Mill Lodge - The ultimate carp fisherman's paradise! Written by Billy Gander, DISSOLVABALLS CEO.

- HEATED LUXURY CABINS

- HOT TUBS & FIRE PITS

- CARP UP TO 40LB+

- A PICTURESQUE, ANGLERS HEAVEN

So for our latest trip out we were lucky enough to visit Mill Lodge Fishing retreat in Essex. A birthday present from my girlfriend, and all I can say is WOW!

From arriving and being driven to your swim by a back saving golf buggy, to kicking back & relaxing in your hot tub with the anticipation of a 40lbr in the air. This lake was nothing short or amazing. Double beds in the cabins, Playstation 4, Luxury gourmet food delivered to your swim and the list goes on...

The Fishery

Upon arriving at the fishery you are greeted by the site of the stunning wooden cabins, including the amazing Treehouse in the distance. All overlooking the glorious willow draped lake, nestled in the Essex countryside. This lake is a true 'getaway away & switch off in paradise' venue. The only sounds you hear when arriving are birdlife, bite alarms, fish boshing and the odd outburst of laughter from the other anglers.

The Lake & The Fish

The lake itself lies in a 6 acre acre grassy meadow, with a serene 3.8 acre lake. The lake contains over 323 fish, with carp weighing in at up to 40lb. Whilst staying at Mill Lodge you will have the opportunity to catch one of our two 40 pound fish, thirteen 30 pound, over one hundred fish weighing in at 20 pound and our remaining stock weighing somewhere between 10 and 19 pound.

In the summer months our lake can contain Canadian weed in certain areas which can be easily overcome using the correct fishing methods. Throughout the winter season, minimal weed is present. This is due to the high amount of tree leaves, which we recommend chods, rigs and solid bags to help conquer. The lake bed is predominantly silty, so have a lead about for the hard clay spots.

The staff at Mill Lodge are a credit to the fishery and can't do enough for you. They are all there to help you have an amazing time whilst fishing and hopefully help you catch a new pb. The guys are happy to share any knowledge they can to assist you catching, don't be shy to ask the boys about the best tactics at the time your fishing.

Facilities

Each pod has an excellently equipped set up with a 32inch smart TV, streaming services, a mini bar , a PlayStation 4, WiFi and a fitted cupboard with clothes rail and shelf, as well as a both a comfy pine bunk bed and double bed matched with a mattress topper and Egyptian cotton sheets. Every one of our pods comes with a hot tub and fire pit to finish off your luxury experience at Mill Lodge Retreat.

The pods are fully insulated from floor to ceiling keeping it cool during warm summer days and cosy during the winter evenings, providing the perfect balance for all seasons glamping and fishing. Outside each pod offers a relaxing decking area with table and chairs to enjoy al-fresco evenings with exclusive access to the lakeside.

Our Trip

We fished from the 26th - 28th April, the lake had just started coming to life and the fish were now on the move. Whilst fishing I must have seen close to 50 shows from all areas of the lake in total. I was fishing from Pod 6 which has fantastic view of the majority of the middle body of water. There was a fantastic clear gravel area 5.5 wraps, straight toward a dead willow on the far bank. This was the spot which the guys who worked here told me about, so I thought this was my first port of call and where my main line of attack was going to be based. This spot actually produced for me on the first night. Landing a lovely 18lb stocky at five minutes to midnight. Still on my birthday. What a birthday present! A massive thank you to my girlfriend who booked this for my birthday x.

The view of the lake in pod 6, like I said was pretty good. You could see a good portion of the island which I was able to cast to. Mostly bordered by a reed bed, with some small weed beds close by leading into the small through channel down to the right of the swim. It was a shame we didn't have more fish on our visit however landing one of the scaly bangers & loosing 2 fish, which also felt decent, we couldn't complain!

The Bait

I was told by a friend, who had fished Mill Lodge previously, to only feed pellet and Boilies. He had some really good results on this method before so I thought why not?! The Boilies I decided to go for were STICKY BAITS KRILL 15MM, pimped up in some liquid food and a dusting of fishmeal powder. The Pellets we used were our very own DISSOLVABALLS Big Fish Mix. Feeding both of these enabled the pulling power of the pellet, a comfortable staple for the fish with most of them being hand selected from fish farms, and the Boilies to keep them in the area and feeding.

Some areas on the lake were actually quite silty, even just off of the main gravel spot I was fishing at 5.5 wraps out. That in mind, I opted for my trusted Ronnie-rig tips with a DISSOLVABALLS WHITE KRILL POP-UP. Don't let this put you off of fishing in the silt as the carp loving getting in amongst it and feed really heavily when they do. You can watch as massive sheets up bubbles come up were the carp are feeding ferociously deep in the silt, this usually tends to be early morning and later on in the afternoons.

The Food

The food at Mill Lodge was hands down the best food I have ever eaten whilst on the bank. Usually its a ridge monkey balancing on a stove, on an uneven stoney bank. Not here! From a Full English breakfast delivered to your pod at around 9am & eating it overlooking the lake and watching it come alive as the sun gets higher in the sky, through to a 3 course dinner menu whilst chilling by the fire pit as the sun sets.

