Week ending 27th Dec 2009

With river levels high after the recent snow and the vast majority of stillwater venues totally frozen there have been very few members venturing out onto the banks. However Chris Mayes did manage a few hours on the River Flit at Clifton Road Bridge and was rewarded with a chub of almost 4lb. Other anglers have been out on the Broom River but no catches have been reported. On the IPA stetch of the River Ivel in Biggleswade which was really pushing through Nigel Gilbert managed a lovely perch of 2lb 1oz. Willington Lake and Broom Lake were totally frozen but the northern end of the Airman Pit was free of ice but again no one has reported a catch.

Week ending 20th Dec 2009

Nothing reported.

Week ending 13th Dec 2009

Nigel Gilbert continued his brilliant season by taking a superb net of river bream to lift the  Shefford & District A. A. Captain’s Cup by winning the club’s Fur ‘n’ Feather competition on the Ouse at Lammas Meadow near Little Paxton.  Nigel has recently broken the club’s perch record and is also the leading contender for the barbel and tench specimen trophies.  Making full use of his end peg draw, Nigel held the bream shoal in his swim to take 7 slabs to 5lb 14oz on swimfeeder tactics, plus two skimmers, for a runaway winning weight of 35lb 5oz.  In second place came bailiff Kevin Williams with 2 skimmers for 2 lb 10 oz.  Unfortunately, whilst Nigel was filling his keepnet with bream all the other anglers blanked.   However, the mood soon lifted as everybody went away with a prize or two, and grateful thanks are expressed to Andy’s Angling of Shefford, Walker’s Pitch of Biggleswade and Mainly Tackle of Arlesey for their support over the course of the match season and the prizes which they donated to help make the day a success.  Lammas Meadow is renowned for bream catches, and earlier in the week match secretary Neil Bygrave had caught 3 bream at 5 lb 6 oz, 6 lb 4 oz and a lovely looking fish of 7 lb 10 oz along with 3 skimmers.   Perch continue to be the main target of anglers fishing Broom River with several  fish over 2lb reported, the biggest being 2lb 12oz.

Although fewer anglers are now fishing the stillwaters, they are still capable of throwing up specimens throughout the winter.  Junior member Aaron Higginson was delighted to catch a stunning 21lb mirror carp during a short 4h trip to Broom Lake.  

Still looking for the perfect Christmas present for an angler?  ‘Half-year’ membership books for Shefford & District A. A. are now available from our usual outlets and will be valid for fishing from 25th December 2009  through to 15th June 2010 (the river close season will apply from 14th March, but our stillwaters will remain open). Prices are Adult £30, Concessionary £20, Couple £50 & Junior £10.

Week ending 6th Dec 2009

Although the high river levels have put off a lot of anglers from fishing the local venues it is once again a massive perch that takes the headlines. After trying for several years Andrew Brown has finally achieved his target with a superb personal best stripey of 4lb 2oz taken from the River Ivel at the back of Broom Lake. Initially it looked as if Andrew may have challenged the recent club record but after calling club chairman Richard Bell to witness the specimen it was agreed that it fell 3 oz short. Andrew has has had several 3s from the river this season and is over the moon at achieving his pb so early in the campaign. He was the only member on the venue which was really pushing through. For some reason the clubs pike series seems to be getting a reputation for bringing the better weather, as once again 8 enthusiastic members were greeted at the Airman Pit by bright sunshine for the 3rd match in the series. Steve Jepps took the honours with a single fish of 9lb 12oz taken on legered smelt. Chris Perry was runner-up again with a single fish of 8lb 12oz followed by Bryan Lancaster with a fish of 6lb 1oz. The next match is the clubs Fur 'n' Feather which is to be fished on the River Great Ouse at Lammas Meadow. Those attending the match on 13th December will need to donate a prize. Details from Neil Bygrave on 01462 625856 or 07980 533860.

Week ending 29th Nov 2009

The changeable weather has seen relatively few anglers fishing, and those that did venture out were often struggling to catch.  However, with the rivers now flushed through and the colder weather finally arriving we can hopefully expect the river fishing to improve once the water levels have subsided. A typical story of last weekend were the twenty expectant anglers that turned out for the 3 way match between Shefford, Letchworth & Blunham on Broom River. Although clearly out of sorts following recent heavy rainfall, it still looked as though the river would produce.  However, as the weather deteriorated further, both the flow and the intensity of the debris rapidly increased.  At the weigh-in of those anglers that had sat it out it was generally a case of weighing in the odd fish which had been taken.  Letchworth recorded a 1, 2, 3 with Peter Brunch taking the honours with a multi-fish catch of 12 oz, second place was filled by Mike Clarke with 2 roach for 8 oz and Dave Batchelor took third with a 4 oz roach.  The only Shefford rod to catch was Neil Bygrave with 15 tiny roach for only 4 drams. Neil resorted to fishing just the top 2 sections of a whip, 1.5 lb line to a size 23 hook with just the head of a pinkie as bait.   This Saturday 5th December will see the third pike match with the venue the Airman Pit, which has already produced several double figure pike this season but is always capable of producing pike to well over 20lbs. The draw is at 8-00am with fishing 9-00am until 3-00pm. Details from Neil Bygrave on 01462 625856 or 07980 533860.  

This season Shefford & District A. A. is offering  ‘half-year’ membership to encourage new members to join the club and sample the waters we have to offer.  ‘Half-year’ books are available from our usual outlets and will be valid for fishing from 25th December 2009  through to 15th June 2010 (the river close season will apply from 14th March, but our stillwaters will remain open). Prices are Adult £30, Concessionary £20, Couple £50 & Junior £10.

Week ending 22nd Nov 2009

With the atrocious weather conditions of the last week it has been comparatively quiet on our waters. The club bailiffs have passed on only general reports rather than specific catches. Down at Clifton Road Bridge on the River Flit the few members who fish this water have been rewarded with chub to 4lb. On the River Ivel at Broom the crayfish for the moment seem to be less of a problem and the bigger perch have been more elusive. However there still seems to be plenty of the stripeys to 2lb being caught. The next club match will be held this Sunday 29th November on the river at the back of Broom Lake with the draw at 8-00am. Details from Neil Bygrave on 01462 625856 or 07980 533860. At the Airman Pit it is the roach rather than the carp that have featured in catches this week with members reporting nets of redfins to 1.5 lbs. The Airman is also the venue for the next Club Pike match on 5th December with as usual all members invited and details available from Neil Bygrave. Lots of work is progressing on the islands at Broom Lake with large amounts of overhanging trees and bushes being cut back. This means that some pegs are not in use so members should look out for notices on the gates when entering the fishery. The committee would like to hear from members catching any of the recently stocked 3 year old carp from the Airman Pit or Broom Lake.

Week ending 15th Nov 2009

The perch record has been smashed again by club fishery officer, Nigel Gilbert whilst fishing on the River Ivel at Broom.  Following his 4lb 2oz stripey late last season Nigel has started his campaign early and after only a few sessions on the big perch water he landed the fantastic looking specimen of 4lb 5oz. Although carp sport appears to slowed down on the Airman Pit it wasn't surprising to see yet again venue bailiff Alan Woods having the bag of the week. In a multinight session he took 7 carp including a seasons best 27lb 8oz mirror, a 22lb mirror and 4 upper doubles. He also had 2 bream, a tench and a roach of over a pound. In a change of tactics he also took a splendid pike of 15lb 10oz. Mark Brookman was also on the venue for a night session and and took mirrors of 22lb 10oz and 15lb 3oz.  Eight members ventured out to Willington Lake for the second pike match of the season. Top man was Chris Perry with the biggest fish of the day weighed in at 10lb 6oz. Chris' successful tactics were to fish a deadbait beneath a float at distance. In second place was Kevin Williams with a single fish of 8lb 14oz which pushed Steven Jepps into third place by one ounce with a 2 fish catch of 8lb 13oz. The next traditional club match will be held on 29th November on the River Ivel at the back of Broom Lake. Details from Neil Bygrave on 01462 625856 or 07980 533860.

