News from Banks 2006

News from the Banks for 2005 have now been archived for Jan 05 to June 05 click here for June 05 to Dec 05 click here

With the festive season upon us it appears that in the last week members have taken to the shops rather than the banks with very little in the way of catches reported.  Youngster Paul Humphrey and his dad put in a session of winter carping at Broom Lake and were rewarded with several fish over 10lb topped by a lovely looking common of 21lb 12oz landed by Paul. Fishery Officer, Nigel Gilbert has produced a list of working party dates for the early part of 2007. For dates see Home Page with the first one at Broom Lake on Sunday 7^th January starting at around 8-00

Paul Humphrey

The only reports this week comes from the River Ivel at Broom where although conditions haven’t been ideal, members have managed to take some very good perch and bags of roach to 1 lb. Former club chairman, Alan Thomas took several perch including two of 2lb 13oz and venue regular, Vic Jackson, in awful weather also got amongst the stripeys with a good net including fish of 2lb 15oz, 2lb 4oz and 2lb 2oz. Caster seems to be the bait for the better roach catches with several nets of redfins over 10lb being recorded in the last week particularly from the Jordan’s Mill end of the venue

Alan Thomas

Threr's a pike match this Sunday on the Airman Pit with the draw at 8-00am. Members should contact Colin Wright (07796 935267) for details. The frost of last weekend dropped any remaining colour from the Broom River and as a result the sport has been poor. Several anglers fishing for perch had blanks and those members roach fishing found it difficult to get bites. Up until the night frosts the fishing on the river had been good with roach, perch and even the odd tench to 3lb 8oz putting in an appearance.  Hopefully, once the river fines down after this weeks rain the fish will come on the feed again. Reports suggest that one or two members are trying the River Flit at Clifton Road Bridge with chub to around 3lb 8oz being caught on worm from the usual swims.

With the heavy rain and gusty winds of the last week very few reports have been received from members. Few members have been out on the lakes and the rivers if not pushing through have been rather finicky. After several weeks of fishing really well the River Ivel at the back of Broom Lake surprisingly ‘switched’ off for a day or so with anglers struggling to get a bite even though the river conditions looked good. Then all of a sudden it was back on form with both perch and roach featuring in good bags of fish. Richard Bell was one of those who couldn’t buy a bite but the day after he had a great bag of fish with several roach to a 1lb, perch to 1.5lb and a bonus tench of 2.5lb all taken on caster using stickfloat tactics

Carp activity on Broom Lake has almost ground to a standstill with no fish reported from the venue during the last week. However, over at the Airman Pit although only a few members have been fishing the lake there have been a number of carp taken. Head Bailiff, Chris Mayes, whilst doing his rounds last weekend saw Peter Olave land a mirror of 20lb 8oz and Ian Harvey a common of 16lb 8oz.  With the flow on Broom River picking up after the much needed rain, roach are increasingly being caught in good numbers with fish to around a pound featuring in bags to 10lb using stickfloat tactics. However it is still the perch that are making the headlines with several more fish around the 3lb mark being landed from swims all along the venue. Alan Thomas took specimens of 3lb 0oz and 2lb 9oz whilst committee member, Colin Smith took a good looking fish of 2lb 14oz. As occurred last year big chub are starting to feature with probably the best fish so far a superb 5lb 13oz fish taken at the back of the lake

Alan Thomas

Alan Thomas with 3lb 5oz Perch

The River Ivel at the back of Broom Lake has been in terrific form with numerous catches of specimen perch over 2lb with several topping 3lb appearing in multifish bags. Vic Jackson and his friend Tony Evans had a great session with Tony taking a personal best of 3lb 9oz and Vic having some roach before switching to worm on the tip to take 4 perch over 2lb with the best at 3lb 10oz. Another member who has been putting some time in on the river had a cracking day when he took 6 fish over 2lb with the best at 3lb 5oz. On another occasion he took fish of 3lb 2oz and 3lb 4oz. On Broom Lake, as expected, the lower night temperatures seem to have affected the carp fishing with fewer fish reported. However, Richard Bell has had several multifish bags including mirror carp to 18lb 8oz and commons to 15lb 10oz. This last weekend saw few anglers on the Airman Pit but venue regular Russell McMillan has taken fish of 23lb and 18lb from the venue. Colin Wright(tel. 07796 935267), organiser of the pike matches informs that the next match will be at Willington Lake on Sunday 19^th November with the draw at 8-00am

Vic Jackson

Sorry no report this week our coordinator is away.

