Yately North Lake Draining

In 2004 the Yateley North Lake, former home of Bazil and arguably the finest lake on the complex, was drained prior to clearing up work and restocking. Of the remaining fish in the lake some were left including Jenson, but many were moved to the Split or Pad Lake. Somewhat sadly this included some old North Lake characters such as the Pretty Fish and the North Lake Fully scaled.

On a positive note the lake has been restocked with some stunning Sutton Strain fish, the same strain as Basil. The lake is mooted for reopening as a syndicate water within the next few years and despite some concerns about the extent of tree clearing etc. and it's affect on the character of the lake hopefully over time it will recapture some of the Yateley magic, and do justice to it's legendary name.

These photos provide a valuable insight into the unseen depths of the famous carp lake, no doubt of use when the lake reopens, and the sight was a suprise to many of the old school Yateley anglers who had fished the pit. Photos courtesy of Paul Singleton