 Following the discussions at the General Members meeting it has been decided that adult full night permit holders will now be permitted to use 3 rods at both the Airman Pit and Willington Lake from November through to 28th February. This is an extension of the trial introduced at Willington Lake.  

 The committee are pleased to report the stocking of some lovely looking carp supplied by AJS fisheries at both the Airman Pit and Broom lake.  The fish, all mirror carp were 3 year old fish in the 6-10lb bracket.

View carp introduced to the Broom Lake            View carp introduced to the Airman

Week ending 8th Nov 2009

A couple of river venues have produced some great sport for several members.  On the little fished stretch of the River Flit at Clifton Road Bridge club secretary Chris Mayes got in amongst the chub with a good bag including fish of 4lb 10oz, 3lb 12oz and 3lb 10oz. Tactics used were double red maggot on the tip. On the River Ivel at the back of Broom Lake venue regular Andrew Brown had 3 perch over 2lb with the best a superb 3lb 7oz stripey.  On Broom Lake itself sport has again been slow with only silverfish catches reported from the high numbered pegs nearest the carpark.  At the Airman Pit it was bailiff Alan Woods who reported several carp to 17lb and a pike of 15lb. A number of other members are also reporting pike to well into double figures. In the IPA Teams of Six fished on the Broom River, Shefford finished well behind Letchworth and Kings Arms on a venue that was out of sorts. Top Shefford man was Pete Henegan with 2lb 7oz made up predominantly with a single perch. This Sunday 15th November will see the second pike match with the venue Willington Lake. The draw is at 8-00am with fishing 9-00am until 3-00pm. Details from Neil Bygrave on 01462 625856 or 07980 533860.

Week ending 1st Nov 2009

There have been a number of reports from members informing of their catches on both lake and river venues. At the Airman Pit it was venue regular Alan Woods who once again demonstrated that he can tease out the fish even when the water gets finicky. He had a bag of 5 carp topped by a 19lb mirror, 2 tench, 2 bream and a 1lb 8oz roach.  Catfish of the week was caught by Mitchell Stepien with a superb personal best 39lb 2oz specimen.  He also managed a 16lb common carp in what he describes as a "great weekends fishing". Dave Albon also fishing for the cats had 3 fish in a single session with the biggest going 24lb. Interestingly one or two predator anglers are reporting pike to mid- doubles. At Broom Lake members have reported how difficult it has been fishing for the carp recently. However those who have caught regard the last hour of the day as critical to catching. Lee Rogers, a junior member, had a 18lb 2oz common and Adam Green a 15lb common. On the River Ivel at the back of the lake Brian Collins is reporting silverfish at a fish a chuck on the pole and another member had 3 perch of over 2lb during the week. In the interclub match with Blunham on the River Great Ouse the clear conditions and gusting winds meant for many it was only the inside line which could be fished comfortably. Steve Green with 2lb 1oz was top rod out of the Shefford lads. This Sunday 8th November Shefford host the 'IPA Teams of Six' match on the Broom River. This venue will be closed to members for the day. The 2nd pike match of the season will take place at Willington Lake on Sunday 15th November. Details from Neil Bygrave on 01462 625856 or 07980 533860

Week ending 25th Oct 2009

It would appear to have been a tough week on the banks for members. At the Airman Pit there has been a few anglers trying for the roach which usually appear around this time. The bailiff reported that apart from a few fish nobody had managed to find them in any numbers. It has been a similar story up at Willington with only a few silverfish reported from the lake and river. In the latest club match fished on the Broom River far from ideal conditions greeted the participants. Bright sunshine, clear skies and gusting winds suggested that once again it was unlikely that the big perch which have been coming from the venue would show.  Drawing the slightly sheltered 'S' bend, Match Secretary Neil Bygrave took his 'bonus' fish within half an hour of the start when a plump common carp of 5 lb took his link-legered worm. A switch to the inside line with pinkies fed 'little-and-often' saw a succession of roach, dace and gudgeon come throughout the match to single red maggot fished beneath a stick float for a winning 8 lb 2 oz net. He advised at the weigh-in, with 5 minutes to go, his float disappeared and a brief but spirited battle commenced with a much larger fish which took him all over his swim. Whether it was another carp, a large chub or a pike he never got to see as the hook length parted as it made it's bid for freedom. Second place went to regular Peter Henegan who took a silver fish catch of 2 lb 10 1/2 oz, which pushed Club Secretary Chris Mayes into 3rd with another silver fish net of 2 lb 6 1/2 oz.  Surprisingly, the dreaded crayfish failed to show throughout the match length which was pleasing. Details of this Sunday's interclub fixture which is being fished away to Blunham on the Ouse at Willington are available from Neil on (07980) 533 860.

Week ending 18th Oct 2009

After a break in his fishing activities It was good to see the return of member Alan Woods to the Airman Pit. As usual, Alan got amongst the fish with a catch of 4 carp to 19lb plus 2 bream. Other members also report carp and cats to mid-doubles. After reporting the silverfish catch by Nigel Gilbert at Willington Lake several anglers have given it a go but have really struggled. Switching from the lake to the adjacent River Great Ouse, venue bailiff, Brian Barrett was getting a bite a chuck from roach, perch, dace and chublets. At the pike match fished on Broom Lake with 9 attendees it soon became apparent that static baits were ineffective as the first fish was taken on a small livebait. A further 6 fish were taken over the course of the day with the largest a fish of 5lb 13oz taken by Dave Baker again on livebait. This together with a smaller fish gave him a winning weight of 8lb 3oz. Second place went to Nigel Gilbert again with 2 fish for 6lb 6oz and in third was Chris Perry with one fish for 3lb 9oz. The next traditional monthly club match will be on the Broom River this Sunday 25th October with the draw at 8-00am. Details from Neil Bygrave on 07980 533860. Members are reminded that the Special Members meeting witll be at Digswell, Hitchin Road on Tuesday 27th October starting at 8-00pm. This is an informal meeting for members to discuss club matters without the constraints of an AGM agenda

Week ending 11th Oct 2009

Once again it is the Airman Pit that takes the headlines. As was reported last week Paul Chapman took a 38lb catfish from the venue which lead to him spending another night on the lake resulting in him landing a superb 45lb 8oz specimen. What a brace of fish in a single session!  Mark Brookman continued his success on the water with a stunning looking mirror carp of 25lb 12oz. Mark said that the fish was in immaculate condition and had no mouth damage suggesting it had evaded capture for some time. Not to be outdone by older members young Ben Rosedale, aged 12 took a 17lb 9oz mirror from the Long Narrow swim in the car park.  Over at Broom Lake Christine Perry was floatfishing using 4lb line when she hooked and landed a 21lb common. At Willington Lake, Fishery Officer, Nigel Gilbert floating fishing for silverfish found the windy weather very challenging. Feeding maggot and caster at 4 rod lengths out he started getting a few small roach and rudd. He then put in a bit of groundbait and took quality fish at a fish a cast. On the rivers, Andy of Andy's Angling had a trip to the River Great Ouse at Paxton and took a barbel of 9lb.  Neil Bygrave (Tel 07980 533860) is organising a pike match on Broom Lake this Sunday 18th October.  The draw will be at 8am with fishing from 9am until 3pm.  The next traditional club match will be on the Broom River on Sunday 25th October.  Details for both matches from Neil. Members are reminded that the Special Members meeting will be at Digswell, Hitchin Road on Tuesday 27th October starting at 8-00pm. This is an informal  meeting for members to discuss club matters without the constraints of an AGM agenda

