April - June 2026
Fishing Success and Wildlife Encounters on the Airman and River Stretches Click On Picture For More News
News from the Banks – Heat, Highlights and a Few Missed Emails
Willington in the Heat – Big Weights Through a Tough Week
With temperatures hitting record levels across the UK, most anglers would be forgiven for taking it easy. Not so for Mick Baldwin, who has certainly earned his nickname this week "Mad Dog Baldwin".
Fishing at Willington across three sessions, Mick put together a remarkable run of bream catches despite the conditions.
On the Monday he landed 18 bream to a best of 6lb 12oz for a total weight comfortably over the hundred-pound mark. Wednesday followed a similar pattern, including a bonus mirror carp, again pushing him past 100lb for the day.
By Friday, the conditions had clearly taken their toll. It became a case of constant adjustment and hard graft, with fish harder to pin down and tench showing but not feeding. Even so, he still managed a further haul, bringing his three-day tally to just under 290lb – a superb effort by any measure, and incredibly close to a 300lb week.
By his own admission, he was completely worn out by the end of it, which says everything about the effort involved.
Broom Lake – Letting the Fishing Do the Talking
There’s been a bit of mixed commentary about Broom Lake recently, but the latest reports are starting to tell a different story.
Shane Pepper set the tone with a productive weekend session, landing seven fish in total, all on boilies. The highlight was a quality ghost carp at 22lb 14oz, backed up by several mirrors and commons into the mid to high teens. The action came mainly in the early hours and mornings, showing that putting the time in is key.
Hot on the heels of that, another report has come in from Stuart Bragg a Saturday night session which looked like it might be heading for a blank. Fortunately, Sunday morning told a different story with a well-earned 18lb common saving the session.
Taken together, these catches show exactly what Broom is capable of. It might not always be easy fishing, but the fish are clearly there, and for those willing to stay patient and put the effort in, the rewards are there to be had.
Hot on the heels of the recent reports, Michael Huntley has also been in touch after an overnight at Broom. Arriving Friday evening, the session looked like it might be a quiet one, but patience paid off the following day with a mirror of 12lb 10oz landed late Saturday morning. Despite no further bites before packing up mid-afternoon, it was enough to turn things around and avoid a blank – another example of how Broom can reward those who stick it out.
It’s been a busy period on the bank, with some excellent catches reported across the waters – even if a couple of those reports took the scenic route through the inbox before reaching us.
Just a quick reminder before we start: if you want your catches featured, please send reports and photos to nftb@shefforddaa.org.uk. It helps us get them out in good time and makes sure nothing gets missed.
A Belated One from Willington – But Worth the Wait
This report arrived a little later than intended, but it’s one that deserved to be shared.
Terry Smith spent an overnight session at Willington and recorded what he described as his best visit to the venue. The session produced a 24lb 4oz mirror carp alongside a 17lb common, as well as a couple of decent bream.
It’s exactly the sort of session most anglers hope for when they settle in for the night, and a good reminder of what the water can produce.
A Short Trip from “The Airman”
Finally, a quick note from Andy Ayres, who managed a short session and picked up two carp off the surface, one mirror and one common.
Meanwhile, his Dad took on the tench, which were seen but not tempted, resulting in a blank and a bit too much sun. That’s fishing in a heatwave for you.
Closing Note
It’s been great to see a mix of waters producing fish across different styles of fishing, even in challenging conditions. From big bream hauls through to short sessions and overnight successes, it all adds up to a strong period on the bank.
Keep the reports coming in, and make sure they land in the right place – we’ll do the rest.
Tight lines.
A Mixed Week on the Bank with Standout Catches
The past couple of weeks have presented some challenging conditions for anglers, with weed growth impacting several waters and making consistent results harder to come by. However, as always, those willing to adapt and put the effort in are still finding success – as this week’s catch reports clearly show.
Outstanding Overnight Session for Lewis Cockrane
Kicking things off, young angler Lewis Cockrane (18) made the most of the opening night of the season with a short but incredibly productive 12-hour overnight session at the Airman.
Fishing alongside his father, Danny, Lewis got off to a great start by landing a solid 14lb common carp, setting the tone for what would turn into a memorable night.
Not content with that, Lewis then went on to achieve something truly special – landing a personal best catfish weighing an impressive 55lb 3oz.
