs and Tench between 5 and 6 lbs on a variety of baits with smaller silver fish present as well.
Smaller Pike can produce some good sport with occasional doubles with 20lb specimens rarely being caught.

Note:
After heavy rain the water cannot get out quickly enough due to the restricted outlet engineered by the Forestry Commission. Therefore be careful if rain is expected and you are fishing overnight.

A great deal of work has been invested into the development of Mill Lane as a 'specimen' fishery, possibly one of the best ‘big fish’ venues on a general club ticket in the country, the size of all species being caught indicate that Mill Lane is truly a 'specimen fishery'. Recent seasons have seen several Carp caught to 40 lbs, good Tench between 8 and 9 lbs and of course the rarer doubles are present, huge Bream of 18 lbs plus and a few Grass Carp around the 20’s and up to 35lb.

Water Report

Water Report - The Bailiff Team: April 2012

The new season has started and we are welcoming a lot of new members onto the water, as well as some more familiar faces who have returned to fish for their 20th season with FAS.

As we all know every season is different in the world of angling, if it wasn't we wouldn't keep coming back to sit and ponder the days away making drastic decisions on how the world cup should be played and so on underneath a brolly in the pouring rain/ hail /sleet /cold winds!!! Oh the joys of spring, but that's what make us anglers.

And as such the fish on the bank are less than we would expect for this time of year in comparison with previous seasons. Saying that there have still been some fantastic fish landed....

The best Grass Carp to date was 26lb, caught by a very happy first visit angler, who I feel sure we will be seeing again ! Leather carp 30lb + ounces & Commons of 31lb + & 34lb +.

We also had some very good news on the 28th April from a member who has caught a 28lb Mirror Carp. The fish was identified as The Long Fish (see the Mill Lane gallery), which has been missing for at least two seasons and had been presumed dead, so it's good to see the old girl is thriving and surviving but showing hers years in bumps and scrapes...

Tench around the 7lb mark are falling to carp tactics. The Tench anglers would normally be starting to appear for their spring season opening session, but unfortunately they seem to have been missing so far this season. However as we are all aware the weather hasn't helped the situation, with the springs longer warmer days and warmer evenings seeming a distant hope at the moment.
Roll on May, hopefully that will put an end to the UK's monsoon season we seem to be having at the moment, and we will see more of the red eyed green beauties gracing the banks. They are well worth targeting on Mill Lane; I have personally witnessed and photographed Tench of 10lb 6oz in seasons past.

The Toothy critters (Pike - love or hate them) in the venue are still very active, even though no being fished for they are often seen charging through the margins in search of the elusive bait fish which are still in the venue, this causing much frustration to the anglers as they charge through lines and so on. You cannot blame them when they have to compete with the Black Death (cormorants) for their food source.

Thanks for reading - The Bailiff Team

February to 25th March 2012 - Dean Beale, Head Bailiff

The Pike sport has been steady for the anglers who are targeting the species. There have been some reports from members of 3/5 fish being landed in a single day on a static dead bait approach, most fish have been recorded as Jack pike in single figures. There has also been a marked increase in the number of doubles reported at around the 13 to 15lb category with the occasional 20lb fish, but they seem to be very elusive visitors to the bank. I have personally witnessed and photographed one 20lb fish for a member so they are there somewhere.

The Carp angling side of the venue has been steady over the colder period of the start of the year, with the occasional fish coming to the bank of the dedicated anglers who are attracted to the water on a regular basis. Consistent practices and perseverance seem to be the key to success on the venue.
During the last four weeks end of February to mid March the Carp fishing has been very slow with no fish being recorded or seen on the bank. The last two weeks have seen a change in the weather and the fortunes of the anglers, with a couple of the elusive residents visiting the banks in their prime winter colours and in pristine condition.

The Tench have started to appear on the venue with the odd fish being recorded to Carp anglers.

The Bream have made an appearance also, to a Carp angler fishing the back of the new island swim 16. The fish even though an old warrior, was recorded as a very clean fish and weighed in at over 11lb.

Even though the river season has now come to a close, I have been receiving some reports of Chub around 4lb with three fish taken in an afternoon, to the mobile approach of the anglers that choose to fish the small stretch of the River Blackwater that rounds the back of the venue.

Mike Barras has been in and made a few very helpful improvements to the fishery : reinstating the walkway from the lake to the river , improving access for 16 June when the new river season kicks off. Also some improvements to the entrance of the venue, with some car park grading and levelling.

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.

