I’m back out on the club lake this week, and now that December has arrived the whole place has changed. The lily pads are dying back, the banks are quietening down, and the number of anglers has dropped right off. For me, it’s the perfect time to fish this sort of water — peaceful, atmospheric, and full of opportunity if you’re willing to put the time in.

With everything closed in by the overhanging trees and bushes, there’s no need for spombs or anything too heavy-handed. I’m keeping things simple: a catapult for the loose feed and a few large PVA bags. It’s the ideal place for this approach, as you can easily bait through the gaps in the trees, keeping everything quiet and low-profile. Even in winter, I’m able to stick with my usual mix, which settles beautifully in this type of swim.

PVA bags have been the most productive tactic for me lately, especially when paired with the White Blank Saver — two rods are fishing this way. On the third rod I’ve decided to go completely off script with a 24mm hardened hooker. It’s something totally different to what most people are doing here, and sometimes that contrast can make all the difference.

For most of the day, though, it felt like I was just waiting and watching. Around 1500 hrs I finally caught sight of some carp showing near my area, and by 1630 a few had started crashing on the far side of the pads I’m fishing up against. A couple even showed out in open water. With cloudy skies forecast and only one period of heavy rain due, I was feeling cautiously optimistic. But the sheer amount of cold water poured into the lake today — on and off, all day long — has probably knocked the carp a bit. I wasn’t expecting quite that much, and it could be the stumbling block.

These carp are certainly making me work for it. They’ve shown in various spots around the lake, but the most consistent activity has been near the small island — not tight to it, but on the open-water side. It’s well within my reach from here, and actually a better line than the ‘proper’ swim that’s meant for fishing it. I’m taking a chance that no one turns up tonight and jumps in there. If they do, I’ll have to move that rod. For now, though, it feels like my best option.

There are two other swims I could move to, but honestly, the rest of my rods are better placed here than they would be if I started chasing shadows around the lake. Winter fishing is a fine balance between reacting and overreacting.

As it stands, it’s looking very much like three blank trips in a row. These carp just don’t seem to be holding or feeding on their usual winter spots yet. If I were doing another night, I’d probably move — but I genuinely wouldn’t know where to go. Looking back at last winter’s sessions, I’d always end up down this end of the lake after seeing a few shows. That’s why I stuck it out here again: I have seen the fish. But clear nights and full moons aren’t my favourite conditions, and that’s exactly what I had last night, on top of the heavy rain from the night before. I think my timing was simply unlucky again.

Still, it’s been great to be back on this water, and I’ll certainly be returning soon. Even when it’s tough going, this place has something special about it.

Until next time,
Richard