Here is the current breaking News from Millan Waters:
March (Season 2008 / 2009)
- The start of yet another season. By the end of March membership stands at 74. Still awaiting responses on recent interest. One new member joined obtaining our advert at the recent game fair at Detling. My thanks to Ken Robson and Rae Law
- Unsettled weather during March resulted in catch numbers being well down on last March - 475 against last years 960. Wish visits also down at 105 against 133 last March, not surprisingly our "average" has dropped from 7.21 to 4.52 is still an extra result
- 643 fish stocked made up of 525 rainbows, same in the 4lb/6lb range and a lovely 11lb one! Managed to secure approx 18 Blues (up to around 6lb) and 100 Browns up to 2.5/3lb. Unable to obtain any Tigers so Role of Honour stood down again this season
- Only 8 blank visits this month which clearly shows the density of fish in the lake
- Some dead fish found in the margins, likely to be as a result of the 3 stockings prior to new season starting. As always please handle fish carefully when practicising catch and release
- Already 5 blues caught, although 2 were recorded at 6.5lb and 10lb. Smaller of the two may have been one of the recent fish but 10lb fish extremely unlikely to be a blue as we have not stocked any blues close to 10lb in recent years. Sorry Ken Duggan!
- Off to a cracking start with our 7lb and over category. Last month only 2 large rainbows were caught (both 8lb). This March 6 rainbows over 7lb have already been caught and returned. Unfortunately it seems likely that Steve Emptage's 7lb fish on Opening Day subsequently didn't survive and was seen in the margins dead a few days later. These large fish need very careful handling and coupled with the cost alone please give these fish you utmost assistance when returning them
- Rainbows of 10lb, 11.5lb and 13.5lb have already been recorded. Bob Goble's 13.5lb rainbow has laid down the challenge and the season has only just begun!
February
- Despite some challenging weather conditions some very high winds the last month of the 2007 / 2008 season finished on a high
- 51% more fish caught this Februray compared to last February, 254 against 168
- Average for month up at 2.37 against last February's 2.04
- No. of fish caught this season totalled 4880 compared to last season's 4626, an increase of just over 5.49%
- No. of visits to fishery up and No. of fish killed up
- Average for season 3.23 compared to 3.30 last season. Excellent return I am sure you will agree
- 25 fish caught 7lb and above. 7 over 10lb and a New Fishery record for a rainbow at 15lb, caught and returned by myself after being witnessed
- Record no. of browns caught at 464. Still being caught in February. Best during season 8.5lb, caught and returned by myself after being witnessed and photographed
- Most Browns caught in 2007 / 2008
Top Three Places were:
Ken Robson - 45
Gordon Dickson - 42
Ken Belcher - 25
- Trophies for best Rainbow, Brown and Most Browns will be awarded at the AGM in December 2008
- Fishery Reopens on Saturday March 15th at 08.00am. Look forward to seeing you next season
January
- Not too disappointing a month with visits down over previous years. This has resulted in this months "average" down to 2.06
- Blank visits remain similar to previous years at 23.07%
- Browns continue to show in returns, a total of 17 this month taking our total for season to 449, only 9 short of our best season for browns in 2005 / 2006 which totalled 458
- An excellent return from our 100 browns we stocked at the beginning of the season (recognise some browns from past seasons will still be around!)
- Browns of 6lb, 5lb and 4.5lb all featured this month
- Another two additions to our 7lb + Over list. A 7lb rainbow fell to Mike Lawrenson and the fishery's second best ever rainbow of 14.5lb fell to Ken Belcher. Both fish safely returned by their captors to fight another day. Congratulations to both of you!