Week ending 4th Oct 2009

Once again it is that man, Andy Knight who continues to catch from Broom Lake when many other members report that they are struggling to catch from the water. This last week he took a personal best common carp of 22lb 1oz in a 76lb haul which included 4 other double figure carp as well as a bream of 6lb 5oz. Keen bird watcher Andy also had a bonus when he spotted a red kite over the adjacent farm land. At the Airman Pit there are still large catfish being caught. The best fish reported this week was a 38lb 0oz specimen landed by Paul Chapman during a night session. Other members are reporting carp to mid doubles form the venue. On the River Ivel behind Broom Lake and downstream a number of members have been reporting perch to around 2lb with a few chub also being landed. With the weed now dying back the river could do with a good flush through. On this venue and also on the River Flit in Shefford a number of illegal crayfish traps have been found and dealt with by the Environment Agency. The club who have a number of licensed trappers will report anyone found with illegal traps. Neil Bygrave (Tel 07980 533860) is organising a pike match on Broom Lake on Sunday 18th October.  The draw will be at 8am with fishing from 9am until 3pm. Details from Neil.

Week ending 27th Sept 2009

The second 24 hour match of the season took place on the Airman Pit with anglers targeting the carp and catfish for most of the match. The bright and still conditions made good weather for camping out, but were far from ideal for fishing.  Whilst most anglers chose to fish at the car park end of the lake, Andy Knight decided to fish the far end of the lake and won the match with 39lb 11oz, consisting of two commons at 15lb 12oz and 11lb 13oz, and a mirror of 12lb 2oz. In second place was new member Gavin Procter with a 16lb 7oz catfish, who was over the moon with this capture as it was his first ever catfish having only previously fished the Airman on a couple of occasions. A couple of anglers hooked into catfish but failed to land them.  Third place was Neil Bygrave with 1lb 11oz of roach and rudd and fourth place was Nigel Gilbert with 1lb 6oz. Runaway winner of the Broom Lake 24h match Richard Knight blanked on this occasion, so the overall winner for the series is all down to the final match at Willington Lake in March, which is open to all members (including non-night permit holders).  In addition to the regular monthly match calendar, there will be a series of 5 pike matches held between October and February, again these are open to all members.

Mick Burr started off his river season in style during a short 2½h session on Broom River. Mick had a cracking 6lb 6oz specimen chub, which is only two ounces below his personal best and also had a perch of 2lb 12oz during the same session.  There have been other reports of chub to over 5lb and perch to over 3lb from this stretch in recent weeks, and with the weed rapidly dying down it is now fishable along most of its length.

Week ending 20th Sept 2009

The Great Ouse at Little Paxton continues to provide sport from a wide range of species. Steve Lawson had two zander of 9lb and 7lb 10oz as well as a small pike from the main weirpool.  Bream, chub, perch and eels have also been reported in recent weeks, with the occasional barbel also showing.  Nets of bream to 8lb have also been reported from the club’s stretch on Lammas Meadow.  Please note the club does not sell day tickets for any of its waters as bailiffs have reported an increasing number of non-members turning up to fish, some mistakenly thinking this is a day ticket venue.  Anglers fishing on the River Ivel behind Broom Lake are still reporting a ‘bite a chuck’ with small roach, dace, chublets and gudgeon responding well to float fished maggots.  However, once again the adjacent Stanford Canal lived up to it's reputation of turning off during club matches and proved a real grueller last Sunday.  Drawing the upstream end peg, Pete Henegan secured his 3rd win of the season with 3 roach, 1 chub and a few bits for 1lb 4oz. Second spot was filled by Nigel Gilbert with 12oz of roach caught on punched bread down the inside line, while Brian Webster was 3rd  with 3oz 12drms.   Carp and catfish still dominate the catches from the Airman Pit.  Robert Gasson and Andy Furr enjoyed their first overnight session on the venue with Robert catching his first ever catfish of 25lb 8oz and 22lb 4oz, as well as three carp to mid doubles.  Meanwhile Andy managed mirror carp of 21lb 2oz and 15lb 13oz.  Members are reminded that the next 24h match is being fished at the Airman Pit from 9am on Saturday 26th September (draw at 7am).  The 24h matches are open to all members (including non-night permit holders), please contact Andy Knight on 07904302920 for further details.

Week ending 13th Sept 2009

Members are finding the average size of the carp at Broom Lake is steadily increasing, highlighted by Mark Morrisan landing 3 common carp of 20lb, 21lb and 24lb in a single session. Robin Snell recently landed a 21lb common and a 24lb mirror. Craig Garwood has reported catching a number of double figure carp topped by a 22lb common. However, Broom Lake is also offering consistent sport for silver fish with roach, rudd, perch and skimmer bream being caught all around the lake.  John Woods recently caught a bag of 100 roach to 12 ounces and 50 rudd to 1lb all on float fished maggots. Chris Perry has decided to enjoy catching small roach and perch on the float, with a second rod cast out for the carp and was rewarded with a 16lb 8oz common. Dick Westlake was delighted to catch an 18lb 4oz mirror.   The River Ivel behind Broom Lake is also starting to fish well with small fish responding well to float fished maggots.  Martin Keefe and Neil Bygrave have been having good sport with pike and perch caught on small lures.  David Hawkes has begun his perch campaign and was rewarded with three perch to 2lb 9oz and a chub on lobworm.  Chris Mayes spent a few hours at Clifton Road Bridge and caught 3 chub to 4lb 10oz and then moved to the Great Ouse at Little Paxton and had a 5lb 8oz barbel on his first cast. The Airman Pit continues to produce catfish and carp and new member Steve Jepps caught his first 20lb carp from the venue in the shape of a 20lb 9oz common.

Week ending 6th Sept 2009

After a great start to the season committee member Andy Knight has had a quiet time but this week he got amongst the action again on Broom Lake. Members have been saying that the lake has become hard with the carp elusive. Andy fishing a full day session on a lovely day took a near 150lb of carp and one bream of 6lb 1oz. His best two fish were mirrors of 20lb 14oz and 17lb 12oz. He also had a common of 17lb 4oz with the remainder of the fish all in double figures.  On the same venue Craig Garwood landed a cracking 22lb 0oz common. Members should be aware that work will continue to reduce the amount of overhang of trees on the islands. However although having to use the boat it is hoped that the venue will remain open. At Willington Lake there are signs that the prolific weed is starting to die back. Richard Bell fishing a short afternoon session on the lake took 4 bream of between 6-8lb and two tench with the best a 5lb 12oz tinca. Other anglers have also reported that the tench are feeding on the venue. Over at the Airman Pit David Albon was delighted to land a personal best 17lb 2oz catfish and then proceeded to land another of 15lb 15oz in the same session. The bigger fish took a popped-up boilie! There have been reports that the River Ivel at the back of Broom Lake has been producing reasonable bags of silverfish. Colin Smith and Chris Mayes have both taken good nets of fish reporting a fish a chuck on stickfloat or pole. The next club match will be on the Stanford Canal on 20th September with details from Neil Bygrave on 07980 533860.  Also the next match in the series of 24 hour events will be at the Airman Pit on the weekend of 26/27th September. Members interested should contact Andy Knight on 07904 302920 for details.