Local waters have been fishing really well during the last week. In particular the Broom River behind the lake has started to yield excellent perch and roach. There are reports of perch over 2 lbs and good roach bags with fish to a pound. There will be a working party on this water tomorrow, Saturday 21^st October starting at 7-30am to which members are urged to attend. This will concentrate on the stretch from behind the lake working towards the canal mouth. On the Stanford Canal there are reports of some really good perch fishing with fish again to 2lbs being caught. Broom Lake is continuing to fish well for silver fish with good bags of roach on hemp from swims at the top end of the lake on the farmers field side of the venue. Unfortunately, hornets seem to be very active around the lake particularly when the sun is out…so beware! There have been few reports from the Airman Pit but venue regular Russell McMillan took a 25lb 6 oz fish amongst others in a two day session on the water. This Sunday, 22^nd October sees the first of the planned pike matches. The initial venue is Harrold Country Park with the draw at 9-00am and fishing from 10-00am to 3-00pm. Anyone interested should contact Colin Wright on 07796 935267. Former club chairman, Alan Thomas has just returned from another fishing trip abroad targeting catfish from the Upper Lake on the River Edbro near Mequinenza in Spain. He and his mates landed 16 fish over 100lb with Alan landing a personal best specimen of 137lb

Russell McMillan with a 25lb 6 oz mirror

Fishery Officer, Nigel Gilbert would like to thank all who attended the working party at the Airman Pit over the weekend. Those who turned up were allowed to fish on after the work was completed and one or two were rewarded with good bags of fish. Nigel himself got amongst the quality roach that have been coming out regularly to the pole angler and longstanding member Andy Anderson had a pike of 13lb 8oz. During a recent session on the popular water Craig Leitch was rewarded with an excellently conditioned mirror of 24lb 10oz. One or two members are venturing on to Broom River at the back of the lake and taking good perch over the 2lb mark. Vic Jackson had three fish with the best at 2lb 6oz but commented that he was constantly plagued by crayfish which are still very active and are playing havoc with any bait presented for the fish. On Broom Lake it is mainly the pole anglers who are catching at the moment with plenty of roach, rudd, skimmers and perch to be had at a fish a ‘chuck’

Craig Leitch with 24lb 10oz Mirror

Member, Mark Welsh, was ‘over the moon’ with his win in the last of the club’s all night matches held on Broom Lake. Mark drawing a swim on the riverside proceeded to land 14 carp for a fantastic total of 178lb 5oz which included fish to 18lb 12oz. Carl Franklin was second and Craig Lancaster third with 48lb 3oz and 30lb 8oz respectively. Organiser, Colin Wright has been delighted with the quality fish caught in the series of matches on a variety of the club’s waters. He is now looking forward to the pike matches to be run once a month during the winter with the first one arranged for Sunday 22^nd October at Harrold Country Park with the draw at 9-00am and fishing from 10-00am until 3-00pm.  If any members are interested then give Colin a ring on 07796 935267. The all night match confirmed how well Broom continues to fish well for both carp and general angler. Multi-fish bags are commonplace on the lake with for example member Richard Bell having 4 carp over 10lb as well as a couple of bream. On the pole Colin Smith and Alan Thomas have made several visits in recent days and confirm that it is a fish a chuck on the pole with roach to 8oz and perch to a pound with skimmers and rudd also putting in an appearance. At the Airman Pit, Paul Carter reports the capture of two large ‘cats’ of over 30lb with the best going 32lb 8oz. Pole anglers are also reporting some excellent roach fishing on the water with fish over a pound being taken on sweetcorn or hemp. Members are reminded that once again the water will be closed Saturday so that work can be completed on the lake. Those attending the working Party will be able to fish the venue once the work is completed

Very few reports have come in this week from members but it is pleasing to hear from Bob Izzard who had a catch of silver fish from the Horsebridge stretch if the River Flit without being plagued by the dreaded crayfish. At the Airman Pit the working party held on Saturday was disappointing for Fishery Officer, Nigel Gilbert because only a few members responded to the call. Hence, Nigel has organised another on Saturday 7^th October when it is hoped the urgent work will be completed. The water will be closed from 7-30am but anyone attending will be able to fish when the work is complete. The last week has seen only a few carp caught from the water but there has been fish to middle twenties. Broom Lake is still fishing well both for the general and carp angler. Richard Bell on his first visit to the water this season had five fish including three carp to double figures and two good bream. Everyone is commenting on the excellent condition of the carp in the water. Members should note that the water will be closed this weekend because there is an all night match being fished on the water. Details from Colin Wright on 07796 935267

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Once again it is predominantly the still-water venues that have produced the reports from members this week. At Broom Lake there are still good catches of carp in the mid to high doubles with several big multi-fish catches. On the riverside two members had an excellent days fishing with 22 fish between them with nothing under 10lb. The biggest fish were 17lb 8oz and 16lb 8oz.  Pole anglers are also still reporting a fish a ‘chuck’ particularly in swims on the farmers field side with roach, perch, skimmers and rudd predominating in some really good bags of fish.  Members should note that there will be an all night match on the lake during Saturday 30^th September and the Sunday. For more details contact Colin Wright on 07796 935267.  At the Airman Pit, Paul Saunders fishing the shallows  probably had the best fish of the week with a 25lb 10oz mirror. Amongst other members reporting multi-fish catches are Reece Thorn who had a good session with several fish including a 19lb mirror and Mr Harding who had a 17lb mirror in another good bag. In one or two swims on the venue anglers are reporting some excellent roach fishing on the pole using sweetcorn as bait whilst feeding hemp. Members should note that the venue will be closed this Saturday 23^rd September when urgent work on swims will be carried out. Members who fish this venue are urged to attend so that the more important work can be completed

