Diary and Pictures

DIARY:

1st February 2012 - With frosty nights returning, don't forget to ring for an ice check before leaving home early in the mornings. Last week was quieter than usual with Brownies providing the most sport. Paul Stowe caught the biggest at 9lbs 1oz. He, Ray Parry, and Pip Mills together caught 9 between them in the 5lb to 9lb weight range. Callum Luckhurst has sent us a picture of his 3.5lb brownie, which you can see in the gallery below this diary. Paul Smith brought along his pre recorded bird song gadget with him this week. Standing in the log cabin doorway, he tempted our Barn Owl to come looking for him by playing his barn owl recording. It resulted in a close encounter, during which they eye balled each other, before the owl realised he had been conned. Nice one Paul.

22nd January 2012 - Iced up for three days at the beginning of the week. Following a restock the fish were very active with 54 stockies being taken in the next 4 days. Top weight was recorded by Dave Warren for an 11lb Brownie. Runners up were Douglas Bone 8lbs, Steve Lambert 7lbs, Bob Lummis 6lbs and 5lbs, and Ray Parry returned 3 more at 6.5lbs, 6lbs and 5.5lbs. The biggest Rainbow was returned by Colin Haddock at 7.5lbs.   Roy Kemp, fishing for the first time ever, caught his bag limit. Cold wet and windy conditions, but the log fire in the cabin kept it cosy for thawing out frozen fingers. Green and White flies were getting good results.

15th January 2012 - More big fish this week. Steve Beckham recorded 2 Brownies both over 10lbs. James Hunt returned 4 more Brownies 1x4lbs 1x5lbs 1x6lbs and 1x7lbs, plus a 4lb rainbow as well. Dave French returned a rainbow of 8.5lbs and Adam Osborne and Ivan Leggett both recorded 8lb Rainbows. Paul Smith was well pleased with 2 Brownies of 7lbs and 4lbs. Congratualations to you all. We had a sighting of two little Goldcrests, in the cover of the ditch behind Old Hall Lake. Britains smallest bird, is a welcome addition to our wildlife count. The third swan has brought his mate. 2 lakes between 4 swans should be enough surely? But no, they cannot agree who owns which. At dusk this evening the feathers were flying! A few dregs are still left in the beer kegs.

8th January 2012 - Ray Parry had a great day today. His bag full of stockies, and 8 Brownies returned, the biggest of which was 9.5lbs. Plus 1x7lbs, 1x6lbs and 5 others to 4lbs in weight. Three swans were having a territorial dispute on both lakes whilst all this was going on. At dusk they were still at it. There is still some beer left. It is a local brew and very tasty.

2nd January 2012 - New Year revellers have left two half full beer kegs in our holiday house. We have put them in the log cabin. Have a pint on us on your next visit, whilst stocks last.

31st December 2011 - Adam Osbourn and Geoff Jaquest both achieved their personal best fish this week with Rainbows of 9lbs and 8lbs respectively.  It has been a busy final week of the year with some folk braving windy cold conditions. The log burner is keeping the cabin cosy. We thank you all for your custom and wish you tight lines and good fishing in the New Year.

22nd December 2011 - Superb fishing for the past two days. Colin Brown went home yesterday with aching arms and knocking knees after catching 11 fish plus 3 more that got away. He estimated his Brownies at : 1x9lbs 1x7lbs 2x6lbs and 1x2lbs. His best fish were taken from Old Hall, near the bench seat, using 4' to 5' sinking lines.   Today it was the Rainbows that were active, with Ivan Leggett returning three, 1 of which was 8lbs. And Andy Cunningham returned a 3lb Brown, and Rainbows at 8lbs and 4lbs. And the sun shone brightly all day!

17th December 2011 - We have reviewed our prices for next year. The price of a day ticket remains unchanged at £20, and we have introduced a choice of either a full or half season ticket for 2012. Visit our terms page for more details.

