Midlands
Hostpots to head for now
IF YOU’RE tired of catching small fish and fancy the feel of a big carp streaming the elastic from your pole, then head to Izaak Walton Fishery where carp to 10lb are providing great sport.
Set in rural Staffordshire, Izaak Walton is a superb, scenic venue offering anglers more than 130 swims spread across four different lakes.
The best lake to head to at present is the 40-peg Bottom Pool where 80lb-plus nets are being taken this summer. Anglers enjoy fishing this lake because although it isn’t a specimen water it does hold a good head of big carp, with fish averaging around 6lb-8lb.
The pole is usually the way to go here, fishing on the deck with pellets, bread or corn. It is also worth fishing the bomb a bit further out to snare the odd fish in deeper water.
In the 40-peg Top Pool the carp are smaller and there are loads more skimmers. The top pegs here are the first 10 and these are best targeted with pellet or corn. When it warms, maggot can be devastating too. The Middle and Canal pools hold carp to 10lb and excellent silverfish. Fishing up to the far bank and down the track on the Canal with chopped worm and maggot often yields the best results for all species.
PRices: £7 a day one rod, £9 a day two rods CONTACT: 07495 038245 or visit www.izaakwaltonfishery.co.uk LOCATION: Izaak Walton Fishery, Chebsey, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST21 6JU
FACILITIES: Parking, café at weekends, toilets, caravan plots
RULES: Barbless hooks only, no keepnets, no braid, no boilies, no floating baits, no Method feeders, no night fishing