June 2021

Once again hello from all of us here at Brick Farm Lakes. We are suddenly in June and the weather is warming up and the days are getting longer! As a result of this and the unusually cold April, the flora seems to be growing faster than ever and everything is now a very lush green. All the water based plants are looking fantastic with the rushes and reeds that were planted on Spring lake last year starting to develop and spread. The usual weed in brick lake along the western bank is back but we are keeping this maintained as much as possible so as to keep the areas in front of the stands as clear as we can. This weed is absolutely full of natural pond life including damselflies, dragonflies, pond skaters, snails and water beetles and therefore drawing the trout closer to the margins. Phil has even invested in a wet suit so he is not so limited on the depth whilst trying to cut the weed!

We have a pair of Canada Geese that have decided that Spring lake is a good place to raise their 4 goslings so please give them a little space whilst fishing. They don’t appear to be causing any issues and are happy to move out of your way if given a few seconds to do so.

Graham has enjoyed getting the mower back out and is regularly keeping everywhere looking neat and tidy.  We will also now begin to start stimming around the lakes however generally we like to do this in sections to maintain a varied level of growth and therefore insect and fly life around the estate.

Notable catches of recent include the following:
F Bloomfield - 5.12lb
R Barden - 5.9lb
N Cepulis – 7.7lb
R Davis – 9.12lb
T Tyrrell – 8.3lb Brown
B Hussey – 9.12lb
D Goldsmith – 8.4lb Brown
M Emery 7.11lb Brown

The log book is showing that Blue Flash Damsels and Montanas remain the most successful flies. Cats’ Whisker seems to have quietened down a lot now as expected due to the increase in water temperature. However, for this same reason we are seeing regular hatches throughout the day and dry flies such as small Claret Hoppers and Shuttecock Buzzers are producing well, especially in the evenings when it cools slightly. We have even had some Mayfly hatches on both Stag and Spring lakes! 

May 2021

Here we are, finally back to a near-normal in the way of fishing.  With travel restrictions now lifted some of our regulars who travel a little further have been able to visit us rather than simply seeing the photos on social media of those who live closer to us with their great catches.  Also the return of club competitions has shown groups including Eastbourne & District Fly Fishers Club and Sussex Police Fly Fishers return for their greatly missed friendly competitions.  The kitchen is once again open, albeit for outdoor dining only, but that does mean that our ever popular bacon & egg baps are back on the menu!  Since my last report fishing has been great with some really lovely and hard-fighting fish being caught.  Successful flies include the usual Blue Flash Damsels, Cat’s Whiskers if we have a little rain and some wind, black & green and black & orange.  Don’t be afraid to use buzzers, particularly with droppers, as this really is providing some fantastic sport with fantastic results at the moment.  With the evenings a little longer we are beginning to see some rises, particularly on Stag Lake so some good dry fly fishing can be had in the right conditions. 

Most notable catches of recent are 15yr old Benjamin Gipsom who landed a gorgeous 9.12lb rainbow, and Tim Tyrrell with a lovely 9.7lb rainbow.  Fish over 5lb go in the lakes every week so there is always a chance you could claim the top spot.  This report’s leader board spans a longer than usual timeframe but we will be getting back to normal again with weekly or bi-weekly reports resuming: 

Benjamin Gipsom 9.12lb
Tim Tyrrell 9.7lb
Mr Franks 9.6lb
Peter Clarke 9.2lb
Peter Sandgrove 9lb
Des Watson 8.13lb
Brian 8.11lb
Mr Walker 8.6lb
Peter Buss 8.5lb
Chris 8.4lb + 6lb
Dean Burgess 8.4lb
Nerijus 8.2lb + 7.10lb + 6lb
Caroline Cutmore 8lb
Patrick Bowles 7.12lb + 7.12lb
Brian Wood 6.12lb
Peter Finnis 6.4lb
Mr Bennet 6lb

February 2021

With lockdown 3.0 in full swing, many anglers are unable to make the most of the fantastic conditions of late – we have had some frost and since the thaw the temperatures have really improved and the fish are responding fantastically.  A few hardy regulars were rewarded well when they braved frozen lakes with not much choice of where to fish from, but the fish were keen for the fly and there were a few 5lb+ fish being caught during the challenging conditions. 
We are continuing to stock regularly, and it has been fantastic to see local people coming in as novice fly fishermen and returning each week with more well-earned confidence and the fish to prove it! 
In the last week there have been numerous fish caught over 3lb, with the biggest of the week weighing 8.3lb which was caught by Kevin, who incidentally is our new, additional, fly supplier.  There are now 2 cubes in the Lodge filled with flies so there is plenty of choice!  On the mention of flies – most successful at the moment are, as you would expect: olives, nymphs, blue flash damsels & cat’s whiskers, although there have been some fantastic catches on bright pink at times too! 

