TOP FIVE VENUES

VIADUCT FISHERY, SOMERTON, SOMERSET

Cary, Lodge, Middle and Spring Lakes all hold perch of 2lb-plus. Cary has thrown up fish just over 4lb in the past, and is a good starting point. Pole fish as tight as you can to marginal features and dot your float down to hit the smallest of indications. Maggots, worms and casters are the best baits. Contact: 01458 274022 Postcode: TA11 6LJ

ALDERS FARM FISHERY, MILTON KEYNES, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

Pines Lake has produced perch of more than 3lb in the past year while bags of two-pounders can be taken from Ash Lake. Fish a large lobworm on a big hook while feeding broken offerings over the top. Contact: 01525 261713 Postcode: MK17 9AH

LINDHOLME LAKES, DONCASTER, YORKSHIRE

Large perch are possible from all the lakes, but Laurels and Strip have the potential for an exceptional day’s fishing. Focus your attack on maggots presented on the pole at 14m. The one-acre Strip Lake averages 4ft deep and holds a wide variety of species, while the larger Laurels Lake is one of the deeper ones with an average of 5ft-7ft of water. Contact: 01427 875555 Postcode: DN9 1LF

PEATLING POOLS, LUTTERWORTH, LEICS

The intimate Parva Pool may not look much, but there are very big perch in here. Fish prawns or worms for multiple stripeys over 2lb and specimens as big as 5lb. Feed regularly and keep bankside disturbance to a minimum for the best results. Contact: 07860 644023 Postcode: LE17 5RB

HAMPTON SPRINGS FISHERY, MALPAS, CHESHIRE

A junior angler recently caught a 3lb 8oz perch from Alice Springs Lake. There’s lots to go at, with drop-offs, islands and marginal bushes all great ambush points. Keep a steady stream of maggots going in to keep small fish interested, and fish a big prawn on the hook. Contact: 01948 820789 Postcode: SY14 8AD