Other Fisheries

Had a couple of hours on the lure this aftrnoon, lost one pike (about 3lbs) and had another chase the lure but back off at the last min! Had the lake to myself and the weed has died down considerably.

A few things though :

1) The padlock combination was 'open' when I got there.
2) There is a tree down/overhanging the pathway (by the steps).
3) A decomposing pike of 3-5lbs is on the bank just past the little bay before you get to the swims by the canal.

Hi Bankzzy, I often pop over to Cowley [three mins for me] with my lure rod and usually get at least one pike per lap. Rarely do I spend more than a hour. I spoke to one regular last Sunday who float fishes deads and rarely blanks, his best bag has been 6 Esox best 12lb in one session.Yes the weed has now died right back, and if I catch the guy [ I found it open too] who leaves the gate open, he will be for the high jump!The tree will be removed when the tree surgeon visits in the Winter when several trees will be removed to improve the wind blowing onto the lake.This should keep the duckweed on the move.Late Winter will see the introduction of 2000 ten inch carp along with fish refuge cages. The hope is to get members raking their own swims. [The E.A. have vetoed the use of ANY weed killing chemicals] The problem with todays angler is they wany their fishing on a plate! Speaking to a husband and wife member recently they told me that they had lost count of the tench they have banked this Summer. And yes they do have to work hard! And rake on a regular basis!

"...Late Winter will see the introduction of 2000 ten inch carp along with fish refuge cages..."

Yeah, I read that in the Fishery Report...would love to be able to come down then and watch/get involved...

Many thanks due to Dave M.
This gentleman took it upon himself to carry out a litter pick at Knightscote. Incidentally, Dave never fishes there which makes his work even more comendable.
Well done Dave.

Many thanks to Tony S for the work we carried out on Troy Lake yesterday.
Those who fish this absolutely fantastic venue will come to know Tony well.
Tony is now acting with me on an official URACS capacity to bailiff the lake.
We carried out a good survey yesterday and have a few good proposals for improvements.
Tony is very knowledgable on Troy ( having fished it for many years ) and I am certain that this great water will benefit from his involvement.
He is also a top predator angler.... I shall be looking for some tips !!!

Hi Alan
I aim to fish the lake for the first time next week and reading the forum notes I understand that there is a weed problem that is solved by racking. I presume that this time of year some of the weed will have cleared by now as I won't be able to get down before hand to clear a swim.
Do you whether there are any clear swims?
Thanks, Alan Vincent

some of the far bank swims have been frequently raked by myself and a few other members .but most of the weed is now dying off so anywhere could be fishable i hope to see you there next week on one of my weekly visits .p.s i have replied to your email

Yet another lock vandalised at Troy.... I am certain not by members...
Need a security camera which activates a lethal lazer beam !!!!!!!!!!!!

Recently joined URACS having returned to fishing after an age away. Took my daughters up to Knightscote Ponds after reading the review from Anglers Mail. Oh dear! The upper pond is covered in weed with no discernible aquatic life, although a circling heron gave us some hope. Tried clearing some of the weed to enable some basic float fishing but it was clearly a pointless exercise, which was a shame as it looks a lovely little venue. Will hopefully try Billet Lane in a few weeks as the comments on the board indicate an active piece of water. Any possibility, or point, in trying to revive Knightscote? We'd certainly like to lend a hand.

I went to Knightscote earlier in the season, was disappointed too, not a single bite in over 2hours, the water was crystal clear and I didn't see a single fish! Was chatting to someone there and he said it is pretty dead in the afternoons on this venue - you need early morning/late evening - a bit of fishmeal based groundbait and 'bobs your uncle'... Decided it wasn't for me...just didn't feel to secure there either...

As for Billet, not sure how old your daughters are but due to the very low water levels at the moment the banks are quite dangerous in my opinion as it is a good 6-10ft drop (depending on the swim) before the water level and steep, loose gravel banks. It's fishable but you have to be very careful. Simple float fished single maggot around 2-3ft, most shot around the float so kind of fishing on the drop will get you lots of roach, rudd & perch up to around 4-5in. Fish nearer the bottom and you've a chance of the bream as well... When the water level is 'normal' it is indeed a very nice venue to fish.

If it's simple fishing it appears the river at Troy & Ricky are the places to be or judging by the comments, Cowley Lake is now worth a try - if you dont mind clearing a little weed - that is a very picturesque venue and has nice level 'safe' banks!