Simon Duncan lands a stunning 'Cotswold' Mirror of 30-02

A brief update this time. Partially because I posted last week, but also because I will be handing over the reins to Simon for a couple of weeks.

The current high pressure, bright warmish days and cool nights continue to make the catch result below what we would normally expect for this time of the year. The fish are there to be caught, but anglers have to work hard to get results. I understand that most other similar lakes across England and France are reporting the same degree of difficulty. Roll on a change in weather. What happened to April showers!

Whilst bookings for the year ahead continue to be steady, we unusually still have some vacancies around this coming Easter:-

14-18 April Heron Lodge on Cherry Lake. Egret Lodge on Cherry Pool

18-21 April (Easter weekend!). Cherry Lake Cottage

21-25 April. Osprey Lodge on Cherry Lake. Egret Lodge on Cherry Pool. Cherry Lake Cottage.

Please either book online or give us a call on 01285 869887, if you fancy an Easter break.

Simon Duncan was Cherry Lake's top rod over the weekend with 3 Carp from Grebe Lodge. His first Carp came within ten minutes of putting his first rod out. The lovely classic Cotswold looking Carp pictured in the lead photo above took an instant liking to his bait fed with Cherry Red boilies. At 30-02 this male fish was the 12th different Carp 30+ of the year, our 14th once the two recent 40's+ are included. This Carp last appears in my 2024 catalogue when caught by Chris Caddick at a similar weight in mid-May 2024 at 30-10.

Simon went on to catch a Carp a day over the weekend. The mint looking Common of 27lb, pictured immediately above, which Simon landed on Saturday, really caught my eye. Not only because this young fish looks in great condition, but because it has a great body shape. I have no doubt it will be a new 30+ for us before the year is out.

Brian Sparrow arrived on Friday to stay in the Cottage for a week which coincided with his wife's birthday. Unknown to his wife Liz their 3 daughters turned up on Saturday to join them in their holiday celebrations. A lovely surprise and a cunning way to get brownie points when you are on a fishing break!

In each of Cherry Lake's four fishing areas we have located a pole marker, no further than half way out. These poles 'lay over' if a Carp swims behind it during the fight, and as such they are not snags (like a H block would be). We have regularly baited around these poles over the last few weeks. So far anglers have largely ignored these poles or just given them a quick go.

Brian reported seeing the poles 'waving' at him on several occasions. This movement (wave) being caused by Carp rubbing against the pole. Either because they were feeding, or to 'scratch an itch'. Either way, an exciting signal that Carp are in your swim. As a result Brian has kept these markers consistently fed and regularly put a rod close to the marker.

So far this has paid off for Brian as both of his Carp to date has come from this 'marker' spot. He has 4 more days to catch some more!. Both lovely Commons pictured below and above

Well done Brian and simon.