Moulin Lake News

Terry catches at 80 Years Young!

Thrilled to land a 31lbs mirror in July 2017, Terry Birch is the oldest carp fisherman we’ve had here. The senior man by some distance in a retired group of four ‘Carping Coppers’ – all annual visitors from Kent, Terry was unable to lift the fish for the trophy photo – but his huge smile says it all!

Sam’s New WLR of 34.7lbs!

Samantha Castle smashed the Moulin lake Women’s Record in May 2017, with a 34.7lbs mirror, beating by more than 6lbs our proud previous holder Joanne Turner’s 28.1lbs August 2016 catch. Sam, from Kent is one of an increasing number of really good women carpers, and was here again for a third visit with partner Mark Broadley as they banked 700lbs between them.

3 x 30 plus Banked in an Hour!

During arguably one of our best ever catching seasons on the Moulin lake, Dave Bennion from Preston broke both his PB’s for mirror and common as he landed three superb 30-plusses in an hour or so during a memorable afternoon in September 2016 on deck three.

Island Sallow Tree Collapses!

Regular visitors may recall the large leaning sallow tree on the lake island edge. Already ear-marked for some severe Autumn pruning because of its size and weight, it beat us all to it in September 2016, split in half and all fell into the lake! Everything had to be hand-hauled in by metal hawser, then cut-up and carried off the island – a tiring 3-day job. Thanks Gerard for all the help and expertise!

Joanne Sets New Women’s Lake Record

Joanne Turner is one of the nicest, but keenest carp anglers we’ve met, so it was fitting her utter dedication brought a new Moulin WLR in August 2016 with this 28.1lbs mirror. She was even more chuffed to bits that she also out-fished hubby Andrew during the week by banking more carp poundage!

Wet Whitsun & Willow Branch

The Whitsun weekend in late May 2016 was the wettest for 40 years – so an old man in the boulangerie says! Around 60mm of heavy rain fell in 15 mins, when 3 freak storms all collided over Loches. The quantity of rain was ridiculous and too much for the huge willow branch near deck 3 which snapped and fell in the lake. Chain-sawing chest deep in water was a new nervy experience – but big thanks to regular angling guest Roger Hoare for help with the clear-up and landing the main trunk!

Asian Hornet’s Nest Shot Down!

Leaves fell from the lakeside walnut tree in early November 2015 to reveal a huge egg-shaped structure about 1 metre high, hanging in the upper branches – an unwelcome Asian Hornet’s nest, perfectly camouflaged in summer. These foreign invaders destroy bees at their hives. Our local bee-keeper loathes them, and arrived at twilight with a shotgun to blast the intricate papier-mache monster into chunks which he sprayed once they fell. A free jar of honey reward for alerting him!

Amelie to the Rescue!

In May 2015 regular lake visitor Mark Greatorex had a bit of a problem when both his lines kicked off at the same time…solution…. hand the second rod to your 10-year-old daughter! Amelie who has accompanied Dad here since she was two, expertly kept control until Mark landed carp 1 and then took over to reel in number 2. With her sister Scarlett and a pair of decent mirror carp it made for a top photo!

New Lake Record of 43.4lbs

Jason Aldred from London had an extraordinary sequence run during August 2014 as his first four carp – all mirrors were 39.2lbs, 36.3lbs, 43.4lbs (new lake record) and 30.1lbs – all verified on electronic scales. Jason then followed up with a 26, 25 and 24lbs. Strange thing was, the 43.4 had evaded the lake netting in April. Cunning these carp!