I Drained the Lake: Watch What Happens NEXT 😱

We drain our lake every few years mainly to remove biomass during the netting but there’s also plenty to do and see when the level is this low. There are always a few surprises along the way as the lake continues to evolve and change over the years.

► The gear and tackle I use:

⏰ In this video:
00:00 Start of the drain down
04:29 Finding a new feature
06:36 How to reduce the silt
09:07 What I found at the bottom of the lake
11:54 Rescuing mussels
15:50 Finding the catfish holes
16:48 Netting day
18:54 Refilling the lake

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Filmed at my lake, Beausoleil Carp and Cats

#matthewcollins #carpfishingexplained

[matthewcollinsangler]

There’s a lot of work that goes on when we lower the level of the lake and net it, quite a lot of stress as well! If you’re interested in lakes and what it takes to look after our precious carp, I hope you enjoy this look behind the scenes.

[jonathanjeffreys]

I previously knew absolutely nothing of what you are demonstrating, but I found this video utterly fascinating - not least because you are clearly a masterly expert, and have the ability and enthusiasm to be able to explain what you are doing in an all-inclusive, friendly, informal manner. As a classroom teacher of over 40 years' experience, I envy your nice, easy to understand, chatty but educational style, and I learned a lot while I listened to you. Thank you so much. We need thousands like you.

[Rick--A-F]

I'm not a fisherman, but I enjoyed learning what's involved in maintaining the lake and how it's set up to keep the fish happy and the water clean. Interesting stuff!

[pemj]

I wish more lake managers put in as much effort in their lakes as you do . Great video

[someblokecalleddave]

Dunno what you've done to get this come up on my feed, but with 109K views in 2 days for what appears to me to be a very niche subject matter it's worked and it kept me engaged for the whole video! Found it really interesting - who needs to TV when you've got content like this popping up on your Youtube feed - very commendable, loved it!

[Super]

An absolute pleasure to see such fine management! Well done Matthew, great work.

[chrislow]

Amazing the amount of work that goes into maintaining a lake and the science behind it. Can learn so much from watching videos like this.

[maj]

I'm not a fisherman but fascinated by this. As a metal detectorist, I'm always fascinated by what's hidden beneath our feet and water bodies. As someone who's interested in any form of engineering, how you manage levels of drainage and refill is right up my street. I would, however, like to see where to water drains to and the engineering structures that make that happen.
Cracking video and the natural way you explain what's going on is great. As already commented on, you would have made a great school teacher .

[Natasha___.]

I've never fished in my life and I'm not quite sure why YouTube decided to recommend this to me, but I ended up watching the entire thing and thoroughly enjoying it.

This was legitimately interesting and entertaining, well done.

[duck_rifle]

Habitat and wildlife management is a passion i have found late in life. I'm so grateful there are chaps like your self who are stewarding our resources well.

[philgale]

I never new Matthew the level of maintenance and dedication running a top quality fishery would take .
Add to that you're channel teaches so much with great narration, editing, information and just you, being you.
All the very best in everything you do .

[waaarrgghhh]

I had the opportunity to help my old local lake back in the uk with some maintenance, they turned two medium lakes into one big lake.
Its a real privilege to see a drained lake, it gives you a whole new level of knowledge and understanding of how the fish use the environment. another great video thanks.

[julesvandervelden]

Fantastic insight into the hard work and care taken to ensure the angling experience at Beausoleil is optimal. Looking forward to visiting again soon !

[g.k.]

I really miss seeing the large mussel (clams) like those. They used to be very common here in the states until the ballast water in ships introduced the zebra mussel invasive species that has made the original large clams a rarity now. The zebra mussels have spread from the Great Lakes to nearly all inland lakes.

[twincamspit]

Fascinating to see this side of fishery management, and how the carp themselves change the habitat. Thanks for taking the time to make this.

[FeckArseIndustries]

Well bugger me. What an interesting video about the hard work and complexities of lake management. I had no idea how much work goes into it. Top job guys!

[stuntznfx]

Wow! What an amazing and very interesting video! I had no idea that you drain your lake. Just goes to show the work it takes to sustain a fishery. I learned something today! Great video sir! Tight Lines!

[timmckenna]

Matthew, I am in awe of you and your work. It seems like a labor of love. I know of plenty of areas in the states that could learn a thing or two about this conservation and upkeep of our lakes and ponds. Again, I am a huge admirer and please keep posting. In addition, I don’t know your location but I spent time in East Anglia and love the country.

[craigevans]

Great video matt, it's nice to see what goes on under water and how carp carve out their environment. Credit to you

[shaunthorne]

Hi Matt, once again you have made a great video! Very informative and a good watch, it's an eye opener at times seeing what the carp do but we can all learn loads from getting a glimpse of their home up close. Your water management is spot on, I wish some of the places I fish were managed like that! All the best mate