Dream Lakes
31 Boadicea Way, Colchester CO2 9BE, United Kingdom
4.8
46 reviews
8 comments
VVFG+FH Colchester, United Kingdom
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Monday: 9–17
Tuesday: 9–17
Wedneasday: 9–17
Thursday: 9–17
Friday: 9–17
Saturday: Close
Sunday: Close
Tuesday: 9–17
Wedneasday: 9–17
Thursday: 9–17
Friday: 9–17
Saturday: Close
Sunday: Close
That said, I have to give an honest review on how I found the place on our recent visit to DL2.
I went along with a group of other anglers' to fish DL2.
Having fished in France for the last 20 years or so, there's normally a few things come standard:
1. large carp
2. lots of healthy water and fish and explore
3. secluded peaceful fishing
4. Good food and friendly hospitality
5. good organised trip scheduling
Point 1: There are masses of large carp within the lakes, and if you are thinking about visiting this complex, this should be the overriding factor in you booking the lake. You may stand a good chance of landing a truly massive fish!
Point 2: This for me was one of the most disappointing aspects of the fishery. DL2 claims to be 18 Acres in size, this I would question, as the lake seemed no more than about 10 Acres. there are 30 odd swims, but when we went with 15 anglers it feels as though you are literally fishing on top of one another. This lake does not have that feeling that you are fishing in France, rather a local match lake where all parts of the water have lines in and the fish are ultra pressured.
we had a rock hard week fishing there so some may think that this is just sour grapes, but from my experience there was definitely something not quite right with the water quality. out of approximately 15 competent anglers, the whole lake only produced 4 fish all week! This is absolutely shocking considering the head of carp in the water.
To excuse the pun, there is something 'very fishy' going on. Perhaps its low oxygen levels, highly stressed carp, low water levels, mixed with people filling the lake in with sub-standard bait that has created a serious situation. Something the lake owners need to sort out ASAP for the welfare of the fish.
I was one of the lucky anglers who managed to snag one of the 4 fish, but the fish that I caught (a mid 30lb specimen) was extremely lethargic, and took a long while for me to revive it back so it was capable of swimming back off after capture.
I think that the staff well know that something is not right at the moment, but I sincerely hope that they manage to sort it out for the welfare of the fish. It's nice catching big fish, but what's the point if they are nearly dead?
Point 3: if you are going to go to the lake, it can be pleasant and quiet in the day hours, but be warned! during the very early hours, the surrounding areas explode into a cacophony heavy industry noise. Jack hammering, bolder trucks, explosive charges going off. if you are hoping for a good nights sleep, better brings those earplugs.
Point 4: On a plus, the food was the best I've ever had on a 'all inclusive' fishing package. All food is good hearty British dishes. I particularly enjoyed the lamb dish that was served, the meat portions are large, and they will fill even the hungriest angler's appetite.
The staff are friendly enough, but advice we first received when we arrived was to fish single boilies. You could hear the anglers heart's thud to the floor, stood with their 30kg of top quality bait in hand, costing them a weeks wages.
Surely if they (DL) know something is not right with the water/ fish, and the only real chance you have is to fish small traps, this should be well communicated to upcoming anglers before all of their money is spent on bait. I had to dump 15kg of boilies that I had spent 2 weeks drying, then rehydrating for the trip!
Point 5:
on arriving at the lake, I can only describe the experience of unloading all your gear off of the coach as paramount to being kettled in by riot police during a Millwall football match, and it is truly a sight to behold. I will leave this as a surprise for all DL virgins.
Conclusion:
If you only want a chance of a massive fish, go and enjoy for what it is. If you want a fishing experience, I would stay away.
Strongly recommend booking a trip