This is a lovely collection of 4 ponds 3 lakes and a small reservoir, they all contain some absolutely cracking fish which are all in fin perfect condition, this is truly a mixed species group of waters contain everything from cracking roach which go over 2lb and some unbelievably large Perch which go well over 4lb and then onto the carp which go into double figures, add to that some lovely Tench and Bream and of cause Eric the eel who resides in Finches Pond.

Overall this is a cracking venue which is well run, it is well supplied with on site toilets and most days there is a mobile snacks van on site.

The Reservoir

This is used to store water for the farm orchards so is a fairly decent size, the depths range from 2ft+ upto just over 12ft in the middle , There are plenty of marginal reeds so margin fishing for the Carp is a must (this is where the lumps hide). In the summer this water becomes dominated by the carp which will take any baits especially paste down the edge of dog biscuits on the top, but in winter the roach take over with huge nets over 40lb+ have been taken. There are also some Bream which go to 3lb+ and some Tench plus there are some HUGE Perch which go to over 5lb. This is an all round year lake as all the species show summer or winter you just have to adjust you rigs and feed patterns. I personally fish this water when I can as I enjoy the carp and the Roach fishing which is to be had, The Carp go well into double figures and fight like there is no tomorrow they can be caught down the edge or at range, all methods work for example pellet or ground bait feeder with pellet/cook/meat hook baits or my favorite is paste down the edge fished over pellets to catch those lumps. The silver fish in this lake especially the roach are of a quality standard with the roach going over 2lb and the bream over 3lb and both are caught on traditional methods, I love to catch the roach on hemp in the winter they just Hoover the stuff up

Finches Pond

Finches Lake is located next to the reservoir it is a small tree lined pond which contains 11 pegs and is well sheltered from the elements. Don’t be fouled by its size this isn’t a kids pool it contains carp up to 28lb+ and some more of those huge perch which go up to 5lb,

The pond contains many marginal shelves and has two small islands all swims are fishable to the far banks by pole. This pond also fishes really well in the winter as there is a nice head of Roach and Chub. The depths range from 4ft to about just over 6 ft so most methods work on this pond. I have caught well on this little pond catching both Carp and some nice perch (not the biggies though), like the other lakes all methods work here.

Henniker Pond

Henniker is also sheltered from the elements it has 8 pegs and it has a max depth of about 6 foot.  All far banks can be reached by pole from all pegs and all have good marginal depths which are lined by heavy reeds like finches. This pond like finches may look like a little goldfish pond but like finches it contains some lovely Carp, including some hard fighting ghosties and commons which go up to about 20lb but most of the fish are about 3-4lb, there are also a few Tench and Perch stocked as well.

All methods and baits work here.

Samson and Woodside Ponds

These are what I would class as learners/juniors ponds as they are quite small and sheltered and contain only 13 pegs between them 7 pegs on Samson and five on Woodside; they both have maximum depths of around 6 ft and marginal depths of 3ft.

They both have mixed species on Samson it is a mix of carp up to about 3lb and also lots of skimmer Bream, Perch, Gudgeon, On Woodside it has a mix of Tench up to 3lb some big Crucians and ghost/koi crosses. All methods work on these ponds but the humble maggot and worm work well but pellet and small bits of bread can score in the warmer months.

Nicks / Bramley and Pear Tree lakes

all of these lakes have a maximum depth of about 8 feet with lots of interesting shelves and marginal variations to be found by the hard working angler amongst you, this can pay off very well if time is taken plumbing up especially when on the pole or feeder as the fish really do tend to hang to the features especially around the islands these are real hotspots, you can see the fish fizzing around the islands when the feeder hits the deck as the fish go into a frenzy. The lakes are heavily planted like the others with good marginal reed and shrub growth and trees, Nicks has the advantaged of heavily planted trees around its parameter which helps shelter you against the conditions when there not so good. Nicks is the bigger of the two containing 37 well spaced pegs with several suitable for disabled angling, the car park is adjacent so if like me you take two ton of gear the walk is not going to break your back, This lake is crammed full of carp going up to about 10lb this is another great match venue as the bites are plentiful and pole and feeder score well especially when fishing tight to the islands.

Bramley is smaller containing approx 22 pegs and is also close to the carp park, the main species in this lake are the Carp which range from stockies to about 5lb+; the best tactics here are the pole and pellet approach or feeder really tight to the island with corn pellet and bread scoring well as hook baits.

Pear tree is also very similar with about 26 pegs with the carp going to about 6lb but with some cracking Roach mixed in for good measure, this is another good match venue. I have personally fished Bramley lake on several occasions and its brilliant bites all day and its pretty even fishing all the way around the lake no real standout pegs winning weights can go over the 100lb in the summer, like the others the islands are key but the pole and pellet attack works and various distances.