15th December 2011 - Eleven officers from Suffolk Constabulary booked us for a match today. A total of 62 catches were recorded, including 30 stockfish taken, plus 17 specimen Rainbows and 15 Brownies retured. The biggest Rainbow was recorded at 8lb 8oz, and the biggest Brownie was 7lb 9oz. Conditions were quite difficult with a stiff westerly wind blowing for most of the day, so well done everybody. Earlier in December, Paul Smith recorded Brownies of 7lbs and 4lbs plus a 5lb Rainbow all taken off the top. Followed two days later with Ron Bevan, Colin Haddock and Paul Stowe returning 19lbs of fish between them, and Ken Mather returned a 6lb Rainbow two days after that.

2nd December 2011 - Still plenty of good catches despite the weather becoming more unsettled. The wind has been a problem but there have been some brilliant fishing days as well. Donald King returned a 7.5lb Brownie, and Stuart Anderson another at 6lbs. Paul Stowe was on form with Rainbows of 7lbs and 5lbs. The Tawney Owl turned out to be a Barn Owl, and regularly sits on the cabin now. We have been planting more marginal plants for a better display next year.

17th November 2011 - Another personal best for Ron Bevan, this time returning Rainbows at 9lbs and 5lbs plus a Brownie of 4lbs. A Brownie of 7lbs was recorded by Phillip Broad, and Colin Brown was on top form returning 8 fish after bagging his limit. Both lakes are clear and providing exceptionally good catches. The kingfisher is still very active and a Tawny Owl has been perching on the overhead beam of the log cabin. We left the cabin door open by mistake one night, and it perched on the arm of the leather sofa leaving a bone pellett and a big white mess. Maybe we have some resident mice living on crumbs from your picnic lunches.  What a clever owl.

6th November 2011 - Andy Wright took top weight this week, recording a Rainbow of 9lbs and two Brownies of 6lbs and 5lbs each. Dennis Hawes lost a whopper which jumped clean out of Frog Hall water creating a sunami before dislodging his blue flash damsel hook and disappering behind the island. Was it big Harry perhaps? Newcomer, Mike Gardener released Rainbows of 8lbs and 5lbs. Ron Bevan had another good result this week releasing Rainbows of 7lbs, 5lbs and 3lbs, whilst Geoff Jacquest released a 6lb Rainbow on the same day. This weeks restock included some new little Brown trout, to grow on over winter in both lakes. We have had to close the grass track to motor vehicles due to the wet weather. It will be reopened if ground conditions permit.

31st October 2011 - The month ends mild and cloudy. Richard and Jack Fielder had the best catches this weekend, with two fish at 7lbs each and a 12lb brownie. Two Perigrin falcons landed and a buzzard circled overhead on a day when Paul Smith happened to remember to pack his binoculars. He also saw our kingfisher and caught two Rainbows of over 5lbs and 3lbs. A Dabchick has settled in Frog Hall, and the swans are back after a short absence.

28th October 2011 - Remarkable results today! Stewart Easey fished Frog Hall, returning three fish totalling 21lbs 4oz in weight. Ron and Simon Bevan fished Old Hall, catching 32lbs of fish between them including their stock fish bag limits. Thats over 53lbs of fish between the three of them in bright sunlight, with only slight ripples. Ron commented that it was his personal best.

25th October 2011 - Young Tim Slaughter has caught another big fish in Frog Hall today. This time an 11lb 2oz Brownie struck on his first cast. Take a look at his picture below. The fish was safely returned, and swam away.

23rd October 2011 - John Haig took top weight this week, returning a Brownie estimated at 8lbs. Graham Turner caught a 6lb Rainbow and 5.5lb Brown. Newcomer Stephen Beckham caught a 5lb Rainbow, and David Scott-Miller, Ron Bevan, and Paul Smith all caught fish in 5lb to 6lb weight range. We have had several sightings of the Kingfisher and Barn Owl. The swans are a bit unsettled and come and go as they feel like it. The water levels are still unusually low, with only a few rain showers making little or no difference.

16th October 2011 - A busy week, with bright sunshine, night frosts, and misty mornings. David Graham returned two brownies of 6lbs and 3lb. Ron Bevan, John Haigh, Paul Smith, Ray Parry and Simon Osborne all returned fish of 5lbs plus.   Eight newcomers visited our lakes for the first time this week. A warm welcome to you all.

