Has anyone been to Watremark fishery at South Cerney recently, I have been 3 times in 3 weeks and have to say its probably the best smallish stillwater I been to to for ages.
All the fish are 3lb or over and fight like stink, I was there yesterday afternoon and had 3 on buzzers, brilliant

Went there quite a few times last season - it is a nice fishery perhaps a bit pricey.

You may want to try Churn pools as well - turn left at the main road junction instead of right. Fish aren't quite as big (although there are some good one in there) but they are good quality and it is good value at £20 for take 3 put two back.

__________________
Best Regards,
WelshNomad

If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there'd be a shortage of fishing rods. - Doug Larson

Hi, thanks for the reply, not to bothered about the size of the fish, but I do like to go to places that are quality, would you say "Churn Pools" is as good as Watermark quality wise (fish and water clarity)?
I have been having a 3 fish ticket for £25 but no C/R there any more.

Hi Demselee,

I haven't been to watermark as it was a bit more than I could afford. Or at least it was at the time of looking. I think Churn Pool is about a mile or so away and I think it's pretty good. I can't compare quality as I've only been to one of the venues, but I find the fish are good on the rod and the plate if I decide to take one. The water is good, but not gin clear. For my money, it's a nice friendly place and I can do catch and release which I prefer.

Churn Pools is the same type of water - a gravel pit so the clarity and vegitation are very similar.

Watermark has the bay area which is good for stalking due to its depth but I have only fished Churn in coloured water so cannot vouch for this. I think the fish I had there were very good quality.

They aren't the 'lunkers' of Watermark but then you 'pays your money'. The problem I have had with Watermark is that sometime you can catch your limit of 3 or 4 fish a bit quick if tactics are right....and for £35 I want a good few hours fishing. It was a real shame they ditched C&R - I would love to see Adrian bring it back but I don't see this happenning unfortunatley.

I tend to alternate between Watermark, Bushyleaze, Farmoor I & II (Farmoor I was superb last season) and recently Churn. I will be out the weekend if all is well - not sure which yet depends on the weather...may try Churn again.

__________________
Best Regards,
WelshNomad

If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there'd be a shortage of fishing rods. - Doug Larson

I agree you can be done and dusted quickly at times, and I also think the take 3 return 2 policy that you say Churn applies is a very good policy, infact youv'e convinced me I think I will give it a chuck on Sunday.

What about Bushyleaze, how would you rate there compared to Watermark and Churn?

Bushyleaze is a nice water. It can get very busy on weekends though which sometimes puts me off. The lake is not too deep and clarity is usually good. The fish quality I have had from there over the years has varied - although quite good the last time I went there. There are some bigger ones in there (not as big as the monster water of Lechlade mind your) Price is better than Watermark.

You may want to have a pop at Farmoor I if you like C&R (see the Churn pool thread). The fish in there are some of the best quality and size I have ever seen. Downside is that it is concrete bowl resevoir but it is not as bad as you might think and can actually be quite tranquil at times....

Barns lakes are also worth a shot in Witney although they are very tricky fish at times.

__________________
Best Regards,
WelshNomad

If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there'd be a shortage of fishing rods. - Doug Larson

Been a long time since I saw anything on Watermark Fishery which isn't to far for me to get to. Anyone been recently? Any catch/tactics info appreciated.

Good old buzzer/bloodworm combo and long leaders have been doing well in settled conditions. However targeting fry bashers when they are on can be very exciting with slime line and a mix of lures.

My advice here is always carry a few flies that are a bit different to standard and experiment with lines, the water clarity can be very clear indeed and the fish a bit twitchy. It can be a great stalking water, though when they've been pressured it's long casting as their are no boats now.

Bushy is a fab water, though if you are worried about limiting out fast, fishing can be too good at times. When it's like this I like to walk, watch and cast to any larger fish noted.

Churn is a lovely fishery, though I've never known the water to be particularly clear. To be fair I've not fished it much so if anyone knows better, I'd be delighted to know.

Thanks for the info. Good as I have a fast sinker to try out. It's a shame if they've taken away the boats. What's the reason? I noticed on their site that one part says catch and release and the other, kill only. Looks like the latter is the case. It also says they stock daily so it might be worth a shot. I'll come back to this thread if I can put a day aside to fish there. It's been a while since I was there so overdue.

Churn Pool is my usual venue as I prefer catch and release. I've had some good days there recently. Last weekend was great on small nymphs but a real test as there was a strong wind. very nice fish between 2 and just under 4lb.

Not been to Bushy for a while but usually good if not too crowded. I like to roam around a bit and it's a good place for doing that. Roll on pay day.