Not much to report this month, water is very clear in the South Pond, plenty of fish activity and the Cormorants are busy

Individual fishing report

Fished yesterday (end of March). It was the first time for a long February and March. It had been too cold and the water too clear. It was warm yesterday and the water was still clear but there was significant fish movement all over. One huge carp surfaced mid distance from swim 17. Like HMS Dreadnaught, crash surfacing bow first then submerging. Many silvers were caught, Rudd to 4 oz on a 3m whip including 4 large roach or hybrids. Each must have been up to a pound in weight. Very pleased. Fish took sweet corn over thawed caster or plain old caster on the hook.

There was no joy in 4 hours fishing at distance legering with the Avon. I did land a 2-3 lbs carp but did not realise it was hooked until I reeled in to rebait. Forgot to take my bobbin so had to rely on the bait runner to indicate a run. The fish did not run but I had noticed the Avon wiggling earlier but nothing developed.

Overall an enjoyable days fishing

 

Cormorants are active on the South Pond

The water remains clear and Cormorants are active taking large silvers. There are up to three Cormorants which switch their attention between the South and North ponds.

 

Most fishing swims are flooded

Sixteen swims are flooded and paths to swims 8 & 9 and 18 & 19 are also flooded. Only swims 5, 17 and 19 were above water and fishable. Discarded or dropped line with hooks had been left on 17, this is against club rules and could lead to membership suspension. Grants are being applied for to raise the height of swims so that they will be fishable all year. This will include raising the summer water level to improve water conditions for fish and other water life, in addition it means excessive weed growth should be less of a problem in the summer.

 

May and June activities

With the current lockdown all activities, including matches and work parties, are cancelled until further notice. Check our web site www.bwpfc.org.uk for the latest information. The further easing of restrictions on 12th April makes more activities possible and a new Match fishing calendar for the 2021-22 season is being worked on.

 

Joining the Club

If you are interested in joining the club please contact our membership secretary Cathy Naylor on 07934-895513 for an application form. Alternatively, applications can be made by downloading a membership form from the website and sending, with an SAE, to our membership secretary (details on the form and on the web site). The membership year runs from mid-June.

Membership renewals and applications for the 2021-22 season will be opened in May.

Membership is open to anyone who lives in Bishops Waltham, plus a number of Associate membership places (for those living outside the Parish). Priority is given to Parish membership (especially juniors), but anyone living outside of the Parish wishing to join should contact Cathy for an Associate Membership place.

 

Club web site

For more information about the club and its activities, the club's web site can be found at: www.bwpfc.org.uk

Steve Edge and Barry Jerome