- Mixed bag of flies this month - Bloodworm showing well with black popular in a range of patterns. Surprise effective colour clearly pink for some reason I can't quite understand
- Lake now at full capacity with water a little coloured due to pumping in operation
- Replacing Landing stage + loss of one platform top on shallows bank will need to wait until water level drops again
- Great news for everyone. Have met with new owner, Clive Gotham, and agreed slightly increased rent for new season. Clive seems very amendable to the Syndicate continuing along existing lines so all go for next season
- Please remember the fishery closes at 2.00pm on SATURDAY MARCH 1st and REOPENS at 8.00pm on SATURDAY MARCH 15th
December
- A mixed month as far as weather conditions were concerned - even the lake froze over for a few days!
- Catch rate for December still high with 335 fish caught providing an "average" of 3.25 for the month
- Lowest blank percentage at 11.65% since March 2007 and best for December since records commenced!
- Number of Browns caught in December is a record for all Decembers at 41, giving a total for the season of 432. Given best season for Browns caught was 2005/2006 with 458, another 27 caught and the record tumbles
- Included in the browns returns was one of 8.5lb. A cracking fish which gave up a great fight, a male in excellent condition. Caught, photographed and safely returned by myself.
- By end of December we are already only 1 fish behind last season's overall total of 4468 so we are set for a great season
- Overall "average" of 3.25 holding up well, only 0.05 down on 2006/2007 "average" of 3.30
- Still a good mixture of flies tempting the fish with a varied colour selection over the month - surprising to see pink featuring!
- Have talked to new owner very briefly. Next season looks okay but meeting with him to discuss in more detail soon. Will keep you advised of developments
- Thanks to all who attended the AGM. Subscription numbers looking healthy at this time with applications still trickling in. Don't expect we will need any additional surcharge unless rent rockets!
- Final comments for December relate to the 7lb and Over returns. As you can see clearly a record month by all accounts
- No less than 12 fish caught in the 7lb and Over category including a new fishery record rainbow of 15lb caught by myself on 14th December. Witnessed by Roy Seeley and safely returned, it was a cracking fish which took me down to the backing line twice. Given my fluro was only 6.5lb breaking strain it took me some time to land. Not a "flabby" big fish you see in a lot of magazines but perfect and really stocky. A pleasure to return it to fight another day. A bonus that was was another 7lb and five browns
- In addition to my personal best (rainbow + 8.5lb brown), personal bests I believe for Bob Phillips @ 14lb (plus another at 8lb), M. Lawrenson @ 10lb, Rae Law @ 10.5lb and on the last day of the month Rae's son Sean only had one fish but it was 12.5lb! Congratulations to everyone in this category and as far as I know all the fish were returned safely
- Well that's it for December and 2007. Happy New Year to everyone and Tight Lines whenever you fish
November
- Best November in "average" terms in last 4 years at 5.08
- Season "average" holding up very well compared to last 3 seasons at 3.38
- Fish caught this November highest since 2004/2005 season at 483, up 114% on November 2006
- Visits this November almost double last November
- Fish caught this season to date has now broken 4000 barrier at 4132 with % of blanks for November lowest ever at 13.68% (13 blanks out of 95 visits)
- Number of browns caught continued to be steady at 391. Record for a season is 458 back in 2005/2006 season so there is still time to beat it! A great return on our browns I am sure you will agree
- Delighted to report 8 doubles to 15lb eventually stocked end of November as mentioned in October News
- Please don't forget AGM on Monday 17th December
- Latest Newsletter dated November 2007, Issue 35 has now been mailed to all existing and interested members
- Apologises for the the technical problems encountered with the website recently. Problem being investigated with our domain site owners
October
- October has produced excellent returns with visits recorded at 130 which is the best month for visits since May 2007
- The cooler weather has provided us with a good range of fish being caught
- The September stocking seems to have aroused the previously stocked population
- Plenty of Fry bashing in the margins and fish falling to a range of flies e.g Minkies to Daddy Long Legs!!
- Browns still showing well in the returns - another 34 caught and returned this month
- As the picture on our site shows Roy Seeley takes the lead in the heaviest rainbow category with a superb brown of 9.5lb, caught on 6th October. Well Done Roy!
