Fishery of the Week Hayfield Lakes

Fortunes turn around for this Yorkshire gem

IFANY fishery wants a lesson in bouncing back, they need look no further for inspiration than Maver Hayfield.

The Doncaster complex was once the most talked-about complex in the land, attracting praise from some of the sport’s biggest names thanks to hosting the Fish O’Mania final for 11 years on the trot.

But the spark that burned so brightly eventually petered out. Fish O’Mania found a new home and the Hayfield regulars began to drift off and look for other places to wet a line.

It would have been easy for the fishery to accept mediocrity, but the current owners have shown grit and determination in trying to bring it back to its best. And they have carried off their quest with flying colours.

HUGE HAULS

With Maver Match This announcing its decision to host this year’s £70,000 final at Hayfield, the bosses had chance to showcase what the venue is capable of, and grabbed it with both hands.

Almost 2,500lb of fish were landed by the 24 competitors, with spectators frantically looking through their diaries to find the first available opportunity to sample the delights themselves.

And although the glare of the big competition has now died down, the top-class form that the fishery showed on the day remains very much the same.

Danny’s Island and Adam’s Lake have both experienced a resurgence in recent months, with carp to 20lb, carassio, skimmers, roach and ide all there for the taking.

When it comes to tactics you are spoilt for choice, and you’ll be equally busy on the pole at 5m as you will be chucking the Method feeder at distance.

Nor will the high level of sport be dying off any time soon. Each lake has depths to more than 10ft in places to keep bites coming even when temperatures nosedive.

Some may know that Hayfield was diagnosed with the potentially lethal KHV earlier in the year, but fish losses have been minimal and stocks have quickly recovered.

THE FULL PACKAGE

Regular rod-bending action is just part of what of what the modern day angler craves, and fisheries with plenty of facilities attract a far bigger share of customers than their rivals.

You can enjoy a post-session pint at many venues, but many anglers head for the adjacent Hayfield Fishing & Shooting Lodge.

Whether you fancy a swift beer or a full slap-up meal, the staff there will cater for your needs.

There’s also a small tackle and bait outlet that will allow you to buy any essentials that you may have left at home.

Hayfield Lakes has helped shaped angling history and on current form it is sure to keep providing memorable moments