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Longwater Fishing Lake

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Longwater Fishing Lake

A page for the Longwater Course Fishing Lake in Erlestoke. Ran by Adrian and Pam Hampton. Just you, a rod and the fish.

A page for the Longwater Course Fishing Lake in Erlestoke Wiltshire. Boasting a plethora of fishin it's 8 acres of water including Bream and Carp, the latter hitting weights of 30lbs, this is a quiet calm lake where you are tucked away from the world. Ran by Pam & Adrian Hampton for the last 3 decades, a great family run catch and release lake.

28/08/2026

Lake Update: Winter Tickets, Fish, and Other Rare Sightings

Firstly, thank you to everyone who's been asking about winter tickets. At the moment, the lake is so quiet that the fish are probably starting to think it is the closed season.

We've had just a handful of anglers down there all week, and until today the fishing had been excellent. Unfortunately, the weather appears to have put the fish into "working from home" mode, with reports suggesting they've completely switched off. Hopefully they'll have found their appetite again by the morning.

Because the lake remains unusually quiet, I'm keeping a close eye on things over the next couple of weeks. If it stays this way, I'll likely release the 10 winter tickets earlier than usual, potentially with an announcement towards the end of September and tickets available in early October.

As always, winter ticket holders will continue to receive first refusal on membership for the following season. To preserve the quality of fishing, numbers will remain strictly limited. The fish deserve some peace and quiet too.

On another note, while excavating a drawer that hasn't seen daylight since the last century, I discovered a collection of old lake photographs dating back to the 1980s. I attach the photos of the top lake near the fisherman's car park. The images show just how dramatically the landscape has changed over the last 40 years and how quickly nature can take over when nobody's looking.

So, in summary: the lake is quiet, the fishing has been good, the fish had a day off today, winter tickets may arrive early, and I've accidentally become curator of the Longwater Historical Archive.

Enjoy the photos! 🎣📸🌳

21/08/2026

Rain Returns... and So Do the Anglers!

After what can only be described as a suspiciously quiet week on the lake, the rain has finally returned, which usually means one thing... the anglers won't be far behind.

This week has been remarkably peaceful, with a maximum of just three anglers on the bank at any one time, and on one night absolutely nobody fishing at all. The fish, however, clearly didn't get the memo, as the lake continues to fish well.

The changing weather has also brought a timely reminder about bank safety. A tree came down this morning, highlighting the importance of checking the area around your chosen swim before setting up. Please take a moment to look up as well as look out when selecting your spot.

I inspect the lake every day and will undertake work where required :). The tree has been removed.

The recent rainfall will also be welcomed by the vegetation around the lake. After looking a little tired during the dry spell, everything is likely to spring back to life, turning green and growing at a rate that will no doubt keep both nature and the strimmer fully employed.

Finally, apologies to everyone who has emailed regarding winter tickets. Thank you for your patience. I'll be catching up on correspondence this weekend and will reply to everyone as soon as possible.

In the meantime, enjoy the rain, enjoy the fishing, and remember: if the fish are feeding and the kettle's on, a little drizzle never hurt anyone.

Tight lines! 🎣

17/08/2026

Lake Update 🎣

Well, yesterday we absolutely quadrupled the number of anglers on the lake. Instead of the usual solitary soul talking to the ducks, we had four members fishing at once. I think it even peaked at five at one point. Frankly, it was so busy I nearly had to look into traffic management measures.

The weather seems to have had a bit of an impact on the weights. The larger fish are currently topping out nearer 30lb rather than 35lb, which is apparently their way of telling us they're on a summer diet.

A huge thank you to everyone fishing. Members continue to be extremely sensible with fish handling, which is great to see. The fish are undoubtedly grateful, although they remain strangely reluctant to send thank-you cards.

I normally spend most of my time moaning about the lake being spring-fed, but with the current lack of water everywhere, having a constant supply of fresh running water is proving to be an absolute lifesaver. Quite literally.

Fishing has remained surprisingly good. To be honest, I was convinced it would slow right down, which once again proves that fish enjoy making me look foolish.

We are still very dry around the lake, so please continue to do everything possible to avoid fires. One careless moment and we'll all have bigger problems than blanking for the day.

For those asking about joining, if any spaces become available, I'll let more members in. At the moment, however, the lake remains full. The next likely opportunity will be when winter tickets become available in a few weeks.

And finally, a genuinely terrifying thought: mentioning winter tickets means we're now only about four months away from Christmas. I've no idea how that happened. It was March about ten minutes ago.

04/08/2026

For those non-anglers reading this page -

🎣☀️ Hot Weather Carp Facts for Non-Anglers! ☀️🎣

Think it's only people who struggle in a heatwave? Carp do too!

🐟 Carp are basically the sunbathers of the fish world. On hot days you'll often spot them cruising lazily near the surface, soaking up the warmth and taking it easy.