Week ending 30th August 2009

Since becoming chairman, Richard Bell has found little time for fishing but was determined to give Willington Lake a go. On his monitoring trips to the lake he he seen plenty of big fish including carp, bream and tench but very few members fishing the water.  On his first short afternoon session he had terrific sport with five bream over 5lb with the best 8lb 6oz, a tench of 4lb 7oz and two carp including a mirror of 10lb 6oz which was one of the fish stocked in the water last year.  On a second trip he managed two bream of 5lb 8oz and 6lb 4oz, a tench of 5lb 4oz but lost a large carp which he reckons was in excess of 25lb. Clearly this venue presents a challenge but the rewards could be great because it still contains some very big fish of various species.  Over at the Airman Pit Steve Braham had another 30+ catfish when he caught a 34lb 14oz fish. After trying for four years to catch a thirty he now has had two in two weeks. Tommy Williams also had one of 20lb. Paul Allum fishing and his son, also Paul had a great session on the venue with Paul senior getting a 22lb cat and numerous carp to 17lb. Young Paul had mirrors of 14lb 8oz and 14lb as well as a 5lb bream. Moray Mcleod ('Muzz')  took a mirror of 17lb 8oz. Broom Lake was the venue for the latest club match when Neil Bygrave setting his stall out for larger fish took the honours with a match winning haul of 22lb 3oz comprising two carp to 11lb 12oz. Pete Henigan finished runner-up after taking 3 tench plus bits for 9lb 5oz and Steve Green fishing the pole caught 4lb 6oz for third place. The next club match will be on the Stanford Canal on 20th September with details from Neil Bygrave on 07980 533860.  A recent midweek work party cleared a path from Broom Lake to the canal and found several pegs cut along the canal. Why not report your catches?

Week ending 23rd August 2009

It is great to be able to report a catch from a river venue. Committee member, Nigel Gilbert fishing at Pavenham on the River Great Ouse built on his excellent chub catches of late last season from the river by taking a personal best barbel of 10lb 11oz from the venue during a night session.  At the Airman Pit sport continue a pace with lots of carp and catfish being landed. Mick Burr fishing a night session had a 22lb cat plus carp to mid doubles. His mate Richard Knight had five carp with the best a 22lb mirror and a 'decent' bream. Mark Brookman had four carp to 16lb plus a small cat.  Nine year old Paul Allum fishing with his dad caught his first fish from a Shefford water when he landed a persoanl best tench of 3lb 7oz. His dad, also Paul tells me that he had several runs but ended up blanking!  Tommy Williams also on the Airman took a cat of 18lb. The next club match will be held at Broom Lake this Sunday 30th August when the draw will be at 7am.   Details from Neil Bygrave on 07980 533860

Week ending 16th August 2009

Without doubt the pick of the catches from our members this week is an superb lake record catfish of 47lb 6oz caught by Andrew Howard at the Airman Pit. In a cracking session Andrew also landed another cat of 32lb. Previous record holder, Ben Toyer had to be satisfied with carp with his best fish a 19lb 14oz mirror. Kevin Wilkins and his mate James Turvey also had a number of cats and carp to high doubles fishing a night session on the venue. At Broom Lake there has been an exceptional bag of bream caught by Dave Baker. Dave tagetting the species landed 14 slabs over 4lb 8oz from a swim on the riverside of the lake. The match group fished an interclub match against Letchworth and Blunham on the River Cam at Clayhythe. The team finished runner-up to Letchworth with Pete Henegan the leading Shefford man in second place with 5lb 10oz. Steve Green took 3lb 6oz and Neil Bygrave 1lb 6oz.  Neil informs that the next club match will be at Broom Lake on Sunday 30th August with the draw at 7am.

Week ending 9th August 2009

Most of the catches reported are once gain from the popular Airman Pit. Brian Amess fishing once again after a four year break and on the water for only the second time this season took a lovely common carp of 23lb 9oz and on the next peg Colin Smith again after tench landed a 19lb 4oz mirror. Cats to 22lb have been reported and one member fishing for tench took plenty of quality roach as well as tincas to 5lb. These catches were all taken during daylight hours. Night ticket holders have been getting multiple bags of carp to high doubles and tench to just over 5lb.  Over at Broom Lake the carp continue to be elusive with only a few fish to high doubles reported. Members fishing the waggler or pole are catching lots of silverfish with the occasional tench putting in an appearance. Anglers should note that in spite of the heavy rain the track around the lake is still open to cars and light vans. Colin Smith had a go on the River Flit upstream of the Horsebridge and even though he only had 15inches of water he took handsize dace and roach at one a chuck on the stickfloat.  Match Secretary, Neil Bygrave advise the match group that this Sunday 16th August there is a match against Letchworth on the River Cam. Please contact Neil for details. 

Week ending 2nd August 2009

The first night match of the season provided members with the opportunity to night fish Broom Lake. It is a venue that cannot be fished routinely at night. Richard Knight who until this season had found the lake to be very hard won the match with an excellent 131lb 4oz with Ben Toyer in second place with 43lb 12oz. This was Richard's third bag of over 100lb from the lake this year. Committee organiser Andy Knight said that all enjoyed the opportunity and look forward to the next in the series which will be at the Airman Pit on September 26th. Anyone interested should contact Andy on 07904 302920. The Airman Pit has fished really well this last week with a number of notable catches. New member John Linch didn't realise that his superb 29lb 4oz mirror carp was a lake record and returned the fish without seeking a witness in order to qualify for the specimen fish competition. Mark Brookman fishing an overnight session took 6 carp with the best a common of 23lb 14oz as well as others of 17lb 13oz and 15lb 8oz. Andrew Howard also fishing at night took mirrors of 21lb 4oz, 16lb 6oz and two other doubles. Andrew reports that he has visited the River Great Ouse at Pavenham and taken barbel to 8lb 4oz. Also at the Airman, Steve Braham took a superb 37lb 12oz catfish. Steve commented that after 4 years of trying for a big cat it was worth the wait.  Tench have also been coming out in good numbers with probably the biggest a 7lb 8oz fish taken by new member Geoff Dobbs.

Week ending 26h July 2009

The pick of our waters has been the Airman Pit with several outstanding catfish being landed along with carp to over 20lb and tench. Tommy Williams had a personal best 'cat' of over 37lb whilst Paul Johnson took one of 36lb 13oz. Venue bailiff, Alan Woods also landed one of 20lb as well as mirror carp of 22lb 5oz and 21lb 4oz. He also had a common of around 15lb. Colin Smith fishing for tench had a tussle with a carp before bringing a 18lb 4oz common to the net. 
The second match of the season was fished on the Airman Pit and it was the tench that featured for several of the members. Pegged on the roadside Neil Bygrave hooked 5 tincas and landed 4 to 4lb as well as roach to 8oz for a winning weight of 16lb 4oz. In second place was Dave Baker with 10lb 4oz comprising 3 tench and a few roach. Chris Rees took third place with 6lb 11oz which was made up of bits plus a bream of over 6lb.
At Willington Lake, bailiff Brian Barrett reports members taking bream to over 8lb and tench to over 5lb usually fishing relatively close in through clear patches in the weed. The advice to members wanting to fish the lake is to be prepared to rake a swim before fishing.
At Broom Lake carp are responding and Tim Keane was delighted to take his first twenty from the venue with a mirror carp of 20lb 8oz.
Members have an opportunity to night fish Broom Lake this weekend when the club have a 24hr match with the draw at 7-00am Saturday 1st August with fishing from 9-00am until 9-00am Sunday. For details please contact Andy Knight on 07904 302920

