This is my first session on Silvermere of 2026. The lake has suffered really badly in the weather, water levels have dropped, weed levels have exploded and the algae blooms have grown over the top. We have done several back breaking work parties lately clearing the weed by hand…. I’ve done more work parties in the last 2 years than sessions 😂😂
Got here just after midday, did a walk around the lake with the Polaroids looking for signs, but its quite difficult as the pike and perch here are quite aggressive so I had to take my time finding them.
Second biggest issue is finding clear spots.
Settled on a swim in the north east corner of the lake, taking advantage of the south westerly wind.
Waded out to check a couple of clear spots, hand placed the rigs about 12 wraps out.
However, the carp in here are quite sizeable and with the low water levels, they were giving themselves away with their tails tipping up.
One was feeding in a closer spot on the left hand rod, in a deeper section. Cast over the top and chucked a few boilies over.
10 minutes later the Delkim gives me an indicaton but as I struck, it was jammed in very heavy weed.
I waded out to the spot with rod and net in hand trying not to fall in the deep silt.
Rewarded by a 25lb mirror named “Jesus” – given to the lake by a priest when it grew too big for his pond…. stocked at 10lb in 2022
Shaun McQuade
I had another one at 3:30 am a 29lb Ghostie beating my previouse PB of 28.5lb
