Hi, anyone here fished this place? (edited. Mill Lodge retreat)
Got a weekend booked on here in august and wondered if anyone on here had any reviews on the place and any helpful tips.
Got a weekend booked on here in august and wondered if anyone on here had any reviews on the place and any helpful tips.
In reply to Post #1
Are you talking about mill lodge retreat with the pods?
Are you talking about mill lodge retreat with the pods?
In reply to Post #2
Yeah thats the one........
Yeah thats the one........
In reply to Post #3
A friend went there. A joke if you ask me. You can't bring nothing on site except water. Every meal or snack or alcohol drink has to be bought on site at a healthy price and strictly no takeaways ordered from off site. Just legalised con men if you ask me
A friend went there. A joke if you ask me. You can't bring nothing on site except water. Every meal or snack or alcohol drink has to be bought on site at a healthy price and strictly no takeaways ordered from off site. Just legalised con men if you ask me
In reply to Post #4
Didyour mate say the fishing was any good? I am aware of the score with food etc, to he honest that doesnt bother me at all, as Im fully aware it is more of a retreat venue. The food does look mega!
Didyour mate say the fishing was any good? I am aware of the score with food etc, to he honest that doesnt bother me at all, as Im fully aware it is more of a retreat venue. The food does look mega!
In reply to Post #5
He blanked unfortunately. Think it hard fishing
He blanked unfortunately. Think it hard fishing
In reply to Post #6
Ah right, I thought it might be a tricky water as not seem many catch reports from the place. Cheers for the info
Ah right, I thought it might be a tricky water as not seem many catch reports from the place. Cheers for the info
The rules are a joke if your Carp fishing
In reply to Post #4
Just had a check
It doesn't say you can't bring food onto the fishery it says no alcohol or takeaways
What rules are a joke ?
Just had a check
It doesn't say you can't bring food onto the fishery it says no alcohol or takeaways
What rules are a joke ?
In reply to Post #9
Try doing it see what happens. Bye bye deposit
Try doing it see what happens. Bye bye deposit
In reply to Post #10
Not my type of fishery but if it's not in the rules then he's a div
Not my type of fishery but if it's not in the rules then he's a div
In reply to Post #8
what specifically do you mean regarding the rules? Why are they a joke?
what specifically do you mean regarding the rules? Why are they a joke?
In reply to Post #9
changed the wording it now says no takeaways allowed also taken from the site looks like you can only consume alcohol from their bar
It is prohibited to bring alcohol on to the complex. The mini bars are stocked with beers, and there is a wine menu available. If you bring alcohol on site, you will lose your security deposit
changed the wording it now says no takeaways allowed also taken from the site looks like you can only consume alcohol from their bar
It is prohibited to bring alcohol on to the complex. The mini bars are stocked with beers, and there is a wine menu available. If you bring alcohol on site, you will lose your security deposit
In reply to Post #13
I did see that
Foods mega expensive there though is he a cordon blue chef?
I did see that
Foods mega expensive there though is he a cordon blue chef?
In reply to Post #13
Wow. They've got some front that's for sure.
Wow. They've got some front that's for sure.
In reply to Post #15
only reason why he gets away with it is people still go there.
only reason why he gets away with it is people still go there.
In reply to Post #16
It's all these poor *******s who can only go fishing if they take their missus and she'll only go if she can watch TOWIE on a widescreen telly whilst sitting in a hot tub. Poor *******s.
It's all these poor *******s who can only go fishing if they take their missus and she'll only go if she can watch TOWIE on a widescreen telly whilst sitting in a hot tub. Poor *******s.
Anyone fished here recently? How was the fishing?
In reply to Post #18
I was there this week, 2 nights in pod 8. Blanked unfortunately, as did everyone else down the shallow/weedy/silty end of the lake.
There were fish in the swim but I found presenting a rig to be really difficult although to be fair I'm not that experienced with weedy lakes so could just be bad angling. Pod 8 is also incredibly shallow, the deepest part was maybe 4ft. The only hard spot (but still weed on the bottom) that I know of in the swim can't be more than 3ft, but is big enough (just) to spread 2/3 rods over. I couldn't even find a spot to have a go on the float for the rudd/perch etc
.
Ended my session on a bit of a downer after a duckling dove down onto my spot and managed to hook itself in the neck. The poor bugger seemed no worse for wear though after I unhooked him (bit traumatised maybe but not as much as my Mrs who I think will be declining any future invitations to come fishing!).
A couple of people fishing the deeper and clearer end of the lake (pod 2 especially) did well with multiple fish to upper 20's. I suppose that's the downfall of this style of fishing, you're stuck in your swim and unable to move to get on fish.
I'd go back but would be looking to fish 2/3/6/9. Would give 7 a go if I had a baiting pole or bait boat as it's very weedy and you'd need to be really precise - Similar to 8 but with more obvious spots to go at and a bit more water in general. Pod 1 should be similar fishing wise to 2 I think but it's right by the office/toilets which while convenient means there's not much privacy.
