There is a moment each September when the light turns golden, the mornings carry a hint of mist, and the lake seems to breathe out after the busy summer. For anglers it is one of the best times of year, with cooler water, fish feeding hard and fewer crowds on the bank.

A brilliant collaborative effort unfolded at Orchard Lakes, where WDAC members Arron Bridges, Steve Neale, Stuart Hitchman, and Mike Hirsh joined forces with the Jurassic Juniors Angling Club.

Finding the fish is the single most critical factor during the colder months. In summer, fish patrol active feeding lanes across the water column, but in winter they gather in specific, sheltered areas to conserve energy.

For the coarse angler, this change of season is more than just a reason to dig out the warmer clothing. As the water begins to cool, the fish respond too, and the transition from summer into autumn can be one of the most rewarding periods of the fishing year.

While a cormorant may look impressive as it sits drying its wings on the bank, its presence is something the Club needs to take seriously.

It would be nice to think that once the rain arrives and the water level rises, everything simply returns to how it was. Unfortunately, nature doesn't work quite that quickly.

You arrive at the fishery, grab your tackle, choose a swim that looks promising and, within minutes, your bait is in the water.

After all, you have come fishing. Why would you want to spend the first ten minutes doing anything else?

…just as you’re starting to wonder whether there are any fish in the swim at all, you lift the rod to recast and discover there’s a fish attached.

Congratulations. You’ve just experienced the invisible bite.

On Saturday 19th September, Orchard Lakes will host a dedicated Junior Angling Open Day, delivered by Jurassic Juniors Angling Club under the guidance of qualified, Angling Trust–approved coaches.

The float that never moves can feel like a test, especially at first. But over time, it becomes part of the enjoyment. It teaches you to read the water, to trust the process, and to appreciate the subtle signs that others might miss.