Norfolk Fishing Network 2004 - 2024 - Berkshire Fisheries

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Berkshire Fishing Venues
Fishery Name: Burghfield - Main Lake
Address: Cottage Lane, Burghfield, Reading, Berkshire, RG30 3UW
Entrance Grid Ref: SU 69318 70195

Car Park Grid Ref: SU 69006 70460
Sat Nav: RG30 3UW
Phone Numbers: 0844 800 4408 or 01425 674951
Email Address: [email protected]
Description: Recognised as one of the UK's famous carp lakes, this idyllic, spacious, quiet, and challenging water boasts one of the largest genuine English common carp in the country- 'The Burghfield Common' caught at 62lb 8oz.

With many other carp to mid-forties and a good head of mirror carp exceeding 35lb and still hosting original Leney strain to 30lb+, such as "classic carp" and "Double Belly", this water with its natural food source has such potential for years to come.

Well-known anglers such as Dave Lane, Terry Hearn and Oz Holness have put the time and effort into this water, to reap the rewards this venue can bring.

"During my stay I absolutely fell in love with the place. Obviously the Burghfield Common itself is the driving force behind fishing at the venue but, there is so much more to be enjoyed, and a lot of fantastic fish to be caught along the way".

Every nook and cranny of the lake holds a certain mystery and it draws you in completely.

In my short stay I managed to tempt thirty one of the lakes residents, including a brace of thirties from right underneath the rod tips.

I once found the common in a tiny bay and spent a mesmerising day filming and photographing this elusive beast as she glided, carefree, amongst the weed beds. Sights like this will always remain etched in my memory.

My only regret is that it seemed to be over before I was ready; maybe I will return again at some stage and fish in some of the many alluring little swims I used to visit, and dream of finding fish there. For now though, the Burghfield Common is a quest for other, like-minded, anglers and one day it will be the realisation of their dreams, as it was mine. A remarkable and historic fish from an equally remarkable venue." Dave Lane

"There are plenty over thirty pounds and probably four or five over forty pounds at the right time of the year. The stock is topped by the Big Common, which has only ever been caught nine times to my knowledge, with a top weight of 57lb. Apart from the carps classic looks and perfect condition, it's also known as being a bit of a challenge which to be honest is what makes the common such an elusive and prestigious fish. I can't think of a bigger challenge in the carp world." Terry Hearn

"The capture of the mighty Burghfield Common at 55lb.4oz.is stunning and awe inspiring fish, seen by very few people. Truly Burghfield's ultimate prize with only a handful of documented captures and a deserved reputation for being the most enigmatic and beautiful of carp."- Oz Holness

Fish Species:
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Barbel
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Bitterling
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Bleak
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Bream
Common
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Bream
Silver
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Bullhead
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Carp
Common
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Carp
Crucian
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Carp
F1 Carp
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Carp
Ghost
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Carp
Grass
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Carp
Leather
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Carp
Koi
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Carp
Mirror
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Catfish
Wels
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Chub
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Crayfish
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Dace
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Eel
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Goldfish
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Goldfish
Brown
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Grayling
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Gudgeon
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Minnow
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Orfe/Ide
Blue
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Orfe/Ide
Golden
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Orfe/Ide
Silver
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Perch
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Pike
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Pumpkin
seed
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Roach
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Rudd
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Rudd
Golden
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Ruffe
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Schelly
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Stickle
back
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Stone
Loach
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Sturgeon
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Tench
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Tench
Golden
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Walleye
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Zander
Rules:

Burghfield Main Lake Syndicate Rules

The season on Burghfield Main Lake will commence on 1st April and end at midnight on 31st March.

As a member you are required to comply with the following rules:

01 All members must hold a current Environmental Agency rod license to fish any of our waters.

02 Members may fish for up to 4 nights consecutively and must then have 48 hrs off venue. Only members are permitted on site with no guests, no fishing at other lakes other than Burghfield Main Lake (i.e Burghfield River, Blue Pool and Gold Lake are not part of the syndicate).

03 Gates must be locked at all times when not in use. If for some reason you lose the code, please contact the office on 01425 674951 or our head bailiff team (see website for their numbers).

04 Anyone fishing/walking in the out of bounds areas will lose their membership. Only designated swims may be fished. Out of bounds areas are in red and white shading on the map. You can fish to the waters around Searle's Farm as we have the fishing rights but please keep your rigs at least 2 metres away from the area.

05 Pegs 42+43 (Compound swim/Car Park swims on Searle's Farm Lane) are officially owned by the Mould family and Advanced Angling have the fishing rights these swims are now available for members to fish and if there are any disputes about this area please contact the office on 01425 674951 or our head bailiff team (see website for their numbers). If there is any threatening behaviour from any persons please contact the police on 101 to log a complaint.

