Originally there were two ponds. Both were dug over 800 years ago by the Cluniac Monks
of the nearby Priory for use as stock ponds. These were joined in more recent years to create
a one acre lake with a large dividing island. There is no access to this island since it is
reserved as a bird sanctuary. Situated in the south-east corner of a well appointed 30 acre
public park, there are toilets nearby, and in fine weather there is a cafe open for refreshments.
For those with a family, the large playing fields,
amusements for children, ornamental gardens and musuem, offer variety to a day's outing.
The lake averages four feet deep and has eighteen swims, some of which are suitable
for the disabled. In very bad weather it used to get muddy but the club has remedied this
to some extent. The north bank of the water has a public pathway running alongside, and for safety
reasons there is no fishing permitted along this bank.
The water holds carp into the mid 20's with double figure fish being the norm. Amongst
them are a couple of wildies, possibly descendents of the original stockfish. There
are also pike reaching the upper 20's, tench averaging 4lb. with individual fish
touching 11lb. and eels to 3lb. Like most general fisheries this water also holds
a good head of roach, some to reasonable size, along with rudd and a small number
of crucian carp and perch.
If targetting the tench, 20 to 30 fish can be expected by competent anglers in the
course of a day's fishing. Most baits work, but bread,worm,corn and cockle have the edge.
These baits should not be ignored when going for carp, despite the popularity
of the boilie. Fishing maggot or pinkie will bring countless small roach and rudd
with some bigger specimens upto about 2lb. There is also a chance of one of the few
crucian carp or perch, both of which have been captured in the past up to 2½lbs.
The lake is spring fed and as such there is very little
variation in depth whatever the rainfall. The depths
shown are therefore reasonably accurate throughout
the season.
The north bank, having the path run alongside it, is a
no fishing area. This is clearly marked on the map. The
east and west banks, are enclosed by railings designed to
prevent casual passers by from getting in the way of
anglers. (This doesn't always work.)
The red stars mark clearly defined swims and anglers are
requested not to fish between these areas and thus allow
reasonable elbow room.
Please help us to keep our lakes clean.
Place your litter in the bins provided.
Remember: Closed 15th March to 15th June inclusive
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