- As our Tiger and Blue trophies are being stood down again this season there will only be 4 trophies to be awarded at the AGM. Heaviest rainbow and most brown in 2007/2008 season will be decided at the end of season
- Trophies to be awarded at AGM in December (provisionally Monday 17th December at the Woolpack, Iwade at 8.00pm). Final details will be forwarded in December 2007 Newsletter
Heaviest Rainbow Caught during 2006 / 2007 season
- Martin Boakes - Caught 21/04/06 - 11.5lb Rainbow
The Bob McMillan Memorial Trophy, awarded for the Most Brown Trout caught by 31st October in 2007 / 2008 season
- Ken Robson - 45
Ken was out on his own winning this trophy for the third or forth time. I've lost count! Those in double figures for browns
by 31st October were
Ken Belcher 22
Rae Law 20
Myself 17
Phil Haynes 17
Mal Pratt 17
Roy Seeley 17
Jill Haynes 14
Daran Guy 14
Roger Philpott 13
Bob Phillips 10
Target to all to beat Ken by the end of the season!
The Jack Smith Memorial Trophy for the heaviest Brown Trout caught by the end of October
- Norman Payne - 7/5/07 - 7lb
Congratulations to Norman and the other trophy winners. They will be presented at the AGM.
- A further stocking will take place in November. 10 doubles have been requested. I will advise if we can get them in next month's summary
- Finally a word of caution. The landing stage at the bottom of the lake is showing signs of wood rot on the sidings. The structure appears sound enough but will be repaired in the Spring. Take care please as everyone enters and leaves at their own risk
- Any topics for the AGM will be gratefully received. Please contact me by email preferably as I am traveling most of November in the USA on business.
September
- Well as I suggested in my August comments things have improved dramatically during September
- 347 fish caught, 34 killed, 110 visits and 36 blanks producing a very acceptable average of 3.15. Respective figures for September 2006 were 179 fish caught, 22 killed, 122 visits and 61 blanks producing an average of 1.6. Vast improvements all round I am sure you will agree
- As advised in August our September stocking saw 362 fish introduced with a variety of weights. All fish were rainbows with the heaviest weighing in at 9lb
- A further 17 browns caught this month taking the total for the season to date to 326
- Nice spread of weights being caught, best recorded at 6lb
- Remember as we move into October, it will be the last month for entries into our competition for the heaviest brown by the end of October, the Jack Smith Memorial Trophy. Currently in the lead is Norman Payne with a brown of 7lb caught on 7th May
- In addition the same comments apply to the Bob McMillan Memorial Trophy for most brown trout caught by the end of October. Ken Robson is way in front this year yet again and there is little chance of him being overtaken by the end of October
- D Willmore mailed me to solve the "mystery" fish poser. He removed it from the water during a session as the fish was in distress. He merely forgot to dispose of it. However how the fish got so mishapen and survived for some will be something we will never know!
- Most successful flies in September were Buzzers, Variety of Orange flies, Hoppers, Damsels and Black.
August
- August has turned out to be a disaster. Given we had 96 visits to the fishery only 56 fish in total were caught! I can assure you the fish are there but are extremely elusive. The water temperature has dropped below 20 degrees so things should pick up again fairly quickly.
- Arrangements are in hand for a further stocking in early September although according to my records there are still over 600 fish in the lake (excluding previous years fish)
- Only three browns caught in August - lowest return on browns since last years blistering July - still 309 browns caught and returned this season
- A staggering 62 blanks out of the total of 96 visits in August - almost the same percentage of blanks as last year in blistering July - 64.58% v 64.70%
- Now for a bit of mystery although it creeps in as an early September item. On Sunday 2nd September Bob Goble went fishing and found himself as the only member there - not unusual. However what Bob found on the bank by one of the platforms near the boat containers surprised him. See for yourself:
Bob advises the fish looked fresh and in reasonable condition despite it's shape.
