This project has been started to try to raise desperately needed funds to repair and restock Castle Ashby Fishery which has suffered a severe pollution incident earlier this year.
Castle Ashby Fishery is one of the oldest commercial fisheries in the country. Developed from three linked, stream fed ponds on the beautiful Castle Ashby Estate in Northamptonshire, it has been running for the past 33 years.
The fishery was started and consequently run for the following 32 years by the legend that was Mick Hewlett, the fishery is now run by his son Brett following Mick's untimely passing last year.
Castle Ashby is a truly mixed fishery. The inevitable carp stocks have always been very well complemented with a healthy stock of bream and tench backed up with good numbers of roach, rudd and perch.
After nearly a quarter of a century of steady and consistent stocking everything was thrown into chaos by an outbreak of the carp virus KHV. This decimated the prolific carp stock, killing the vast majority of the fish.
Once the quarantine period had passed Mick Hewlett dug in and started the process of restocking. This continued on an annual basis and bit by bit the stock levels built up to a level that for the last few years has given a really good standard of fishing.
And then disaster struck earlier this year. Following days and days of torrential rain the surrounding fields flooded and eventually overflowed into Grendon lake, the lowest of the three lakes in the complex. The lake coloured up badly and the fishing became very difficult but everyone thought normal service would be resumed once the colour returned to normal.
Sadly that was not to be the case. After a week or so the first signs of the enormity of the situation became apparent. Dead fish, mainly bream which are always the most susceptible to pollution, started to appear. This was soon followed by all the other types of fish.
At this point Brett contacted the authorities who came and ran checks on the water. Sadly they were unable to pinpoint what the problem was. The two higher lakes, Brickyard and Scotland both flow into Grendon and they quickly diluted whatever had gone into the lake and the water then ran out via the overflow.
Over the following weeks and months it became obvious that pretty much the entire fish stock had been lost.
This brings things up to date. Brett has put a small stocking of carp in and they appear to have settled in without showing any ill effects. This gives hope going forward that the lake is able to support fish. However, before any large scale stocking can take place extensive (and expensive) testing of the water and the silt will need to be carried out. And this, dear readers is where you come in. PLEASE read on.
This is going to be a very expensive problem to put right. Testing and analysis of the silt which is pretty thick in places must come first. Steps to prevent further flooding must follow and only then can restocking start.
Running alongside the fishery is the café, Moons and Spoons. This obviously relies on support from the anglers. Quite apart from feeding fishermen, the staff also run a very popular and very well supported angling academy. I will let them tell you all about it.
About Little Moons Angling Club C>I>C
A cornerstone of our mission, Little Moons Angling goes beyond fishing; it’s about creating lifelong skills, building confidence, and fostering a love for nature. Led by our experienced team members—Kathryn Shaw, Kevin Bacon, and Lauren Hemming—Little Moons Angling offers programs for:
Young Children: Through fun, interactive lessons, kids learn the basics of fishing, patience, and teamwork. Our hands-on sessions introduce them to fishing in a way that builds self-confidence and teaches them to respect the natural environment. Our coaches are passionate about helping young anglers create unforgettable first fishing experiences.
People with Additional Needs: Inclusivity is at the heart of our academy. We design sessions that accommodate varying needs, ensuring that everyone can safely and comfortably participate. Our staff are trained to provide adaptive support, empowering individuals with additional needs to enjoy the joys of fishing, build confidence, and gain new skills in a supportive, understanding environment.
Adults of All Ages: For adults, fishing offers a unique opportunity to de-stress, learn new techniques, and connect with a community of like-minded individuals. Our academy provides coaching that ranges from beginner techniques to advanced tips, making it suitable for all skill levels. With guided sessions, friendly competitions, and serene lakeside relaxation, we offer a chance for adults to reconnect with nature and rekindle a love for fishing.
Why We Need Your Help
With your support, we can maintain these historic fisheries and ensure the growth of Little Moons Angling. Donations will fund the upkeep of the lakes, provide equipment and materials, and enable inclusive programs for young children, individuals with additional needs, and adults.
Thank you for helping us carry forward Mick Hewlett’s legacy. Together, we’re creating a space where people of all ages can discover the joys of fishing, the beauty of nature, and the importance of community.
Please help this valuable asset rebuild and carry on its important role in supporting anglers of all ages and abilities. Many thousands of anglers have enjoyed fishing these lakes. For many years now the fishery has played host to the national winter league. Fiercely contested it has been fished by some of the top teams and anglers in the country.
The open matches here have been well supported and many of the countries top anglers have graced the banks of these lakes. Many new baits and tactics have been developed or finely honed here. Anglers like Phil and Steve Ringer cut their match fishing teeth on Grendon. Along with dad Geoff they kick started using expander pellet on the hook and as feed in shallow silty venues. The method feeder was taken to new levels at Grendon and attracted most of the south's top anglers to fish here. The candle, as a surface fishing method was born there. The silvers fishing could be epic. Silver fish star Kev Folwell has caught weights of silvers up to 70lb !
So, match anglers, anglers chasing specimen carp, those trying to learn the skills of angling and those who just want a quiet peaceful spot to unwind have all enjoyed being here.
Please, if you are able, try to make a donation, no matter how small to get this lovely fishery back to where it belongs. It has a rich history that is well worth preserving and continuing.
Any funds raised will go directly to repairing the lake and eventually to restocking.
Thank you for reading this far :o)