💨 They love fresh air... well, as much as a fish can! Warm water holds less oxygen, so carp head for breezy banks, shaded areas, and spots where fresh water enters the lake.

🍽️ Even carp lose their appetite in the heat. Just like many of us don't fancy a huge roast dinner on a scorching day, carp often prefer lighter meals and smaller snacks.

🌅 They're early birds and night owls. Some of the most active feeding periods are at dawn, dusk, and overnight when temperatures are cooler.

👀 Location, location, location! Experienced anglers spend as much time looking for fish as actually fishing. Finding where the carp are holding up is often the biggest key to success.

❤️ Fish welfare matters. During hot weather, responsible anglers take extra care by keeping equipment cool and wet, and returning fish to the water as quickly as possible.

🤔 Did you know? The largest carp at Loingwater can weigh over 30lb, which is heavier than many dogs!

So next time you see carp basking on a warm summer day, they're not being lazy... they're simply keeping cool and conserving energy until feeding time arrives.

LW

02/08/2026

Well this hot weather continues and we are in for another dry hot week.

So just a reminder to all.

Fishermen first: keep yourself cool
• Drink water, wear a hat, use sun cream and take shade breaks. Do not try to out-brave the sun — it cheats.
• Look up before setting up. Avoid fishing or pitching under weak, cracked or overhanging tree limbs.
• No barbecues for the moment. Dry grass plus hot coals equals an avoidable drama.
• If camping, keep tents ventilated, store food safely, keep water topped up, and use stoves only where allowed and well away from dry grass or tents.

Hot weather fishing: help fish keep their cool too
Warm water holds less oxygen, so fish tire faster, recover more slowly and need extra care from anglers.

Why it matters
Heatwaves can quickly reduce oxygen levels. In short: hot water is not a fish spa.

Know the risk levels
• Big fish and hard-fighting fish are most at risk.
• Land fish quickly, use wet hands and unhook them in the water where possible.
• Return fish only when they are strong and steady.

Keep safe.

LW

13/07/2026

OK, I’ll hold my hands up — I got that one wrong. It was just the two usual suspects down at the lake today.

The carp are still coming out around the 30 lb mark too, which is excellent to see — especially in this heat. Clearly, they are coping better than most of us.

On a more serious note, the hot weather has taken its toll on some of the trees around the site. I had to remove a couple over the weekend because of heat-related damage, so please take a moment when setting up to check what is above you before you get comfortable.

I am checking the grounds twice a day and doing everything I can to stay on top of it, but a quick look up before pitching, or settling in is strongly advised. If anything looks unsafe, damaged, or questionable, please choose another spot and let me know.

When camping in hot weather, shade is your friend — just make sure it is safe shade, not the sort that comes with surprise branches. Mature trees and natural cover can help keep things cooler, but avoid setting up under anything that looks stressed, cracked, dead, leaning, or recently damaged.

Choose a pitch with good airflow where possible, avoid low-lying areas that trap heat and humidity, and think about how the sun will move through the day. Facing your tent away from the morning sun, and using a reflective tarp or sunshade can all help keep the tent more comfortable.

A breathable tent also makes a big difference. Look for good ventilation, mesh panels, doors or windows that can be opened safely, and a rainfly that allows air to move through. In short: keep cool, keep comfortable, and please keep an eye on what is above you.

LW

11/07/2026

Not sure where everybody is tonight, but there is currently a grand total of one mad-soul around the lake. It was much the same yesterday as well. Either everyone has discovered air conditioning, or they've decided that sitting in an oven isn't the best recreational activity! Or maybe it is the football!

To be fair, the heat down there is a bit challenging at the moment, so if you're heading out, come prepared with plenty of water, sunscreen, and perhaps a portable iceberg.

Of course, every time I post on Facebook saying it's quiet, six people turn up the following day and ask what on earth I was talking about. So we'll see what tomorrow brings!

As it's been so peaceful, I've taken the opportunity to get the mower out again and tidy around the lake. The grass is looking great, and at least when you arrive everything should be looking neat and presentable.

Tomorrow's exciting task is another battle against the brambles, or as my mum always calls them, "the blackberry bushes." They were cut back last week, but clearly nobody told them. They're growing at an astonishing rate and seem determined to reclaim the countryside before the end of summer.

I'm sure you've all seen my recent clip of the barn owls. They are absolutely thriving at the moment and seem to be enjoying the lake even more than the rest of us.

The good news for hay fever sufferers is that the fields around the lake are now progressing nicely through the haymaking process. The fields on the north side have been baled today, and the fields on the south side should be completed over the next few days. Hopefully, with the hay now off the ground, there will be a little relief for anyone who has spent the past fortnight sneezing their way around the lake.

