DONYLANDS LAKE  (Snake Pit)     Colchester Essex
What can be said about this water that has not already been written? This interesting twelve acre lake acquired by the SDAA in may 1995 is something of a legend. For Snake holds what is believed to be Britain's largest ( and un-named) common carp. When last caught in 1991 it weighed a massive 45 lb 12 oz. As recently as April 95 it was observed at very close quarters by some experienced carp anglers who know the fish, and all agreed that it could now weigh well in excess of 50 lb. The water possesses a very small head of carp and there is another large fish, a mirror of around 36 lb.
Tench also grow to a large size here, and in the past fish are reported to have been caught in excess of 10 lb. The best authenticated tench weighed in at just under 9 lb. Large pike are thought to be present but they have been little fished for in the past. Certainly a fish of 22 lb has been recorded. Plenty of roach and rudd are present and one or two specimen sized fish have been spotted. Of the perch we know little, but it certainly appears to be a perchy environment, and several 2 lb fish were reported in the late 70's.
The average depth is around 11 - 12 ft and can be heavily weeded at times. Sensible tackle is advised as there are many snags ( sunken trees and bushes ) around the fishery - and big fish.

Directions
From Colchester follow the signs for Fingringhoe, past the army barracks and, as you leave the built up area, after approximately three miles you will see the lake on the corner of a sharp left hand bend.

Rules
Night Fishing and bivvies are permitted. Maximum stay is for 48 hours with no return for 24 hours. Please be sensible with the quantity and quality of bait you use.
Particles baits, especially nuts, must be properly prepared and used in moderation.


LAYZELL'S FARM    Sudbury Suffolk

Layzell's is a peaceful quiet stretch of the Suffolk Stour, perhaps more suited to the angler looking for specimen size fish. For it is here that big fish of all species live. Tench have been reported in excess of 6 lb and a bream of 12 lb 13 oz was recorded a few years back. Double figure carp and a few 20 lb plus fish can be seen and caught amongst the dense lily beds and a few surprises could be on the cards to the dedicated and persistent angler. Not much is known about the pike and zander here as it is so lightly fished, but pike over 20 lb and large zander almost certainly exist. Roach to 2 lb have been caught from the bends on carefully trotted and presented bread flake in winter. It was from here that a 2 lb 9 oz and a 2 lb 8 oz roach brace was caught one cold winter's night by an angler fishing for chub using a large lump of cheese paste on a size 4 hook. Seed baits and maggots prove best in summer. Not many small chub are caught from this stretch, but one or two extremely large fish ( 5 lb plus ) have been seen during the summer months. A chub of approximately 6 lb was found dead in the margins at Layzell's in early March 92.
BOUNDARIES
Upstream to the fence. Downstream 670 yards to the fence and ditch.

WRIGHT'S FARM ( Middleton )   Sudbury Suffolk

Wright's farm possesses a good head of roach ( some big ), along with large bream shoals, dace, chub, big pike and zander, tench and a surprise barbel of 7 lb.
During summer months the best roach fishing is to be had between the pipe and the pill box with hemp and tares. In winter the roach tend to move upstream opposite Bakers Mill Buildings as do the pike in early February. Tench and bream are plentiful along Wright's and 50 lb plus catches can be expected especially in the regions of the second bend, the Pipe, ditch entrance and Cornard weir pool.
As mentioned earlier, big pike ( 20 lb plus ) and zander ( 12 lb plus ) inhabit all along this stretch. Carp, both common and mirror, to 23 lb plus are frequently seen but seldom caught amongst the lily pads around the ditch entrance and the shallows on the opposite bank. Large tench ( 5 lb plus ) are present from the ditch to the weir and downstream of  The Pipe with one or two fish over 6 lb being reported around the double bend. It is here that a few chub, to 5 lb 10 oz have been caught, some by anglers fishing for zander with small fish baits. Big chub surely exist all along this stretch but are difficult to pinpoint. Possibly more work after dark would sort them out. Take care when parking your car in wet, muddy conditions.

Rules
No fishing from the weir structure.
Boundaries
Upstream to Cornard weir, downstream to the second pill box opposite Layzell's Farm Fisheries ( see above ).