9th October 2011 - Colder again. Yesterday we lit the log fire for the first time in the hut. Today we had a Hardy Greys Acadamy Master Class for six senior students with Mike Smith, Phil Pledger, and Jim Gill. Conditions were not easy, with quite a stiff westerly breeze blowing. Paul Smith returned a 7lb Rainbow this week, and it was good to see Colin Brown back on form, with his bag limit, plus a 3lb Rainbow and a nice Brownie returned.

4th October 2011 -  Despite having a heat wave, fish continue to be caught on dry flies. Others have been caught on long leeders, at deeper levels. Rob Turrel has done it again, this time with a 10lb Brown. Jane Haigh caught her first fish ever on her first visit here. John Slaughter recorded a 4.5lb Rainbow and two Brownies at 2lbs and 3.5lbs. And David Graham fished today recording a 7lb Rainbow and 2 Brownies around 8lbs and 4lbs each. The water is clear in both lakes and the levels are as low as they have ever been. The Kingfishers and water voles have been very active this week, with several good sightings. We have cut some of the wild flower meadow and harvested a bucket full of teasel seeds for posterity.

25th September 2011 - Rob Turrell has surpassed himself! Fishing over two days he released two Rainbows at 9lbs and 4lbs, and two superb Brownies estimated at 10lbs and 12-13+lbs each. Fishing in Old Hall lake he says there was - "An almighty wallop under my rod tip in the margin under my feet. Next thing I know I am half way down my backing and can't slow this fish down. I had to pass the rod around a tree and follow the fish. By this time I was just above the beach swim and the fish was thee quarters of the way to the island! I played the fish on and off the back, and into the big net. It must have been 12-13+lbs. I only wish someone could have got my camera for me!!! Oh well, it went back well, and is there for another day. I have played a lot fish over the world, of different species, and that fish has got to be the best fight." Congratulations Rob. We have posted a picture below of one of his smaller catches that day!!! And that's not all - 6lb Rainbows were also returned by Paul Smith and Terry Baker along with 4 Brownies in the 4lb to 7.5lb weight range. Adrian Bordiano returned a 5lb Rainbow to Frog Hall, and Mr A Hutchinson returned a 6lb Brown. A warm welcome to the beginners who visited this week, you have some strong competition!

18th September 2011 - Another big rainbow returned to Old Hall Lake this week, estimated at 11lbs by Dennis Hawes, who used a blue flash damsel. Jack and Richard Fielder enjoyed a good day returning 4 brownies between them in the 3lb to 5lb weight range. The Kingfisher has been seen several times, fishing for sticklebacks in Frog Hall. The Little Owls are still here, and were seen at twilight this evening. Tawny owls are frequently heard at dusk, but rarely seen in daylight, and the Barn Owl continues to be seen regularly, in the mornings and evenings. Mike Smith will be holding a "Senior Acadamy day here on Sunday 9th October. Anyone interested in tuition with him, should take a look at his strictly fly fishing website link on our contacts page.

10th September 2011 - Well done to 16 year old Louise Frazer, who caught her first fish, - a 6lb Rainbow in Frog Hall last week. Ron Bevan returned a 5lb Brown, and Andy Hallsworth raised the stakes with a 10lb Rainbow. Then along came James Hunt today, returning a Rainbow which he estimated at around 15lbs. Fishing from the island, he was using black buzzers and Montana nymphs.

31st August 2011 - We end the summer with the water temperature dropping and the fish becoming more active. The predators have gone, and a kingfisher has been sighted by several visitors. Our pair of swans drop in occasionally but haven't settled down here for the winter yet. David Graham remains our record holder since October 2009, with the 12lb 10oz rainbow he is pictured with on our home page. Yesterday he caught 6 fish totalling 21.5lbs. 2 Brownies at 3lbs each, and a Rainbow of 6lbs, and a further 3 Rainbows ranging between 3lbs and 3.5lbs. "I couldn't find any small fish" he said. So today we introduced new stock fish to both lakes!