So, whether you're one of tonight's hardy mad-souls or one of tomorrow's surprise visitors, enjoy yourselves, take care in the heat, stay safe, and make the most of this glorious weather while it lasts.

See you down at the lake!

LW 🌞🚜🦉🌾🍇

09/07/2026

Important Health Reminder – Leptospirosis (Weil's Disease)

Many members will be aware that one of our well-known members has recently contracted Leptospirosis (Weil's Disease). We are very pleased to hear that recovery is progressing well and we wish a full and speedy recovery.

Whilst cases remain relatively uncommon, this serves as an important reminder to all of us that Leptospirosis is a serious illness and that anyone spending time on or around freshwater should take sensible precautions.

What is Leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that is most commonly spread through the urine of infected animals, particularly rats. Infection can occur when contaminated water or mud enters the body through:

Cuts, grazes or broken skin
The eyes, nose or mouth
Swallowing contaminated water

Those involved in watersports, fishing, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding and other activities around freshwater environments can potentially be exposed.

How Can You Protect Yourself?

Simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk:

Cover all cuts and grazes with waterproof dressings before going on the water.
Avoid swallowing water where possible.
Wash hands thoroughly before eating, drinking or smoking.
Wear appropriate footwear to reduce the risk of cuts and abrasions.
Shower and wash exposed skin after water activities where practical.
Clean and cover any wounds as soon as possible.
Know the Symptoms

Early symptoms can resemble flu and may include:

High temperature
Headache
Muscle aches
Chills
Nausea or vomiting

If you develop flu-like symptoms after being in freshwater or muddy environments, seek medical advice promptly and make sure you tell the healthcare professional about your recent water-based activities.

Looking After Ourselves and Each Other

The vast majority of people enjoy water-based activities for many years without issue, but awareness remains one of the best forms of protection. This recent case is a timely reminder that good hygiene and simple precautions can make a significant difference.

Once again, we are delighted to hear that our member is recovering well and we send best wishes for a full recovery. Let's all take a moment to refresh ourselves on the risks and make safety part of every trip on the water.

23/06/2026

Quick lake update from the surface of the sun: it is going to be ridiculously hot over the next few days, so hot that even the ducks are considering filing a formal complaint. With the shallow lake and the heat warning doing its best impression of a disaster movie trailer, fishing is going to be “character building” — which is the polite countryside way of saying you may spend several hours slowly roasting while arguing with a fish that has absolutely no intention of helping your self-esteem. That said, if you do manage to catch something, please do enjoy the full Olympic podium moment: pride, achievement, and possibly mild dehydration. There are lots of fish moving in the lake, mainly to remind everyone that they are there, they are smug, and they can see your bait but have chosen emotional warfare instead. The wildlife has also been putting on a show: last night the owls were out, gliding around the lake like tiny feathered security guards on the night shift. So here is a lovely clip of an owl patrolling the water, keeping the one brave fisherman company — a man so committed to the cause that even the sun looked down and said, “steady on, mate.”

21/06/2026

Lake Update: Warm Weather, Common Sense and Emergency Lines

Another fairly quiet weekend, which will no doubt have encouraged everyone to come down tomorrow. With temperatures where they are, though, fishing is likely to be tough for the next few days. In short: bring patience, plenty of water, and perhaps lower your expectations before the fish do it for you.

I have done the litter bins, completed the lake and car park cut, cleaned all the toilets, and taken care of the general jobs around the lake. Hopefully everything is now in place and ready. If you spot any tree work that needs attention while you are down there, please have a good look around and give me a bell.

Spent five hours again today collecting a machine for the lake, I say collecting as upon inspection the machine did not come back with me, as I needed it to work and not be a monument to bad decisiosn. I am still trying!!!

Questions, Rules and Clarity
Thank you to the members who have been asking questions about what is involved, what is in the rules, and what is not. It is always good to seek clarity, and I hope my answers have helped. If anything is still unclear, please do not be afraid to ask again. I am always happy to try and give you my view, even if I occasionally have to translate it from “lakekeeper waffle” into normal English.

What Counts as an Emergency? A Simple Rule of Thumb
An emergency is something that requires immediate attention and cannot reasonably be managed by members at the time. If there is a safe, sensible temporary solution, please use it, report the issue, and we will deal with it properly as soon as we can.

Hopefully that gives a bit more clarity. Thank you again to everyone who has asked questions in the right spirit. It is much better to ask than guess, especially when guessing usually involves me receiving a phone call that starts with, “You might want to sit down.”

Thank You
It has been lovely walking around the lake over the last few days. I am grateful to everyone for helping make it such a welcoming and enjoyable place to be. Thank you for making me feel so welcome down there.

Look after yourselves, enjoy your fishing, and I will see you all soon.

Address

Lower Road
Devizes
SN105

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+441380830294

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