Yearend Update
Another year is just about to take its bow as we head into 2013. Its been a busy year here at Churchwood Fisheries and I believe the venue has continued to go from strength to strength. Undoubtedly the highlight for us was being named in Simon Crow's Top 5 'Open Access' day ticket fisheries in the UK. For CW Fisheries to be mentioned in the same list as the legendary Redmire Pool was just awesome and the best accolade that we could have wished for after all the hard work and effort that is poured into running this fishery. The fish have continued to gain weight at a healthy rate and the quality and condition of all the fish caught during 2012 was a testament to the quality of the environment that we provide our fish stocks. Running a successful fishery is all about water quality management. If you get this part right then all the other parts should fall into place and a vibrant and healthy habitat is created. Obviously sensible rules need to be put in place to protect the carp on a day ticket fishery due to the different levels of angling experience that they are likely to encounter throughout their lifespan. Even with certain rig restrictions, carp can still become badly injured or even worse killed due to bad angling practices. My attention is being drawn to one incident late this year when an angler on Jenkins discovered a tethered carp in some over hanging branches. Thankfully the fish was treated and returned although it was in a very poor state and if survives will lose one front fin along with some ugly scaring. The reason this fish was tethered was that the angler pulled for a break when the fish become snagged in some branches (which are now due for removal). Instead of going out in the boat provided for such instances he chose to pull for a break and some 20-30ft of line was left attached to the fish. The rig itself was actually fine and it even had a barbless hook. Unfortunately even with a barbless hook, if the fish is trailing a rig with the lead sill attached and with this much main line, sooner or later it will become snagged and end up in the same circumstances. We provide boats and lifejackets to avoid this and we we will be strongly be condoning any such activities if we see in the future. Protecting and fish welfare is paramount here and the fish ALWAYS comes 1st.
Take a look at Steve's Blog for the latest news or follow us on Twitter or Facebook to keep up to date on all the coming and goings here at Churchwood. Tight lines for 2013 and a very happy and prosperous New Year.
Autumn Update
Winter has certainly began to take it's grip as we rapidly head into December. The lakes have already seen the first few heavy frosts and water temperatures have steadily declined. Most of the leafs have now fallen from the trees, along with the lilies and rushes that have began their annual Winter retreat. As expected the fishing has slowed, both in terms of the number of carp being landed and the number of anglers who are prepared to venture out this time of year. For me this is certainly one of may favorite times to get on the bank. This is mainly due to the lakes obviously being available for me to fish but more importantly the fish are in peak condition and at good weights. Right up until we see the lakes totally freeze up, it's very much worth having a crack at these fish. I remember last Winter, just after Christmas, a few of my friends had some great results on CW Lake. As I type this blog, temperatures are at 11-12 degrees, the pressure is below that 1000mb number and we have a nice SSW breeze. Some would say perfect conditions for this time of year, certainly conditions that I would be happy to fish in. If you were unlucky not to get a booking this year, then it's definitely worth wetting your lines before the inevitable freeze does arrive.
The 2013 Diary is now open and bookings are coming in thick and fast. Again like this year, week long bookings are proving very popular now that the facilities have been upgraded to 5 Stars. We have also seen groups of anglers wishing to book all 3 lakes on an exclusive basis for next year. There's very few places around that can offer what we have here at Churchwood Fisheries. Therefore if you do want to get on the lakes during the Spring and Summer next year we would encourage you to make a booking early to avoid disappointment.
Summer Update
Where does all the time go ? As we head into September another Summer has been and gone in what feels just like a blink of an eye ! For one reason or another we have not been able to get regular updates throughout the past 5 or so months. Hopefully this has all been sorted now and I am planning to update my 'Blog' page on the new website on a much more regular basis. We will also be soon on Facebook and Twitter, so if this is something that interest you please keep an eye out for this. As you can see, the new website is getting there and is now very close to completion. The new design has bought it up to the new technology that is now required on many search engines. It will be much more interactive and therefore of much more use to the customer. We hope you like it.
The fishing has been steady on all three lakes over the Summer months. The fish have been in cracking condition and in great health. As I type this short update, the weekend weather has been stunning, although not great for carping. A few fish came out but otherwise the carp have been sunning themselves throughout the days. Im sure that once we begin to see a drop in temperature, the fish will get their munching heads back on and provide some great sport for those lucky enough to get a crack at them. The lakes have been busy throughout the Summer but we should start seeing some availability free up although weekends remain busy. We will send texts out for any cancellations, so if you do not receive these then please call asking to be added to the distribution list. We will also be advertising available dates on the new 'blog' page.
