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CMCS MOOR MILL COMPLEX

CMCS Moor Mill Complex in Hertfordshire steeped in history with the once famous ‘Toadless’ gliding gracefully around one of the pits in an era that put the pits on the CV map, all of the pits boasting intricate little bays, reed-lined margins, adorned with small snaggy islands and gin clear depths offering anglers a variety of experiences across its five lakes, with four open for fishing. Many of todays top anglers cut their teeth on these pits in the bygone era with the pits admired for their beauty, crystal clear waters and the sheer number of large fish dotted across the lakes. Moor Mill offers both, pits nestled in a quiet and secluded woodland location aimed at the angler who appreciates the beauty of nature, a real old school feel, as well as open water angling with features. 

CMCS Island Pit stands out as the largest, adorned with numerous islands that really break up the lake making it feel more intricate, with wind sheltered bays and some large overhangs which really give you, the angler, plenty of options in each swim. The stock is between 80-100 fish with between 10-13 30s, biggest going high 30s at the right time and is fast becoming known locally, as a lake for its big shouldered ‘box’ commons which fight hard and are mightily impressive on the bank . In the recent past this lake produced fish to low 40s and with the continued introduction of the feed programme and more CMCS 25lb+ stock fish going in over the winter (2025) as well as supplementary larger fish stocking from the surrounding lakes, this will be a water to get on early and learn those spots as it will become a water with numerous 30s and 40s that will thrive in a larger expanse of water. 

CMCS Leather Pit, adjacent to the Island Pit, is famed for housing one of the UK's largest leather carp, making it a hotspot for specimen hunters. This intricate pit of 3 acres is already renowned for its stalking in the edge with many good anglers experiencing the stock up close and personal - feeding on marginal spots in the crystal clear water, with a great depth under your feet; this can’t be ignored. Somewhere the quiet, patient and observant angler will be rewarded. This is also a water where the old school feel still very much surrounds it - coupled with its low stock still containing fish to low 30s; this lake is challenging but awe inspiring as its often overlooked because of its bigger neighbouring pit next door. We will look to supplement the stock and feed the lake to grow these fish on and will be looking to introduce a very special leather back to the pit to build again on the legacy left by the enigmatic ‘Toadless’. 

CMCS Predator Pit caters to those seeking pike and perch, while also harbouring a low stock of carp that have reached some pretty impressive sizes having been overshadowed and thrived unmolested on neglect for a number of years as the leather & latterly the Island taking the pressure of the carp anglers ‘pursuit’. We currently estimate a stock between 40-50 fish with 3 low 30lb being the top of these. We will be looking to reduce the carp numbers over the next year boosting the stock in the Leather & Island pits and enhancing this water with the introduction of more pike and perch, making it a water that will be great during the winter months for predator hunting. The Perch have reached good sizes with fish touching 4lb banked. The overhangs, lilies and snags offer the perfect environment for ambushing Pike to snatch a trolled spinner. There are numerous bars, large beds of lilies and features that can be easily located from a choice of swims. If you fish this water as a group of anglers and work as a team you will see the best results. 

CMCS School Pit provides a more serene setting, harbouring Tench and Crucians. Although as the name suggests there are murmurs of school yard chatter that can be heard throughout the day, you will likely have this to yourself as many don’t like the walk involved from the car park. A low level of Carp are present but with Tench and Crucians in abundance, we will look to relocate the King Carp and leave this water solely to house Tench and Crucian with the introduction, in time, of golden Rudd to supplement this stunning little pit. 

The pits aren’t all about the Carp 37lb+ they all have fish of specimen sizes with Tench 7lb+, Bream 10lb+, Pike 15lb+, Perch 4lb+, Roach 1lb+ and Rudd 1lb+. 

The pits and the fish have proven to be catchable year round so don’t be put off by a drop in temperature as the winter carp fishing here has been exceptional, this is the place to take advantage of the winter sport when other fisheries are feeling the cold. 

Feed programme & stocking 

The lakes will be stocked with some of the best British strains in the UK, carp over 25lb+, grown exclusively by us from C1’s. Over the last 10 years we have hand-picked and grown on our fish farming sites, nurturing some terrific strains and we will introduce fish to compliment the original stock when needed, for future generations to enjoy. We will look to move stock around on the complex to further improve the pits. We also grow Crucians, Tench and Pike/Perch on our fish farming sites which will be brought onsite to further enhance current stocks. 

Accessibility 

Moor Mill Pits is equipped with disabled access and facilities, ensuring a comfortable visit for all anglers. The easy access around the lakes and the availability of multiple swims make it a convenient choice for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to coarse fishing, CMCS Moor Mill Complex provides a welcoming environment to enjoy a day (or more) out by the water! 

Address: Hyde Lane, AL2 2LE, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom 

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