I am thnking of fishing here this weekend as it appears to be a bit more challenging than Meon and previous threads indicate a better size of fish.

Has anyone been here recently or does anyone fish here often? How is it at the moment? and advice?

I used to fish it a fair bit when it was C&R, but i don't think they offer that now. It's a small venue and i found i'd fished it all within a few hours, not great for exploring for a whole day. As you look at the lake, the part to the left of the island is deepest and the far left bank is usually the most productive. Ive heard that the days when there were always a few monsters in there are largely over, although some doubles are still caught. It's a pretty lake though.

I tried Moorhen a couple of times 2 years ago, and while the relatively new owners are nice people and made me very welcome, I can't say I was particularly impressed with the fishing. As Alex says it's a bit too small to really occupy you for a day. At the time I went, they had both coarse fish and water temperature problems, and I believe the fishery was closed for a period while an attempt was made to tackle these. Even if it was in top trim, I would rate it no better than Meon Springs, and below Avon Springs, Avington and Holbury in the Wessex area. Now, if they dug a second and more tree-shaded lake and offered a beat on the Meon - that would be interesting...

If you want more of a challenge and bigger fish, head off to the first two alternatives I mentioned. For a friendly welcome at a generously stocked and attractively located fishery, try Holbury.

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"In wine there is wisdom. In beer there is strength. In water there is bacteria." - German proverb
JH based near Southampton

Thanks for the advice guys.

Avon is a bit far for me so am going to treat myself to a day at Avington instead! already quite exicted.

Ah, if you want to get the best out of Avington, perhaps winter isn't the best time. I am sure Alex as regular there, as opposed to a "twice a year and love it" Avington angler like me, will expand on this.

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"In wine there is wisdom. In beer there is strength. In water there is bacteria." - German proverb
JH based near Southampton

Whhhooooa!! as john says, Avington is a fantastic fishery at the moment and has produced an average for me for the year of over 13.5lb! That said, As John mentions, it's very much a summer fishery. when the weed dies back, and the sun stays low, it's very difficult to stalk. if you're not interested in stalking i'd advise you fish another place because, frankly, £75 is a lot of money to catch 4 stockies. if you fish blind at avington, you can sometimes have 4 on the bank by elevenses! by all means go and have a stalk. if the sun's out you can often catch a glimpse of a monster, but the odds are against you.

What about Lechlade? you can stalk the margins there, and it's great at this time of year with lots of very big fish, brown and rainbow...

I have fished Moorhen numerous times and have never had a bad day. Mark and Wendys hospitality is second to none and they always do their upmost to insure all anglers have a good day. As others have said the venue is fairly small (about 2 acres) but there are plenty of good casting spots and now the water has cooled down the fish have really spread out. The average stocking size is good and if the fish you catch isn't 2lbs or more you can catch another one for free. There are also a few big ones in there as I have personally had 2 doubles and lots over 4lbs. I have no affiliation with Moorhen and Visit most of the venues around Hampshire and enjoy good sport at all of them. But i would say Moorhen is certainly worth a visit.

Paul.

P.S I will be at Moorhen on Sunday morning (Weather permitting!) so drop me a pm if you fancy it and I will tie you up a few patterns which work well there.

Once again thanks for all the advice - yes I think maybe I will save Avington for a summer treat next year.

Will defo try Moorhen on Saturday - if any of you are there come and say hi.

I will be in a green jacket green boots and a grey hat! hopefully with a monster fish in front of me on the bank!