20th August 2011 - We were visited by cormorants and herons mid week, and the fish were hiding on the bottom all day on Thursday. Today we picked up two dead fish with stab wounds. 12 year old Joseph Sparks takes top spot, this week, having returned Rainbows of 5lbs, 3lbs  and 2lbs. Michael Venn had a very good sighting of Big Harry this morning. He lept out of Frog Hall water showing a girth of at least a foot deep, returning with a very big splash.   Old Hall Lake is now the clearest it has been for about 3 years, and some very big fish have been seen in the margins.

14th August 2011 - A very good week, with 116 stock fish taken with dry flies buzzers and hairs ears being popular. Top weight went to Rory Fordham who landed a 5lb Rainbow. Steve Coote was back on form with a 4lb Rainbow and a number of new visitors caught their first fish ever. Old Hall Lake is clearing and the fish are becoming noticeably more active. With the water level being lower than usual, the sandy beach is a favourite spot to stand.

7th August 2011 - Frog Hall was restocked on Thursday, witnessed by 8 youngsters who were fishing here for the first time with their instructors. Brownies ranging between 3lbs to 6lbs were released safely this week by David Graham, Mr K Cross and Mr. Waters.  Catch rates have improved since the return of cooler temperatures. Two Barn Owl chicks have been successfully reared in local owl boxes, and our resident water voles have bred successfully. A moorhen has moved in on the Coots territory, and laid 4 eggs under the decking of our log cabin.

31st July 2011 -   It's been a very busy week with almost perfect cloudy conditions producing some good catches. Top weights went to Des Porter for an 8.5lb rainbow, and John Haigh took a 6lb Brownie and two Rainbows at 3.5lbs. But out came the sun today and several people blanked as the fish began to feel the heat.

24th July 2011 - Over 70 stock fish were taken this week, with Paul Smith and Terry Baker both returning 4lb brownies. Best rises have been in the early mornings. A kingfisher was spotted sitting on a post in Frog Hall lake. No sign of the swans in recent weeks, and none of our geese are nesting on the site this year.

17th July 2011 - We had a deluge of rain today, and nobody came fishing. But yesterday, Danny Drain returned a 9lb Rainbow, and everyone else has caught this week, with most taking their quota of 3 fish. The wild flowers are in full bloom, but sadly there are less bees and butterflies this year, compared to last. The severe winter perhaps?

9th July 2011 -  The fish have adapted their lifestyle on a daily basis according to the variable weather conditions. On hot days anglers have caught the sun, but not many fish! Paul Smith caught a 4lb Rainbow last week, and today Tony Whaley released one of 6lb at the far end of Frog Hall Lake.  71 stock fish stock have been taken and several blanks were recorded since the last diary entry.  There have been four reported sightings of Big Harry this week and a very large grass snake was seen swimming across Old Hall Lake. Despite this, the water vole population is doing well, and the Tufted Ducks are hatching off.

26th June 2011 - Good catches all this week, with most people bagging up. John Letters caught a nice 7lb Rainbow. The Great Egret has been seen several times, and the barn owl is seen most mornings coursing the meadows. Our brown dragon flies are impressively large at the moment, and the blue damsels are numerous. The Coot's chick has survived its first two weeks of life, and another pair have hatched a new one. The Tufted ducks have gone missing, probably sitting on nests, and the swans have been missing for several weeks.

24th June 2011 - The beer is all gone!

20th June 2011 - Special offer! We have some locally made beer left over in the keg that we bought for the regatta. Have a free pint on us in the log cabin with your lunch, before it is emptied. Enjoy...

18th June 2011 -  This afternoon we had a Regatta and Hog Roast. After months of drought, a series of three thunder storms ensured the boat crews got a drenching, whether they fell overboard or not. Nobody seamed to mind and a good time was had by all. New stock fish have been introduced, and catch rates have improved since the water temperature dropped. The fish appear to have regained their appetites, with many observed feeding just under the surface.