Week ending 19th July 2009

Members fishing at Broom Lake are reporting that the carp are responding to baits fished on the bottom.  Nick Gray had five of the them with the best going 19lb 8oz and venue regular Ray Wyka took four fish which were all doubles. At Willington Lake in spite of the prolific weed growth members are still taking tench with some big bream also now starting to show.  Nigel Gilbert had several tincas to 5lb 4oz and Neil Bygrave got amongst the bream with his best an 8lb 2oz fish.  Very little has been reported from the Airman Pit but members are reporting tench from the carpark swims.  The next club match will be at the Airman Pit on 26th July with fishing 8am – 1pm. Further details from Neil Bygrave on 01462 625856.  Also the club are holding a series of 24hr matches with the first to be held on Broom Lake on 1st/2nd August fishing from 9am- 9am. For details of this match contact Andy Knight on 07904 302920

Week ending 12th July 2009

The Airman Pit has seen a return to form for several members.  Alan Woods returned to the water and has had two very productive sessions during the last week. In the first he had 7 mirror carp with the best at 21lb 10oz, 20lb 2oz and 19lb 6oz. The other 4 fish were in the mid double range. He also had 2 tench and 2 bream in the session.  In his second visit he got amongst the catfish and took a personal best 30lb 5oz fish as well as others of 18lb 12oz and 12lb 6oz. He also had two double figure carp, two tench and a two bream in the productive session. He also reports that another member took a 36lb catfish whilst he was on the water. Other Shefford members to get double figure carp from the venue during the week included Andy Knight, Richard Knight and Mick Burr. They commented that things went quiet after the rain came. At Broom Lake reports are scarce but David Dymock, a new member was absolutely thrilled to get a personal best carp of 22lb.  Over at Willington Lake where the weed growth is prolific Nigel Gilbert had 3 tench over 4lb in a morning session fishing floatfished sweetcorn with the best going 6lb 3oz. Several members were invited to fish the Abbey Cross controlled Taylor’s Lake but they found the going tough. Small fish were the mainstay for most anglers. The best fish of the day a 6lb+ bream was taken by Brian Webster.  Match Secretary, Neil Bygrave who organised the visit would like to express warm thanks to the Abbey Cross club for use of the venue. Neil also reminds Shefford members that the next club match will be at the Airman Pit on 26th July with fishing 8am – 1pm. Further details from Neil (tel. 01462 625856) ,

Week ending 5th July 2009

Member, Andy Knight continued his series of great catches with another ‘ton-up’ haul, this time from Broom Lake. After being fishless for 6 hours he managed an 18lb common carp followed by a 5lb bream. He then went on to land 6 more carp all over 10lb which included commons of 16lb 12oz, 16lb 10oz, 14lb 4oz as well as a mirror of 15lb 3oz for a total of 108lb 4oz. Other members fishing the lake are also reporting high double figure fish and those fishing for the silver fish have been getting a fish a chuck.

Week ending 28th June 2009

Week ending 21st June 2009

Although the river season is now underway only two members have reported catches.  Andy Knight fishing on the River Ivel IPA water on Biggleswade Common took 9 3lb chub, 6 4lb chub and a terrific specimen of 6lb 1oz all in a 4 hour session.  After work on the 16th Match secretary, Neil Bygrave took an evening wander along the club’s own stretch of the River Ivel at Broom fishing light lures. Although not getting any big perch he reported 4 pike to 5lb and enjoyed the sport in spite of the prolific weed growth.

On Broom Lake members are reporting good sport from the carp which have been feeding in short spells. Richard Knight blanked for several hours before they came on the feed and he took 7 fish in a short timeframe. All the fish were doubles with the best a 19lb common. Fishing two rods, on one occasion he had two of the fish taking his baits simultaneously. Fortunately Andy Knight was around to help. Lewis Hipgrave also fishing at Broom reported a 21lb 4oz common.

Willington Lake continues to give good sport with most members being rewarded with tench and the odd carp. Colin Smith fishing for the tench had taken a small tinca when his rubber caster bait was picked up by something much larger. After a terrific scrap on his quivertip rod he managed to land a mirror carp of 18lb 0oz. There are also reports that one or two of the mirror carp that were introduced last year have been landed in the last week. Brian Barrett a regular at Willington took a good net of roach and rudd as well as taking a couple of tench on the feeder.

There has been a good return of completed questionnaires that were included with the club newsletter sent out in May. The committee are delighted to report that the winner of a membership card drawn from all the returned forms is Brian Barrett. The returns are currently being evaluated.

The club match season gets underway this Sunday 28th June at Willington Lake. Any member interested will be very welcome.  Please contact Neil Bygrave ( tel.01462 625856) for further details.

Week ending 14th June 2009

The prolific weed growth at Willington Lake doesn’t appear to be putting off members from targeting the tench. Many members are landing multifish bags of tincas of 4-6lb with odd fish going larger. They are responding to a range of tactics and baits. The large numbers of carp that have been seen patrolling the shallow areas of the lake are proving elusive as are the large bream present in the venue. At the Airman Pit a little colour has returned to the water but members are reporting indifferent sport with only a few of the larger fish present in the lake being reported. Several catfish have been caught topped by a 28lb 10oz specimen netted by Mick Burr. The cat was Mick’s only fish in a night session on the venue. Philip Shewan fishing the same water took carp of 19lb and 16lb and Pete Allen and John Hooten targeted the tench and had fish to 5lb 8oz. At Broom Lake carp have become elusive but members targeting the silverfish are getting good numbers of roach and perch with a sprinkling of skimmers. For those members interested in match fishing the first match of the season will be at Willington Lake on Sunday 28th June. Please contact Neil Bygrave  (tel.01462 625856) for further details. There is lot more information see match fixtures

Little bit of late news. It was a pike of 17lb 4oz caught by Richard Whitelock on Broom River at the end of the river season.

Week ending 7th June 2009

Following his exploits of last year when he caught a club record catfish of 45lb 2oz, member Ben Toyer has begun his current season’s campaign with a superb specimen of 38lb 4oz caught from the Airman Pit on his own LTB salmino bait. During the same session he also caught another ‘cat’ of 16lb 4oz on leeches.  Ben reported that he also hooked another very big fish which he reckons was a cat but could not stop it running into weed and losing his rig. Other members have also been into the ‘cats’ with Alan Woods netting one of 20lb 8oz as well as carp to 19lb. On the same water Craig Lancaster and Sean Warne also got in amongst the carp and took fish of 23lb and 19lb 2oz respectively. Tench and bream are also being caught in multifish bags by members fishing either ledger or float tactics particularly from the roadside swims. It has been a quieter week at Broom Lake with no twenty plus carp reported. However plenty of fish to mid doubles have been caught from swims all around the venue. Again at Willington Lake it is tench and bream that have been taking anglers baits. The carp anglers are reporting that tincas are picking up baits intended for the larger carp. Members should note that on 16th June the old gate locks will be withdrawn so new keys will be required to gain access to the waters. For those members interested in match fishing the first match of the season will be at Willington Lake on Sunday 28th June. Please contact Neil Bygrave ( tel.01462 625856) for further details.

