Re: Taverham Mill

 Well I caught a barbel from the weirpool, but I was able to swing it in :-) I suspect that the weirpool looks as if it holds more fish than it actually does. My first thoughts were that it would need really heavy gear, quite like a similar pool I fished on the Warwickshire Avon. In fact, it is much shallower than it first appears and probably doesn't have many large fish as permanent residents. The side stream is probably a better bet, but other people had already set their sights on the best swims.

The lake is beautiful, but a bit too much to take in on a first visit without prior knowledge. It is also quite a trek from the car park, so a barrow is essential (one is provided for guests in the hut). The many gates through the otter fence require a few skillful manoeuvres if you're on your own, but don't worry about the fearsome looking Highland cattle - they're actually quite docile.

My instincts told me to ignore the "easy" swims that you first get to, although this might not have been necessary. Certain areas were fizzing with bubbles and although it isn't really my thing, I'm sure that a maggot and caster bombardment would have soon had the tench piling in. I chose a long walk along the road bank, where there were carp were very active, but all a long way out amongst the lilies.

I cast to where the lilies indicated gravel bars, but most casts were retrieved along with a lot of weed and the baits smelling of silt. The regulars all seemed to be fishing the margins, mainly in presumably known holding spots under overhanging trees. Night time is probably best, although I did see one caught opposite me in the daytime.

If I go again, I will choose a close range swim and take plenty of mozzie repellent. I will also have to remember how I ever used to fish all night without a car full of gear within easy reach.