Mill Lane 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

 

Water Report

River Valley - April 2009 to January 2010:
The Big Common that has previously been caught at over 45lb has been out at 36lb, with other fish showing to 30lb +. However, with only about 12 Carp in the lake, rewards come mainly to those showing true dedication and perseverance. Very large Tench between 10-12lb have been caught in recent seasons, but not unfortunately this year though a Tench angler caught a very large Eel. Big Perch over 3lb occasionally show and Pike sport remains consistent with at least 3 different 20lb fish having been caught with many smaller fish providing good sport. A much larger Pike has been seen many times, estimated at exceeding 4’ long, but has yet to be caught.

Increasing numbers of anglers usually visit this fishery during the old close season, so if you are looking for peace and quiet, it may be worth a visit in the week - although it is 20 acres. Carp to 36lb plus have been caught, with one session having produced a 13Ib Common, a 26Ib Double Row Linear Mirror, a 29Ib Linear, a 30Ib Linear and a 35Ib Common: and that’s a good session by any standard !

Perch up to 3lb, again in low numbers and loads of small Pike, in the 2lb class can be caught using plugs or spinners. No big Rudd, that it was previously famous for, have been reported in recent times with fish around 1lb being the largest. The lake has produced some reasonable catches of Tench from early morning sessions, with at least 2 fish being over the double mark, feeder fishing appears to be the way to go with maggots the most successful bait. The weed can be heavy and natural baits or the usual mix of particle and boilies bring best results.

After the 16th June when you can fish the river you can expect very good catches of Perch, Chub and Roach.

 

The Carp fishing on these waters can be very rewarding, but is likely to require a serious and patient approach, whilst dealing with the inevitable Bream. Take a look at the Stillwater Front Lake and Stillwater Back Lake galleries to check out some of the fish. Due to the pressure on the lakes, the Carp fishing is difficult at weekends, with weekdays and quieter periods being the most productive.

Bags of up to 200lb of Bream averaging 3-4lb with some fish up to 7lb (Back Lake) and 9lb+ (Front Lake) have been reported by pleasure anglers on feeder methods and mixed bags of silver fish on the pole and waggler can be taken from most pegs, with Roach, Rudd, Perch, skimmer Bream and occasional Tench to 6lb being caught. The larger Tench tend to be landed by the Carp anglers, with a 10lb 4oz Tench caught from the Front Lake being the current Society record. Crucian Carp are present in the Front Lake and dawn and dusk into early darkness are the best times, using a sensitive float set up in the margins, with fish averaging 1.5 - 2lb and up to 3lb +. Eels have also been caught to over 6lb + and can offer an interesting option to those with an interest in this species.

This is an ideal general club fishery, being set in quiet countryside with easy access and parking, wooded walks to the swims where good mixed bags of fish can be caught by inexperienced as well as the highly skilled match anglers.

Tench to 4lb 2oz, Crucian Carp to nearly 2lb, Roach and Rudd around the 1lb mark and occasional Roach to over 2lb with Perch in lower numbers to 1lb 8oz. With recent Winter League matches producing 15lb winning weights, but finishing as the light fades when the Roach really come on the feed, large bags of mixed species to pleasure anglers are always on the cards.

Water Report

Stockbridge Pond – Dave Grainger 25th August 2011

The usual story if your not catching change your swim or go finer. Water very clear so fish fine, size 16 is about the largest an 18 better.

Crucian in numbers once you find them, but Tench scarce at the moment.

Maggot will catch most inhabitants, including small Perch, which can become a nuisance. Meat and pellet very good, but take bread as a last resort!

Watch the ducks, some can dive 6ft down, so make sure you lose feed while they are looking the other way!

If you catch a Crayfish please tread on it and chuck it into the bushes not back in the water please.

This is a perfect pond for pole fishing or using very light tackle on a rod, if you use carp tactics you will most probably blank.

Avoid bright days the fishing is very hard unless the shadows are on the water early morning or evening

Always a chance of strange fish here, orange Crucian, Goldfish, a couple of Chub and Bream but plenty of common fish to keep you amused when the oddities don't play fair!

Have fun and see you on the bank - Dave.

Tarn Pond has been starting to approach its former glory days, with the Carp putting on weight and the number of 20's increasing year on year.

Good bags of Bream are easy to obtain on the tip or waggler and the Tench and Crucian Carp add variety to the catch.

Water Report

Tarn Pond - Ian Gray: 4th January 2012

Quality Bream showing at Tarn Pond: Quality Bream were caught on 2nd January 2012 by FAS Chairman Richard Cane who, having gone there at the request of his grandson who wished to fish for Carp, used long range pellet and feeder tactics to catch fish of 9lb 8oz, 4 x 6lb +, 4 x 8lb + and a 10lb 12oz.

Whilst they were packing up at about 5.00pm, Steve Peach a bailiff on the water, caught for the second time in 7-days the venues biggest fish of 29lb 8oz. Steve has had a great season on the water, landing 70 Carp, including more than 20 x 20's.

