Fishery of the Week Docklow Pools
100lb-plus mixed nets at eight-lake fishery
MOST commercials are capable of producing regular 100lb-plus carp bags, but only a handful can boast the potential to produce the same weights in silverfish.
Roach, skimmers, ide and chub are stocked in hundreds of our day-ticket venues, but it is the average size of these fish that dictates whether a huge haul of silvers is achievable.
Herefordshire’s Docklow Pools has struck the perfect balance, and the bumper carp-free catches the fishery offers tempt anglers to travel from as far afield as North Yorkshire and Kent.
Eight well-stocked lakes are spread across the stunning complex, with three of them open to day-ticket anglers.
Current Fish O’Mania champion Andy May has to undertake a five-hour round trip in order to sample the action, but that doesn’t put him off one bit.
“I’ve fished all over the country but Docklow is among the very best,” explained Andy. “The silverfish sport is unbeatable – I’ve lost count of the amount of times I have landed 100lb and not seen a carp all day.”
PIECE OF PARADISE
Figure of Eight, Moby Dick and Mickey Mouse lakes are all open to day-ticket anglers, with the last-named being created way back in 1972.
Since then, the lake has matured beautifully, and it’s not alone either, with every other pool at Docklow also able to boast a stunning backdrop for visiting anglers.
“Every peg offers something different, and there’s no shortage of options. There are well-maintained lily beds, overhanging trees and easy-to-reach islands, but it is the open water spots that are best for the silverfish.”
“The carp love to patrol the features so the roach, chub and ide tend to congregate in areas where there is less vegetation.”
FULL PACKAGE
While the fishing is clearly the biggest draw to anglers, there is a lot more to Docklow than just wetting a line.
There’s plenty of quality onsite accommodation a short stroll from the water’s edge, as well as an impressive bar and restaurant. There’s also a well-stocked tackle shop that sells bait, terminal tackle and lots of bigger items.
Andy said: “I love my fishing, but I’m always up for a pint and some grub after a session. I can honestly say you won’t find a better pie anywhere in the country, and that’s coming from a born and bred northerner!”
NON-STOP ACTION
Setting up on peg 8 of Mickey Mouse Pool in front of our cameras, a prolific silvers session looked on the cards Andy.
The carp were visible cruising in the nearby snags and, more importantly, quality silvers could be seen swirling in the upper layers within seconds of Andy feeding a handful of casters.
He didn’t have to wait long for bites, and a string of chunky 4oz roach were the first to respond.
“These would be big fish at a lot of places, but they are tiddlers for here,” said Andy.
Over the next five hours he backed up that bold statement
by netting a constant stream of chunky silvers on both the short pole and waggler. By the end Andy had over 100lb in his net, made up of chub to 3lb, ide to 2lb, roach over 1lb and the odd quality skimmer and barbel.
“I could sit here all day and try to find a fault with Docklow, but it just wouldn’t happen. It is the perfect fishery,” he concluded.
PRICES: £5 a day in advance from the tackle shop. The price is doubled if you pay on the bank. CONTACT: Call 01568 760256 or visit www.docklowpools.com LOCATION: Docklow Pools, Docklow, Leominster, Herefordshire, HR6 0RU