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Read about Dave's moving trip to Thailand click here Fishing Tips Facilities for disabled anglers Accommodation suitable for disabled anglers Detailed history of the River Waveney Back to Angling Page click here
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Dave Gladwell writes...LOCAL HOTSPOT FRITTON LAKELord Somerleyton’s Fritton Lake is centuries old and unlike most large Norfolk waters, not seemingly connected to, or governed by, the tidal system of the Broads. It stretches two miles and a bit to a road the other side of Bunker’s Hill, where Water Authority still waters drift for a mile. The County border runs straight down the middle as it does on the Waveney, and some trickling via dykes via Lound, and overflows gives access to enterprising eels travelling the two miles from Hopton-on-Sea. This enigmatic, 150-acre water is comparatively narrow, at about 80-100 yards, but is picturesque with its rhododendron bushes hanging over central areas on the far bank. Early in the Summer it can be gin clear. Depths are variable with some shallow reed-fringed bays, but the bigger fish tend to inhabit the deeper water. Early in the summer 5’-8’ of water on a short cast feeder, will find them making up bags of 50-60 lbs off to the right, in the trees. Way down to the right is the shallowest end. Bream to 10 lbs are in the Lake okay and several 100-pound plus bag of big bream in double figures were taken in 2003 by Beccles Ace Arthur Crane from a boat. Sometimes in August the water produces a heavy green algae and at such times the fish do appear to run for the middle. Reachable by rowing boats for hire there is a good wrinkle to bear in mind. Well up to the left from the boat-shed, are bays to your left and right, away from the pink flowering rhododendron bushes. Here the central water reaches around sixteen feet. Before the days of electronic depth finders to plot the contours of the bottom we dragged a mud weight fixed at 12 feet over the central areas until it touched bottom and in this way we established shallower shelves which still hold good to this day. Almost in the middle, this harder piece of bottom stays clear of silt scoured off by the undercurrent of a vortex circling out from the wings of the bays continually. This prominent hump, only about twenty feet in diameter, is still consistently flushed clean by those undercurrents and thermal layers moving along at the times of fresh winds. It is also a food trap and responds well to a couple of days light baiting whilst fishing. There are only about three spots like this in the entire lake, which take a bit of finding, but when you locate them take a good cross-bearing from both banks and it will last you years. What other natural indicators can we look for in this dauntingly beautiful virtually untapped water? Well, look at the marginal growth. At first it all seems just the same old Norfolk Reed. A closer examination however will see the plants vary in places. At times some of the reed is particularly greener than other patches. Perhaps another 10 yards will have thicker reed stems and more generous leaves hanging over? Another area the reed may be shorter and appear a little stunted. It is a fair bet this is because the bottom into which they are rooted is variable. Different minerals levels from more gravel and less silt? A spring running in changing the temperature? A prevailing wind direction stems growth? These are a trick I learned from Ireland’s big lakes observing what features appeared to make them noted fish holding spots. Works there – works here; and works on several Norfolk Broads. So who says big waters are barren of features eh? Only the unobservant.
2 lbs 3 ozs cased fish of 1922 held like the others at Fritton in the new Hotel Lounge. There are a good head of small roach, and some two pounders, although like a lot of large waters the cormorant has had its effect on prime fish Pike with very large heads for their size, indicate years of an inherited bream diet, feasted from sickly fish. The monster in the bow-fronted glass case, caught there before 1938, measures 45” from fork of tail to tip of snout, and is 9.5” deep.
No weight or captor but just look at the size of it! Around 1970, at a Clay’s works match in the first week of October, the early morning mist hung over a perfectly still lake as we gazed from the bank anticipating the promise of the day. Twenty yards out the biggest mirror carp I have still ever seen, (including 34 lbs at a local water drained for back-filling), came halfway out of the water. The weak sunlight captured the instant of blue grey skin and golden scales as it rose. The ripples edged their way towards us, finally arriving at the moored boats, they gently rocked them, leaving that essential air of magic and mystery all great waters impose upon us for ever and a day. There could be massive fish of several species therein this paradise of pristine beauty, with a poten
Carp of 8 lbs 3 was clearly something in 1899 when this was caught
Perch like this are caught every year An ordinary Season ticket from the Bank which includes daily admission into the Park is £29 with reductions for OAP’s (£24) and children (£19) Normally boats cost £6 per day and what is particularly good and environmentally sensitive, is that you an use your own electric motor if you take it with you. Petrol ones not permitted though. A day fishing ticket is £6.50; OAP’s £5.50.; Juniors 3-15 yrs £4.60. Children under 14 years of age must be accompanied by an Adult. Keepnets not allowed. No livebaiting. Barbless hooks. Telephone 01493 488288 for further details. More viewing on www.frittonlake.co.uk . Dave Gladwell ©
Can you let us know by email if there are any questions you would like to ask Dave regarding fishing technique, equipment or any fishing tips. www.bungay-suffolk.co.uk |
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