Colnbrook Front Lake

If I had to name three good things about my job one would be that I work only five minutes from Colnbrook Lakes. From May until Autumn I will go to work with the minimum fishing equipment in the car with the intention of grabbing a few hours stalking carp after work. I had a cracking season last time and was confident of another good season ahead. As well as that I felt a good shout at finally breaking the 20lb barrier was on the cards.

My first session was on the 3rd of May, a sunny weekend which surprisingly gave me the lake all to myself! Although the sun there was a strong wind blowng towards the corner of the lake where there were a lot of overhanging trees. Although not a swim noted for decent sized carp I threw out a few pieces of bread and watched as the wind blew my offering under the canopy of the trees. That unmistaken slurp told me that carp were feeding and I soon saw a couple of small carp come from under the branches in search of more freebies. 

I threw in a few more freebies before casting out my freelined bread flake and soon after a small common took my bait. Only around 5lb but my first fish from my first cast, onwards and upwards! With the wind picking up I decided to go to the opposite end of the lake where it was more sheltered. I have come to find that carp don't like feeding off the surface when the water is too choppy. Luckily I always travel light when I'm stalking and I was soon in my favourite corner of the lake. As before I threw out a few freebies and waited......

Like my prevous swim this corner had plenty of overhanging branches and with the sun shining I could see movements below the surface. After a few offerings were taken I cast out to where three carp were competing with one another. No sooner had I cast out a fish took the bread. Again only around 5lb but a pretty looking Linear Carp. I don't catch many Linears so this was a pleasing catch despite the size. 

A few more free offerings went out and I waited. About 30 minutes later The carp started showing again, notably under an overhanging branch where I had great success last season. I huddled up to the tree and dropped my bait about six feet in front of me. A few minutes later a pair of lips appeared and sucked in the bread. A good fight ensued and I knew this was a better fish which was soon confirmed to me as I slipped it over my net. A nice Mirror Carp of 12lb 4oz! Now is a good time to say that I have a new camera now and it is fair to say that I haven't quite got the hang of the delayed timer! 

Having cut my head off I had better luck with a Common of 7lb 6oz I had soon after! 

My second session was a week later. An overcast afternoon turned showery but I noticed that the wind, blowing into the trees was putting leaves and twigs into the lake. The breeze blew the debris out some 20-30 yards where a few carp were picking them up possibly in the hope of finding some insects. I cast my free lined bread into the drift and a few minutes later the bread disappeared in a swirl. My eyes searched out the line and saw it straighten out. A gentle pull of the rod and the carp was on and taking line from my reel, my biggest fish this season was on! 

As I managed to bring the fish close to the bank it made a desperate dive for a nearby tree which I feared had numerous snags from the storms we had a few months ago, I had already pulled a few large branches from earlier sessions. After a patient and tactical fight a Common caught it's breath inside my landing net.....I too took a breather! The scales tipped at 16lb 6oz and was my second biggest Common Carp. It must have been my lucky day as one of the lakes regulars was also fishing nearby and he done me the honour and captured the moment, head and all! 

The rain came down and once again debris was falling into the lake and drifting out to the waiting carp, swiftly followed by some chunks of bread crusts. As the carp started feeding a rainbow appeared in front of me. 

My bread crust was drifting out until a carp mouthed my bait. It turned away and a few seconds later returned, held the bread in it's mouth before swallowing it at the second attempt. I used to lose lots of fish until I watched carefully how carp take bread off the surface. Rarely have I seen a carp take a lump of bread in one gulp. Quite often they will hold part of the bread, sink underwater a few inches before taking the bread (and hook) into their mouth. My fish hooked percentage has greatly improved since last season and I hope your's will too! Back to the carp...... and again line was soon being taken from my reel. Not as hard fought as my previous carp but a good fight nonetheless. A few minutes later and a chunky Common was laying in my unhooking mat! 

Once again a few hours fishing after work proved fruitful, almost makes going to work worth it! See you again... Tight Lines!