Earls Colne Swim 1 Double Swim (Berts Swim)

Due to limited swims at Earls Colne, a double swim is priced for 2 fisherman and not a single person.  Single fisherman are able to fish on the single swims and if wanting to book a double swim will have to pay the double swim price.  This rule ensures that it is fair for everyone and we can maximise the opportunity for more people to fish.  *should a double swim not be booked, the management reserves the right to offer this to a single fisherman*. 

Swim 1 on Earls Colne is one of the most popular swims and also known as 'Berts' swim. Bert was the managements golden retriever who spent many nights at Earls Colne while it was being prepared to be fished by the general public.  Swim 1 is a double swim  and one of the largest swims on the lake.  It has lilies to the left and an aerator out in front and to the right hand side you have great margins and the beach where many carp ad cats get caught. 

This is a stepped swim and and to the left hand side there is a walk through to swim 2 and 3 as well as a barbecue area that has to be kept clean at all times.  Barbecues are fine, however the management reserves the right to prevent fires and barbecues in extreme dry weather.  If you are a party of 5 people, then book swim 1,2,3 and you can socialise at your leisure.  

Swim 1 is the shady side of the lake, and very often fisherman prefer this side of the lake in those hot summer days and sweaty nights.  In the winter though, many prefer to be at the other side of the lake as this is warmer as the nights start to draw in.

Earls Colne is up to 30 foot deep when full, however this is a irrigation lake for the golf course and can drop by up to 8 feet, but obviously this still leaves a great depth of water.  About 3 rod lengths out (when full) and 2 rod lengths when dropped, there is a drop off from 9 foot to about 22 foot and fish will often be caught on this shelf as this is a safe area. 

Swim 1 is a prime swim and as with all swims you can drive up, drop gear, then park your car and come back to set up.  Dog walkers, office workers and golfers, all use this path so we ask everyone to move their car before starting to set up.  This has a private gate, but can be accessed from swim 2 and 3, but we ask that every fisherman keeps the gate closed at all times (except when going through obviously).  Don't forget that you need to dip your nets, boats, fish handling gear before fishing and ideally before you enter the swim for fish protection.  

Fishing for cats? then please read the rules and ensure that you have cat fish care sprays with you or you will have to go and buy or purchase at the lake. You can live bait as long as the fish are caught at the lake and you can order your maggots prior to coming to ensure that they are there on the day.  If you have left over fish such as mackerel or squid, please do not just throw into the water as often these will just build up and go off, please use the big blue bin by the toilets as you can with all rubbish (do not leave in the toilets).

Swim 1 is a management favourite and you will love spending your time on this great swim.

The whole lake is otter fenced and you have a gate on your swim that must be closed as much as possible to prevent these and other animals entering the lake.  Times are 7am-7pm and 7pm -7am and these are strict timings, this means is you are welcome to turn up at 10am but you will be booked until 7pm.  Please respect other fishermen by ensuring that you do not use generators, have loud music, constant bright lights or cars running.  Vehicles cannot be parked at the swims so that emergency services have full access to the whole lake.