Members fishing down at Broom Lake continue to pick up good catches of carp with high doubles predominating.  Venue regulars Claire Riley fishing the riverside and Ray Wyka on the farmer’s field side of the lake have landed a couple of the better fish with good common carp of 18lb 6oz and 18lb 4oz respectively. Although tench fishing on the lake has gone quiet there are numerous catches of bream reported with fish to 7lb in multifish bags. Silver fish on the pole or waggler have been coming from different areas of the lake with plenty of nice roach and skimmers featuring in good nets of fish. Members should note that there will be an all night match on the lake during Saturday 30^th September and the Sunday. With only a few places left those members interested should contact Colin Wright asap on 07796 935267.  Delighted new member, Mark Brookman on his first trip to the Airman Pit took a personal best mirror carp of 24lb in a multi-fish catch which included 4 other fish ranging from 11lb 7oz to 17lb 3oz.  There have been a few members fishing down on Stanford Canal with bags of dace and roach predominating before the pike move in. The River Great Ouse at Paxton seems fairly quiet at the moment with only bream to 7lb being reported during the last week

Mark Brookman with PB Mirror Carp 24lb

During this last week the carp have certainly been feeding down at Broom Lake with many multi-fish catches of carp which mainly have been double figure fish with a sprinkling of twenties. Members with excellent bags include amongst others: Andy Mead, Simon Bridges, Brian Amiss and Mr Woodward.  However fish of the week from the venue is a common carp of 27lb 10oz, possibly the biggest common to come from the water, landed by Tommy Ouse. Also, his mate, Mr Hipgrade had another common of 21lb 8oz along with other fish.  Silver fish have also featured with several bags of roach and skimmers to 10lb taken on the pole or waggler.  At the Airman Pit, Mark Welch had a good week with 7 fish ranging from 10lb to the best at 24lb. In the all-nighter fished on this venue in the very windy weather at the weekend it was Richard Emery who took the honours with a weight of 48lb 14oz which included 3 carp and a bream. Mark Welch and Ben Toyer were second and third respectively with weights of 27lb 10oz and 21lb 10oz. Interestingly, Robbie Scott who initially started to fish the match ended up stalking 3 fish in a swim not used and landed one of them which went 24lb 10oz. Night match organiser, Colin Wright informs that there are only one or two slots left for the next match to be held at Broom Lake on Saturday 30^th September. Those interested should contact Colin ASAP on 07796 935267. News from the club’s venue on the River Great Ouse at Felmersham is the capture of a personal best barbel of 13lb 12oz for highly delighted member, Eddie Short. Eddie has put a lot of time in on the venue this season and has been duly rewarded for his efforts with his second double figure fish.

Unconfirmed reports have been received of the capture of a fabulous 45lb specimen catfish from the Shefford & District A.A.s Paxton water on the River Great Ouse. Reliable sources confirm that in the last couple of years several ‘cats’ over 30lb have come from the water. On the club’s lakes it is again the Airman Pit that is providing news of carp over twenty being caught possibly being topped by another personal best mirror carp for Beth Harding of 24lb 10z whilst fishing the Hawthorn swim. General anglers have also reported good bags of roach from certain of the shallower swims around the lake.  Members should note that the water will be closed from lunchtime Saturday, September 2nd until Sunday lunchtime when an all night match will be fished. Anyone interested in fishing the match should call Colin Wright on 07796 935267

Beth Harding's new personal best. It is 24lb 10oz and was caught while on a 48 hour session at airman pit in the hawthorn swim on tuttie fruitie boilies and pellet mix. The date was 25/8/06.
 

Confirmation of how well Broom Lake has been fishing was illustrated by the result of the all night match in which Graham Rainbow fishing on the river-side of the popular venue landed 11 carp for a winning total weight of 115lb 2oz. Everyone caught in the match which was fished in virtually constant rain. The best fish, a common of 16lb 12oz was landed by organiser Colin Wright who informs that the next all nighter will be on the Airman Pit on 2nd September. Anyone interested should call Colin on 07796 935267. The only other report is from that venue where carp to high doubles have been the usual catch with Ashley Irvine landing one of the biggest fish of the week, a super mirror carp of 26lb.
 

Following the report on the last all nighter at Harrold Country Park there have been several reports of carp being caught from the Kingfisher Lake at above 20lb. In that match Mark Hodgson took a splendid 26lb 12oz common. Committee member, Colin Wright is organising the next night match which provides an opportunity for members to night fish Broom Lake Saturday, 19th August. Anyone interested should contact Colin on 07796 935267. Although fewer members have been on the lake this week Broom is still fishing well with plenty of high double figure carp and bream and tench to 7lb. Similarly at the Airman Pit all the fish reported this week have been mainly double figure carp to 20lb. One or two members have ventured down the heavily weeded Stanford Canal and reported taking bags of roach and chub. If you are tempted then be prepared to cut a swim.