Week ending 31st May 2009

Once again the continued warm weather has prompted fish to feed on all our waters. For numbers of fish Broom Lake is probably the pick of the venues with loads of carp being taken off the surface from swims all around the lake. Carp approaching and above 20lb have been taken by a number of members reporting their personal best carp. Dean Johnson took a fish of 21lb 6oz and Andy Stapleton fishing on the riverside using a modified zig rig has taken several fish over 20lb in multifish bags.  Mark Brookman was fishing on the farmer’s field side of the lake when he took commons of 19lb 14oz and 16lb 3oz.  Several members are reporting good numbers of perch and silverfish on pole tactics particularly on the farmer’s field side. One member fishing the waggler for the smaller fish at the canal end of the venue had a terrific tussle before bringing a 15lb carp to the net. At the Airman Pit, Wayne Rhoades had a terrific session taking 4 fish which included a personal best catfish of 27lb which took Wayne fifteen minutes before he had in the net. Other fish included a 18lb cat and two carp of 15lb and 22lb. Other members reporting fish from the venue included regular Alan Woods who had carp to 19lb in a multifish bag and Philip Shewan who had carp to 18lb. Andy Davis from Andys Angling continued his efforts for tench at Willington Lake taking a superb fish of 8lb 3oz in a five fish haul. Interestingly, Andy commented that he returned to the same swim a few days later and blanked. Members should note that there will be a working party at Broom Lake this Sunday 7th June starting at 8-00am. Those attending the work party will be allowed to fish the venue when work is complete.  For those members interested in match fishing the first match of the season will be at Willington Lake on 28th June. Please contact Neil Bygrave for further details.

Week ending 24th May 2009

Our waters have produced a large number of carp over 20lb usually in multifish bags.  At Broom Lake most of the fish have come from presenting surface baits. One member reported 6 fish to 19lb in a session.  Nigel Gilbert had taken several fish before a 21lb 13oz common took his bait. Similarly Andy Knight with fish to 19lb and Steve Braham with fish to 16lb.  Tench have also been showing on the venue with numerous catches of tincas to 6lb.  At the Airman Pit, it was good to see Russell MacMillan getting back amongst the fish with carp to just over 20lb. Also, young Dean Johnson continued his run of twenties from the various Shefford waters with a 22lb 6oz mirror. Mick Brookes tackling the catfish in the water succeeded in landing one of just over 20lb and had a lovely looking golden tench of 5lb. Venue regular Ben Toyer had a terrific session with carp to 21lb, cats to 17lb and numerous bream.  Over at Willington Lake those members targeting the tench are being rewarded with multifish bags including fish to close on 7lb. Andy Davis from Andys Angling had 4 to over 6lb whilst John Hooten had fish to 6lb 8oz. Interestingly, contrary to rumours that there are no carp left in the lake large numbers to around 30lb have been spotted in the shallow weedy areas engaged in spawning activity. Members should note that there will be a working party at Broom Lake on Sunday 7th June starting at 8-00am. Those attending the work party will be allowed to fish the venue when work is complete.

Week ending 17th May 2009

Once again it is the Airman Pit that has been the pick of the our waters. Although the water is gin clear the carp have been feeding with members landing several fish to 23lb in single sessions.  These catches are typified by Ben Toyer who ended up taking three fish to 19lb 14oz from a swim at the top end of the venue. Craig Lancaster after stalking fish for a while settled down in a roadside swim to take three carp to 23lb and three tench to 7lb 14oz. Both Ben and Craig caught all their fish on LT peppered plum pop ups. Other members have also reported good tench using slider float tactics. There is much more colour in Broom Lake where members have been taking a few carp to close on 20lb and tench to 7lb. The bream are in spawning mood and are completely out of sorts.  Richard Westlake took a 18lb 8oz common from the narrow stretch behind the island on the river side. Venue regular Dave Clark has also been getting amongst the double figure fish taking several fish in his sessions with bonus tench in the bags. One or two pole anglers have also been tackling the lake and reporting good bags of perch with a sprinkling of silver fish. Kevin Donovan reported a fish a chuck from swims on the farmers field side of the lake.

The work party on Sunday concentrated on laying a new track from the second gate to the sleeper bridge which hopefully will lead to the track being open for longer periods during wet weather. There is still a lot of work to be done so members are invited to join the next work party at the venue on Sunday 7th June starting at 8-00am.

Week ending 10th May 2009

With fine weather allowing the track to remain open members have been out in numbers on the popular Broom Lake venue. Over the last few weeks Tim Billington has had success on the water taking several carp over 20lb. This week, fishing to one of the islands he had four commons and a mirror with the best fish a 21lb 12oz common. Bob Izzard finally ‘broke his duck’ on the water with a couple of carp taken in an afternoon session and Andy Stapleton continued his catches with a lovely looking common of 19lb 12oz. At the Airman Pit the water is extremely clear and carp and shoals of roach can be seen in abundance but unfortunately very little in the way of catches has been reported this week. Last Sunday there was a successful work party on the Pit which involved swim rebuilding and strimming the carp park and various overgrown swims.  This Sunday 17th May starting at 8-00am there will be a work party at Broom Lake and not the Airman Pit as previously stated. As a result Broom Lake will be closed with only those attending allowed to fish after work is complete.

Week ending 3rd May 2009

Broom Lake and the Airman Pit consistently produced fish over the last week. Members have taken several carp of over 20lb from both venues. At Broom Lake, Tim Billington fishing the lake for only the second time has taken a mirror of 22lb 10oz, a common of 21lb 12oz as well as several doubles from swims on the riverside. John Washington landed the biggest fish of the week from the venue when he landed a superbly conditioned common of 23lb 9oz. Nigel Gilbert fishing surface baits also got in on the action with a fish of 18lb 14oz caught during a short evening session. At the Airman with the water temperatures slowly increasing a few catfish have been taken with probably the best so far a fish of 28lb. The carp have also been feeding with regular Alan Woods taking five fish to 17lb 8oz, James Longhurst taking a fish of 21lb. Following his success at Broom Lake, Dean Johnson had a go at the Airman and scored with a 23lb 0oz mirror. Next Sunday, 10th May there will be a working party on the Airman and so the venue will be closed until the work is complete when only those helping will be allowed to fish the lake. The carparks at Willington, Broom and the Airman now have a double locking system so that new and existing members can gain access. Members should be extra careful when locking the gate ensuring that the system continues to work for both locks. On the 16th June the old locks will be removed.

Week ending 26th April 2009

Members have found the carp to be very active on the Airman Pit and Broom Lake.  At the Airman, Andy Stapleton had a 22lb 5oz mirror whilst the club match secretary, Neil Bygrave currently having a go at carping took a personal best 21lb 14oz fish and one of 15lb 4oz presenting surface baits.  At Broom Lake there have been double figure fish from all parts of the venue. Dave Clark fishing afternoon sessions has regularly had 2 or 3 fish with the best at 16lb 2oz.  One member reports taking 13 carp and a tench in one session fishing miniboilies. At Willington Lake it has been mainly tench to 6lb that have been reported but Edd Smith fishing his homemade lures has taken several pike to near 10lb.  The new club membership cards, usable immediately, will be available from most of the tackle dealers from the 1st May or via the registrar using the application form on the website. Down load here . There is no increase in subscriptions but a new key will be necessary to access the carparks. Until 16th June a double lock system will be in operation so that all members using the current or new key can gain access.  

Week ending 19th April 2009

The warmer weather has certainly impacted with increased water temperatures resulting in the fish starting to feed. At Broom Lake carp have been slow to feed in recent weeks but in the last few days they have been taken from swims all around the lake with probably the best fish a superb looking common of 22lb 5oz landed by Dean Johnson from a swim on the riverside of the venue. Paul Titterington also got in on the action on the farmers field side of the lake with several double figure fish including a common of 14lb and a mirror of 11lb. Andy and Ron Stapleton have also taken several fish but it has been at the Airman Pit venue where Andy has taken larger fish. He landed one of 22lb 7oz during a night session. Also at the Pit, regular, Alan Woods had 5 carp and a tench in a session and he witnessed a 15lb fish caught by Andrew Howard. Members should note that fishing at the Airman is only from designated swims. This reminder is given because during the last week an angler has been witnessed fishing in the reeds between pegs 10 and 11 and dragging a hooked fish through the reeds. Whilst it was disappointing to lose ‘Starburst’ and the ‘Big Common’ to otter predation at Willington Lake the fish known as ‘Orange’, a low thirty, has been seen in the last week along with lots of double figure fish. This coming Sunday 26th April the fishery will be closed for fishing whilst maintenance is carried out around the lake. Anyone attending the work party which starts at 8-00am will be allowed to fish when work is complete.