I'm not going to go on too much this time but instead leave you with a few nice pictures of some recent catches. Tight lines and hope to see you soon.
April 2012
April is certainly the highlight so far this year. In fact this month could well be the one to top them all since I have owned the fisheries. We find Churchwood Fisheries not only in April’s edition of Carp World but Simon Crow compiled his top 5 'Open Access Waters' (day ticket waters) and put us in at No 5 !
Not only was I well chuffed in getting in his favourite top 5. I felt so privileged to be in a list that contains some historic and extremely famous venues from the UK. How's this for a line up of lakes to be compared against.
No1: Redmire Pool, the birthplace of modern day carp fishing, former venue of three different British record carp, including Dick Walkers significant 44lbs common, Clarissa. Not to mention Chris Yates famous catches from this truly special lake.
No 2: Weston Park, a truly stunning venue set in the grounds of a magnificent stately home which is steeped in history.
No3: Birch Grove, bags of history, numerous books dedicated to this very well know water.
No 4: Orchid Lake, another well know lake that has also had so much written about it over a long period of time and again a truly stunning water.
No 5: Churchwood Fisheries !!!!
Whatever way you look at it, to be in a list with these four waters makes you realise you are doing something right. It's great to receive this kind of recognition after so much time, effort, energy and money is poured into what started out as a dream. To read the full article, pick yourself up a copy of Carp World at your local newsagent. Here's what Simon Crow had to say about the lakes:
"I've only been to Churchwood a couple of times to fish, but I really fell in love with the place. Not only did the owners make me feel very welcome, but I just loved the setting, because here you're not paying solely for the fishing, but also for the quality of the experience. Basically, if there was ever a house with it own lake that I'd want for myself, this would be the one. Set in a rural part of Essex, there was almost complete silence when I was down, it was simply beautiful. It's well stocked too, and for the middle of winter, angling companion Glyn Leach and I both had a few fish in what you'd class as a typical winter conditions. Of the two waters containing carp, Churchwood is the main one, and in the Summer its looks absolutely stunning. There are some lovely lily pads bordering the margins and with one bank out of bounds it makes for very rewarding fishing. I wouldn't class it as easy, but it’s not far off, perhaps in between easy and moderate. You should expect to catch a couple if the conditions are right. I'm hoping to go back again this year in the summer for another fish, and I can’t wait to get down there."
Fishing News
Whoever mentioned the word 'drought,’ then surely it needs redefining! I have never seen so much water flow through the complex, it was truly unbelievable. Although we are lucky that flooding would not really occur here, the lakes struggled to discharge the excess water due to the sheer volume and velocity that it was entering the lakes. It's great to get this turn over and dilution of water, but it can have adverse effects on fish behaviour due to conditions being volatile. Any fluctuations in temperature and pH levels are just two factors that can upset fish and turn them off feeding. Even with these not so ideal conditions, plenty of fish have made an appearance and in general I have been relatively happy with anglers results.
Looking through the 'Catch Report Log Book', there's far too many fish to mention throughout April, so I will just mention some of the ones that have particularly impressed me. Recently 'Chucky' was caught at its best weight of 28-05lbs from Churchwood Lake. A day later another mirror was caught at 26-08lbs. After studying the two different carp I have now realised I have been confusing and mixing these two very similar carp up. I could never fathom out why 'Chucky' fluctuated up and down by around 2lbs throughout the year. I now know why, there is another carp that has been following 'Chucky' in the growing department and is also doing very well. We have christened this carp 'Chucky’s Mate'. Chucky’s Mate 26-08lbs
Plenty of 20lbs+ carp have been out of both Jenkins and Churchwood Lakes. 'Black Spot' has made a couple of appearances from Jenkins, weighing in around 27lbs - 28lbs. 'George' has also made a couple of appearances from Churchwood Lake, best weight was at 29-04lbs, caught by Nic Ayres who also had 'Chucky' at 28lbs+ in the same night. The fish have been in great condition and they all seem to be putting some decent weight gains on. Here's a selection of pictures that I have collected over the past few weeks.