Whilst here we opted for the Full English on the first morning & the continental breakfast on the second consisting of Warm French pastries, fruit, orange juice etc. and this was equally as amazing. Dinners were amazing too, the mixed grill seemed the only option. Not only was this restaurant quality, it arrived piping hot. Deserts also were so good. take a look at the picture below! We got chatting to the Chef Peter over there who was such a nice bloke. he was showing us some photos of some of the food he's been cooking all of which looked mouth watering.

Check out he's instagram here: @Chef_on_da_bank

Take a look at Mill lodge's Menu here: https://milllodgefishery.com/menu/

Lake Appearences

With the lakes reputation reaching far and wide, it wasn't going to be long before it started featuring on popular tv shows. ITV be's ' Bille & Greg the family diaries' filmed at the lake not so long ago, on an episode which aired at the start of 2022. They were shown the ropes by Professional Angler Pete Castle of Korda. Tough conditions see the lads blank when it came to the bigger fish however, little Arthur managed to bag himself his first ever fish! A little roach on some maggots, that was however when his grandad wasn't eating them all lol.

(watch the episode to find out lol)

Also, as mentioned above the food at this place is unbelievable and it hasn't gone unnoticed. Social media King 'The food review guy' (as seen on Facebook, instagram, tiktok etc. has also recently sampled the fine menu the Mill Lodge Chef's have to offer. Of course, as I was, blown away by the quality of the food provided at such a serene location. check out the review here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1318977298592910

Bait Boat Hire

Mill Lodge do run a bait boat hire service. This means that for just a small amount, you are able to fish efficiently and productively knowing that you are in for a chance of catching the fish of a lifetime. (Ask on site for prices)

Fishing Focus

We caught up with the head of hospitality Peter and asked him a few questions...

Instagram: @Chef_on_da_bank

What’s your position at mill lodge?

Hospitality and fishing consultant

How long have you been working at mill lodge?

6months

Talk us through a general day in the life of you on site…

We run a breakfast lunch and dinner service alongside helping anglers to there swims and arming them with the knowledge of there chosen swim always trying to help the customers get results

Funniest thing you’ve seen on the bank?

Head bailiff Barry jumping out of a hot tub in his pants to catch a fish in -5 conditions

Things that anglers do that annoy you?

Not using there noodle with fish care We provide high end mats slings etc Use them

Favourite rig?

Blow back or Short PVA bag rig

Favourite bait?

Dt baits m2 (anchovy and black pepper) created just for mill lodge, Dissolvaballs krill bags, Burt baits BBgold liquid with the spod mix Have brought me best results

Best tactic at mill lodge? (If you can disclose lol)

Winter solid pva bags full of glug and small amount of bait washed out pink toppers Summer boat or spod a large bed and fish over it Washed out pink toppers

Talk us through the quality of the stamp of fish in mill lodge?

Manager Chris along with the owner have hand selected some of Essex’s finest scaley bangers Even the smaller residents are immaculate

Pb?

Uk pb carp 40.1 lb

Mill lodge pb 36.3 lb

Uk cat 120 lb

Uk sturgeon 140 lb

What motivates you with your involvement with mill lodge?

I have run some huge high end kitchens in the past very high stress levels it’s been a pleasure to step back and enjoy some time at one of Essex’s premier carp lakes

Useful things to think about when staying at Mill Lodge

Don't forget to pack your swim shorts/costume! There is a hot tub so make full use of it. Also, bring a towel for the onsite shower.
The food here is unreal. Make sure you pre-order before arriving.
Every swim has decking. Be sure to remember to pack your rod pod/stage stand.
Pellets! The fish love them. Most fish in here were bread on a fish farm where they had been fed pellet for the entirety of their younger life. They are used pellet and are comfortable feeding on them, so definitely use them.
GARFIELD THE CAT - (I'm not sure this is he's real name although everyone seems to call him Garfield) me and my girlfriend were so excited to see the cat. He will come and find you when you least expect it. He is partial to a soft boilie, small pellets and any leftover food you might have.
If you are heading to Mill Lodge for a special occasion i.e. Birthday or Anniversary, they do offer specific packages which you can book in advance in order to make the trip that little bit more special.
The lake has 9 swims in total. 4 swims fish to the island, the other 5 swims fish to open water and/or a far margin. Be sure to carefully think about the area you would like to fish before booking & also don't hesitate to call the guys at the fishery to discuss what suits you best fishing wise when booking. These guys have the latest knowledge and know how on the lake. they want you to catch fish and have an awesome stay so don't be shy to ask the guys either on site or by telephone.
Bring your chairs & bed chairs. Although the swims are decked out immaculately, we did find it useful taking our chair and bed chairs to sit out on and sunbath.

We loved our long midweek stay at the luxury lake that is Mill lodge. A massive credit to the owners and the chaps who run the fishery for doing such an outstanding job. I can't recommend this place enough! Make sure you head over to their website and check them out. Thanks so much!

https://milllodgefishery.com

Mill Lodge Retreat

Mill House Farm

Hay Green Lane

Doddinghurst

Essex

CM15 ONX

PRICES START FROM £160

EXCLUSIVE LAKE BOOKING: £4500 (2 nights)

VALENTINES PACKAGE: £295

BIRTHDAY / ANNIVERSARY PACKAGE: £150

01277 824 146 (9am – 5pm)