Orchid Lakes
Orchid Lakes is owned and managed by big fish specialist and expert Marsh Pratley. The complex is situated in the heart of the Thames Valley, just south of Oxford off the A34 and about one mile from the delightful and historic village of Dorchester.
There are three, well stocked, mature gravel pits on the complex which is set in delightful surroundings. The lakes are surrounded by large mature oak, poplars and magnificent weeping willows which offer protection and privacy and gives the lakes a renown and well deserved aesthetic appeal. The complex has a long history in terms of carp angling and day tickets. In 1995 Marsh Pratley became the new owner and swiftly started the herculean task of transforming the water into what is now one of the best organised day ticket fishery in the country and one by which future fisheries will be measured. Besides the stock of carp (more of which later) the lakes are maintained in perfect order. Marsh has created very large, purpose built swims, which have to be seen to be believed, in prominent areas around Orchid Lake as well as providing anglers with a superb recently constructed club house with ladies, gents and disabled toilets together with a shower for those wishing to spend a bit longer on the bank. The lodge also has a cafe where you can talk fishing over a nice cup of tea. Transport is also available to take you and your tackle to your chosen swim.
With security uppermost in Marsh's mind he has a 24 hour a day presence on site. The office and gates open at 8am and close at 8pm or sunset, whichever is earlier.
All 30lb. fish must be reported immediately REGARDLESS of whether it is day or night. He will ensure that you get some decent photos which will be developed ASAP, AT NO COST TO YOU. Similarly, he will attend at any time for a snagged fish or bird.
LOCATION
From M1 Take the A43 at Junction 15A signposted Oxford/Northampton, after 25 miles pick up the M40 and head towards Oxford, 5 miles on take Junction 9 and pick up the A34 to Oxford. After 12 miles take the slip rd and follow the Cowley/Henley Rd. At the 2nd roundabout take the A4074 towards Henley, at the 2nd roundabout 5 miles on, turn right, after 100 yards turn left and Orchid Lakes is 400 yards on the left.
From M4 South Take Junction 8/9, go through Henley and pick up the A4130 to Wallingford, just outside of Wallingford pick up the A4074 to Oxford, at the third roundabout turn left, 100 yards turn left and Orchid Lakes is 400 yards on the left
From M4 North Take Junction 13 and pick up the A34 towards Oxford, take the A415 through Abingdon and follow it for 5 miles, turn off for Dorchester On Thames and Orchid Lakes is 400 yards on the leftFrom M4 North Take Junction 13 and pick up the A34 towards Oxford, take the A415 through Abingdon and follow it for 5 miles, turn off for Dorchester On Thames and Orchid Lakes is 400 yards on the left
Orchid Lake
At 17.6 acres this delightful lake is surrounded by an abundance of mature trees, including many impressive weeping willows, which convey a feeling of seclusion in many of the custom built swims. Although the lake has, over the years, become well known for the quality of its general fishing it has recently come to National prominence for its reputation for producing very large carp.
In the last 4 years 24 different 30's have been recorded - 8 of which are commons. Backing this up, there are perhaps some 200 carp up to 30lbs. See the carp gallery for a selection of some of these superb fish.
As one would expect on a specialist carp fishery, the swims have been purpose built to meet anglers' requirements.
Orchid lake probably offers one of the best chance of a thirty, or that you could possibly have on any day ticket water in the country. Along the way you can experience the pleasure of attending an extremely well run, secure and very attractive fishery.