Popped along to have a quick post Christmas thrash and get out of the house for a bit till the pub opened! Have fished it a couple of times before but not since the recent change in management, previously stalked a 14lb 8oz from there a couple of years ago, my mates had been going on about how friendly the new management was so we thought we could give it a try.

Not much has changed at first glance, for those that don't know it it's about four acres or so, almost divided in two by a central island. Now it is divided as they have strung a net either side of the island with an aim to keep an even spread of fish between the two halves, which I guess is sensible but for me the presence of a net in the water makes it feel a little more artificial than needs be.

Was very pleasantly surprised when we went in to sort out our tickets, the owner (seemed to) remembered my mates from last time they had been which was a fair time ago and wouldnt let us get out fishing till we had all had a coffee and a chin wag-makes a remarkable change from the places I normally fish were you kind of feel you are inconvinencing the staff as you hand over your cash!

Unfortunately they have stopped doing catch and release, a recent trip to Lechlade had filled all our freezers and Christmas generousity had emptied our bank accounts, so we all settled for a one fish ticket with an aim to be at the pub by 12.

The owners seem to know what they are talking about and seem to have sensible ideas for the place as well, sometimes a change in ownership is accompanied by ridiculously ambitious plans that are always destined to go nowehere. A reasonable range of fish sizes, sensible (for Hampshire) prices and a great atmosphere.

Walking round the lake, its in pretty good shape and the water is crystal clear, saw a reasonble splattering of fish on the way round, nothing lake shattering but the light was **** and the wind was horrible as well, not to mention sub-zero temps. We all managed to find spots that allowed to be close enough to pass useful constructive comments to eachother but far enough that we could ignore those said about us and got on with fishing. I managed to miss a couple of bites whilst responding to some constructive advice with finger signals before hooking a fish that just wouldnt't give up, I was shocked when I saw how big it was as it fought like a fish three times its size!

After this I smuggly was able to get into the other's ears about how badly they were fishing and how nice it was being able to put my hands in my warm pockets. As such I was most dissapointed when one of the regulars (there wasnt anyone else fishing) came round with hot mice pies and sherry courtesy of the management! This seemed to defrost their brains and two of them came to their senses and in turn nicked my rod, fly and spot to over the course of the next couple of hours pick up a fish each. My mate that didn't catch probably didn't do himself any favours by coming into the warm to have a chat rather than stick out the fishing after only a hour or so.

In summary all done and dusted to arrive at the pub just as the landlord was opening the door-I would highly recommend Moorhen, interesting lake, decent fish, fantastic owners, will be back soonish once the weather is warmer for a decent stalk.

Am at work at the mo so will stick some pics up when I get home.

Mowgli

Hot mice pies and sherry!! As good as a steak pie but not as filling methinks!!

Kev casting



2lb 2oz



Some ducks



Jez landing his fish