There are
actually
five lakes on the complex, But TTA have access to three with fishing to
all capabilities. For the benefit of those who don’t know the venue, or
for those that have not visited for many years, here is a brief run-down
of what is available.
The car park for the complex is at the bottom of Hyde Lane, just as you
come out of Park Street/Frogmore village on the right, at the apex of the
sharp left hand bend. Access to the fishery is over the footbridge
crossing the River Ver. TTA members also have access to this river
although the going can get tough.
The first lake on the right is known as the “Island Pit”, named for the
dozens of islands. This is by far the biggest of the lakes, and offers
good mixed fishing. There are large numbers of tench and bream
resident in this lake, and a good head of silver fish. Some nice carp to
36lb+ have been reported, although these can be tricky to tempt, and the
carp potential is largely unexplored, with those few who have banked
decent fish keeping their cards very close to their chest. (Update: 80
upper singles/doubles stocked at the end of 2005). For the carpers, I will
say no more other than that it is definitely worth a go! The lake is quite
weedy, and if you take the time to find the gaps in the weed, you should
reap the benefits. Large numbers of good-sized tench hold in the weed, and
there are two huge shoals of bream which can offer fantastic sport. There
are quite a few crayfish in this lake, but they can be avoided with the
usual methods. There are also some nice pike to be had – usually using
mobile spinning tactics, and there are rumours that one extremely large
pike was banked winter 2006. A pretty lake with easy access virtually all
the way round, and a huge number of swims, this offers everything any
angler could want.
The first lake on the left
is known as the “Leather Pit”, But unfortunately TTA members are unable to
fish this lake!
Staying on the Main path,
the second lake on the left is know as the “Pike Pit”. It is said to have
some huge pike, although I’ve not heard of a really big fish from this
lake for some years. Certainly there are lots of smaller pike and low
doubles to be had, however. The lake also holds some superb tench. There
are a few bream, and numbers of small roach in here. There's also some
large perch, which occasionally fall to spinners and lures. Only the long
shallow bank and one side of this lake are fishable. The back of the lake
is a sheer cliff, and the water on that side is very deep indeed. There
could well be a few surprises in here (two carp seen), as it does not
receive much angling pressure at all.
The last
fishable lake is separated by some distance from the others. However, the
short walk is worth it, as this pretty little lake is know as the “School
Pit”. In recent years, the silt and weed have become a problem in the
school pit, and it is now largely unfished. However, there are still
plenty of tench in there, to a good size (8lb). There are also some very
pretty crucians to an unexpectedly large size, and plenty of small roach
and perch. A couple of large pike are also lurking in the margins. A few
years ago most of the carp from this lake were moved into the Leather Pit,
and virtually all of them died within the year. There are certainly five
left, though to 22lb. Unfortunately, there are only a few fishable swims
on this lake now, but it is well worth seeking one out. The large beds of
lilies and the lush reed-lined margins hold good fish. This lake offers a
challenge which should appeal to most! Beware, though! The lake is very
shallow, and the fish can be quite spooky. Be quiet, travel light, and
find the fish, and you could have a very good day!
The fifth lake on the complex runs parallel to the river on the left as
you cross over the footbridge. This has not been fished for many many
years, and is currently fenced off. It looks like a stagnant pool, but
with some work, it will make another nice addition. And there are still
fish in there, although nobody knows quite how many, or how big. You
occasionally see them on a sunny day moving through the snags.
Big carp, big tench and bream, great silver fish sport and some huge pike.
A picturesque venue in a prime location and an element of a mystery thrown
in. What more could any angler want?
Paul Hill - Head Bailiff - Moor Mill
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