Lake note 02 · Milton
Milton Lake
The three-acre lake dug in 1991 to take pressure off the main lake, best known for its golden crucian carp, tench and big summer bags.
Figures
At a glance
3 acres
The larger of the two lakes dug in 1991
30
Large wooden platforms, generously spaced
3–4 ft
Average depth
Nearly 4 lb
Crucian carp in later years (3 lb in 2002)
250 lb
Pleasure catches reported in spring and summer
40 lb
Winter silver-fish bags on bloodworm
The lake
Milton and its smaller neighbour were both created in 1991 “to relieve pressure on the main lake” [Archive, 31 January 2002]. Islands and underwater features were shaped to hold fish, and the banks were planted with thousands of lilies, reeds, trees and shrubs.
At three acres with an average depth of 3–4 ft, it was fished from 30 large wooden platforms. The fishery kept carp numbers down “to ensure that the tench and crucian carp fishing dominates” [Archive, 31 January 2002].
The fishing
In 2002 the fishery described large shoals of crucians to 3 lb, tench to 7 lb, and golden rudd and roach running close to 2 lb [Archive, 31 January 2002]. The former operator later described its crucians as approaching 4 lb [Operator site, 26 October 2026].
Match nets over 70 lb were “a normal occurrence” and the fishery reported pleasure catches up to 250 lb in spring and summer. In winter, when bloodworm was allowed, silver-fish bags reached 40 lb [Archive, 31 January 2002]. See tench, bream and crucian.
Closure
From March 2023 the remaining lakes were fished on day membership rather than open day tickets [Operator site, 26 October 2026]. The venue closed completely in February 2025 [Report, December 2025]; anglers were already posting farewells that month [Report, February 2025]. The full sequence is in the Closure Record.
From the old site
Restored original pages
- Milton Lake page (2002)/Milton.htm
- The Fishery page (2002)/fishery.htm
These pages are restored at their original addresses. See the full index of restored pages.
Also at Bury Hill
The other lakes
Lake note 01 · Old Bury Hill
Old Bury Hill Lake
The 12.5-acre spring-fed estate lake. Waggler, feeder and boat water; carp and pike to 30lb, zander to 16lb.
Lake note 03 · Bonds
Bonds Lake
Two acres around a central island. Hard-fighting carp in big numbers.
Lake note 04 · Temple
Temple Lake
Four acres, built in 2002. The specimen carp water, with fish over 40lb.
Questions
Frequently asked
When was Milton Lake dug?
In 1991, together with Bonds Lake, to take pressure off the main lake.
What was Milton Lake known for?
Crucian carp and tench. In 2002 crucians ran to 3 lb and tench to 7 lb; the former operator later described crucians approaching 4 lb.