COLONY LAKES

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The Colonies are the membership section of Essex Leisure Fisheries.The Colony Lakes are situated at Sayers farm at the end of Chapel Lane Hadleigh.Anglers have their own car park where all lakes can be accessed within a short walk.The lakes consist of the two Piggeries the Reservoir and the Blue Lagoon.

The Piggeries are two very mature but quite small waters, but should not be underestimated for their stock is enough to keep the most dedicated float fishermen happy.Mature waters with a lot of character.Up to fifteen foot deep with a predominantly clay and gravel bed.The stock consists of Bream to twelve pounds,Carp to seventeen with a good head of Tench to nine pounds.Both the Piggeries contain excellent Roach and a number of true Crucian.The biggest Perch caught last year was just on three pounds.Members may automatically have guest permits on the Piggeries....twenty four hour notice at a small guest fee.

The Reservoir is generally thought of as a big fish water although the float fishing should not be ignored as Tench to double figures have been landed in the warm summer months plus good sport can be found with excellent Roach and Bream.Pike can be found in both the res and the Lagoon.Biggest Pike from the res so far is just on twenty seven pounds.The Pike season lasts from Oct 1st to the end of March.The Carp go the mid thirties.The res is definitely not a runs water but anglers join for the quality of the fish.A low double is a rarity but not to be ignored....The Reservoir is predominantly clay bottomed but weed can be a problem..zig rigs work well in the summer plus warm conditions can provide excellent floater fishing.

The Lagoon is a stunning looking water that everyone wants to fish.In the summer the Lagoon is alive with every colour Lilly to be found in both the margins and reserve.All members may fish the Lagoon but for no more than forty eight hours in fourteen days.All anglers may float and feeder fish the Lagoon but to Carp fish this water you have to own a 'yellow ticket'....this is obtained by proving you can land a thirty...take a picture and return the fish safely.Yellow tickets are only issued to existing members.There is no specific waiting time...a week..a month...maybe longer....its all about water craft.The Lagoon contains Carp into early thirties,good Tench,Perch Bream and Roach..plus one or two Pike to upper doubles.