Rob Hardy visits Pochard Lake, an intimate trout fishery offering a warm welcome to a broad church of anglers
SMALL COMMERCIAL stillwaters often get a bad press, but I have always thought they play an invaluable role in our sport. On the one hand, they provide many people with their first taste of fly-fishing through corporate days, fun with friends or organised tuition, and on the other, they give older anglers, who may no longer feel able to take on the physical challenges posed by wilder waters, a comfortable place to fish. Points that were perfectly illustrated on my recent visit to Pochard Lake, near Milton Keynes.
Pochard draws its rods from all walks of life, from policemen to microbiologists, and all ages and experience levels. While primarily a syndicate, of around 75 members, this two-acre, spring-fed lake set in its own 23-acre wooded valley does offer day tickets, limited to two per day from Tuesday to Sunday. Created in the 1960s by damming a small feeder stream, it was originally a nature reserve run by eminent ornithologists David and Barbara Snow. The current owner, Charles Snow, inherited it from his parents 14 years ago and opened it as a trout fishery, building a luxury ski-style lodge equipped with a tackle-shop, WCs, a kitchen, relaxed seating, a wood burner and panoramic views over the lake.
The membership structure reflects the fishery ethos that there is more to fishing than catching fish. Manager Geoff Wood extends a warm welcome to members and visitors alike. Geoff worked as a fishing specialist at the Orvis store in nearby Amersham for five years before moving to Pochard full-time. His knowledge and connections ensure the club’s tackle-shop is always stocked with a small but select range of Orvis, Snowbee and Fulling Mill tackle. He is on hand to offer advice whether you want a spool of tippet or to try a new rod. He is also a qualified Angling Trust fly-fishing coach, able to provide one-to-one tuition. That many ex-pupils have become members is testament to his infectious enthusiasm.
The clubhouse is the heart of the fishery, serving a variety of food and drink —it holds an alcohol licence —that can be enjoyed inside or out in wonderfully peaceful surroundings. BBQs and social gatherings are held regularly and supported by the members and their families. I strolled along the well-kept lodge bank towards the dam end of the lake where depths reach 15ft and where Ken Wild and his wife Mary were enjoying excellent sport.