This was not only a milestone catch but a testament to perseverance, preparation, and making the most of the opportunity when it comes along.
Catches like this are what make angling so rewarding, and it’s fantastic to see younger members achieving such standout results early in the season.
Improving Sport at Willington
Elsewhere, Mick Baldwin reported on improving sport at Willington after what he described as a relatively slow couple of weeks across the board.
On a recent session, Mick managed to put together a very respectable net of 6 bream, with the best fish weighing 6lb 6oz, contributing to a total haul of approximately 33lb.
While not headline-grabbing in size, catches like this reflect solid angling and consistency – particularly in challenging conditions.
A Strong Weekend at the Airman Shane Pepper
Date of Session: 14 June 2026
Shane Pepper, who spent the weekend fishing The Airman with excellent results.
Shane recorded multiple species across his session, demonstrating both the quality and diversity of the fishery:
Catfish: Two specimens weighing 32lb 9oz and 33lb 4oz
Carp: Two fish in the mid-double range
Tench: One fish estimated at 2–3lb
All captures were made using boilies, with the catfish responding particularly well to 20mm hookbaits. These results reflect the continued health of the water and reinforce The Airman’s reputation as a venue capable of producing quality specimen fish.
Session Date: 12 June 2026 - Stuart Bragg - Broom Lake
Stuart did an overnight at Broom on the Friday. He had a run about midnight resulting in a small bream. About 8 in the morning he banked a very nice 16lb Mirror.
River Bailiff Update – Wildlife Encounter
During routine river inspections, Julian Peacock reported an encounter with a grass snake approximately three feet in length.
While entirely harmless, the snake understandably made an impression during the inspection round and serves as a useful reminder that:
Our fisheries support a wide range of native wildlife
Riverbanks and stillwaters form part of a broader natural ecosystem
Members may occasionally encounter species that are unexpected but important to biodiversity
Grass snakes are non-venomous and protected under UK wildlife legislation. Members should observe wildlife from a safe distance and avoid disturbance.
Willington Lake Session Report – Terry Smith
Date of Session: 1 June 2026
Terry Smith has shared a catch report from an overnight session at Willington Lake, demonstrating both perseverance and the rewards of fishing through challenging conditions.
Arriving on the evening of 1 June, Terry found himself with the lake entirely to himself from around 19:00, likely due to an unfavourable weather forecast. The conditions proved to be as expected, with persistent rain throughout much of the session. However, the decision to stay paid dividends.
The session produced a total of five fish across multiple species, making for a varied and enjoyable outing:
Two Tench, with the larger specimen weighing 4lb 7oz. This fish was notable for its split dorsal fin and is shown in the accompanying photograph. The second tench, estimated at around 3lb, was in excellent condition.
Two Bream, including a standout fish of 6lb 8oz, setting a new personal best for Terry on the lake. Notably, this fish was caught while packing away at the end of the session. In an interesting twist, it had not triggered the bite alarm despite a heavy bobbin being in use.
One Common Carp, weighing 11lb. Photographs were taken, although the quality was affected by the weather conditions at the time.
After a wet and testing night, the session concluded with a welcome break in the weather, allowing Terry to pack away in the sunshine – a fitting end to a successful trip.
This report highlights the value of persistence, particularly when conditions deter others. Having the lake to oneself and staying committed through adverse weather can often result in rewarding and memorable catches.
Congratulations to Terry on a new lake personal best and an excellent mixed catch.
Early June Fishing Update
It’s been an interesting few weeks across the club waters, with a mixture of encouraging catches, challenging conditions, and even a surprise wildlife encounter to keep things memorable.
Member Mick Baldwin has been out making the most of the sessions available, reporting a productive earlier trip with two carp and a bream to an impressive 15lb 8oz. A great result and reward for time spent on the bank.
A return visit in early June, however, proved a little more testing. Despite expectations of ideal conditions, the weather didn’t quite deliver, and the fishing reflected that. Nevertheless, Mick still managed a bream and a well-earned 6lb 8oz tench, showing that perseverance continues to pay off even when conditions are less than favourable.
These sessions are a good reminder that while the forecasts may look promising, the reality on the bank can often tell a different story — and making the most of those opportunities is what counts.
