Midlands Super stillwaters to head for
ROOKERY WATERS, PIDLEY, CAMBRIDGESHIRE
TUCKED away in the heart of the Fens is a brilliant five-lake complex, Rookery Waters, where a bite is always on the cards. It’s run by renowned local match angler Alex Bates.
His tackle shop is situated on site, meaning he will always be on hand to advise you on which swims are fishing well, alongside the best methods and baits to tackle them with.
Alex recommends fishing Jay or Raven lakes while the weather is still cold. The fishing on these is very similar, with simple pole tactics scoring bites from plenty of F1s and small carp. Maggot fishing has proved successful, introducing a small quantity of
micro pellet if the fish switch on.
Best advice is to feed carefully and not fish too heavy. If it’s really cold, fishing bread up against the islands at around 14m can work.
Rook lake is perfect for pleasure anglers as it is free at weekends. In warmer weather the pellet waggler can switch on, as can the feeder or bomb.
Expect to catch carp and tench. The venue has recently seen a stocking of 1,000 small crucians, and 500lb of skimmers.
Beginners should try fishing Jackdaw. This small lake is packed full of silver fish which will fall to simple whip or waggler tactics.
There are regular open matches held here. A Wednesday over 60s match and Saturday qualifiers are currently running, with plenty more available throughout the season. Location: Rookery Waters, Pidley, Cambridgeshire, PE28 3DF Contact: 07824 878492 Facilities: Tackle shop, café Rules: Barbless hooks only, keepnets in matches only, fishing from platforms only, 2kg groundbait limit Price: Adult £7 per day, seniors £5 per day Website: www.rookerywaters. co.uk