A prime stretch of the lower Loddon consisting of just over a mile of single bank fishing located between Hurst and Woodley. The river is a medium to fast pace with an average depth of four to six feet, with some deeper holes. Plenty of tree cover and features, with luxuriant weed growth in the summer months. Barbel well into double figures and chub to 7lb are the main target species, plus pike, perch roach and dace. In 2015 it also produced the Loddon’s first known catfish!

 

The single-bank stretch runs from the Emmbrook’s confluence with the Loddon, downstream along the Hurst bank to meet up with the club’s Whistley Mill fishery. TDFC acquired the rights to this section of the Loddon following an approach from a local conservation group, The Friends of Lavell’s Lake. At the request of our “landlords”, fishing is from pegged swims only in order to protect wildfowl nesting areas.

 

The upstream boundary is the green foot bridge which crosses the Emmbrook, which is about 200 metres downstream of Sandford Lane bridge. Members are requested to use the existing club car park at Sandford Mill to access this fishery.

 

Lavell’s has much in common with other stretches of the Lower Loddon; a relatively low population of large barbel and chub offering a considerable challenge to the specimen hunter; lots of potential for those who like to run a float through for silvers or to have a few hours’ fun with a lure rod after perch, pike and chub. The river is crammed with features and the fish respond to a variety of tactics and baits.

 

Barbel are synonymous with the hours of darkness and members are allowed to night fish the Lavell’s fishery. Don’t, however, neglect the daytime – Lavell’s barbel definitely do feed during daylight hours and many a breakfast session has been rewarded with a nice fish.