A Notable Visitor Over Willington
Alongside the fishing, there has also been an unusual and much-talked-about wildlife sighting.
Around three weeks prior, a large bird of prey was seen flying low across Willington. Initially unidentified, the sighting raised plenty of curiosity among those present. Mick reported seeing the bird again around ten days later, prompting further discussion.
It later emerged that a Bald Eagle named Aspen had been at large in the area for a period of time. Aspen was subsequently recaptured in Cardington on Monday 1 June, which aligns with the timing of these sightings.
While we can’t confirm with certainty that this was the same bird, it certainly adds an interesting dimension to time spent by the water. If any other members or visitors spotted the bird — particularly if you managed to take a photograph — the club would be very interested to hear from you.
Closing Thoughts
Despite mixed conditions, it’s great to see members continuing to get out, put in the effort, and share both their catches and experiences. From solid fish on the bank to memorable wildlife encounters, it all contributes to what makes our waters special.
As always, we welcome updates from members — whether it’s your latest catch, an interesting sighting, or simply a good day spent on the bank.
Tight lines to all.
With water temperatures on the increase the carp on SDAA waters have been in a more obliging mood in recent weeks. Daniel Ryan’s recent first 24h session of 2026 at The Airman produced 3 mirror carp of 16lb 7oz, 17lb 2oz & 20lb 8oz and his next 24h session was even more successful landing 6 mirrors of 14lb 9oz, 15lb 12oz, 18lb 4oz, 19lb 1oz, 19lb 4oz & 19lb 9oz. A recent overnight session at Broom Lake produced a 22lb mirror and 15lb common for Dave Cowell. Terry Smith enjoyed a productive session at Willington Lake landing a 24lb 4oz mirror, 17lb common and two bream to 5lb 7oz.
A couple of great catches from Mick Baldwin this week
Mick has been enjoying some quality sport down at Willington Lake, landing a cracking Tench at 7lb 6oz and a lovely Carp weighing in at 11lb 2oz.
Well done Mick — great results and a couple of fish to be proud of!
Introducing Our New Chair – Julian Peacock
We’re delighted to introduce Julian Peacock as the new Chair of the club.
Julian brings with him a lifetime of angling experience, a genuine commitment to our waters, and a clear belief in the importance of volunteers to the long‑term health of the club. Over recent years, many members will already know Julian through his positive and approachable presence while helping to bailiff our waters, and his willingness to give time back to the club.
In his own words, Julian explains what drew him into volunteering and what motivates him to step forward into the role of Chair:
“As a passionate multi-species angler for over four decades I felt a burgeoning urge to give something back. Three years ago I attended my first ever club AGM with the intention of discovering if I could help in some way with my local angling club. Since that evening I have helped bailiff our waters in a positive and engaging way, reminding me that I like people almost as much as I love fishing! Volunteers are the beating heart of our club and if you feel like I do and are considering helping us, please don’t hesitate to reach out!”
Cheers and tight lines,
Julian Peacock
Mick Baldwin has concentrated on Willington Lake during April and has found the bream in obliging mood. 1st April – 5 bream, 1 tench and 1 carp for 44lb 11oz,; 3rd April – 9 bream for 53lb 4oz; 8th April – 2 bream and 1 tench for 17lb 6oz; 17th April – 20 bream to 7lb 8oz and 1 carp for 138lb 3oz. Since starting his spring campaign in March with a couple of blanks, Mick has now amassed a total weight of 525lb 9oz and has landed 81 bream, 3 carp and 2 tench from SDAA waters.
Welcoming Our New President – Colin Stitt
We are pleased to announce Colin Stitt as the club’s new President.
A lifelong angler, Colin’s journey began in the clear waters of Scotland’s rivers and lochs, developing a deep appreciation for angling that has stayed with him throughout his life. Many members will also know Colin through his long and valued service as a committee member of the SDAA, where he has consistently demonstrated commitment not only to angling and our waters, but to the members who enjoy them.
Colin is a strong advocate for the wellbeing benefits of angling, echoing the sentiments of Izaak Walton who, as early as circa 1650, famously described angling as “the contemplative man’s recreation” — a peaceful pursuit offering mental clarity and respite from the pressures of daily life.
Pictured below, Colin is seen awarding the Centenary Cup to myself, Dean Ayres, in recognition of services to the Club.
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