Mark Hodgson

As usual at this time of the year, news comes mainly from the Broom Lake and Airman Pit venues.  Broom has been fishing well both for silver fish and carp plus some good bream and tench. Jim Gorringe fishing the water before leaving the district had a good mixed bag which included 4 tench, 5 bream and 2 carp for a total approaching 70lb. John Wigg fishing for roach on pellet took a 6lb tench and 8lb 8oz bream in a good bag of fish. There have been many high double figure carp caught using both surface and bottom baits.  At the Airman it is catches of carp that have been reported this week with Mr Driscoll taking 11 fish with the best a 22lb 2oz specimen. Probably the biggest fish of the week was a 25lb 8oz mirror. Committee member, Colin Wright is organising the next all night match which provides an opportunity for members to night fish Broom Lake on 19th August. Anyone interested should contact Colin on 07796 935267. Members should note that other than in matches night fishing at Broom Lake is prohibited

After last week reporting Craig Lancaster's catch of catfish at the Airman Pit, news came in of another big thirty plus specimen. Alan Andrews in only is fourth visit to the venue landed three over 20lb topped by a superb personal best 38lb 6oz fish. His other fish weighed in at 25lb and 20lb.  To complete a good nights fishing he also landed carp and a tench. Doug Harding and his daughter Beth got amongst the carp on the same venue both landing mirror carp of 24lb 7oz and 21lb 5oz respectively.  Broom Lake has also switched on with several multifish catches including a 10 fish bag by Paul Saunders who had 8 carp ranging from 11lb 6oz to 18lb 10oz and two tench with the biggest at 6lb 12oz. Mark Welch on a return visit to the venue had another bag of 8 carp all of the fish being doubles. In the all night match at the Kingfisher Lake in Harrold Country Park it was Mark Hodgson who took the honours with a single specimen common carp of 26lb 12oz.  The next all nighter provides an opportunity for members to night fish Broom Lake with the match on the 19th August. Anyone interested should contact Colin Wright on 07796 935267. After a spate of barbel action on the River Great Ouse at Paxton, things seem to have quietened down in the last week with only a few fish to around 10lb being reported.

Beth Harding

Alan Andrews with 38lb 6oz cat fish

After reporting last week that our new water on the River Great Ouse at Paxton has started to produce barbel a report came in of an excellent catch by member David Kelly of 4 fish all weighing over 9lb topped by a superb specimen of 14lb. Although carp seem to be inactive at the Airman Pit, Craig Lancaster showed that the catfish are feeding with an excellent weekend catch of 5 fish including two excellent specimens of 38lb 2oz and 27lb with the remainder double figure fish. Ron Holmes also got in on the act with a fish of 16lb 2oz and also had a good double figure common carp. At Broom Lake most of the carp seem to be cruising the surface. However, Mark Welch enjoying his first season on the water fished during the heat of the day to take a catch of 11 carp all on legered baits. The fish included 3 doubles with the best a common of 16lb 8oz. Unfortunately his mate fishing an adjacent peg using the same tactics and baits blanked!

The very hot weather appears to have put paid to any decent sport on the stillwater venues. At the Airman Pit, Ron Holmes spent the weekend to get 5 carp to 10lb but his highlight was a personal best bream of 10lb 14oz. Ron also reported that another member on the venue landed an excellent catfish of 36lb. Down at Broom Lake the water levels are significantly down and this may be affecting the carp in the lake. Nothing has been reported this week but anglers fishing the pole or waggler are catching silver fish at a 'fish a chuck'. The River Great Ouse at LittlPaxton has started to yield significant numbers of barbel with Chris Mayes having several to 9lb 9oz and on Saturday, Chris Jenkins in his first visit to the venue had a splendid specimen of 11lb. Members should note that the Kingfisher Lake in Harrold Country Park will be the venue for a night match to be held tomorrow Saturday 22nd July. As a result the venue will be closed to nonparticipants. For details please give Colin Wright a ring on 07796 935267
 

Chris Jenkins 11lb Barbel

Reports of catches from members have been very thin on the ground this week. However, members fishing the River Great Ouse at Pavenham are being rewarded with catches of barbel typified by John Cartwright who on his initial visit of the year caught his first ever barbel of 9lb 1oz. The club's stretches on the River Ivel have  been yielding resonable bags of chub and roach which have included several redfins over the pound mark. At the club's new water on the River Great Ouse at Paxton it is mainly bream over 8lbs that are featuring. Committee member, Colin Wright is running a series of all night matches on several of the club's lake venues with next one on Kingfisher Lake in Harrold Country Park on 22nd July. For details please give Colin a ring on 07796 935267.
 

John Cartwright

Vice-chairman, Lez Reed continues to catch good fish from a variety of the club's waters. Last week it was the lakes this week he is reporting the catch of a 12lb 9oz barbel from the River Great Ouse at Pavenham during a night session. In the very hot weather Broom Lake seems to have 'shut up shop' with very few carp being taken. However, Andy Mead reports that in a session fishing on peg 12 he had an excellent specimen bream of 11lb 8oz. At the Airman Pit it is the catfish that seem to be responding rather than the carp with several fish over 20lb being reported during the last week. The next all night match will be on Kingfisher Lake in Harrold Country Park on 22nd July. For details please give Colin Wright a ring on 07796 935267.
 