The rules on food etc are strict but every meal we had was great and the final bill was actually less than we expected. It's not the sort of place you'd go on the regular obviously but once a year is nice for a couple of days to relax.
I was there this week, 2 nights in pod 8. Blanked unfortunately, as did everyone else down the shallow/weedy/silty end of the lake.
There were fish in the swim but I found presenting a rig to be really difficult although to be fair I'm not that experienced with weedy lakes so could just be bad angling. Pod 8 is also incredibly shallow, the deepest part was maybe 4ft. The only hard spot (but still weed on the bottom) that I know of in the swim can't be more than 3ft, but is big enough (just) to spread 2/3 rods over. I couldn't even find a spot to have a go on the float for the rudd/perch etc
.Ended my session on a bit of a downer after a duckling dove down onto my spot and managed to hook itself in the neck. The poor bugger seemed no worse for wear though after I unhooked him (bit traumatised maybe but not as much as my Mrs who I think will be declining any future invitations to come fishing!).
A couple of people fishing the deeper and clearer end of the lake (pod 2 especially) did well with multiple fish to upper 20's. I suppose that's the downfall of this style of fishing, you're stuck in your swim and unable to move to get on fish.
I'd go back but would be looking to fish 2/3/6/9. Would give 7 a go if I had a baiting pole or bait boat as it's very weedy and you'd need to be really precise - Similar to 8 but with more obvious spots to go at and a bit more water in general. Pod 1 should be similar fishing wise to 2 I think but it's right by the office/toilets which while convenient means there's not much privacy.
The rules on food etc are strict but every meal we had was great and the final bill was actually less than we expected. It's not the sort of place you'd go on the regular obviously but once a year is nice for a couple of days to relax.
In reply to Post #19
I went a few weeks ago, also in pod 8 and blanked. I have a bait boat with echo and the deepest I found was 3ft but the area was probably a foot square. My boat doesn't register below 3ft and most the swim didn't record a depth. Even with a marker float it wasn't much over 2 ft.
The weed was really bad as well.
Most the fish I see to the left and not reachable.
Food was decent. I would go back again as it's nice for a getaway.
I would avoid pod 8 next time though.
I went a few weeks ago, also in pod 8 and blanked. I have a bait boat with echo and the deepest I found was 3ft but the area was probably a foot square. My boat doesn't register below 3ft and most the swim didn't record a depth. Even with a marker float it wasn't much over 2 ft.
The weed was really bad as well.
Most the fish I see to the left and not reachable.
Food was decent. I would go back again as it's nice for a getaway.
I would avoid pod 8 next time though.
In reply to Post #19
Thanks for this feedback guys really appreciate it
Thanks for this feedback guys really appreciate it
In reply to Post #21
It's frustrating isn't it because the way it's described on the website it sounds a good swim. I actually booked it over 6 and 2 purely down to the description. I don't think it's completely unfishable, but you're extremely limited. Remember though that when I was there the entire end of the lake (7,8,9 and pretty sure 6) blanked, and they definitely aren't all bad swims. I did see fish in the swim during the day also.
To give you a head start (I suppose the situation with weed could change though):
Just off the island in front of the swim there are pads, from here moving left until the weed bed starts to the left of the swim is a firmer area, albeit very shallow (< 3ft I guess taking into account what the previous poster said). There's still a lot of weed on the deck here so I think very long hooklinks (I switched to 14in the second night) are a must along with a slow sinking bait or popup. Or maybe a naked chod rig or solid bag (even double bag to make sure it settles before the rig is released?). I baited all along the spot quite heavily my second night, not sure this was the right choice because of the bird life.
To your right there's a channel through the weed. I saw a few cruise through here. The bottom feels pretty silty with some low lying weed but not terrible. First night I fished a solid bag here and in the morning the lead lifted up cleanly so I believe it was presented, maybe there's also a firmer bit in there. I also think a zig in this channel could work, I tried one at slightly less than 4ft and I could see the bait only slightly below the surface so I think ~3ft might be a winner. In hindsight I think this would be the best chance of catching from this swim.
It's frustrating isn't it because the way it's described on the website it sounds a good swim. I actually booked it over 6 and 2 purely down to the description. I don't think it's completely unfishable, but you're extremely limited. Remember though that when I was there the entire end of the lake (7,8,9 and pretty sure 6) blanked, and they definitely aren't all bad swims. I did see fish in the swim during the day also.
To give you a head start (I suppose the situation with weed could change though):
Just off the island in front of the swim there are pads, from here moving left until the weed bed starts to the left of the swim is a firmer area, albeit very shallow (< 3ft I guess taking into account what the previous poster said). There's still a lot of weed on the deck here so I think very long hooklinks (I switched to 14in the second night) are a must along with a slow sinking bait or popup. Or maybe a naked chod rig or solid bag (even double bag to make sure it settles before the rig is released?). I baited all along the spot quite heavily my second night, not sure this was the right choice because of the bird life.