Week ending 12th April 2009

The wet weather of the last week seemed to deter members from venturing out on the banks in any great numbers. At the Airman Pit Peter Costin landed probably the biggest carp of the week with a 22lb common caught from the Willows swim during a day session. At Broom Lake several tench to around 5lb were landed and members are reporting bream of over 5lb but commenting that many are full of spawn. Although numerous carp have been spotted feeding in shallow water at Willington Lake it is tench to 7lb that have come to the net.

Week ending 5th April 2009

Last week saw the Match Group Presentation Dinner held at the White Hart Hotel in the town. The Club Champion trophy and trophy for the heaviest weight in any match went to Neil Bygrave. Partnered by Alan Andrews he also won the Pairs and the Pairs Knock-out trophies. Alan Andrews took the Singles Knock out trophy. Club President, John Leath who made the presentations had a busy night because there were trophies for the winners of all the matches held once a month during the traditional season.   Quite a few members have been out on the lakes with the Airman Pit producing a number of carp and a few roach. Rob Ault fishing home made boilies had 3 carp with his best a 22lb mirror. At Broom Lake the gate to the track was open at the time of going to press and several anglers have been catching silverfish on the pole or waggler.  One member fishing for silverfish at the far end of the lake had a surprise when he took a 13 lb common which gave him the run around. At Willington Lake tench have been showing with fish to 5lb 8oz reported.

Week ending 29th March 2009

At the Annual General Meeting at was a junior member who stole the show when it came to the presentation of specimen trophies by Club President, John Leath.  Young Ethan Andrews won the bream trophy for his 11lb 3oz fish caught at Willington Lake and then went on to take the Tookey trophy for the overall specimen trophy voted by members attending the meeting. Ethan’s achievement bettered his dad, Alan who had submitted a 8lb 2oz tench, John Wigg with his 3lb 6oz crucian carp, Ben Toyer with his excellent 45lb 2oz catfish, Alan Woods with his 26lb 14oz carp, Nigel Gilbert with his 4lb 2oz perch and 6lb 2oz chub and Vic Jackson with his 15lb pike. The Centenary Trophy awarded for meritorious contribution to the club was awarded to Andy Anderson who for many years served the club in a number of committee positions. Also at the meeting new chairman, Richard Bell gave an update on the otter predation at Willington and announced that there will be no increase in subscriptions for the coming year. The new clubbook available around the 1st May from local tackle shops or the club registrar will be usable from the date of purchase.  From the banks the only fish reported this week are two mirror carp of 14lb and 17lb taken by Philip Shewan at the Airman Pit.

Week ending 22nd March 2009

The news this week focuses on the Airman Pit with the warmer water temperatures certainly having an effect on the carp feeding on the venue. Philip Shewan caught two fish within 30 minutes of one another with a mirror of 19lb 10oz and a 16lb 8oz common. Venue regular, Alan Woods took 7 carp all over 10lb with the best a 18lb mirror. Included in Alan’s catch was a superbly conditioned 1lb 14oz roach. Mates Ben Toyer and Craig Lancaster had 4 carp between them, the biggest a 21lb mirror all caught on their own LT Baits peppered plum boilies. Club bailiff, Andy Knight also got in amongst the action with 2 mirrors of 17lb 9oz and 12lb 14oz. The Fishery Officer, Nigel Gilbert was delighted with the large turn out at the working party on the lake last Saturday. He expresses his thanks to all who attended.

Week ending 15th March 2009

The news is dominated by the loss of the two biggest fish at Willington Lake to otters. The corpses of both ‘Starburst’ and the ‘Big Common’ have been found in recent weeks. An expert has confirmed that there is a marauding male otter active in the area. The committee will give a full update at the club AGM on Wednesday 25th March at Shefford Memorial Hall. Photos which are not very pleasant are also available on the club website www.SheffordDAA.org.uk .
Regarding the fishing it is again the River Ivel at Broom which has produced an abundance of big perch over 3lb topped by a 3lb 12oz fish landed by Club President, John Leath. Fishing with Vic Jackson they had 7 fish over 2lb with 4 going over 3lb. In an earlier session Vic had taken ‘stripeys’ to 3lb 9oz. David Hawkes also had a good day on the venue with 5 ‘stripeys’, 4 going over 2lb and a chub. Colin Smith and Alan Thomas had 7 fish between them with Colin netting fish of 2lb 15oz and 2lb 10oz.  Nigel Gilbert and Lez Reed were over on the River Great Ouse at Pavenham for the penultimate day of the river season and got amongst the perch on that venue with several fish with the best a 2lb 1oz perch landed by Nigel. On the River Great Ouse at Paxton downstream of the weir a member landed good chub of 5lb 6oz and 4lb whilst members fishing the weirpool found the going tough. With the warmer temperatures the carp at the Airman Pit have started to come on the feed with Andrew Howard landing a mirror of 18lb and a common of 11lb. Members should note that there will be a working party at the Airman Pit tomorrow, Saturday 21st March starting at around 8-00am.  

Week ending 8th March 2009

After several quiet weeks the stretch of the River Ivel at Broom has come alive with several reports of big perch being taken from the venue. The catch of the week has to be Nigel Gilbert’s magnificent personal and club record perch of 4lb 2oz. Nigel continued to fish on after Sunday’s club match and was rewarded with the specimen, the second fish of 4lb or over reported from the club venue this season. David Hawkes has also got in on the action with a ‘stripey’ of 3lb 3oz and also took another of 2lb 4oz in the same session. Edd Smith continuing to try and land a good perch on his homemade lures at last was rewarded with a fish of 3lb 2oz taken from the coloured water at the junction of the river and the Stanford Canal. Sunday’s match on the river started in bright sunshine and several roach were taken early on. However with the skies clouding over and the wind picking up, suddenly the river took on a whole new look. In spite of having to endure hail showers Neil Bygrave took the individual honours with 6lb 8oz which included 5 perch with the biggest 2lb 10oz and several roach. Nigel Gilbert was runner-up with 1lb 1oz with Alan Andrews in 3rd place. It was when they packed up that the trouble started because following the intense hail showers one of their vehicles could not be moved from the boggy ground in the car park. However grateful thanks are expressed to Margaret Rook and her boys from Village Farm, Stanford who came to the rescue and recovered the vehicle.  Nigel Gilbert has also been in action on the River Great Ouse at Pavenham where he piled in maggots and hemp and was suitably rewarded with chub of 5lb 3oz, 4lb 7oz, and 4lb 2oz taken on maggot feeder. Switching to lobworm bait produced a bonus perch of 1lb 13oz. Members should note that the club AGM will be on Wednesday 25th March at Shefford Memorial Hall in Hitchin Road starting at 8.00pm.

Week ending 1st March 2009

Although conditions have improved significantly, members have generally found that the fish have not yet really started feeding in earnest. At the Airman Pit, carp to low doubles have been caught, while at Willington Lake, the odd tench has been taken by carp anglers. Willington Lake has also produced pike to low doubles.

On the rivers, it is chub which have been providing most of the sport. At Clifton Road Bridge, David Hawkes and Alan Thomas shared a catch of chub to 3-8, while at Langford, Chris Mayes fished a short session, and managed chub to 3-14.