Lez Reed with 12 lb 9 oz Barbel

It has been the stillwaters that have been making the headlines this week with in particular an excellent tench specimen of 11lb 8oz from Broom Lake caught by Mick Payne from a swim on the riverside of the venue. In a morning session Mick also took a 17lb 8oz common carp as well.
He said that the tench was in superb condition and really gave him the 'run around'. This is arguably the best fish ever to come from the popular venue.
Other members are also reporting good bags of tench including Jim Gorringe who took several fish over 5lbs on bread from peg 4. At the Airman Pit, club Vice- chairman, Lez Reed had a really good two night session taking 11 carp, 8 of which were doubles up to 19lb 14oz, a tench of 6lb 6oz and a terrific bream of 10lb 7oz. Again at the Airman, Mr D Clarke took 10 carp including 2 twenties with the best at 23lb as well has a cat of 21lb. There has been very little reported from the river venues but members fishing the new Paxton water on the River Great Ouse are still catching good bream to 8lb.
Members should note that this weekend there will be a an all night match at
Willington Lake(draw Saturday 2pm fishing 3pm - 9am Sunday). The venue will
be closed for the duration of the match. Details can be obtained from Colin
Wright on 07796 935267.
 

19 lb 14 oz Common Carp

Lez Reed with 10 lb 7 oz Bream

The new water on the River Great Ouse at Paxton has in the first few days of the new season produced excellent bags of bream to 8lb. Access to the water is currently quite difficult but it is the intention when time allows to cut other swims and also the bankside vegetation. Visitors should note that day tickets are not available for any club waters including the Paxton pool. At Broom Lake many carp to mid- doubles are being taken but activity has slowed because the carp are otherwise occupied with spawning rather than feeding. On the waggler or pole there are plenty of rudd, roach and perch to be had but it sometimes takes a while to get them feeding and then it is a fish a 'chuck'. Over at the Airman Pit, committee member, Lez Reed has spent a few days and has been rewarded with many carp taken on the surface. Most of the fish have been mid-doubles.
 

With the glorious 16th now upon us the waiting is finally over for the hundreds of local frustrated river anglers. Although, the local waters are in need of some rain lots of fish have been seen topping on the stretch of the rivers Hit and Flit in the town and decent carp have been seen on the Horsebridge stretch. On the lakes this week the almost unbearable temperatures have put paid to anything decent being caught during the day. At Willington Lake, club chairman, Pete Allen spent a night session after the tench and was rewarded with six fish over 6lb with the best an excellent 6lb 10oz. Members have commented on the excellent condition of these fish and the number of quality fish that are
being caught by novice or experienced member. Down at Broom Lake the patience of the angler is being tested with the amount of willow seed that is floating on the water making floatfishing or presentation of surface baits difficult. Members are reporting carp to over 20lb with the better fish seemingly coming in the evenings to surface baits. Also, multifish bags of bream are being taken on groundbait feeder from certain swims on the riverside bank. When conditions allow it is still a fish a 'chuck' when using pole or waggler tactics with roach and rudd predominating

The warm weather has certainly brought the fish on the feed at Broom Lake and the Airman Pit. At Broom Lake, where the track is now open, all styles of fishing are yielding fish. In particular, on the pole or waggler using pellet or maggot great bags of roach, rudd and the odd bream and tench have been taken from all around the lake. The members after the carp fishing early or late have been rewarded with many excellently conditioned fish mainly in the high doubles but with a sprinkling of twenties. Martin Hodgson had only been on the water for half an hour when he landed a splendid fully scaled mirror of 21lb 5oz .  Over at the Airman Pit, the catfish are putting in an appearance in increasing numbers with several twenties and the odd thirty having been caught in the last week. Members, Paul Carter and Ben Toyer amongst a number of other anglers fishing for the carp on the water have had several mirrors over 20lbs and many into double figures. It has also been reported that pole tactics during the daytime are yielding bags of good roach

Last week saw the low numbered pegs at Broom Lake yielding good bags of fish to waggler tactics. Pete Henegan had a bag of around 30lbs of fish including bream and tench to 3lb 8oz and also some good roach to 1lb. John Wigg on the adjacent peg 4 was also catching roach and the occasional tench on the pole. However both members reported that later in the week fishing in the same swims it was a struggle to get a bite. The lake has also been yielding some carp into the high doubles to surface baits presented quite close in on the the nearside bank particularly on the river side of the venue. Last weekend following the completion of the working party held at Willington Lake, Ron Stapleton stayed on for a night session and landed several big tench with the best at 8lb 6oz in addition to a number of bream to 8lb 3oz. Gossip from this venue suggests that the big carp, 'starburst' has been landed again recently weighing in at 41lb 8oz. At the Airman Pit the only news this week is an excellent 12 carp catch in one session by venue regular Craig Lancaster. Members should note that the planned closure of the lake venues from June 4th has been abolished and that newly purchased club cards are available for use immediately.
 

Ron Stapleton 8lb 6oz Tench from Willington

The inclement weather seems to have switched on the tench at Broom Lake with many fish over 6lbs being landed in the last week. One member, fishing on peg 3 was content catching small roach and perch on the waggler when a 7lb 2oz personal best tench picked up his bait and really made his day. At a swim further along this bank another member took an excellent conditioned fish of 7lb 13oz. The working party on this water last Sunday cleared some of the large overhanging trees in the early numbered pegs making it more accessible for the less abled members to fish this area closest to the car-park whilst the track is closed to vehicles. At the Airman Pit it is the large catfish that are
 making the headlines with fish over 30lb becoming a regular feature. This week it is an excellent fish of 31lb caught by Gary Wilkins which is the best recorded specimen.

