Well, that’s it for another year.

Our final week of the 2023 season has now come to a close, a tough week but with fish up to 70lb banked the lads went home with a smile on their face. In fairness the final weeks of the season, whilst producing some fine fish, were marred by the torrential rain that has rapidly changed the conditions for the carp. Water temperatures dropped from 30c to single figures in just a few weeks and the lake levels rose to overflowing due to the constant rain. High winds have also been a feature this back end and as a consequence we have had numerous tree’s and branches falling around the complex. So much clearing and renewing to be done this winter so I hope Jimmy is feeling fit !! lol

The fishing this season has been very good overall with most weeks producing 50’s and larger however it is true to say that at times the conditions have given the lads a tough time of it. On the plus side we have now moved up a notch with our first 80 being banked and so many of the 40’s and 50’s are on the cusp of moving up to the next weight category so by spring I have no doubt that we will be seeing some really impressive catches to report.

On the negative side we did find the extent of the weed a problem earlier in the season and have already invested on a Neptune weed rake to ensure that 2024 will find the lake in better form weed wise. The weed really is a double edged sword as we find that the carp love it for spawning in, and it results in much more successful spawning with very little carp damage, however it can be a real problem for anglers who are not comfortable with fishing in weed. The other negative that we have found is that the weed acts as great shelter for the carp fry who prosper and can avoid the predators far more successfully than they have in previous years. On the subject of spawning, we probably had the most extended and heavy spawning period that I can remember. Just when you think it has stopped another group of fish begin the thrashing around and so it goes on, for at least a month this year. More of that later…

One other issue we found this season is that, for the first time, we have seen a good number of smaller carp showing up throughout the season. Never enough to be a serious problem but certainly enough for us to take measures this winter. Small catfish were also coming our on a regular basis, just a handful most weeks but on one of two occasions they were a real nuisance.

As a consequence of the above issues we are netting the main lake at the end of this month. Not only are the bulk of small fish to be removed (as well as all cats) but we will also be reducing the stock of 20’s, and even some 30’s, to ensure that the biomass is conducive to allowing the large amount of bigger fish to flourish and grow in the seasons to come. We will leave the pick of the smaller fish in the lake to ensure we still have new stock coming through but feel that overall the fishery will benefit enormously from the reduction of the biomass.

As most of you will be aware, we are intending to close the fishery in May to allow for spawning to take place without the pressure on the carp of being fished for. For next year we will be closing the fishery for part of May with the following year seeing the whole month free of angling pressure. One of the great attractions of Le Moulin du Mee is the quality of the carp to be caught and we feel that this move will go some way to ensuring that our fish prosper in the years to come.

The closure in May will also allow for us to clear weed from area’s that impact the fishing. By leaving weed in the little fished area’s of the lake and along the central belt the carp can continue to spawn happily whilst at the same time the swim area’s will be clear.

Investment in the fishery will continue in 2024 with extra aeration units being purchased and new shower facilities being built. It has been decided to move the anglers shower/toilet block into the Millhouse with the extra benefit of having a wood burning stove lit when conditions are cold and wet. Hopefully this will be completed prior to the start of the new season.

POPPY’S LAKE has also had a very successful year with the usual big catches continuing, albeit with a higher average weight than in previous years. 40’s and 50’s are now showing up on a regular basis and we have already had our first 60lb+ fish banked. Here, as on the main lake, our policy will be to drain and net the lake later this month with the removal of a lot of the smaller carp. Stock levels will still be higher than is usual for a lake of this size but with the substantial growth rates we have been seeing maintained and improved on. With the reduced biomass we anticipate seeing a lot more 30lb+ plus fish coming through and, higher up the ladder, a real increase in the bigger fish. This lake defies all logic regarding biomass and fish welfare with the carp growing fast and remaining in superb condition. Next season is likely to be our best ever with the possibility of the lake’s first 70lb carp being banked. Happy days indeed.

With another great year behind us it is time to thank all those that have made this fishery such a success story. That is you, the anglers who have stayed loyal throughout the years and enabled us to develop what many regard as their ‘club water’. It is good for us to have ‘old friends’ arrive on a Saturday rather than suffering the stress of never being sure as to who will be turning up. Over the years we have refused to advertise and instead have grown the fishery by having such a great repeat business made up of rolling bookings from you regulars. The only new customers we have are those recommended by you lads and this policy has worked so very well for us. So a big thank you for your loyalty, support and friendship. We look forward to seeing you all again in 2024.