Fishing Clubs in the South-East

DORKING AND DISTRICT ANGLING SOCIETY

Dorking AS have the rights to some prolific fishing on the prime middle reaches of the River Mole, some 3 miles of fishing offering the river enthusiast the chance to pursue his running water skills, the club also has access to 4 small stillwaters. Waters are available to members only, guests can purchase a guest ticket (before fishing) providing they are accompanied by a member (one guest per member). The club observes the traditional close season and all waters are closed 15th March until June 16th.

The club has an active match scene (Senior & Junior), yet rotates it's venues to ensure the pleasure angler has equal opportunities to enjoy the waters on offer. Matches are run every weekend throughout the summer, using the River Mole and fishing on other clubs stillwaters in Inter-club events. A small number of opens are organised and
the venues host the River Mole Championships, Surrey Winter League and Top 40 events. RIVER MOLE (Castlefields, Puddenhole, Bathing Field, North Bank, Stepping Stones & Norbury Park)

Dorking AS lease or own each section running from the upstream boundary at Castle Fields (adjacent to Brockham AS water) downstream to Leatherhead DAS 'Tunnel' section at Norbury Park. This is a small meandering river, weedy in summer and prone to flooding in winter, yet catch it right and a 'Red Letter' day is guaranteed, their are 150 permanent pegs and members will tell you each peg has a shoal of Chub, it's just that some shoals are larger than others !! Chub are the predominant specie, Roach and Dace are making a come back, An Xmas match being won with 25lbs of Roach from a stretch where they rarely show, get the water colour right and they appear from nowhere. More anglers are targeting the Carp, Pike and Barbel all of which run to double figures, the river also has a large head of Perch to 4 lbs (av 1.8) that seem to show surprisingly more in the summer when the minnow's are active. Odd Trout, Crucians and Tench will put in an appearance, each section also holds a resident shoal of Bream. The river is one of the best kept secrets amongst Surrey anglers, a true aquarium !

CASTLEFIELDS POND
This small rectangular pond, average depth 3' can accommodate 20 anglers, it has a small Island at one end and is naturally spring fed, water levels are also kept up when the River Mole has it's annual winter floods. All species are present including Chub and Dace (from the river). Without doubt the IN method is to margin fish with Pellet, Meat or Corn, fish into any warm wind as Ross advocates elsewhere on this site and the Carp which run to mid-doubles will oblige, Crucians and Skimmers can also be caught. This is an excellent winter venue for silver fish, it produces in all conditions, Roach and Skimmers
abound and some surprisingly large Perch can be caught.

PUDDENHOLE POND
Recently purchased and re-excavated, this venue holds the same types of fish as Castlefields, although perhaps not quite so prolific. Large uncaught Roach can be targeted as well as the traditional stillwater species. The carp grow to 10lbs, This water responds well to a roving approach and is underfished by the membership, Ideal water for those who prefer their own company.

DORKING RECREATION GROUND
In the heart of Dorking, this venue is popular with the juniors in the summer whilst Mum goes shopping, their are about 10 swims available on the North Bank only, small roach are prolific, an ideal venue for beginners and juniors, fish are guaranteed. Their are a couple of shoals of Bream to 3lbs and the odd Tench. The venue is rarely fished by the 'experts' and could throw up a surprise, the
author had a 30lb catch of Bream and Roach on a cold January day.

FOURWENTS POND
This water is leased from the National Trust and is currently closed whilst it is de-silted, all fish have been removed. It is hoped that this water will re-open on 16th June 2001, a re-stocking policy is being discussed with the clubs committee. This is the only water where a day ticket is normally available for non-members of the Society.

CONTACTS
Membership & Guest Tickets from
S.C Fullers (tackle shop)
10 South Street
Dorking
Surrey
01306 882177

Fees £50 a season / seniors
£15 a season / juniors & OAP's