It is Monday morning as I write this post and finally the dreadful period of temperatures in the high 30’s has come to an end. A gentle rain is falling and a lovely fresh breeze is blowing across the lake giving a wonderful refreshed feeling to the place. Whether the late summer and early autumn weather is a sign that global warming is having an impact is a frightening prospect, hopefully it is just a blip and we will see more moderate weather next year. Whatever the reasons behind it we have experienced the longest sustained period of high temperatures that I can remember. At one point our water temperature reached 32c and as a consequence we lost a dozen or so good pike and several hundred small roach along with three carp. I suspect that the carp were lost more as a consequence of low DO that occurred when the conditions were overcast, very hot and not even the faintest breath of wind. Aerators were brought into play immediately but still the weakest fish will find the stress just too much. All seems well now and thankfully we can look forward to a productive autumn with the carp really getting on the feed in readiness for winter.
It has been strange to walk the lakes in searing heat to find leaves dropping from the tree’s as though autumn is well upon us. All the tracks are covered with golden leaves and you would think it is November with leaves gently falling constantly all round the lakes, as they have done since the middle of august. The swallows have gathered and left for the more moderate conditions found in Africa at this time of year (lol) and the starlings are also to be seen in great numbers as they prepare for migration. It is strangely quiet these days with birdsong rarely heard and just the crunch of leaves underfoot to break the silence. Over the lakes early morning see’s the herons and egrets squabbling over feeding grounds but they soon settle down and enjoy the bounty that the lakes offer. They remain alert and are easily spooked, especially when an old bloke with a camera tries to creep up on them. Their eye sight really must be incredible as however hard I try I cannot get close, even when the undergrowth appears to hide me. I keep trying and occasionally they tease me by allowing me to get within 30m or so before flying off, cackling as they do so. One day !
The lads last week suffered in the heat although they gamely plugged away and were rewarded with an impressive catch despite the conditions. I predicted that the week would be a struggle but the lads proved me wrong with a catch of 58 carp including a brace of 60’s and another 6 carp of over 50lb. Well done lads, great fishing.
All swims produced with all but one of the lads having at least one 50 for their week.
Gary – Island swim – 13 carp with best of 63lb, 58lb and 54lb
Tim – Zippies swim -14 carp up to 51lb
Dave – Deliverance swim – 12 carp up to 61lb
Richard – Gingers swim – 8 carp including a 57 and a 53.
Andy – Sanctuary swim – 6 carp up to 50lb
Gary – Middle Ground swim – 5 carp.
Total – 58 carp
A big well done to all.
Poppy’s lake was fished by our old mate Keith Cochrane this week and, as usual, he took a very relaxed approach to his fishing. Fishing just days, often with just the one rod, Keith still put together a catch of 49 carp up to 53lb. I often wonder how many carp he would catch if he really tried !! lol
Good to have you fishing with us again Keith .
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