The following day, Simon Hunter, FAS Match Secretary visited the lake and bagged a couple of simmers of 1lb 8oz before the better quality fish moved in, and then had fish of 7lb 9oz, 8lb 6oz and 9lb 4oz.

There are also plenty of Jack Pike showing, constantly chasing fish around the margins, for those want some sport.

Tarn Pond Catch Report - 17th September 2010

Late August saw a few members have some good sessions on the Tarn with catches into double figures for those who took time to locate the fish, including several twenty pounders coming out.

One member fishing for silver fish was very pleased to tell me he had over 60 fish in an afternoon, float fishing in a quiet corner. The Tench have slowed down as the weather cooled.

A few Bream have been out this week including one of 9lbs 4oz caught by myself on boilies fished over hemp and maize.

The weekends are still busy and people fishing over big beds of bait are finding it hard work, the better results are coming to small bags of boilies or single hookbait's

The cooler September weather has slowed the carp down so make sure you locate the fish and avoid over feeding.

Good luck - Steve Peach - Bailiff at Tarn Pond

Tarn Pond catch report - 31st July 2010

On Saturday 31st of July I was fishing peg 6 at Tarn. It was an over cast day and the feeling I got from other members on the lake was not fishing well at all, with only 1 Carp out all weekend I decided I would limit the amount of particle in the ground mix so I used method mix with hemp and sweetcorn mixed in. I decided to use the bait boat to get right on top of the old river bed that runs through the centre of the lake. I dropped  a hopper full of the ground bait with 6 pineapple boilies including the one on my hook link and waited about 5 hours. Later, at just gone half past 2, the alarm screamed off and as I could tell from the fight it was going to be my personal best, so it was a very exciting but scary fight. I finally landed him and he weighed in at 22lb 3oz, I was over the moon.

Gavin Rice : 31st July 2010

Tarn Pond catch report - July 2010

The fishing at Tarn Pond has been very on/off at the moment. Follow a new wind and the Carp should turn up, suggest avoiding the use of pellets and particles for them, as the Tench and Bream will be all over your baits. Watch out for jumping Carp and move onto them for better results.

Moving just one swim resulted in 8 Carp in 12 hour of fishing for me one afternoon after seeing fish moving.

Steve Peach - Bailiff at Tarn Pond : 22nd July 2010

Water Report

Warren Pond fishery session: 6am - 2pm

8 x Bream up to 4lb (new PB) with others between 1 - 2lb + 15 Roach & Skimmers caught on float fished maggot at 15m out and 1m deep using size 14 hook to 2lb hooklink and 4lb mainline.

Christopher Lowe : 15th August 2010

The first time I fished Warren Pond: 22nd June 2010" - Mark Lister.

Arrived at Peg 1 at 5:45pm; it seemed as I was the only one fishing the pond. A very calm evening, could clearly see the carp cruising through all the swims with no interest in any of the floating food. I decided to go for the Tench and set up 2 rods. A 2BB crystal waggler using a size 18 hook was set up on the float rod with a feeder on the other. The feeder I loaded with bread pieces and sweetcorn, with 2 pieces of corn on the hook. Casting to the left of the swim into the bay area. The float depth was set at 18 inches hook point to float tip, loading the hook with a single grain of sweetcorn, I cast directly in front of the swim about 18 feet from the bank in the middle of the loose feed I put out as soon as I arrived.

For the first 1/2 an hour I was catching silver fish on the drop, then came a bite that was the first of 13 Tench, the average weight was 2.5lb with a best Tench of of 4lb at 7.30pm. All the fish fell to the float tackle and sweetcorn, the feeder only registered while the fish where moving through the baited area and brushed my main line - the evening was brilliant, perfectly peaceful and relaxing.

This very pretty pond offers a pleasant place to spend time pursuing the stock of Ghost Carp up to 27lb 8oz with the occasional Mirror Carp that cruise around the two islands and the lily pads, with some Roach and occasional Tench also present and even a couple of Pike to 15lb.

Wyke is a small fish water containing primarily Roach and Rudd, Crucian and Tench and Perch. With most fish between 4 - 10oz and with occasional Crucian and Tench exceeding the 1lb mark and Tench up to 3lb, some of the original Crucian Carp are still being caught up to 2 lbs and the more recently stocked Crucians having settled in well in 2009 and came out in large numbers though they are of course smaller than the old fish. Tench show to 3 lbs on sweet corn, pellets and maggots from any swim and the Roach stocked in 2009 are now coming out at around the 4 - 10 oz mark.

A great water to introduce a young angler to the sport as fish are normally obliging and free feeding: the pole or a running line with a light waggler work well on this pretty and secluded water.