Over on our new Cat Lake. This small intimate lake, set in ancient woodlands has kicked off in big style. Several upper 40's and numerous 30's and 20's have been making regular visits to the bank. On the right day or night, action can be hectic and hard work. These awesome fighting machines will test your tackle and your strength to their limits. Popped up worms and luncheon meat have proved to be the most successful methods although fishing bottom baits over large beds of pellets have also been paying dividends. I can only imagine that action is even going to get more manic as the water warms up over the next few weeks. If you are a Cat fish lover or just fancy in having a go at this species, then this lake is for you and I strongly urge you to give it a try, you will not be disappointed. Here are just a few recent pictures of some of the cats that have been out.
As normal I will finish off by saying that weekend bookings are now extremely full and it is becoming difficult to get booked in. Mid week sessions are by far your best option in getting a booking on Simon Crow’s Top 5 Day Ticket Waters in the UK !!!! Tight lines and see you all next month.
February / March 2012
The main goal for the start of the year was to get the Cat Lake up and running before the warmer weather arrived. A weeks hard graft and help from an army of volunteers ensured that the deadline was accomplished. I was more than happy with the end result and the new swim looks the absolute nuts ! The lake will only be available to book for a maximum of 2 anglers and the swim that we have constructed can more than easily accommodate 2 of the largest bivvys. This small intimate lake holds a very impressive head of large cats. The largest resident currently stands at 56lbs along with a number of 40's and 30's. The water temperature has nearly reached a level where the cats will actively feed and already we have seen a few wake up and made a visit to the bank. If you fancy something a little different and a chance of doing battle with one of the many cats then it's certainly worth giving our new Cat Lake a crack this year.
The weather has certainly been somewhat volatile over the past few months. We saw the lakes freeze up for a couple of weeks at the start of February along with a few mildish days later in the month. The fishing has been a little mixed but in fairness the lakes have remained fairly quiet, especially during the week. Steve Hitchcock had a relatively good session mid way through February just after the lakes defrosted. Steve banked George at just over 29lbs, its 2nd appearance already this year, along with a 19lbs, 17lbs and a 14lbs carp. Not bad considering the water temps were absolutely freezing and conditions were not that great. Martin Sontag also bagged a couple of upper doubles from CW Lake during similar conditions. Steve Hitchcock and his friend Elliott Rowland made a return visit to CW Lake and again saw some action. Elliott had a cracking scraper 20 mirror along with Steve banking a pretty mid double mirror. The scrapper 20 mirror is very similar to 'Chucky' and once a little bigger will be christened 'Bride Of Chucky' !!!.............
Steve Hitchcock with 'George' and a double caught in freezing conditions
Over on Jenkins Lake Chris Rainbow banked 'Tom's Common' at 29-12lbs, another fish making its 2nd appearance in front of the camera this year. Chris used Eclipse Baits Nut Mix bollies fished tight to the far margin snag. Local youngster Alex Bauer was back in the action with a nice 24-12lbs common from Jenkins. Alex was using the every reliable CW Baits yellow Pineapple Pop-ups fined over a scattering of CW Blackcurrant and Green lipped mussel bollies. I also managed a short session and was rewarded with a nice plump upper double common. A few other punters also got lucky but unfortunately no photos were received. In general the lakes have been fishing steadily for the time of year and the fish are as always looking in great condition along with showing some decent weights. Weekend bookings are really getting busy so your best chance is to try and get a few midweek dates booked up in the diary. I'll be sending out regular TEXT messages for any relevant news along with cancellations / late availabilities. If you have yet to receive one of these text messages and wish to do so then please call 01277 375499 and let us know your mobile telephone number.
