Pre-season update

Over the course of the last 4 weeks we have been working hard at the lakes to get everything ready for the coming season. In addition to the usual maintenance and tree clearing, we have made several steps to improve the facilities at the lakes for the long term.

Rouge

Anyone who fished during heavy rain in the double swim on Rouge will no doubt still be finding flecks of mud in the most unexpected places - to say the swim was capable of turning into a quagmire is an understatment. To remedy this we have had a large land drain dug which prevents water from the track cascading down towards the lake as it used to. I'm delighted to say this has been extremely effective and even after several strong downpours, the ground remains firm and mud-free.





The chalet swim has also been rebuilt using more natural materials that complement the asthetics of the lake as a whole. The calcaire (white stone) has been covered with a healthy layer of pine bark to provide extra protection for the fish.

The water inlet close to the bridge by the chalet has been cleared to create two extra stalking swims.

Vert

The forest between the road and the lake has been cleared and generally improved. A landing point has also been dug into the bank to allow easier access for landing and returning fish.



A secret pond has been uncovered and cleared between Vert and Rouge!



The cliff face bank has been cleared to allow easier access around the whole lake - it's now possible to walk a complete circuit without protective clothing ;-)

Bleu

'Swim 5' has been dug out to allow easier landing and returning of fish. This is going to be a brilliant swim this season. All other bivvy areas have been enlarged.





Both bridges have been replaced, and the island has been substantially cleared. The area around the chalet has been cleared to allow ever more bluebells to sprout and create a forest you can walk around. The swim next to the drain has been opened out to allow access to previously difficult areas of water.

With our first guests in-situ on Rouge, you can look forward to a few pictures in the next update!

Tight Lines
Will James

p.s. You might also be sad to know, we lost an old friend:

I, however am delighted to see the back of the damn thing!