The water in question has been a major source of frustration to myself and many other local anglers over the stocking of carp. The water holds a large head of small pike in the 6-12 lb range and I and a few friends ocassionally fished it for a confidence booster when time was short. The carp fishery scheme did not mention this at any stage (publically at least) until the licience to stock carp was obtained. I attempted to get answers from many goverment departments, but all I could get in response was that no licience at that time to net and remove pike had been granted. A well respected fishery officer told myself and a collegue that unfortunately if the pike are to be removed it will be done by whatever means is required, although he did assure me that he would not overlook any illegal activity. I and approximatley 20 fellow anglers sent an open letter to a local Angling publication, which was not published, but in the same issue the pike "problem" was addressed openly to the best of my knowledge for the first time, stating that "The water held a few pike which would be removed with the co operation of pike conservation groups". The place is, or was at least was full of pike (My money says they'll enjoy their new continental breakfast menu) and I cannot believe that none of the surveys detailed this, as it's a well known local fact. I'm afraid that I or many of my fellow pikers will never be able to bring ourselves to fish this water again, as you may or may not know, the laws regarding the import of live fish into Northern Ireland are among the strictest in the world, but it seems that anything goes when a local council gives its backing. I will gladly e-mail a copy of the unpublished letter to anyone that may be interested, although not wishing to infringe copyright you will have to source the otherwise excellent local publication yourself.