Posted by    Eddie Edwards
Posted on   31st October 2009

Batchworth Lake
Autumn on the lake is glorious as the leaves change colour and the weed dies down. Since the last report many new members have broken the golden 20lb Carp barrier, and a few even went from virtual novices to landing some of the lake’s superb 30lb plus fish. The water level issues have at last been resolved with an agreed management plan on the position of the inlet sluice and the outlet pipe. The only negative aspect was that subsequent to the opening of the sluice, the remedial bank work and swim construction was washed away. The work has not commenced to re-instate these areas as we are in serious productive discussion with the council in an effort to minimise bank errosion by the provision of proprietary platforms throughout the lake.
 The Aquadrome Complex has now achieved a green flag status as a recognised “ LNR”
 ( local nature reserve ) Uxbridge Rovers played an active role in this award, and were recently thanked by the council for our efforts.
This month saw the first outing by the informal gathering of the Uxbridge Rovers Predator Group, Perch being the main target, but also Pike, which do get caught regularly, but to my knowledge it has been some considerable time since a twenty has graced the banks.
The council commissioned a study on the bank errosion issues by an independent body, URACS have been involved in these discussions and will advise members as soon as an agreed way forward is reached. The main issues are: Waterbirds, Ski Boat, Anglers and general public/dogs.
The Tench and Bream in the lake are in absolutely superb condition, many good fish are coming out throughout the day.
We are looking at the Cormorant issue, however as an LNR it will be difficult to control their numbers, so fish refuge/sanctuaries have been proposed and this investigation is underway. The ultimate aim being to return the lake to a great family venue for daytime pleasure angling.
The workparty volunteers have faded into the undergrowth, so please register your interest in maintaining the lake by calling or E mailing me.

General
KHV: Air drying of nets and mats should still be considered as a compulsory pre-requisite to fishing any URACS venue.
Reminder: Please pick up all litter, if you are in an area with litter, it will be considered to be yours.
Due to persistent submersion due to carelessness, my mobile phone 07806 701231 may be “out of commission” however, I can be contacted on 07890 290634.

Posted by    Eddie Edwards
Posted on   20th May 2009

Batchworth Lake
What a difference from the March report, the last six weeks have brought 18 thirty pound plus carp to the bank ( 19 if you count one which was foul hooked ). And this is only the fish I know of. There are loads of twenties coming to our dedicated band of specimen hunters. Having said that, and perhaps giving an impression of easy fishing, the fish are only coming to those who put in the time and effort
    I hope you will have noticed that work has at last started in earnest to repair the bank errosion. So far we have revamped 4 swims on the west side of the lake ( including the once famous “willows” ). Many thanks to the anglers who made this possible, the three main characters who I now know as “Pepperami”, “Steam Shovel” and “Digger”.
Next on the agenda is the “doubles” and the “ Jut”
 As well as being a bit of an animal, Pepperami has at last shown his angling skills by ending a run of blank days with a superb huge fish.

General
Swans !!  It is absolutely imperative that any angler/swan “incidents” are either brought to my attention or to the local swan emergency centre 01753 859397.
I take this opportunity to remind all anglers that Batchworth and The Colne are BARBLESS HOOK VENUES. and that all rigs MUST be connected via a reliable self eject method.

KHV: Air drying of nets and mats should still be considered as a compulsory prerequisite to fishing any URACS venue.
Bury Lake is not one of our fisheries, and it is clearly signposted as a NO FISHING venue. It lies alongside Batchworth, and is regularly visited by nocturnal poachers. As it forms part of the aquadrome complex, I receive many calls relating to these illegal fishermen.  Lately, calls have been made direct to the council as the poachers are becoming bolder and even erecting bivvies during their night sessions. Please do not be tempted to join these poachers, potentially it could put at risk our relationship with three rivers and jeopardise our lease renewal.

Sadly, I have to report that Peter Hands will not be taking on the lake duties as previously reported, Peter has business commitments which have taken his life in a demanding and new direction. Peter will still be involved with URACS, and when things settle down in his hectic lifestyle, I am certain he will return with the same energising vigour which he brought to the club.
Roll on the 16th
Eddie Edwards


Posted by    Eddie Edwards
Posted on   20th March 2009

Batchworth Lake
A cold wet start to 2009 saw the lake frozen solid, however prior to the freeze pike anglers using both deadbait and lure tactics have brought pike to 17lb to the bank.
With very few carp anglers present there were no reported catches, but one brave sub-zero overnighter had no less than five runs, unfortunately resulting in only one hook-up which slipped the hook right at the net. I know he is now disposing of his hook stock and tying new terminal links with a different hook pattern.
Temperatures are now up and weekends see the dedicated carpers turning the lake into a friendly and sociable “bivvy village” with fish now moving and feeding, everyone’s expectations high.
Peter is currently seeking professional advice on the fish stocks and general environmental conditions within the lake. Batchworth is already a superb fishery and Uxbridge Rovers are committed to further improvements for both the specialist and pleasure anglers.
 
General
We are currently installing around 30 bird nesting boxes around the aquadrome complex
 ( paid for by the council ). and generally attempting to improve the bankside vegetation. There are council plans to attempt a “Green Flag” status for aquadrome. ( The equivalent of a “Blue Flag” for beaches.)  The future of these venues looks extremely positive.