The Fishery Officer confirms that Willington Lake will be closed, Saturday 27th May, to allow a Working Party to install a kissing gate and complete other work. All members are welcome and those attending will be allowed to fish the lake once the work is complete.
 

The Fishery Officer expressed his disappointment at the turnout for last weeks working party at Broom Lake. It was the usual few who turned up yet it is important that the work gets done on this water. Many anglers are fishing the venue with great results. Silver fish are coming out at a fish a 'chuck' and carp are responding with fish over 20lb becoming frequent. Another working party on this venue has been announced for Sunday 21st May when again the water will be closed for the day. At Willington Lake there will be a working party on Saturday 27th May. When work is complete for the day those attending either working party are allowed to fish for the remainder of the day. The Airman Pit continues to yield good cats with Dave Longhurst netting one of 23lb 4oz.
However the committee have to report that a member has been banned from the club for a serious breach of the club rules on this water.

 

Nearly all the reports from our waters are from members fishing the in-form Broom Lake and the Airman Pit. At the Airman Pit the warmer weather has prompted the catfish to feed with a fish of over 30lbs being reported as well as several twenties. In addition, numerous carp over 20lb have been landed along with multifish catches of carp and tench. Probably the biggest carp reported this week was a 23lb 4oz specimen landed by Mr Longhurst and Dave Clark had 4 carp in the 10-20lb region along with tench and a catfish in a single session. Down at Broom Lake the working party have cut back the overhanging trees on the islands and so this has provided a better opportunity to gain access to the carp patrolling these areas. This along with the rising water temperatures has resulted in quite a few twenties coming from the water with probably the best fish to date a 25lb common caught from peg 12. There doesn't appear to a be a favoured area of swims because fish are coming from all parts of the lake. Club cards which are usable immediately after purchase are now available from all local tackle shops with full membership at £50. Current members should retain their keys as gate locks are not being changed this year.

David Longhurst with 23lb 4oz cat

In a night session at Willington Lake, club chairman, Pete Allen got in amongst the bream whilst targeting tench and landed fish to nearly 9lbs. Unconfirmed reports from the venue suggest that the large carp, 'starburst', has been caught again in the last couple of weeks. Unfortunately it appears that the specimen has lost quite a bit of weight since it was last landed.  At Broom Lake a number of the regulars are reporting the capture of carp over 20lbs. However plenty of bream and tench are picking up baits intended for the carp with fish to 7lbs being common. Members should note that this fishery will be closed this Sunday 7th May to allow further essential work to be carried on the water. Members are invited to join the regular work gang in improving this venue for all.
 

Following the successful working party at Broom Lake held last weekend the Fishery Officer opened the track around the Broom Lake venue. This will now remain open unless adverse weather conditions prevail. The lake continues to produce lots of silver fish to the general angler and carp, bream and tench are all feeding as well. Multifish catches with carp to high doubles, and tench and bream to 7lb are reported by several members with sweetcorn being the preferred bait. Watch for news of the new clubcard which will be usable from the date of purchase with no closure of lakes in the first two weeks of June

News from the banks again focuses on Broom Lake where members are getting a fish a chuck on the pole from most swims around the lake. Also, tench to around 6lbs have been putting in appearance but the large bream don't seem to be interested at the moment. Carp to high doubles on a variety of baits have also been showing particularly from the riverside swims. Members should note that the fishery is closed, Saturday 22nd April, to allow a working party to carry out essential work around the lake. Comments have been made about the bankside bushes becoming overgrown so this is an opportunity for those members to come and help rectify the problems. The more who turn up the greater the amount of work will be done.
 

News from the banks has been sparse this last week but encouragingly the silver fish appear to have started feeding at Broom Lake particularly in swims nearest the car-park. Additionally members are reporting more carp to high doubles from the river-side of the venue. At the Airman Pit it is thanks to those who turned up on Saturday for the successful working party. Talk amongst these members disclosed that carp to low twenties are coming out as well as good bags of quality roach to slider float tactics.
 

The only news this week from our. waters is from the Airman Pit where the club Vice-chairman, Lez Reed took advantage of a warm afternoon to take a lovely looking mirror carp of 18lb 10oz off the surface when other anglers were struggling with baits presented on the bottom. Will members please note that this fishery will be closed this weekend for a general work party on Saturday and important remedial work around the entrance to the venue on Sunday. It would be nice to see a good turn for the work party on Saturday.
At the recent AGM, a presentation was made to Club President, John Leath and his wife Pat in recognition of the long and valued service they have given to the club over many years. John and Pat felt it to be the right time to give up their many roles when the club became a limited company during the last year. Later in the evening, John made the season's trophy presentations to members including Pete Henegan and Vic Jackson for their success in matches and and to Colin Smith who took the overall specimen trophy with his 3lb 12oz perch from Broom River. The meeting agreed a slight increase in subscriptions for the coming year but the existing car park keys will be retained. New club cards, usable immediately, should be available from local tackle shops from 1st May. Club chairman, Pete Allen also announced that the club had acquired a large stretch of the River Great Ouse downstream of and including the large weir-pool at Paxton.