Report – 26 November 2020
Fishing has been very mixed in general recently – one day fish have been taking whatever has been put in the water where other days they are being much fussier, although generally a slow retrieve has been working with the usual suspects for this time of year in the guise of damsels, montana, buzzers & gold head daddies with fish still being caught at all depths.   Many of you will be pleased to hear that (unless the tier placing states otherwise) we will resume “normal” service of complementary tea & coffee for anglers as well as we will be back in the kitchen with the bacon and sausage baps on a takeaway basis as soon as lockdown 2.0 comes to an end next week.  Access to the Lodge will however remain restricted to the log book and fly table only. 
We are continuing to see plenty of lovely fish being caught –so many of which were over the 3lb mark so for this report I will just list those recorded over 4lb.  Most notable of recent is Brian Wood who, just days after a new Brick Farm record (since our ownership) smashed the record with a lovely 12lb rainbow.  Kelvin Hinton landed a brilliant 8.4lb and Sinclair with a 7lb take the top spots for this report. 

Brian Wood - 12lb
Kelvin Hinton - 8.4lb
Sinclair - 7lb
Jim Pelling - 6.4lb
Russell Rikards - 5.4lb
Ron Dear - 5lb
Caroline Cutmore - 4.9lb
Pete Roberts - 4.8lb
C.Markwick - 4.8lb
Mark Denman - 4.6lb
B.Francis - 4.4lb + 4lb
Pete Ballard - 4.4lb
Danielle Adams - 4.4lb
Josh Wood - 4lb
D.Barton - 4lb

Report - 8 November 2020

We are certainly now in a more favourable season for trout fishing, and with the recent announcement of another lockdown we are pleased that the government agrees that angling is a solitary sport and there are no problems with social distancing so we can remain open!  We have had to make some slight adjustments for this current lockdown by way of not serving any refreshments from the Lodge.  This is unfortunate for some as I know many of you really enjoy our bacon rolls and a nice cup of tea, but it’s definitely great to be open as a fishery.  Access to the Lodge is still limited, and will remain so for some time, but you can still purchase flies and tackle and record your catches which help us with restocking.  We are still stocking weekly, and are continuing to see regular larger fish being caught.  We have a new record for Brick Farm Lakes since we took over last year – Peter Simmons landed a stunning brown trout weighting 10lb 8oz out of Spring Lake!  He caught it using a sinking line with a bobby which shows that the fish are still deep at times.  Other stand out catches of recent include Keith Farmer with a nice 9lb brown and Tony Benton who had a 9lb 13oz rainbow – both were caught on a competition day held by Kent Police where they cumulatively landed 27 fish with a total weight of 88lb 6oz and an average weight of 3lb 4oz! 

The Fishing for Schools event has been cancelled on 14 November due to government restrictions on competitions, and so we will be open to the public on that day as normal. 

Catches over 3lb 8oz for this report:
Alan Franks - 9.13lb
Tim Tyrrell - 8.2lb
Ivor Smith - 7.4lb
C.McWilton - 6.10lb
Tim Tyrrell - 6.10lb
Brian Wood - 6.5lb
M.Clark - 6lb
C.Mick - 5lb
P.Hunter - 5lb
M.Bristow - 4.8lb
D.Fullager - 4.7lb
N.Mold - 4.4lb
Tim Ashnom - 4.4lb
P.Clementson - 4.4lb
A Hurdle - 3.12lb
Mike Shine - 3.8lb
Graham Goddard - 3.8lb
D. McCabe - 3.8lb
Richard Larkin - 3.8lb

