Apr 2016

Decked Swims Under Way., 20th Apr

Last winter, over a cup of hot chocolate and marshmallows, we discussed what lake projects and general maintenance projects would take priority this year. Due to water erosion, heavy foot traffic, and possibly nesting catfish, the bank along Willow Walk made it to the top of the list. 

This season we envisage installing six decked pontoon swims along Willow Walk, extending around four feet out onto the lake, plus three possibly four smaller pontoons along the Dam Wall. This should not only shore up and extend the life of the banks, but give anglers more casting room and increase bivvy space. Also, over time, the banks have become more inclined and the new swims should lessen the risk of anglers slipping in when landing heavy fish.

The area most in need of attention was along from the Gate Corner, and we completed the first two decked swims last weekend. We will endeavour to have all swims completed by the end of this season, but obviously work can only go on while the lake is free of anglers so this will ultimately decide the rate of progress.

Each pontoon on Willow Walk will be approximately three meters by two, and will have a slight raised lip around the outer perimeter to stop anything easily slipping into the lake. The Dam wall swims will be around three meters by one and a half. The pontoons will only jut out over the lake by about a meter and this should make casting around marginal trees easier. It will also feel more balanced having decked pontoons along both fishing banks.

Careful attention is also being given to the planting surrounding each swim as it is built. So far, we have planted more Lily-pads as not only are they pretty but anglers will have a feature to fish to at close quarters if they wish. While the planting will take a little time to take a hold and mature, we believe all these little attentions to detail will be worth it as it should all look fantastic over time.

Apr 2016

Lake Record Common, 1st Apr

Steven Calthorpe arrived on Saturday morning with mate Mark Mercer for a weeks fishing. The wind was howling and the rain was coming down in sheets but the keen anglers carried on and set up the rods and bivvies regardless.

The lads came up to the farmhouse for dinner and went back to the lakes immediately after, the rain had started to ease off,  darkness was upon them and the rods were set for the night, so they thought…

At 9:15 pm Steve started getting a few gentle knocks from his rod in the deep end; this went on for about half an hour before it finally turned into a run. Having struck into it, Steve first thought he was into a small fish and only started to realise it was something bigger as it neared the net and started to put up a fight.

The Big Common was banked at 9:45pm and weighed in at 41lb 8oz. Thanks to Steve’s quick thinking, he contacted us immediately and we were able to get some cracking shots as last time this fish was out at 40lb two years ago we didn’t get a decent photo.

Mark has also managed to break his PB in his first night here with a cracking 26lb Mirror, so all in all, despite the weather, a great start to the week.

For the record, the 41lb 8oz Lake Record Common was hooked close to the Dam Wall near BBQ corner on an Individual Baits 20mm Tutti Steamie specially made for the trip in a more washed out neutral colour.

Well done Steve, keep them coming.

Mar 2016

Lily-Pads for the Dam Wall, 20th Mar

Getting Lilies established in Lake Lauren has always been a tough battle, and one we have lost a few times in the past. The problem has always been that Lily rhizomes are naturally buoyant and big fish can uproot the plants very easily before they can become established.

Last Spring, we wrapped rhizomes as thick as a man’s arm with some hefty rocks in nylon garden netting, each netted parcel was then placed in a large tyre which is pinned to the lake bed with timber stakes. Each tyre was then backfilled with a mixture of gravel, sand and topsoil. The tyre acts as a temporary heavy duty flower pot which will allow the plant to root into the lake bed whilst protecting it from curios carp, and also stop fishermen from hooking the netting. We reckon it will be at least two years before the tyres can be removed leaving firmly rooted plants in the lake bed.

It was a huge joy (relief!) to see that even though it’s only March, last April’s planting has already started putting up pads!

So, after seeing the success of last year’s efforts, we decided we were good to go ahead and get some more in. Four more sets were planted along the Dam Wall creating more features to fish to in the deep end. They are planted right against the bank in about two and a half feet of water as the lake bed drops away very quickly here; this ensures light reaches the new plants and will hopefully promote fast growth. Fingers crossed, they should do well throughout the coming season.

Big big thanks again to our regular anglers Barry, Keith and Arthur who brought the rhizomes with them on their last visit here, cheers.

We have about thirty more plants to go out on Lake William, hopefully quite soon, to create some fantastic fish holding areas, watch this space………:)