Workparty volunteers are always welcomed, please phone Peter or myself any day

Posted by    Eddie Edwards
Posted on   27th November 2008

Batchworth Lake
Saturday 22nd November saw the first workparty on the lake. Concentrating on the “Jut” and adjacent swims, a small but enthusiastic group removed a substantial quantity of  snags and tangled tackle. Branches were cleared from the islands and some work started in rebuilding the banks which have collapsed due to wave action.
Whilst the boat was in the water, several groups of very large carp were spotted which appeared to be intrigued by the activities.
The next lake workparty will take place on Sat 6th December at 09.00hrs, just turn up, but remember to wear stout shoes and strong gloves. If you would like more information just phone Peter or Eddie any day ( before 9.30 pm please ) or Email ricky@uracs.co.uk

Fishing has been hard over the last month with few fish reported, having said that, there have been only a small band of dedicated carp anglers braving the colder wetter conditions.
Pike fishing has been brisk, but sadly the largest fish was found dead and was a good twenty plus, bream anglers have reported difficulty in finding the shoals, but when they have, sport has been brisk with around 100lb netted.
Still no sign of the huge Perch which we know inhabit the lake.

I am happy to report that we have received congratulations from the council for our efforts in cleaning up the aquadrome, zero litter is our target, and we are getting there.

Posted by    Eddie Edwards
Posted on    28th October 2008

Batchworth Lake
Since the last report, the lake has continued to produce some spectacular carp and tench, with junior members taking multiple catches on relatively short sessions. These catches were the result of good observations, pre baiting and good bait presentation.
Those anglers in possession of a bait boat have been well rewarded with quality fish coming from areas not accessible to casting. At this point I would reiterate that good etiquette is required to ensure that all bait boat users do not interfere or cross the path of other anglers in their quest to reach the remote spots.

The pike season is upon us and again good mid week catches have been witnessed, even in bright sunny conditions.
So far none of the huge perch that are known to inhabit the lake have been caught, but I know that they are very rarely targeted.

Once again I report that match style methods for the smaller fish are not producing. There is a good head of silver fish mainly concentrated in the deeper ski boat area, i.e. away from the dreaded cormorants which inhabit the island around Tesco Bay.
Discussions are underway to attempt to improve these catch rates with the possibility of fish sanctuaries not out of the question.

At long last the weed has cleared, despite repeated attempts to clear it by physical means it persisted well into the autumn; however, those anglers who beefed up their tackle and fished right in the middle brought some wonderful fish to the bank.

The lake levels have been resolved with the sluice now welded to a position which is mutually acceptable to both anglers and the ski club, additionally this should help diminish next years weed growth due to reduced light penetration.

The signs relating to the KHV within the Colne Valley will remain in place, thankfully the outbreak seems to be under control and did not affect our waters, nevertheless, anglers should still carefully adhere to the procedure of ensuring that all nets, unhooking mats, towels etc. are thoroughly air dried before and after use.

quality carp, roach and bream have been landed with both brown and rainbow trout making regular visits to the bank.

General
A major development at Rickmansworth is the introduction of Peter Hands.
 Peter has joined the committee, and as an experienced angler and partner in the successful 5 Star Bait Company, he will take over the lead role as head bailiff for the lake, I shall remain active on the lake giving whatever support is necessary, but I take this opportunity to welcome Peter and am certain that all regular anglers will benefit from Peters undoubted determination to ensure the lake progresses into a premier venue within the Colne Valley.
I shall continue in my role as Fishery Manager / Bailiff for the river where I shall enjoy Peters support whenever I need it.

Workparty volunteers are always welcomed, please phone me any day ( before 9.00pm please ) to register your interest. This activity is tremendous for gaining a real insight into your fishery.

.

Posted by   Eddie Edwarsds
Posted on   3rd July 2008

Batchworth Lake
There have been tremendous catches from the lake, often during early mornings and late evenings, but even short afternoon sessions have been productive. So far, Carp to 36lb have been landed with  many 20 plus fish being taken by new members on their first outing.
The water levels have fallen and the weed increased, however those willing to find a hole in the weed have been well rewarded by multiple catches.
Anglers targeting Bream have had superb specimens to double figures from the ski boat bay, Tench are also showing regularly to 7lb, but unconfirmed much larger specimens have been reported.
A dead Perch nearing 5lbs was discovered in the margins, there are very few dedicated predator anglers on the water, however, this fish may prompt some interest.
Consultation is underway with the EA and the council to raise the lake water levels. We are currently awaiting feedback from the EA.
Agreement has been reached with the council regarding the rebuilding of some very productive swims which were lost due to bank erosion protection measures, this, hopefully will commence simultaneously with the programme of reed planting. Please note the matting and wire are temporary measures which will eventually be removed.

General
Wednesday 6th August, the council will be having an event at the aquadrome, please note this will mean large numbers of visitors on the day. Whilst we expect our members behaviour to be exemplary at all times, please take special care to project a positive image of angling to any member of the public.
Workparty volunteers are always welcomed, please phone me any day ( before 9.00pm please ) to register your interest. This activity is tremendous for gaining a real insight into your fishery.