Lez Reed

The change in the weather to sunshine and showers appears to have awakened the carp in Broom Lake. Several anglers have reported catches of carp to high doubles with Rod Wyles taking fish to 18 lb and Mike Kell having a mirror of 15lb. At Willington Lake the carp boys are still reporting very little activity and very few anglers have put in appearance at the Airman Pit. Over at the new water, Willow Pool, a number of anglers have had a go since the recent introduction of large numbers of roach and bream. To date no one has reported anything of note.

Regarding the Airman Pit fishery it will be closed for the weekend of 8th/9th April for a general work party on the 8th and important work around the entrance to the fishery on the 9th. It would be nice to see a good turn for the work party

The persistent cold weather is not encouraging anglers to venture out on to the waters that remain open all through the year. Down at Broom Lake it is just the odd pike that are being taken with no one reporting any catches of silver fish from the venue. Andy Stapleton, a regular at the Airman Pit has been putting in a few night sessions before embarking to work in the warmer climes of France for eight weeks. He has been rewarded with several carp to 15 lb even on the coldest of nights.

Members should note that the club AGM will be held at the Shefford Memorial Hall in Hitchin Road next Tuesday 28th March starting at 8-00pm.
This is an important meeting and members are urged to attend

This last week we have seen some very cold winds which have led to pike and chub dominating the catches reported from our waters. Vic Jackson and Alan Thomas have continued to be rewarded with excellent specimens from the River Ivel behind Broom Lake. Vic, after a day being pestered by pike in which he took eleven fish to 8lb returned to the venue and took two chub over 5lb in a catch which also included four perch with the best at 2lb 6oz. Since the turn of the year Vic has taken in excess of twenty perch of over 2lb from the river. Former club chairman, Alan, fishing on the penultimate day of the river season had one bite in the day which resulted in an excellent specimen chub of 6lb 2oz. In Harrold Country Park a club member reports the catch of five pike to 19lb from Grebe Lake and club secretary, Chris Jenkins, reports a seasons best chub of 5lb 10oz from the River Great Ouse situated within the Park.  Members should note that the club AGM at the Shefford Town Memorial Hall will be on Tuesday 28th March starting at 8-00pm.

John Leath with 15lb 8oz Pike reported 2 weeks ago

Alan Thomas with 6lb 2oz Chub

The continuing cold weather has lowered water temperatures to the extent that very few fish have been reported from members.
Four hardy members of the match group fished on the the River Flit on the town stretch near the 'forks' for five hours without a bite. However the River Ivel behind the lake at Broom continues to produce excellent fish including another personal best for David Hawkes, this time a chub of 5lb 6oz following his perch of last week. A surprise catch on the same venue for one member was a 10lb carp landed on 4lb line whilst perch fishing. Chris Mayes, a regular on the river in the area of Langford Garden Centre reports a good mix bag of fish including several chub over 3lb. On the club's waters north of Bedford it is Chris Jenkins who probably had the best fish reported this week with a 21lb pike from the River Great Ouse in Harrold Country Park. During this last week the club has taken delivery of 15,000 fish mainly roach and bream which have been put into the Willow Lake on the Bedford to Willington road. The roach in the 6-8" looked superb in the winter sunshine. This brings the overall stocking for the lake to 20,000 silver fish and crucians.

Chris Jenkins

David Hawkes

It has been business as usual on the River Ivel at Broom. In spite of the low levels and very little flow the venue continues to yield lots of very good perch over two pounds with the best reported this week, a personal best specimen of 2lb 12oz 8dr caught by David Hawkes who was on only his second visit to the water this season. In addition to the perch another big chub of 5lb 13oz has been reported by club chairman, Pete Allen. In attempt to find some sheltered water, Bob Izzard ventured downstream of the Horsebridge on the River Flit for a short afternoon session and took 3 chub over 3lbs on lobworm. On the club's water in Harrold Country Park situated north of Bedford, club President, John Leath fishing the Grebe Lake took 3 pike on deadbaits with the best an excellent conditioned fish of 15 lb 8oz whilst on the River Great Ouse at the same venue Michael Kell who has only recently taken up fishing took his first chub over four pounds with a fish of 5lb 0oz.
 

David Hawkes

The reports from  members has been dominated yet again by the catches of chub and perch from the River Ivel at Broom. Many good chub have been landed in the last week topped by a superb personal best specimen chub of 6lb 8oz caught by former club chairman, Alan Thomas. The exceptional fish was part of a mixed bag of fish including some good perch and chub all caught using lobworm bait. Alan, who regularly fishes the venue has had many 'fives' but this proved to be his first 'six'.
In the match on Sunday fished on the same venue it was the perch that was the highlight with two fish around 3lbs caught. Les Reed took the honours with 8lb 2oz which included a perch of 3lb 0oz 8dr and a 4lb bream. Vic Jackson came second with a perch of 3lb 0oz, his only fish and Pete Hennigan was third with an all roach catch of 2lb 7oz. Sadly, Tim Ridge will no longer be running the matches so watch this space for further details.
At the club's water on the River Great Ouse at Harrold Country Park, club secretary, Chris Jenkins reports a mix bag of fish which included a barbel of 9lb and a chub of 4lb 2oz taken on halibut pellet bait.