9th June 2011 - Sadly, three of our biggest Brownies have been found floating dead in the past three days.   If you should be lucky enough to hook one, remember it is best to bring them in as quickly as possible and unhook under the water to give them a better chance of survival in the summer months. On a happier note, there has been another possible sighting of Big Harry. A Great Egret was seen in the margins today and the coots nesting in the skeleton tree have hatched a single chick.  Much calmer wind conditions at last.

5th June 2011 - The wind is still fresh to strong, and a number of visitors have blanked this week due to the difficult conditions. The week end however produced some big fish. Michael Austin, Dennis Cooper and Paul Stowe all returned Brownies in excess of 8lbs and Adrian Bordiano had a 7.5lb Rainbow. 13 year old Connah Bilner took two stock fish before his Father hooked a 5lb Rainbow and a 3lb Brown. Little owls are thought to be nesting in one of our trees, and screeching sounds have been heard coming from Frog Hall Wood today. The Barn owl is also very active, with sightings most days. A very large grass snake was seen swimming the lakes today, and also a little mandarin duck. Large numbers of damsels and dragon flies have hatched. The holiday house is available for bookings for the next few weeks, if anyone fancies taking a break.

2nd June 2011 - The only fish caught today were before 10.30 in the morning. With the sun high and the water temperature rising, the fish have retreated to deeper depths and lost their appetites. The evening rises are getting later with best conditions in the hour before dusk. Early mornings are best, with the fish rising whilst the surface is still cool. The wildlife is very active at the moment, so there is still plenty of things to watch. We had a goose fight this morning!

28th May 2011 - Conditions have been difficult for most of this week, with fresh to strong winds most days. Despite this, most anglers have bagged up. Paul Smith returned 5 Brownies today, the biggest of which was around 6lbs. And at the beginning of the week, Ken Park returned his personal best Brownie at 9lbs. Frog Hall lake is crystal clear and Big Harry has been spotted several times near the surface this week. Today he was seen again by two anglers who described him as the size of a dolphin! Several water voles have also been observed among the yellow irises, which are in full flower. And a coot is nesting on the corpse of the dead willow tree.

17th May 2011 - Big Harry has been keeping a low profile for months now, but today we think he struck. He was 16lbs when last weighed, but must be a lot bigger by now. Alan Tapping fished our lakes for the first time today, and after catching two Rainbows in Frog Hall Lake using a Mayfly, he hooked what he described as "A dammed big fish. Like no other trout I have ever seen before". He managed to play for a while, but when close enough to see clearly, Harry rolled over, displaying "a lot of silver" and headed off, breaking Alan's rod and snapping off his leader. Lets hope Harry dislodges the hook before the line snares him in the reeds. We shall be keeping a sharp look out around the margins in case he gets tangled up. Sorry about your rod Alan. Lucky you brought along a second one, just in case!

15th May 2011 - It was our open day today.  Many thanks to Mike Smith, Phil Pledger and Jim Gill for the tuition they freely gave, which was much appreciated by those that benefited from their expertise. Phil tied a new fly, and used it to catch a brace of fish which he then cooked to perfection.  Also thanks to Carillon for travelling all the way from Doncaster with their Hardy Greys equipment. Several new rods, reels and other items were tried tested and purchased. Best catch of the day went to David Hogarth, who netted an 8lb Brownie from the Island in Frog Hall Lake, in breezy conditions.  For those of you that were not able to attend today, there may be another opportunity in the Autumn, on a date which has yet to be fixed.

8th May 2011 - The majority of fish were taken off the top today. Good rises and fair weather this week.   Douglas Bone returned Brownies at 9.5lbs and 8.5lbs, and almost everyone caught their bag limits. Bird watchers had a treat today - A Barn owl, Little Owl, Red Kite, Swallows and Woodpeckers were all photographed at the lake site. Red Kite are not normally seen in this area, and this is the first recorded sighting here. Hope to see lots of you at our open day next Sunday.

2nd May 2011 - Congratulations everybody for fishing on regardless of the gale force Easterly winds we have had for the past three days. Nobody blanked, or got blown in, and most of you caught your bag limits. David Waters did especially well, returning two Rainbows at 9lbs and 6lbs.

