Brakes Long Pit | Maldon Road, Birch, Colchester.

Maldon Road, Birch, Colchester.

Brakes Long Pit is an old gravel pit on the outskirts of Colchester (close to Colchester Zoo) and is around 13.5 acres in size.

Whilst there is a good head of Carp in the pit, the Long Pit is not easy but effort could equal reward in the shape of a 30lb+ specimen. The pit record, which was previosuly a syndicate water, currently stands at 41lbs for a Mirror and 38lbs 12oz for a Common.

The stock is made up of young fish which are growing at a very healthy rate.

The Long Pit has also become well known for its Pike fishing with 3 different fish over 28lbs being banked in 2018 and a 33lb fish the largest to date.
(Note restriction on pike fishing See news item and comments under water restrictions)

The gravel workings still pump to and from the lake so the water can fluctuate a bit but with the deepest area of the lake being around 40ft, there is always plenty of water.

Note Some restrictions are in place due to guidance from Angling Trust based on Government advice - see Restrictions on page

Please note you cannot fish from the area where the gravel company operates.

Opening Times

All Year without a close season, subject to change at any time.

Toilets

A new portable toilet has been added to this water in line with facilities that exist on most of our other waters. It is regularly cleaned by a contracted company.

Following the coronavirus pandemic If you need to use the toilet we expect you to wipe any surfaces that are to be touched prior to, and after using the facility.

Water Size

The Long lake is 13.5 acres and currently has 19 well spaced pegs. A swim map is on this page.

Disabled Details

No designated disabled swims or disabled facilities on the site.

Restrictions

Members should ensure they are familar with the rules of the club in the Handbook you recieved when joining on can be found on this website. But to highlight some for this water.
Parking in Main Car Park Only. PLEASE NOTE: You are not allowed to drive up the track to drop off your gear and then drive back to the car park. Any member found driving car up the track will face a ban.
Fishing from permanent pegs only.
Initially 3 Rods will be allowed all year. This will be reviewed as season progresses.
The use of all Nuts as hookbaits or loose feed is banned on all Society waters.
No Pike Fishing unless you hold a pike permit allocated in the random draw held in Oct each year. Further details will follow in due course.
No fishing where the gravel pit operates, this is well signposted.
As with other waters no radio controlled boats allowed on the water.