Questions:
- Why was it on the Bank?
- Did someone forget to take it or did they not like the look of it?
- Could it not be returned or was it too stressed to return?
If you can solve this mystery of the "Strange Trout" please let me know and I'll pass details on next month.
July
- Another mixed month weather wise and water temperature has varied with fish often showing little interest in feeding
- Total of 211 fish caught this month which is a vast improvement over last year (hottest on record if you recall!)
- Browns still showing now and again and the occasional Blue trout. Have been unable to obtain any Tiger trout from our supplier and as no one has caught one this season only fair to stand down the Tiger Trophy at present.
- Have now recorded 306 browns caught and returned this season. Norman Payne's 7lb beauty still the fish to beat! A great return considering we have only stocked a further 100 in addition to existing residents.
- "Average" for July a credible 1.72 that figure rises to 2.81 when you deduct blanks. If you have been reading the fishing press, most small waters have struggled during the past months so I believe our returns are what we could expect.
- Water has coloured a little with increased temperatures but fish can clearly see flies without any problems given the number of follows I have encountered over the past few weeks. Fish your cast right to the end - the induced take has accounted for a good percentage of the fish I have caught.
- Second Newsletter of the season (Issue 34) will be prepared and mailed to all members before the end of August
June
- Not surprisingly June was a very mixed month weather wise which saw water still running in the stream which was amazing!
- The weather did impact on returns with blank visits slightly up on last season, visits down and "average per visit" down to 1.68
- Stockings took place on 12th and 22nd June. A further 268 rainbows (including a few escapee blues) went in up to around 4lb/5lb
- Many thanks to the working party who cut back the growth surrounding the casting platforms and for cutting the grass around the banks (Phil, Jill, Martin, Peter & Clive take a bow!)
May
- May has continued the excellent returns since opening day with a further 503 fish caught taking our season total to date to an unbelievable 2435! This produces an "average" rate of 4.45 overall. This increases to 5.24 if you ignore blank returns - an excellent average I'm sure you will agree.
- The above includes 274 browns and 10 blues. Both these figures were 198 and 8 for the corresponding period last year
- A variety of fly catching regularly - buzzers, daiwl, bachs, dries, lures and daddies.
- Thanks to Mal and Bill for introducing the Clarosan to keep down the weed growth
- By the time this is posted on our website Roy Seeley an Daran Guy will have replaced the roof on the returns hut. As always my grateful thanks to you both.
- A further stocking will take place during June - full details in next months News update.
- Remember from June, members can take guests to the lake. A maximum of 6 guests are allowable per season. Prior notification is required - please contact me before hand. Guest tickets are for bank fishing only, maximum 2 fish to be killed (first 2 only) then catch and release. Cost £15.00 per guest visit, cheques payable to MILLAN WATERS.
April
- April has been another good month with plenty of fish being caught, the majority on buzzers. Worthy of note was Mike Lawrenson on 3rd April recording 4 browns and Jill Haynes on 16th April with 4 also
- Total browns for April were 102 taking the total this season to an incredible 228 so far
- Several browns over 3lb recording during April with the best of 5lb caught by myself
- Six Blues this month but still no Tigers!
- 259 visits to the lake resulted in 972 trout being caught, 107 killed with an "average" of 3.75. This figure bares up well over past seasons.
- 1972 fish caught already this season - that equates to 43% of last season's total
- We have already overtaken last season's brown trout total of 239 (see above)
- Although this is really for May's summary, Norman Payne recorded on 7th May a rainbow of 9lb and a brown of 7lb to lead in both categories. Both fish were witnessed by David Willmore, presumably weighed and were safely returned. Both fish fell to a Black Gnat - congratulations to Norman
March 2007 Part 2
- The new season got underway on Saturday 17th March and although we are only a few weeks into the new season it looks like it will be a cracker!
