Introduction
St James’ lake is located on the outskirts of Brackley, a small town in Northamptonshire notable only for it’s proximity to Silverstone F1 circuit and for being the home to Honda’s F1 team. The lake itself is around 5 acres, situated inside a small ‘pocket park’ popular with dog-walkers and joggers.

History
Originally built by local authorities in the 1970s to balance rainwater runoff between housing developments and the nearby River Ouse, the pool used to be 2 smaller lakes, connected by a stream. At some stage the pools were joined to fom the single lake that now exists.
Stock
The venue holds a large stock of Bream and Roach, and is a regular match venue. In addition, a number of Tench and some large Perch are present. The Carp population has suffered in the last few years from inexplicable fish deaths. Once a venue containg multiple 20lb plus Carp and a good head of smaller fish, the original population was largely wiped during 2004. Despite intervention by the Environment Agency, the death of almost 100 Carp remains a saddening mystery.

The lake was restocked the following year with approximately 100 fish to mid-doubles. A small number of these newly stocked fish also perished, but it now seems the population is once again stable and healthy. As a result of these event, the exact fish stock is unknown, though 3 original fish have been caught at 20lbs+, giving hope that more survived.

Features
The main feature is the willow-lined island towards the eastern end of the lake. This aside, the lake bed is largely of uniform depth, and covered with a healthy layer of leaf litter. There is little to speak of in terms of weedlife in the water, although the committee intends to rectify this for the coming season. The deepest point in the lake is around 6ft, with an average depth of 5ft and steep margin drop-offs. Reeds and overhanging trees enhance the marginal features.

Ownership
The lake is owned by northamptonshire County Council and leased to Brackley and District Angling Club, who control all fishing rights. The water is patrolled regularly, and permission must be sought before angling. Day and season tickets are available.

Pictures (Ariel shot courtesy of Windows Live)

For more information, corrections or additions please contact me on will@carpcast.com

Introduction
St James’ lake is located on the outskirts of Brackley, a small town in Northamptonshire notable only for it’s proximity to Silverstone F1 circuit and for being the home to Honda’s F1 team. The lake itself is around 5 acres, situated inside a small ‘pocket park’ popular with dog-walkers and joggers.

History
Originally built by local authorities in the 1970s to balance rainwater runoff between housing developments and the nearby River Ouse, the pool used to be 2 smaller lakes, connected by a stream. At some stage the pools were joined to fom the single lake that now exists.
Stock
The venue holds a large stock of Bream and Roach, and is a regular match venue. In addition, a number of Tench and some large Perch are present. The Carp population has suffered in the last few years from inexplicable fish deaths. Once a venue containg multiple 20lb plus Carp and a good head of smaller fish, the original population was largely wiped during 2004. Despite intervention by the Environment Agency, the death of almost 100 Carp remains a saddening mystery.

The lake was restocked the following year with approximately 100 fish to mid-doubles. A small number of these newly stocked fish also perished, but it now seems the population is once again stable and healthy. As a result of these event, the exact fish stock is unknown, though 3 original fish have been caught at 20lbs+, giving hope that more survived.

Features
The main feature is the willow-lined island towards the eastern end of the lake. This aside, the lake bed is largely of uniform depth, and covered with a healthy layer of leaf litter. There is little to speak of in terms of weedlife in the water, although the committee intends to rectify this for the coming season. The deepest point in the lake is around 6ft, with an average depth of 5ft and steep margin drop-offs. Reeds and overhanging trees enhance the marginal features.

Ownership
The lake is owned by northamptonshire County Council and leased to Brackley and District Angling Club, who control all fishing rights. The water is patrolled regularly, and permission must be sought before angling. Day and season tickets are available.

Pictures (Ariel shot courtesy of Windows Live)

For more information, corrections or additions please contact me on will@carpcast.com

Stumble it!