Picks Cottage Fishery 30 years at Picks Cottage Fishery – is this London’s best kept secret?
2
017 marks the 30th anniversary of Picks Cottage Fishery, an intimate five-lake fishing complex located in Chingford, East London. Since its inception in 1987 by my father, the fishery has developed over the years to offer superb fishing for multiple disciplines. Our two specimen carp lakes offer challenging fishing for the experienced angler amongst the stunning scenery of Epping Forest on the London/Essex border. With the popularity of angling growing rapidly through the 1990s, the fishery expanded to a five-lake complex with some of the most sought after fish in the local area. Throughout this time we have continued to take great pride in the lakes and ensure they are maintained to the highest of standards. Since taking the reins from my father in 2010, significant investment has been made across the complex with various stockings from the esteemed stable of VS Fisheries and Priory Fishery. Under the consultation of Viv Shears (VS Fisheries) and Andrew Ellis (AE Fisheries), a management plan was implemented to ensure the long-term success of Picks Cottage. Having studied with the Institute of Fisheries Management myself, sustainable fishery management is the cornerstone of our complex. Our lakes are stocked with traditional English bred carp with strong English heritage. We are firmly against the importation of foreign stock and the use of
Picks Cottage Fishery onsite tackle shop.
fast growing strains, which can be found in many fisheries throughout the UK today. We implement a longterm stocking policy, ensuring a natural and sustainable fishing environment is provided for our stock. Furthermore, we regularly provide supplementary feed across our lakes to preserve the quality of the stock we’re responsible for. In addition, we supply all landing nets, cradles and weigh slings to ensure biosecurity across our specimen lakes. The threat of diseases such as KHV and SVC are modern day realities, which endanger our pursuit. Personally speaking, more fisheries should be addressing this issue and take greater concern for the welfare of their stocks. Our main specimen water is the ‘S Lake’, an intimate 1.5-acre lake with some truly immaculate carp. With
Adam Luck with an S Lake Mirror. 1 Big Carp
three known 30s to 39lbs, 30-plus 20lb fish and numerous 15lb-plus fish, you would be mistaken for thinking this is a runs water. Substantial reed beds have established on the banks creating a natural rich habitat for our carp to reside in. With stunning lily pads, crystal clear water and numerous
Split Fin at 39lbs from S Lake landed by Adam Francis.