- Direct comparisons are a little difficult in the first month as opening day has varied over the years. However what is in no doubt is that a new record for the fish caught has been set. With only 6 blanks out of 133 visits an "average" catch rate of 7.21 was achieved i.e 960 fish caught!!
- In addition 126 browns were caught - higher than any month since we introduced browns many years ago. The latest 100 browns were all around 2lb so anything heavier is likely to be from earlier stockings. I am only showing the weights of browns over 3lb this season.
- We have had 2 8lb rainbows caught. Although both were not witnessed, we must assume they were from last year as we were unable to obtain anything larger than 6lb from our suppliers for the first stocking
- April looks as though it is going to continue weather wise so good fishing seems assured
- A summary of April will b e posted in early May when I return from a two week business trip to the USA
- There are still some places available for current season - spread the word!!
March 2007
- The fishery is now closed until 08:00 on Saturday 17th March
- Latest Newsletter, Issue 33, March 2007 will be mailed to all members week commencing 5th March. This will contain all up to date info together with windscreen badges and waistcoat badges
- As you will see from the final returns the season ended with some good returns and even some blues and browns were recorded!
- Water level almost at lake capacity. Pump has now broken down but has done it's job for us! No need for extra platforms.
- Still some space available for new season although with current water level probably not for long
- See you all during the season
07/01/07
- AGM took place on Monday 11th December at the Woolpack, Iwade. As always a good turn out was achieved. No major issues raised - all looking forward to next season
- 2006 / 2007 season will end on Saturday 27th February. Contradicting the info in the Newsletter No 32 we will reopen on SATURDAY 19th MARCH NOT SATURDAY 10th MARCH
- Already enough members sign up for next season to go ahead with no increase in subscriptions
- Water level up around 18" and rising. Water flowing in stream constantly at present
- December "average" of 4.98 best in last four years
- Further stocking took place in December taking total fish stocked this season to date 1879
- Six blue and 1 tiger caught in November / December 2006
19/11/06
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Next Newsletter currently being edited and should be mailed out to all members by end of November /early December
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AGM wil be held in Woolpack ,Iwade on Monday 11th December at 8.00pm.Please note there will be a buffet laid on on the night.
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October returns showing marked improvement over recent months with "average " back up to an acceptable 3.58 .
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Several 10 returns in October and November to date
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Further stocking took place in October adding 200 rainbows and 20 blues .
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Pump already switched on and awaiting water in the stream
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Subscriptions for next season held at current levels once again.
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Trophies for Browns ,Tigers & Blues stood down this season due to impact of weather on catch returns for these species.
Apologises for lack of updates on the website recently - the site is in the process of being totally re-designed.
25/05/06
- At last we have more water. Tom has been pumping in and the water level is rising nicely
- The browns are continuing to be a regular feature in our returns with some lovely fish being caught and returned.
- Congratulations to Ken Robson in his capture of a fine rainbow @ 9lb 1oz on 21st May
- Buzzers most popular fly at the moment with several good fish falling to dry flies
- Best every average recorded for April
- For Sale:
- Michael Evans Arrowhead All Rounder 9' 3" rod (6/7 AFTM Rating) in good condition with original tube for sale for £80.
Please contact Nev Broad via email at nevkaz2004@yahoo.com or by phone on either 01795 424281 or 07977 689894).
- Another season underway and as at 21st April, 1075 fish caught
- 194 visits to the Fishery and only 24 blanks recorded
- Plenty of Browns showing in the returns
- Six fish over 7lb already caught this season
- Four fish over 10lb recorded, Bob Goble's opening day 10.25lb, my 10.5lb on 3rd April and Martin Broakes' 11.5lb on 21st April.
- Roger Philpott has already caught and safely returned fish of 10lb, 9lb and 8.5lb!!
- Water level is slightly up
- Provisional rent reduction negotiated - further details will follow in next Newsletter
- Please remember to let me have your photos for our website. I have added a good few of some lovely browns I have caught and photos of recent stocking activity.