Report - 22 October 2020

October has seen temperatures remaining low.  The leaves are just starting to drop which has peaked the interests of some of the trout as they can regularly be seen patrolling the floating leaves hoping to find an easy meal amongst them! 
We are yet to have a frost but they can’t be far away.  The squirrels are frantically running around each day collecting the fallen acorns and stashing them ready for the imminent winter. 
Congratulations to Brian Wood for catching one of our prize Albino trout which weighed 3.6lb as well a lovely 6.1lb rainbow! 
Fishing has remained fairly consistent over the last couple of weeks.  All lakes are fishing well and producing fish most days. 
There have again been numerous large fish caught, listed below are again the most successful over 3½lb.  These include a couple of stand out catches, being Chloe landing an 7.8lb rainbow on her 14th birthday outing.  Also Mark Denman from Eastbourne District Fly Fishers caught a stunning 9.7lb brown from the far end of Brick Lake on a daddy long legs. 
We are continuing to stock weekly including larger fish most weeks and the odd albino mixed in which are still rewarded with a 2fish ticket for use on your next visit. 
Please note we have a Fishing for Schools event on 14 November.  This is a pairs competition and anglers of all age and ability are encouraged and welcome to participate.  If you are new to competitive fly-fishing this is an ideal opportunity to experience a unique event in a relaxed and informal setting.  We will be closed on this day for the private function – if you would like any more information please email r.p.barden@btinternet.com or call the Lodge for bookings. 

Notable catches: 
3.8lb – Peter Finnis
3.12lb – Graham Goddard and C.Smart  
4lb – C.Farley, Mark Donaldson and G.Manley
4.4lb – Peter Buss
4.8lb – C.Blackman and A.Mortimer
4.9lb – K.Lee
4.10lb Brown – Matt Robbins
5lb – J.Elkins
6.1 – Brian Wood
6.4lb Brown – Caroline Cutmore
6.4lb – W.Hardy
7.8lb – Chloe
9.7lb – Mark Denman

Weekly Report - 1 October 2020

We are now beginning to see some good amounts of rain coming through which will always be welcome in relation to pond levels following the recent dry spells, October has also brought with it a mass of Daddy Long Legs as can be seen not only from the surrounding areas, but also the log book with catch reports.

The last week or so has seen some very good catches including the following all over 3lb 12oz…

3.12lb – Mike Richardson, Rob Barden, M.Lane and Colin Cornford
3.14lb – Brian Brawn
4lb – I.Harris and John Lindley
5.9lb – Peter Finnis
6.8lb – Ashley Singer
6.12lb – P.Johnson
7.3lb – Dennis Wellman
7.4lb – Mick Pass
And fish of the moment goes to Derek Hill will a lovely 8.3lb! 

Weekly Report - 16 September 2020

The last week has seen some un-September-like weather, but thankfully for the fishing we aren’t getting several hot days in a row and the cooler nights and overcast days are ensuring that the fishing remains good. 

This week’s fish of the week was caught by Paul Doin with his catch of 4.8lb, closely followed by Peter Buss with 4.4lb and P.Buick with 4lb exactly.  Other notable catches include A.Norry who landed a good 3.8lb and Ian Workman, A.McLoan and S.Dawson each catching fish weighing 3.4lb. 

Successful flies continue to include damsels and buzzers but we are beginning to see some good catches on daddies and black ants too so it is clear that Autumn is well and truly on the way! 

We continue to be stocking weekly and now that the water temperatures are getting back to where we like them, we are regularly going to be putting in some larger fish, including several over 8lb so we are excited to see these coming out in the coming weeks! 

Weekly Report - 9 September 2020

Fishing continues to be very good with some good bags this week – notably Ray Burt with a 4 fish bag of 14.15lb the largest of which was 6.9lb – well done Ray!  Other notable fish of the week were Dudo Rae at 4.1lb, Colin Penfold at 4lb, A Singer with 3.12lb, David Harris & Steve Novis both with 3.8lb and Simon Price with a fish of 3.2lb.  By far the best fly of the week was the Damsel in its various guises.  Other significant flies include buzzers, diawl bach, cat’s whiskers and black and green lures. 

Tuesday 8th marked 1 year since we opened the gate and we ran a special offer of free ticket upgrades.  It was fantastic to see so many regular as well as new faces join us for the day and there was some great fishing to be had.  Fish of the day was caught by Paul Strevens – a lovely fish of 4lb.  The rod average for a 3 fish ticket was the day was 1.6