About
Situated in the heart of the Thames Valley, just south of Oxford approximately one mile from the delightful and historic village of Dorchester-on-Thames, Orchid Lakes has a long history and fine reputation for providing carp angling which is second to none. Set in delightful surroundings, there are two well stocked, mature gravel pit lakes both of which are maintained in perfect order with purpose built swims.
The lakes are surrounded by large mature oak, poplars and magnificent weeping willows which offer protection and privacy giving the lakes a renown and aesthetic appeal.
In addition to the wonderfully stocked waters and perfect angling facilities, a superb anglers’ lodge has been constructed providing anglers 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 cup of tea and if you don’t fancy cooking on the bank the local Chinese, Indian and Pitza will deliver to the Main Gate.
As an added service to anglers, transport is made available to take you and your tackle to your chosen swim.
Prior to owning Orchid Lakes Marsh Pratley was one of the leading all round specimen anglers in the country. He also holds the unique distinction of being the only person to of held key positions as General Secretary of the National Association of Specimen Anglers and Chairman of the Carp Society. He was also a weekly columnist for the Anglers Mail as well as being a member of the Fisheries Committee.
For many years he was one of two coarse anglers that adjudicated on the British Record Fish Committee and to add to his pedigree he is also the all round British Casting Champion a title he won back in 2001. Since owning Orchid Lakes in 1995 he has transformed it into what is now regarded as one of the top day ticket carp waters in the country. His accumulated knowledge of running and managing a fishery is second to none and Marsh has advised numerous owners on how to get the best out of their lakes.
At Orchid Lakes the anglers are looked after, first and foremost your tackle is safe and your car is safe, we don’t have theft and vandalism that so many other lakes suffer from. Our aim is to give the angler as much help and information as possible to enable them to catch fish. Our bailiffs will spend time pointing out known features so that you get a better picture of the lakes, while Phil Smith will impart some of his long standing knowledge of catching big fish. A daily log of all the fish caught in Orchid is maintained in the lodge whilst all 20’s and 30’s are recorded on the web site. Marsh or one of his bailiffs will go out regardless of the time night or day to photograph all 30lb fish.
