HUNGRY PERCH ARE A SITTING TARGET…
SIX TOP WATERS – AND THERE’S ONE NEAR YOU!
THE Midlands’ generous supply of stillwaters, big meandering rivers and veining canal systems all create a fantastic habitat for big perch to thrive. There’s no better time than now to catch a big stripey as they feast ready for the winter. Here are six venues to try near you...
BADEN HALL FISHERY, ECCLESHALL, STAFFS
The Middle Pool is primarily a runs water for carp anglers, although there are rumoured to be some huge perch too. Target the treelined margins with small prawns on a waggler. Contact: 01785 850313 Postcode: ST21 6LG
BUTTONHOLE LAKE, WISBECH, CAMBS
Virtually everything that gets stocked in here packs on the pounds and the same goes for the perch which have been banked to almost 4lb. Worms fished close to any reedbeds should get you bites. Contact: 01945 430629 Postcode: PE14 8EY
GAS STREET BASIN, BIRMINGHAM CITY CENTRE
Birmingham city centre is a maze of canal networks which lead to this basin. Fish to 3lb can be taken just feet from the bank on brightly coloured lures via the drop shot technique. The stretch is run by the Waterway Wanderers Scheme and costs £20 a year. Contact: 0121 344 3333 Postcode: B1 2JT
RIVER GLEN, PINCHBECK, LINCS
For a £4 day ticket, you can have access to some fantastic perch sport on waggler, pole and livebait tactics. The key to catching is to feed lots of live maggot to draw the prey fish into your swim. Contact: Spalding FC, 01775 714631 Postcode: PE11 3SE
RIVER SOAR, SUTTON BONNINGTON, LEICS
The section opposite The Otter pub is a prime hotspot for big perch. Chopped worm fished on the pole in deeper water will catch, although you can get results fishing specimen-style with bite alarms and deadbaits, too. Contact: loughboroughsoar@gmail.com Postcode: LE12 5PH
RIVER SEVERN, HIGHLEY, SHROPSHIRE
Fish the deeper pegs near the pub on the pole or link leger with big lobworm hookbaits to take fish over 3lb. Jig outfits have also caught perch from this stretch. Contact: 01562 777563 Postcode: WV16 6NU