FISHERY OF THE WEEK Willow Marsh, Worcs
Prolific venue has more than its fair share of big fish
ALMOST every commercial holds some double-figure carp, but very few have the sheer number of them that Willow Marsh Fishery does.
And the fact that the Worcestershire complex is firmly aimed at the angler who likes to fish the pole, waggler or feeder rather sit behind a bank of bite alarms makes it an even rarer gem.
Three waters are available on the picturesque site, with Dragonfly and Sandpipers the pools that have impressive form for mirrors and commons in the 10lb-20lb bracket.
Like many venues, it closed during the last lockdown, but this week it opened back up for business –and you can guarantee it’ll have lost none of its panache.
Personal bests galore
Dragonfly is an open-water lake that is home to 43 pegs. Short pole and margin action can be prolific here. Similar tactics also produce the goods on the 46-swim Sandpipers, although feeder fishing to the islands is a sure-fire prospect for a few wrap round bites.
Phil Reynolds knows the lakes like the back of his hand and is full of praise for what’s on offer. He said: “It’s rare to visit Willow Marsh and leave without having banked several double-figure carp in a session.
“You have to work for your bites, but there’s a solid chance that a personal best could have taken the bait every time the float goes under.”
While the fishing is the main attraction for many, the complex also gets the thumbsup for several other reasons. For example, parking is permitted behind a lot of the pegs and cars are often allowed on the grass when it’s dry. There’s a café and tackle shop on site as well.
Take no prisoners
Carp are the dominant species, and when you hook one you’ll
have your kit tested to the limit.
That means there’s no point in taking chances with your tackle. Rig up with a grade 14 elastic, 0.19mm mainline and a 0.17mm hooklength to a strong size 14 or 16 hook and you won’t go far wrong here.
Simplicity is king on the bait front, too, and double corn over a bed of micros is likely to score well down the margins. When fishing out in open water – and many locals tend to rotate 5m and 12m lines – an 8mm banded pellet over a regular trickle of 4mms will serve you well.
Make sure the camera batteries are well charged on your next visit to Willow Marsh – you’ll definitely want a picture of that new personal best!