AERIAL View (Inc. Map)
SWIM PHOTOS
Description
Located just off the A137 near Manningtree in the village of Ardleigh, this 8-acre irrigation pond has earned a strong reputation as a premier big-fish water.
Lovingly developed over the past c.20 years, what was once a barren landscape has been transformed into a scenic, tree-lined water full of character and natural features. The depths range from 6 feet to over 30 feet, with areas of dense weed growth and numerous underwater undulations and bars providing a variety of challenges for anglers. Though fishing here can be tough at times, the rewards are well worth the effort, with the pond offering a truly rewarding experience for those willing to put in the time.
Depths range from 6ft along the reed-lined margins to around 20ft in the middle, depending on water level. As this is an irrigation reservoir, water levels can fluctuate, during lower water levels be aware of sloping banks and muddy conditions after periods of rain.
Fish Stock
This lake is home to some impressive Catfish, with specimens weighing over 100lbs, and 7 or 8 different fish recorded at over 70lbs. For the latest updates, you can refer to our Stock Records further down this page.
In addition, there are a number of specimen Carp, with the largest nearing the mid-30lb range. We currently estimate that 3 or 4 of these Carp could weigh around 30lbs. The lake also holds a healthy population of 20lb Carp, a mix of self-spawned, deep-bodied commons, and some of the lake’s original residents, now over 40 years old. In October 2023, 5 C5 ‘Simmo’ Carp were stocked, and we are monitoring their growth closely to collect data on their development.
The lake also holds a small number of Bream, some reaching up to 14lbs, as well as resident populations of Roach, Rudd, and Perch. In recent years, the Perch population has thrived, feeding on the abundant fry that appear annually, adding to the lake’s already diverse fish stock.
Water Specific Rules
1) Open all year round.
2) Day fishing is from Dawn ‘til Dusk only.
3) Night fishing is only allowed with a night permit (guests cannot night fish).
4) Parking is inside the gate, on the concrete, the car park on the left-hand side or behind the treeline on the right-hand side. No vehicles to be parked in swims or visible from the lake.
5) No more than 15 anglers allowed.
6) A maximum of 3 rods allowed per person/ per swim all year round.
7) Minimum of 15lbs breaking strain line must be used when fishing for Carp and Catfish.
8) A 1.5 metre flotation sling, or Catfish specific deep D sling must be used if fishing specifically for Catfish. If this equipment is not present, accidental captures must not be weighed.
9) See General rule 25 for guidance on unhooking mats.
10) During the hours of darkness, a receiver must be used, and alarm heads must be turned down.
11) Bait boats are permitted.
Detailed Fish STOCK records
Detailed capture and growth data tracked using a solution provided by Intuifish Ltd – Intuitive Fishery Management Solutions – (www.intuifish.com).
Click the button below to visit our detailed stock records and submit your own weight records.