Would members please note that the Shefford and District AA Annual General Meeting is being held at the Shefford Town Memorial Hall (Digswell), on Wednesday 25th March 2009 at 8-00pm. Admission and voting is by club card only.

A work party is being held at the Airman Pit on Saturday 21st March starting at 8-00am. Members are invited along to help, particularly anyone with carpentry skills

Week ending 22nd Feb 2009

Although weather and water conditions have improved tremendously during the past week, some members have found the fish still playing hard to get. However, other members were more fortunate, and were able to find fish willing to feed. The club's match anglers had a day on the IPA's Biggleswade Common stretch. Six anglers attended the match, all keen to wet a line again after the recent flood conditions.

A turbulent river greeted the anglers and it was a case of finding a slack of some description that would hopefully hold a fish or two. Fishing the stick proved troublesome for most and it was the pole that prevailed with a majority of the fish being taken during the first couple of hours of the match.

Vic Jackson - fishing the willows - ended up victorious with a 5 fish catch for a total weight of 18lb 14oz followed in second place by John Leath with 2 chub and a bream for 12lb 10oz from Bells Brook. Johns catch included a magnificent chub of 6lb 4oz which tested his pole elastic to the limit. Neil Bygrave finished 3rd with 2 fish for 7lb 10oz again taken on the pole, Nigel Gilbert had a couple of chub for just over 5lb and Alan Andrews had one fish for 4lb.

Over at Willington Lake, pike anglers were rewarded with fish to low doubles, while at Clifton Road Bridge, club secretary Chris Mayes enjoyed a few sessions catching chub.

Week ending 15th Feb 2009

With lakes frozen and rivers flooded, members stayed away from the waters until the weekend, when conditions started to improve. Edd Allen spent 90 minutes breaking the ice at the Airman Pit, but was rewarded with a 10lb 3oz pike. The following day, Gary Wilkins also fished the Airman Pit, and caught 2 pike to 12lbs. Conditions have improved at Broom Lake and the Airman Pit, where there is now plenty of ice-free water to fish, and Willington Lake is also thawing.

The Ivel, although still running through, is fishable, while the Ouse, although high, is now dropping back. The IPA pairs match was cancelled due to river conditions, but there is a Shefford club match being held on Biggleswade Common on Sunday 22nd February. Any Shefford member interested in attending should contact Neil Bygrave on 07980 533860 for details.

Week ending 8th Feb 2009

Not surprisingly, with all lakes frozen, and the weather deterring members from venturing out, there are no reports of catches from our waters this week. One hardy soul tried his luck on the river behind Willington Lake during an overnight session, but his only reward was to be the first to arrive for the work party on the lake the following day!

The IPA pairs match is being held on Sunday 15th February. Any Shefford member interested in attending should contact Neil Bygrave on 07980 533860 for details.

Week ending 1st Feb 2009

The harsh weather conditions have prevented all but the hardiest of members from venturing out. There have been several anglers regularly fishing for the quality roach in the car-park swims at the Airman Pit but unfortunately they have become finicky and are only feeding in short sessions. Mark Athow has continued to get double figure bags and Colin Smith fished for 5 hours without a bite then in the next hour landed 16 roach all over 8oz with the best pushing 1lb. A big problem in the gin clear water at the lake has been the marauding pike which plagued Vic Jackson and John Leath throughout their session. However Vic decided to have a go for them and landed a 15lb fish. Mick Burr has continued his perch campaign on the River Ivel behind Broom Lake and although he has struggled he did manage a 3lb 0oz specimen along with a few small chub in an afternoon session on the venue.

Alan Thomas and Colin Smith fishing the IPA’s River Ivel venue on Biggleswade Common also found fish hard to come by even from the normally banker swims. It was Alan who eventually succeeded with a chub of 4lb 1oz chub.

This coming Sunday 8th February will see a working party held at Willington Lake starting at 8-00am. Those attending the work party will be able to fish the venue when the work has been completed.  

Week ending 25th Jan 2009

Without doubt the catch of the week by a member is a massive 52lb bag of roach taken by Mark Athow at the Airman Pit. Mark has only recently joined the club and can’t believe the catches he has been taking from the venue. He has had several catches over 20lb and when Head Bailiff, Richard Bell found him on the lake he wasn’t having a good day because he only had 14lb of the redfins in the net! His large bag taken in an eight hour session featured fish from 8oz to 1lb 8oz.

Venue regular, Alan Woods also got in on the action when he tried to catch some roach as bait for pike. He just couldn’t get fish small enough and ended up with 20lb of the roach with all the fish over 8oz. Richard Knight reported fishing a night for carp on the venue in atrocious conditions but still managed a personal best bream of 8lb 4oz and a low double carp.

Over at Willington Lake members are still trying for the large pike but are being troubled by lots of low doubles and just below.  Alan Thomas fishing for chub on the River Ivel just downstream of the club’s stretch at Broom took a splendid fish of 5lb 1oz which came from the only bite of the day.  

Week ending 18th Jan 2009

On a bitterly cold day the match group fished their first match of 2009 on the club’s River Great Ouse venue at Lamas Meadow, Paxton.  Having to contend with a gin clear river it was quality bream that occupied Neil Bygrave and Alan Andrews’ swims with Alan landing the largest slab which went 6lb 1oz. However it was Neil who ended up winning with a net of 19lb 3oz including fish to almost 6lb with Alan finishing with 15lb 8oz for second place.  Another Great Ouse venue featuring this week is the stretch north of Bedford at Pavenham where Nigel Gilbert took 4 chub all over 3lb with the best a lovely 5lb 10oz fish. His mate Lez Reed also got in the action with perch over a pound.  At Willington Lake there have been several members tackling the pike with a number of low double fish being taken on legered deadbaits.  Members should note that this venue will be closed on Sunday 1st February whilst maintenance work is carried out. Those attending the work party will be allowed to fish when the work is complete.  Colin Smith and Alan Thomas had a day wandering on the IPA stretch of the River Ivel at Biggleswade Common and took several chub with the best landed by Colin at 4lb 3oz.

Week ending 11th Jan 2009

During the last week most members seem to have stayed indoors with very few reports of catches anywhere.

Until the last couple of days all the stillwater venues have remained frozen over and the rivers have been low and gin clear. The only fish reported are odd chub from River Ivel venues and a few roach and dace from the Shefford town stretch of the River Flit near the bungalows. This Sunday 18th January the match group will venture out on the River Great Ouse venue at Lamas Meadow with the draw at 7-30am. For further details contact Neil Bygrave on 07980 533860.

Week ending 4th Jan 2009

With all the stillwaters frozen over and the rivers having ice in the margins there has been only a handful of members on the banks. Club Fishery Officer , Nigel Gilbert followed up his great chub catch on the River Ivel last week with a bagging up session on the club’s stretch of the River Flit upstream of Clifton Road bridge. In a short session Nigel took 4 chub to 4lb 7oz, 2 roach of over 1lb, some lovely dace and loads of bits all taken on red maggot using stickfloat tactics.

The venue which at the moment seems to be benefiting from the breach in the spillwall just upstream has also yielded several chub for other members.  Amongst these were Chris Mayes who took a personal best of 4lb 6oz and Alan Thomas who landed a nice fish of 4lb 10oz on lobworm. Just before the freeze up members were reporting some pike activity on Broom Lake with Edd Allen taking a low double figure fish on deadbait.

Weather permitting the match group will be resuming their series with a match on Sunday 18th January at the River Great Ouse venue at Lamas Meadow. For details contact Neil Bygrave on 07980 533860