Chris Rainbow with 'Toms Common' at 29-12lbs & Alex Bauer with a nice 24-12lbs Jenkins common
Yours truly with a nice Winters day CW Lake Common
January 2012
Happy New Year !! The mild weather and near perfect carping conditions we saw over the New Year certainly proved prolific for the lucky few anglers who got out on the banks. Regulars Bill and Paul popped in for a quick 12 hrs session and was rewarded with the 1st carp of the year from CW Lake in the shape of a nice plump 20lbs+ common. They also had several pick ups which unfortunately were not converted to fish on the bank. Dave Morris netted the 1st carp of the year from Jenkins with one of the old original warriors at 27-10lbs. Craig Hawkes and a few mates were next up on CW Lake for a 36hr session. Between them they managed several good fish with the best being 'The Long Common' at 27lbs along with 'Chucky' at 25lbs+. I was itching to get on the lakes myself but was holidaying in France over New Year. Not wanting this feeding spell to go begging I made a quick few phone calls to some mates who were more than happy to take my spot ! Lee Walford was one of those lucky anglers and managed to get a 24hr pass from the missus to go fishing. Lee banked 3 of the CW 'Target' fish, Bubbles at 28lbs, Shaggy at 27lbs and Carlos at 25lbs. James Sumner landed 3 doubles in 2 hrs and Alex Bauer took a cracking 23lbs common and a upper double common from Jenkins. All this action coming in less than a 24hr window, cracking sport and a brilliant start to the year. The fish were in top condition and were more than happy to get their feeding heads on. I have been trickling the bait in whilst there have been no anglers, just really to keep them searching for bait and to avoid them shutting themselves down for the Winter. The lakes have seen very little angling pressure over the past few weeks, so its a great time to get down and give it a go before the diary becomes full once the better weather arrives.
Alex with his two crackers and Dae Morris with his 27lb 10oz mirror
Lee Walford striking gold with Carlos, Bubbles and Shaggy
Ryan with Chucky ( right ) and the Long Common
James Sumner with 2 of his 3 stockies caught in just a 2hr visit... good angling
Bill 'Hang Me' and his friend Paul were back for another go, but this time on Jenkins. Paul was 1st off the mark and what a corker. 'Tom's Common' at a all time high of 30-03lbs ! The common was in mint condition and looked great with the extra weight it was carrying. Previously it's best Winter weight was 28-08lbs. Again the benefits of removing so many cats during the Summer was paying dividends and allowing the carp to take advantage of the decrease in biomass to gain that extra little weight. Then it was Bill's turn to get in on the action when 'Black Spot' the mirror took a fancy to his CW Baits yellow pop-up. The old warrior weighed in at 28-08lbs and was the 2nd time already that this fish has graced the bank in the past 2 weeks. Bill then followed this up with 'Zara's Fish' at 26lbs. To top of his great session Bill landed a great looking 24lbs common as well. I believe they also dropped a couple of fish between them, so all in all they had a pretty action packed couple of days.
Tom's Common 30ld3oz and Black Spot at 28lb8oz
Zara's Fish at 26lb
Not wishing to miss out on the potential action, as well as to take full advantage whilst the lakes were void of too many anglers, I decided to give it a go with my good friend Phil from CW Baits. I went into the large double swim which produced well over the Ne wYear for Lee Walford, leaving Phil to concentrate on the top half of the lake. My other reason to fish was to pick up all the branches and twigs from around and from within the lake that had fell during the strong winds that we had previously experienced. A few days earlier a large tree crashed into the lake where I was going to fish, so this had to be dealt with as well. Phil managed a nice 19lbs mirror during the 1st night and I blanked. In truth I was hoping to get my hands on 'George' as she had yet to make an appearance along with the other big girls that had recently been out. Unfortunately for me, but fortunate for Phil, George was residing up in the top half of the lake, most likely spooked from where the carp had been heavily feeding in my swim a week earlier until the tree smashed into the lake. This old mirror looked great in the January Winter light, pulling the scales around to a 28-08lbs. 'George' graced the front cover of Carp Talk this time last year but weighed then at 25lbs. Although totally different weather and feeding conditions from last year, it was pleasing to see her at a decent weight and looking in such good form. Well done Phil......that fish had my name on it !!! I only managed a small AJS fully scaled mirror which made up on it's lack of size by its sheer beauty.
Phil with George at 28lb8oz and my cracker of a scaley carp
Just a few of the branches and twig removed from the lake...
As you can see from the pics, the carp are in stunning Winter colours and are hopefully set to have a very good year ahead. Bookings are coming in quickly so if you want a crack at these stunning fish then book your place early to avoid disappointment. The new lodge with its toilets, shower and kitchen facilities, is already proving very popular for anglers wishing to book a week long session. In addition to Jenkins and CW Lake we have our new cat lake opening on 1st March. Cats have been stocked to 55lbs+ along with several 40's and loads of 30's and 20's. This small intimate lake for just 2 anglers should provide some great sport once the weather warms up a little. Thats it for this time so tight lines and hope to see you soon.