29th April 2011 - John Wilson fished with us this week, taking a nice specimen Rainbow which is pictured on our home page. Young Jake Baldwin, aged 10 returned 2 fine Brownies today, one estimated at 9lbs the other at 6lbs.

26th April 2011 - The Easter holiday period was very busy here with many new visitors to the lakes including several youngsters. Congratulations to 13 year old Connah Bilner for catching two nice rainbows on his first attempt here. The unexpected heat wave over the Easter weekend made mid day fishing difficult, with fish rising only in the early mornings and late evenings. Stalking the margins has been the best tactic for those seeking out the bigger fish. The sudden growth of marginal plants is providing them with better cover. The missing swan has turned up, a few swallows and martins have arrived, and a large number of bats have been observed taking the evening flies and midges.

14th April 2011 - The sheep and lambs have been moved to pastures new. The reeds and irises are beginning to grow in the margins, and the water voles are feasting on them. Ray Parry caught a shoal of 14 Brownies ranging between 3lbs to 7lbs last weekend and the same day Pip Mills caught 4 more the biggest of which was 6lbs. All were safely returned. Rob Turrell has done it again, with another Rainbow at 8lbs and 6 more Brownies this week. Sinking lines have worked best, with the fish at intermediate level most days, topping in the evenings, mainly in Frog Hall Lake.

1st April 2011 - The introduction of new stock unsettled the resident fish in both lakes, resulting in really good catches. Terry Baker and Paul Smith visited for the first time, caught their bag limits and went on to Release 4 Brownies between them estimated at 10lbs, 8lbs, 6lbs and 5lbs. Dennis Hawes returned 2 more at 4lbs and another at 7lbs. The weather turned windy later in the week making conditions more difficult. Our resident swan appears to have lost his mate, and is looking very dejected. We have a large number of tufted ducks at the moment, and the barn owl is often seen coursing the margins and meadows. The ewes and lambs are providing entertainment. Make sure they don't get at your lunch bags! 114 anglers visited the fishery during the month of March.

23rd March 2011 -  Great fishing for the past two warm sunny days. Rob Turrell has sent us a picture of the 10lb Rainbow he caught today. As did Peter Saxon, who came fishing after a break of 23 years, and caught 6 Brownies the biggest of which was 6lbs.
Scroll down for pictures. Danny Drane caught an 8lb Brown and 2 more of 5lbs each. Don Juler had a 6lb Brown, and Colin Brown a 4lb Rainbow.

20th March 2011 - Our sheep and newborn lambs have been grazing the lakeside meadows this week, bringing a touch of spring to the fishery.   We are pleased to announce the completion of improvements to our log cabin.  It now has a kitchen sink, tea and coffee making facilities, a new shingle tiled roof and a log burning stove for thawing out cold hands! The fish were topping on the surface for two days, until a sharp frost sent them to lower depths over the weekend.  This weeks best catches included a 4lb Rainbow and 2 Brownies of 6lbs and 3.5lbs returned by Rodney Singleton. Dennis Hawes returned a 6.5lb Rainbow and 2 Brownies of 6lbs and 4lbs. Pip Mills returned a 6lb Rainbow and a 5lb Brown. Paul Stowe returned 2 Brownies, the biggest of which was 5lbs. And Ray Parry had another good catch, returning 4 Brownies the biggest being 6lb 12oz.