To your right there's a channel through the weed. I saw a few cruise through here. The bottom feels pretty silty with some low lying weed but not terrible. First night I fished a solid bag here and in the morning the lead lifted up cleanly so I believe it was presented, maybe there's also a firmer bit in there. I also think a zig in this channel could work, I tried one at slightly less than 4ft and I could see the bait only slightly below the surface so I think ~3ft might be a winner. In hindsight I think this would be the best chance of catching from this swim.
In reply to Post #22
Thats great info, really appreciate it thanks. Going in a couple of weeks so I will let you know how i get on.
Thats great info, really appreciate it thanks. Going in a couple of weeks so I will let you know how i get on.
In reply to Post #23
Not looked on their website and probably never will, sounds bloody awful.
Not looked on their website and probably never will, sounds bloody awful.
So I have been looking at this place for a while now to take the mrs for a week instead of going France (covid) it looked good and some decent head of fish but after seeing this thread I wont be booking, how can bringing a few snacks onto site be against health & safety? if they had a little shop that was priced moderately and you didn't have to buy full meals then I wouldn't be so bothered but having to pay restaurant prices 3 times a day is a joke. 
In reply to Post #25
Just thought I'd feedback on my weekend at mill lodge retreat. Had a fantastic weekend. Fished pod 8 (48hrs) and although there was a fair bit of weed, it was no issue at all and I managed 5 carp, all of which where absolutely stunning.
The facilities are excellent and the food was bang on. We will certainly be re-booking for next year.
Just thought I'd feedback on my weekend at mill lodge retreat. Had a fantastic weekend. Fished pod 8 (48hrs) and although there was a fair bit of weed, it was no issue at all and I managed 5 carp, all of which where absolutely stunning.
The facilities are excellent and the food was bang on. We will certainly be re-booking for next year.
In reply to Post #26
Nice one, well done!
Where exactly in the swim did you catch from? Did you manage to find some decent clear spots?
Wonder if the weed situation is a bit better now than when I was there.
Nice one, well done!
Where exactly in the swim did you catch from? Did you manage to find some decent clear spots?
Wonder if the weed situation is a bit better now than when I was there.
I will be fishing pod 8 in a few days as a gift from my missus. I know the advice re this swim is about 2 years old, anyone else fished it recently? Is the weed still as bad? The website states that only their feeding pellets are allowed, can you buy these on-site? Cheers!
In reply to Post #28
Pinged you a PM bud
Pinged you a PM bud
In reply to Post #1
Hi mate I was there last weekend on pod 6 had a 35 and a 20 out on bottom baits everyone else was on pop ups, it is quite weedy so solid bags are a good idea. You can take your own alcohol and snacks but get charged £35 corkage this works out a lot cheaper. This is the second time I've been it's a nice treat with the wife and is a very picturesque place, not everyone's cup of tea but a reasonable fishery.
Hi mate I was there last weekend on pod 6 had a 35 and a 20 out on bottom baits everyone else was on pop ups, it is quite weedy so solid bags are a good idea. You can take your own alcohol and snacks but get charged £35 corkage this works out a lot cheaper. This is the second time I've been it's a nice treat with the wife and is a very picturesque place, not everyone's cup of tea but a reasonable fishery.
In reply to Post #30
They'd be better off charging everyone £35 and removing the rule. Amount of eoooel that won't go on principal
They'd be better off charging everyone £35 and removing the rule. Amount of eoooel that won't go on principal
In reply to Post #31
Corkage on a carp lake. What c***s
Corkage on a carp lake. What c***s
In reply to Post #32
Now I know our sport is dead!
Now I know our sport is dead!
Stayed in pod 8 for 3 nights, had a few runs and lost 1 resulting in a blank. Carp were everywhere on the surface and mid-water. A lot of weed, making PVA bags and bait boats/poles a must even for very short distance. The food, the venue and the atmosphere were lovely, although it's very weedy.
In reply to Post #34
yeah peg 8 was really weedy when i fished it but i prefer it like that. No need for a boat or baiting pole in my opinion. I found using a light lead flicked to clear areas (so you can feel the drop) worked for me. I also avoided all the obvious areas most anglers fish like the far margin etc and under that willow. Instead i fished half way out in the centre channel where the carp where patrolling. Also didnt put any bait out what so ever... just singles on the basis id imagine everyone who turns up ther puts bait out wth either a boat or spoon. I had 5 fish that weekend, absolutely mega place for a nice chilled weekend and like you say the food is incredible.
yeah peg 8 was really weedy when i fished it but i prefer it like that. No need for a boat or baiting pole in my opinion. I found using a light lead flicked to clear areas (so you can feel the drop) worked for me. I also avoided all the obvious areas most anglers fish like the far margin etc and under that willow. Instead i fished half way out in the centre channel where the carp where patrolling. Also didnt put any bait out what so ever... just singles on the basis id imagine everyone who turns up ther puts bait out wth either a boat or spoon. I had 5 fish that weekend, absolutely mega place for a nice chilled weekend and like you say the food is incredible.
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