The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

I think you may be seeing a book soon documenting Ashlea Pool's history, captures etc.

Ashlea Pool, an historic Carp water.

Currently Dave Gawthorn & Mike Starkey are working on a book project covering the history, catches from this legendary Carp water.

Jack Hilton, Tom Mintram, Keith Griffiths, Bob Buteux, Peter Mohan, Mike Starkey, Kevin Maddocks, Ritchie Macdonald, Geoff Booth, Alan Downie, Roger Emmett, Alec Welland, Mike Willmott, Dave Gawthorn amongst others all fished this iconic little water.

Attended a charity fishing evening last month where Damien Parker gave a fascinating talk and slideshow of his time spent at Ashlea pool, he kindly gave us all a copy of a hand drawn map of the pool which was displayed in the Ashlea hut for many years.

More swims than I expected!

I was wondering where Ashlea pool is? Not for any interest in fishing it, but purely because when driving to the Severn I pass some large gates saying "Ashlea pools", some sort of holiday lodges there and lakes on the map, just inquisitive. At Hopton Heath (craven arms).

That’s a different place.

Ashlea Pool is near Cirencester. I believe that otters did for the remaining original fish.

Ashlea pool is in the Cotswold water park not too far from Horseshoe lake.

Thanks for that, I have wondered for years as I drove past, it has a couple of lakes on the OS map but not the right shape. I shall now drive past with peace of mind