Winter 2010/11 -   We regret it was necessary to increase our day ticket price in January to £20 for 3 fish + 3 catch and release. We also introduced an alternative optional season ticket for our regular customers. We were iced up on both lakes for 5 weeks in December. In January, Paul Stow enjoyed his personal best catch. Two Brownies, both estimated at over 7lbs. Ron Stamp won a long fight with a 8lb Rainbow which he returned unharmed. Ray Parry returned an 8lb 6oz Rainbow and 2 x 3lb Browns. Albert and Andrew Toseland both achieved their personal best with an 8lb Rainbow and 5lb Brown respectively. John Slaughter had a 7lb Rainbow.   14 year old Timothy Slaughter returned a 10lb Rainbow, and a 10.5lb Rainbow and 2 Brownies of 3lbs each, were returned by Stuart Malone. In February and March even bigger catches were recorded. Kevin Knights, took his bag limit and returned 10 Brownies and a 4.5lb Rainbow. Ray Parry and Paul Stowe also returned 11 Brownies between them. The next week, Ray fished alone taking his bag limit and returning a shoal of 15 Brownies, the biggest of which was estimated at 8lbs, all hooked at the West end of Frog Hall Lake. John Clarke used his pink nomad last week, returning a 10lb Brown to Old Hall Lake. And Douglas Bone had a good day, returning an 8lb Brownie and two more at 4lbs each. John Baskerville returned a 9lb Rainbow, and Rob Tyrell an 8lb Brown. Congratulations everybody.

Autumn 2010 -Our pair of swans have returned after their summer absence. Big fish highlights include: Mr. S. Baggott netted an 8.5lb Rainbow, and a 9.5lb Brownie was taken by Rodney Dowe on the same day that Don Juler took a 5lb Rainbow. Colin Brown had what he described as his best fishing day ever. He used a small black shuttlecock buzzer to net three 8lb Brownies and two 5lb Brownies together with two stock fish as well.   Paul Crosbie took his bag limit and returned Rainbows at 6lb and 3lbs, plus a 2lb Brownie. And Ian Balls topped that with his bag full and returns of three Brownies at 6lbs, 4lbs, 2lbs, plus a further 3 Rainbows. He returned three days later for another successful day, releasing another 4lb Brownie. Steve Baggot and David Hawes both returned 6lb Rainbows on the same day. Raymond Crisp filled his bag and returned Brownies at 7lbs and 3lbs. All the returns reported here are estimated weights, due to our policy of asking all anglers not to take the fish out of the water when releasing.

Summer 2010 - Big Harry was rumoured to have been hooked and snapped off again in Frog Hall lake. His fin was described as "enormous". The wild flowers on site have proliferated this summer, and we have been spreading their seeds for an even better display next year. Broadland Aikido Club booked a fishing day for their members and guests. 7 rods were shared between 24 people, most of whom had never fished before. 7 fish were caught despite bright sunshine and a hot afternoon. The biggest fish was hooked by Obata Sensie from Canada, a world renowned master of his martial art, who despite his many talents was unable to land the fish, as it snapped his line and got away.

Spring 2010- Electricity and water supply are being connected to our log cabin so that our visitors can make fresh tea and coffee.   Separate toilet facilities have now been constructed.  Jake Baldwin aged 9 hooked and netted a 5lb 12oz Brownie in April, creating a new record for our junior anglers. Well done Jake. John Clarke returned the top weight Rainbow at 10lbs. Two 7.5lb Rainbows were returned and David Graham once more made a record return of 3 rainbows with a combined weight of 16lbs in one afternoon. Our Brown trout continue to grow with regular returns reported in the 5lb to 6lb estimate. Big Harry Rainbow was 16lbs when last weighed, but hasn't been spotted lately. He has snapped off everyone who has hooked him!

Winter 2010 - Winter anglers who have braved the ice and snow have been rewarded by good catches of larger fish at deeper levels. Many have been taken from holes in surrounding ice, where the bigger fish are patrolling. Most anglers have caught their bag limits over the winter months. Notable catches include:- Steve Coote recorded returning Brownies estimated at 10lbs, 7.5lbs, 6lbs, and 5.5lbs in February. Paul Stow and Colin Haddock both netted Rainbows in Old Hall Lake weighing 6.5lbs, and on the same day Michael Thorndyke released a 4.5 Brownie from Frog Hall.

Autumn 2009- During the months of September and October 2009, 445 Rainbows were taken by 156 anglers. Our stock fish range between 1.5lbs to 3lbs. Mr. David Graham holds the top weight record with a 12lb 10oz specimen Rainbow which he landed on 28th October. The previous record had been held by Mr. Dave Pirie for an 8lb Rainbow. All brown trout are catch and release, and many estimated at weights of between 3lbs to 6lbs have been returned in good condition throughout this autumn.