Waterside News

At last there is a pause in the rain and the month has started with a glimpse of the sun, finally. The weather has a habit of raising your hopes with the start of Spring or dashing them with the return of Winter. It is not unknown for it to snow in March and traditionally this is a rainy, windy month, so fingers crossed.

Another reminder that the AGM for the season 2026/2027 will be on the 24th April 2026 at 20:00 and will be held as usual in Alresford Village Hall.

Both of February's matches were completed successfully, although the second match of the month took place in some fairly dire weather conditions, with 10 hardy souls fishing through wind and rain. Firstly, the Winter 3 match, fished on Bramley Lake, was hard going fish-wise, with some only catching in the last hour. The match was won by John Popkin, but the overall winner of the three matches was Nick Austin. The Ron Tickner 2 was fished on Worcester and, as mentioned previously, ,in pretty horrendous conditions, but was won by Gary Bateman.This month sees the last two matches of the season, before we start all over again when the seasons match dates will be displayed.

Maintenance has continued through the month with Lime treatments carrying on in Bramley and Cox Lakes to reduce the silt and weed issues. Over the past few years, the water level in Cox has caused problems of access to fish, resulting in some swims being closed during the highth of summer. There have been various plans suggested as to control and maintain the level in this lake. Cost has been a major contributing factor in ruling out several of the plans, but the club intends to try a Solar powered pump to return water from Bramley Lake into Cox, thereby stopping the overflow from Bramley into the stream but maintaining Bramley's level. Andrew Ramsbotham has done a lot of research into the size and type of pump and the run of pipe back into Cox Lake, and by making it solar power, the need for mains electricity being installed is made unnecessary.

Wiilows continue to be removed from Alresford, along the waters edge and a dead Ash tree was dropped from the car park area at the Abbey before it fell over. Repairs to steps and swims will carry on at the pit and swim repairs on the Abbey continues. Thank you to all those involved.

The weather over the last few days has seen temperatures rise and fish are starting to be on the move. Carp are making their prescence known by jumping and splashing about and the Abbey has produced one or two nice fish already. Bream are coming out in good numbers from Alresford Lake and it will not be long before Tench start to show across the club's waters.The Pike season for the club will end on the 15th March, so no deadbaiting or lure fishing after this date at Alresford Lake.

Can all members please remember to ensure the gates are closed and securely locked after they enter or leave. There has been one or two instances where they have been left open and no-one was present. And whoever dumped a large Calor gas bottle and the front mudguard of a motorbike at Alresford Lake, your contribution is not appreciated.

A very Happy St. David's Day to all our Welsh members and don't forget the clocks go forward at the end of the month.

As always,stay safe, look after one anothe and enjoy your fishing.

Tight Lines