06 The swims by Pingewood Road North are being opened for a trial basis. If members comply with the rules and keep off the out of bounds areas we will be able to enjoy this part of the lake for the foreseeable future.

07 All anglers must use the following: - A large dry landing net at least 42" inches wide.

- A large dry padded unhooking mat big enough for a 60lb plus carp, minimum 37" x 32" (preferably cradles to be used).

- A large dry weigh sling at least 42" inches wide

- Fish must always be transported from un-hooking mat to the water in a retention sling.



Under no circumstances should a fish be carried in your arms.

08 All fish caught must be returned to the water as soon as possible after weighing and photographs (no more than 3 minutes out of the water).

09 When taking a photograph of the fish always have one foot kneeling down, never stand up with the fish. Ensure you have a bucket of water to keep the fish cool.

10 Keepnets are not permitted. Carp retaining slings are permitted at night but must be securely tied up- fish must be returned ASAP after daylight/pictures taken.

11 Strictly no moving of fish under any circumstances. Advanced Angling will ban and seek to prosecute anyone found doing so.

12 No rod may be left unattended with bait or hook in the water. 3 rods are permitted per angler.

13 Minimum of 15 lbs breaking strain for line when fishing for carp and pike. For smaller species such as tench, roach, perch and silvers, lighter tackle is allowed. Any damages to tackle or line must be reported to the bailiff or office.

14 No barbless hooks above size 14, 16, 18, 20, etc.

15 No fixed leads or death rigs.

16 Pike fishing is between the months of 1st October till 31st March where separate pike rules are to be observed speak with our head/deputy head bailiff.

17 We only allow quality frozen/fresh baits on our waters. Shelf life baits are banned. Unused bait must not be thrown into lake at the end of sessions. Tiger nuts can be used if prepared properly and used sparingly.

18 Boating is not permitted.

19 Bait boats are permitted on the lake for a trial period (however NO bait boating between 1st June 30th September due to weed) and please do not use them in the Pulleyn family waters (see red lines on the map), near the ski club buoys or whilst the ski boat is in use. Bait boats no longer need to be tethered but must be kept within a responsible distance, especially to promote fish safety. Bailiffs are not available at a drop of a hat for recovery, also no recovery once it starts getting dark, with a fee of �25 for each recovery attended and with loss of permit if members take their own boat out to recover (no boating). If we see abuse of bait boat rules they will be banned again.

20 Do not cast towards the buoys to avoid snagging. Do not place bait in an area that you cannot extract the fish from safely.

21 Braided line and leadcore is allowed on this venue.

22 Suitable quality fish care solutions must be used on hookholds or abrasions.

23 When setting rods on alarms, please use your off-switch to maintain the peace on the lake. Constant beeping is not acceptable.

24 Any form of abuse to the bailiff team will not be tolerated.

25 Whilst alcohol is not banned from site, drunken behaviour will not be tolerated. Any alcohol, drug or solvent abuse will not be tolerated and anyone found under their influence will have their membership taken away.

26 A reasonable standard of behaviour is expected at all times, meaning no shouting, loud music, using bright torches or any other anti-social behaviour. Please be considerate at all times to other anglers and neighbours.

27 Wading is permitted but only up to thigh level. No swimming at any time.

28 Care and respect for the site should be shown at all times including no cutting or climbing of trees.

29 No litter will be tolerated. At the end of your session please take your litter home with you.

30 The toilets available are at Cottage Lane (Gold Lake) and the Cunning Man pub (during opening hours). Please use these as anyone caught defecating in the undergrowth will be asked to leave immediately. Please leave toilet facilities as you wish to find them. It's essential that nobody puts any bagged waste in the toilet.

31 Dogs are to be kept on leads at all times and please dispose of all waste appropriately.

32 Barbeques are not permitted or any fires by the lake due to the high risk of fire hazard, only proper cooking equipment is to be used and always supervised.

33 The official Advanced Angling car parks are at Cottage Lane or Searle's Farm Lane (Compound car park). Alternatively, you can use the unofficial car park at the Cunning Man pub. We won't be opening the Pingewood Road North car park but please park tightly on the roadside and you can use this access for walking to swims 52-59.

34 Any fish found distressed, diseased or dead should be reported to the Advanced Angling office or our head bailiff. Sightings of otters and mink should also be reported to the head bailiff/office.

35 All fish, irrespective of size and species should be treated with the same respect.

36 Please keep away from the crayfish nets and do not remove them.

37 Anglers fish at Advanced Angling Venues at their own risk. Please see our terms and conditions on www.advanced-angling.com

Any infringement on the above rules will result in the loss of your membership with no refund given. We understand that experienced anglers already observe these rules and we hope you enjoy our venues.

We would request photographs of any fish caught over 25lbs sent to us at: [email protected]

Facilities:

Toilet Facilities

Secure Parking

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