Yorkshire’s Westerly Lake in fine fettle
IF YOU’RE after a run of fish with a few surprises thrown in, Westerly Lake in Yorkshire will be right up your street.
This 1.5-acre spring-fed water is a carper’s haven during the summer, but right now it’s the perch and roach sport that is really hotting up.
Westerly is noted for its perch to 4lb and roach to 2lb, and finding them at this time of year isn’t as tasking as you might think. Both species will
feed willingly even when the temperatures plummet.
Specimen tactics are ideal for the perch, as they allow you to bait a single spot and fish over the top in a ‘sit-and-wait approach. Many who use this style prefer to fish off the point to the Willow Tree or Reed Islands, as both are excellent perch-holding features.
Legered prawns are hard to beat for these fish, especially when fished over groundbait laced with maggots, casters and chopped worms and prawns.
This tactic will catch you a lot of perch and roach, although the carp also love a big prawn – so don’t be surprised if a few 8lb or 9lb fish make it to your net!
The pole and waggler is better suited to the roach as these can be caught in shallow water even at this time of year. Use a light pole rig with a sensitive float and feed corn and casters sparingly to whip these delightful specimen redfins into a feeding frenzy.
PRICES: £6 for one rod, £8 for two, concessionary price for caravan residents CONTACT: 01904 448500 or visit www.westerlylake.co.uk LOCATION: The Lodge, Westerly Lake, Wheldrake, York, YO196AH RULES: Fishing for over 16s only, no night fishing, barbless only. Full list of rules on the website. FACILITIES: Parking, toilets, caravan park