 

Alan Thomas with his 6lb 8oz Chub

The recent cold weather saw Broom Lake with a thin layer of ice at the weekend and these conditions seem to have put the fish off the feed on the adjacent River Ivel. However the rain and the mild weather certainly freshened things up early this week with perch, chub and roach feeding for the few regulars on the venue. They had several chub over 4lbs, perch to 2lb 6oz and reasonable nets of small roach.
Little has come in the way of reports from other club waters with all venues needing a substantial amount of rain to boost the sport.
The match group will be on Broom River this Sunday,19th February with the draw at 9-00am. Tim Ridge has all the details so why not give him a ring on 07949 447543. All members are most welcome

Colin Smith has again scored on the club's length of the River Ivel at Broom with another excellent personal best perch of 3lb 12oz. The session got even better when in the same swim a 5lb 0oz chub picked up his lobworm bait. Other regulars on the venue have continued to take several perch over 2lbs and good chub in multifish catches However, a number of members are reporting that with very little flow and low water levels the fish are becoming finicky and the river would greatly
benefit from a good flush through.
The match group found a similar picture on the River Great Ouse in Harrold Country Park. Pete Hennigan was the only member to get a decent fish when he hooked a 2lb 8oz bream early in the match and then didn't have another bite.
The river is at a very low level and until we have some rain the fishing will remain very difficult.
Sunday, 19th February sees the next match which will be held on Broom River
with the draw at 9-00am.

Colin Smith

Venue regulars are once again reaping the rewards of putting in time on the River Ivel at Broom. Bailiff, Vic Jackson continues to get good perch bags with a 4 fish bag for 6lb in a short afternoon session. Club Teasurer, Alf Dickinson has been after the big perch but was amply satisfied when his lobworm bait was picked up by a personal best chub specimen of 5lb 7oz. A number of anglers have commented on the quality of the chub which have been picking up baits intended for the 'stripeys'. Alan Thomas was also into chub when he had a good bag on a IPA stretch of the venue. In an afternoon session he had several fish including
specimens of 5lb 0oz and 4lb 12oz.
The match group are out again this Sunday 5th February when they will be on the River Great Ouse at Harrold Country Park with the draw at 9-00am. It is worth giving Tim Ridge a ring on 07949 447543 for final details

Alf Dickinson

Alan Thomas

Once again it is the River Ivel at Broom that is the pick of the club's waters. Last Wednesday saw five anglers share 9 perch over two pounds with the best fish a personal best 2lb 15oz 8dr for Alan Thomas. In spite of several weighings the specimen wouldn't go to 3lb! The perch anglers are also picking up bonus chub to over four pounds and quality roach over the pound mark. On Friday, Vic Jackson took 3 roach over the pound in addition to perch to 2lb. He followed this up on Saturday with a further bag which included two 'out of season' tench of 3lb 8oz and 2lb 8oz. There are mixed reports from the Airman Pit with several members reporting good bags of quality roach but also from others who are struggling to catch the redfins.
The match group on Sunday has to endure a hard frost and as a result found the River Great Ouse at Willington completely 'out of sorts'. Ron Stapleton stuck it out and ran out winner with Neil Hallybone second. The next club match is planned for 5th February on the same river but at the club's venue in Harrold Country Park.

The last week has been notable for the quality perch fishing on the stretch of the River Ivel behind Broom Lake. Venue regulars Colin Smith , Alan Thomas and Vic Jackson have had several fish over 2lb topped by a personal best specimen of 3lb landed by the club's publicity officer, Colin. All the fish were taken on legered lobworm which also accounted for several pike with the best at around 12lb taken by Vic. The club's Head Bailiff, Chris Mayes has reported some good catches of roach and chub (to 4lb) on the stickfloat  from the River Ivel around the Garden Centre at Langford.
The match group are back in action this coming Sunday with a club match on
the River Great Ouse at the back of Willington Lake. The draw is at 9-00am
and Tim Ridge, the match secretary, gives a warm welcome to any member
wanting to have a go. If you intend to fish then give Tim a ring on 07949
447543

The match group fished their latest match on the River Ivel at Broom and the current patchy nature of the river was confirmed when everyone had to work extremely hard for even the smallest of fish. At the end of a tough match it was Neil Hallybone who took the honours with 1lb 10z followed by Ron Stapleton and Vic Jackson. Disappointed match secretary Tim Ridge, commented that with the best turn out of the season so far he was hoping that some good sized bags of fish would result. The next match will be on Sunday 22nd January on the Great Ouse at the back of Willington Lake with the draw at 9-00am.
Most members are commenting on how finicky the Ivel is the moment but interestingly there are still some good perch being landed from the water with one of the best so far being a fish of 2lb 8oz caught by Vic Jackson in a mixed bag which also included another fish of 2lb 1oz. Also, in the last
week Alan Thomas has taken a couple of good fish approaching the 2lb mark on legered lobworm. At the Airman Pit it is the quality roach that are taking the headlines with several good bags being reported. On the River Flit at the Horsebridge under the right river conditions again good bags of roach are being taken on the pole or stickfloat

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