Birch Grove, Shropshire

[Pete Springate's Guns]

Anybody fished it? Experiences, findings etc?

[salokcinnodrog]

Sorry I have not fished it, my only knowledge is from Tim Paisley's articles and book chapters on it.

 

It can be hired by anglers or fished on a day ticket, then there is a winter syndicate from memory.

The fish can be seen, but can be very cute and almost uncatchable at times. An otter fence has been built around it, protecting the lake and stock ponds, and there is a long term ongoing stocking programme that Mr. Paisley has set up with friends and the owners.

The lake is very full of history and memories for him.

[Pete Springate's Guns]

1 hour ago, salokcinnodrog said:

Sorry I have not fished it, my only knowledge is from Tim Paisley's articles and book chapters on it.

 

It can be hired by anglers or fished on a day ticket, then there is a winter syndicate from memory.

The fish can be seen, but can be very cute and almost uncatchable at times. An otter fence has been built around it, protecting the lake and stock ponds, and there is a long term ongoing stocking programme that Mr. Paisley has set up with friends and the owners.

The lake is very full of history and memories for him.

Thanks-I’ve always loved Tim’s session writing, particularly the original ‘From the Bivvy’ where he documents his Birch expeiences. 

I’ve just joined the winter syndicate having never fished it before. I was curious about any forum members’ more recent experiences.

[Old school]

Digging an old thread up here, how did you get on? 

[Pete Springate's Guns]

5 hours ago, Old school said:

Digging an old thread up here, how did you get on? 

Just dropped out. I only managed 2 nights in 2 years! To be honest, it wasn’t really for me. Lovely little water with a good ongoing stocking policy and facilities but just didn’t float my boat. Hard to put my finger on it but I was never excited by fishing there and at my age I’m not fishing anywhere which doesn’t give me a real buzz!

[bejay1952]

Fished here a good few years ago and would not recommend the venue to anybody. Lovely looking lake with what looks like just a few ducks - but as soon as you put a bait out loads of them ( we counted over 70) come piling out of the bushes. On one swim a duck used to sit waiting and as soon as the person on that swim made a move in the morning the duck went nuts calling the others and the swim was soon surrounded.

A good read of the visitors book will really enlighten you - MANY visitors left early through their booking because of the DUCKS.

Also you will notice that the catch rate is dismal - the vast majority of fish are caught in the winter when the lake is not open for renting and is only used by Tim Paisley & friends.

We were disappointed also as the 'bailiff' who was supposed to meet and greet us at the fishing lodge never arrived at all, nor on any day through our stay. The Microwave cooker - the only method for heating food - was broken.

And to top all that not one fish between four of us was caught - and keep reading the visitors book because that was very more-than-not the case throughout that summer that we visited.

If you are still intent on fishing at this lake I do suggest that you seriously request a visit to the lake first - throw a handful of bait in to check for the duck population and READ THE VISITORS BOOK.

[Carpmaster]

12 hours ago, bejay1952 said:

Fished here a good few years ago and would not recommend the venue to anybody. Lovely looking lake with what looks like just a few ducks - but as soon as you put a bait out loads of them ( we counted over 70) come piling out of the bushes. On one swim a duck used to sit waiting and as soon as the person on that swim made a move in the morning the duck went nuts calling the others and the swim was soon surrounded.

A good read of the visitors book will really enlighten you - MANY visitors left early through their booking because of the DUCKS.

Also you will notice that the catch rate is dismal - the vast majority of fish are caught in the winter when the lake is not open for renting and is only used by Tim Paisley & friends.

We were disappointed also as the 'bailiff' who was supposed to meet and greet us at the fishing lodge never arrived at all, nor on any day through our stay. The Microwave cooker - the only method for heating food - was broken.

And to top all that not one fish between four of us was caught - and keep reading the visitors book because that was very more-than-not the case throughout that summer that we visited.

If you are still intent on fishing at this lake I do suggest that you seriously request a visit to the lake first - throw a handful of bait in to check for the duck population and READ THE VISITORS BOOK.

Good advice there