Acton Burnell
The History
I took control of the lakes in 1992 shortly after they were drained, emptied, limed, fertilised and de-silted and then restocked them with the magnificent Carp that reside there today. Since 1994 both Acton lakes have been run as very exclusive syndicate waters that have always had up to a 6 year waiting list.
Lower Lake Stock
In 1993 I introduced 96 young, 3-5 year old fish weighing between 10lb and 24lb in weight. Over the years we gradually de-stocked to maximise the growth potential of the best fish and we have also lost a few naturally around spawning time. Over the years many famous anglers have fished Acton to catch it’s mega fish including: -
Terry Eustace, Andy Little, Kevin Maddocks, Des Taylor, Matt Hayes, Max Cottis, Rob Hughes and recently Martin Bowler - whilst filming the new angling show ‘Catching the Impossible’ Martin landed fish to 44lb!
Fact File
Acton Top Lake
The Top Lake, real name ‘Shadwell’, is approx 17 acres in size with 12 magnificent swims. The Top Lake is famous for both it’s fish and its fantastic scenery.
The Top Lake holds approx 140 fish of which 20 are different 40’s. These include the lake record Mirror carp known as ‘Big H’ at 48lb 0oz and 3 different 40lb+ Commons up to 48lb 11oz, which is the current lake record. In addition there are approximately 80 different 30’s with a lake average weight in 2006 of 32lb.
The Top Lake is also difficult but every week it produces big fish and often anglers catch up to 6 fish in a 36 hour session. The Big Lake will soon produce it’s first 50 as there are 3 different fish over 48lb!
Acton Lower Lake
The Lower Lake, real name ‘Black Dicks’, is approx 7 acres in size with 10 magnificent swims. The lake depth ranges from 14ft down to 2ft in the Shallows. The Lower Lake is home of the 50’s. Bill, the common, caught June 07 at 55lb 02oz by Chris Lowe is the lake record with the Italian not far behind – best weight 54lb.
There are a further 24 magnificent Carp in the Lower Lake with an average weight in 2006 season of 37-10lb. There are at least 6 other 40’s present with the biggest being Cluster – last caught at 46lb 12oz by Ian Huntingdon in Spring 2007. In the Spring of 2007 Ian also landed what was probably the best catch of carp in the UK ever. Ian landed 7 fish with an average weight of 40lb 07oz. They weighed: - 32-12, 36-00, 36-06, 37-12, 40-06, 47-04 and 52-08.
Click here to see these 7 magnificant fish!
The Lower Lake is very hard, not only because there is a small head of carp but they have seen it all, they are the ‘jewels’ of Acton and it is regarded as a tremendous achievement to catch one. It is the ultimate big fish water for the serious angler!
Advice and Tips
Top Lake
The Top Lake can be tricky but they are very catchable, every week the Top Lake produces big fish with approx 140 big fish present, they do move around a lot so often during a session they may drift in and out of your swims, so bait an area to try and hold them, hemp, small particles/boilies or even quality ground bait. I would always back lead the lines down where possible and try not to cast beyond the fish. The bottom is fairly hard and in places cracked from when it was drained and allowed to dry so good presentation is easy, all PVA type rigs work well as do fairly short hooklinks. In some swims at certain times of the year weed is present so 15lb line is advisable. The average weight of the fish season ending March 2007 was 32lb+ so when a group of fish are in your swim it is worth baiting 2 or 3 times during the day to hold them. There are Rudd & Roach present but they do not affect your baiting or stop you from using standard soft baits. They are clever fish so staying well back from the bank and staying quiet will help as the Top Lake fish do show close in. There are 13 swims on the Top Lake and only 9 will be booked in any week, so keep an eye on the empty swims. Finally, floaters – they do take them so take a few with you.
Lower Lake
These fish are very clever and have seen it all! You must approach your session fishing for takes and bait accordingly. There are very few nuisance fish so hemp, particles, small boilies and even ground bait work well. Stealth and presentation are the key plus a top quality bait, these fish have been spoilt with the best baits. The fish in the Bottom Lake do show a lot, rolling and crashing and can often be seen moving around the Shallows from up the climbing trees. Choose your spots well before you bait up to try and ensure you are baiting up an area the fish are likely to visit. Every rig and method known has been tried so use what you have confidence in, something different may well catch a few. Remember in season ending March 2007 the average weight was 37-10 so when you get a take it will be a special fish.
Facilities
The facilities are basic porter toilets only.
Special Notice
In 2008 we are only taking bookings for the months of April and May as a trial period. The syndicate will remian on both lakes from 1st June 2008 to 31st March 2009.
How To Book and Cost for April and May 2008 only.
We offer 3 options: -
Option 1.
3 Day Session
You fish from Wednesday at 2:00pm until Saturday at 11:00am
Cost - £120
Option 2
4 Day Session
You arrive Saturday at 11:00am and fish until Wednesday at 11:00am.
Cost - £160
Option 3
Full Week Session
You arrive Saturday at 11:00am and fish until the following Saturday at 11:00am.
Cost - £300
Payment
50‰ deposit within one month of your booking, upon receipt of your 50 ‰ deposit you will receive a booking confirmation.
Balance in full within 2 months of your chosen date, upon receipt of your full balance payment you will receive your itinerary for your session at Acton.
We look forward to seeing you.
For Directions please click here »
Group Bookings
Acton Burnell Big Lake
For a party of 8 anglers you can book the lake exclusively for yourselves.
Cost - £2,400 per week
Acton Burnell Lower Lake
For a party of 6 anglers you can book the lake exclusively for yourselves.
Cost £1,800 per week
General Booking Information
Acton Burnell Big Lake – 17 acres
There are 13 swims on the Big Lake, we will only be booking 9 swims per week maximum to ensure there is plenty of room (group bookings 8 only).
Acton Burnell Lower Lake – 7 acres
There are 10 swims on the Lower Lake, we will only be booking 7 swims per week to ensure there is plenty of room (group bookings 6 only).
Itinerary
Having received your deposit you will receive a receipt, lake plan, parking info and directions to Acton Burnell carp lakes. The Fishery Manager will meet you at the lakes at 2pm on the relevant Saturday (not before 1:30 please as the existing anglers will be leaving and we only have limited parking). The landing nets, weigh slings, unhooking mats and buckets will be ready for you in your swim. You will park on the same car park i.e. Big Lake anglers Castle Carp Park, Lower Lake anglers Wheel Barrow Car Park. From there you and your tackle will be taken by quad & trailer to your swim. The quad and trailer will also collect you at the end of your session.
We ask you to be packed up by 10:00am on the last Saturday so the fishery can be cleared by 11:00am.
Season dates
Closed Season – end May – 16th June.
Cancellation Policy
Please note bookings cannot be amended and all deposits are non-refundable.
Fishery Rules
-
Rod limit is 3
-
you can only use our landing nets, weigh slings and unhooking mats
-
Keep the fish soaked on the unhooking mats (buckets are provided)
-
No sacks allowed
-
No bent hooks
-
No braided reel lines
-
No peanuts
-
No boats of any kind
-
Please respect your fellow anglers