Exclusive peg-by-peg guides to the best fisheries to try now.
New boss has big plans for this prolific fishery
AGOOD reputation in angling circles can take many years to acquire.
This is one of the reasons why very few commercial venues are household names. One that is, at least in the north of England, is Brookside Fishery.
The Warrington complex has for years been one of the region’s go-to places for those wanting big bags of fish, competitive match fishing and the chance to catch specimen carp and cats.
The 10-lake site was taken over by new management last month and boss Mark Nicholl is already making his mark with some exciting plans.
“My first task has been to improve the aesthetics of the place,” he told Angling Times. “This will include cutting back bushes and sorting out the access, then we’ll look at de-silting the lakes and implementing a restocking programme.
“I want to rebuild the toilets, and later open a new café. I also want to make the complex more disabled-friendly and create a lake for beginners to angling.”
Mark’s positive vision has already been noted by angling bloggers Fishing in the Northwest, who paid the fishery a visit to see at first hand how good it is.
The team were represented by seasoned anglers Adam Bowen and Dave Williams, who opted to fish on the prolific Kingfisher Pool, just one of nine fish-packed lakes on site.
The pool has three islands and lots of margin features, and is stocked with tonnes of carp in the 2lb-5lb range, including the odd double, as well as lots of chub, ide and skimmers.
“Being able to park behind almost all the pegs on this water is really appealing, especially with the amount of gear some anglers carry,” said Adam.
“The water itself has a well spaced bank and three islands that are always worth a chuck on the bomb or Method feeder.
“There are no allocated pegs at the moment, which allows anglers better access to fish the features – this is great for social angling, and for parents who want children close to them while they fish.
“The sport itself was absolutely non-stop all day for both of us,” Adam continued.
“I concentrated on working long and short pole at different depths with a variety of baits, which all produced bites from carp averaging 2-5lb.
“We also fished the Method, alternating the feeder with bomb and pellet, and both tactics produced plenty of carp fishing tight up to the island. If you want plenty of bites and enjoy working for them, this place is ideal.”
More info on this and other waters in the area at: www. fishinginthenorthwest.co.uk PRICES: £7 a day adults (two rods maximum), £5 concessions. Night fishing £25 per night CONTACT: 07464 607875, www.brooksidefisheries.co.uk LOCATION: Brookside Fisheries, Beaumont, Tarporley Rd, Whitley, Warrington, WA4 4DT RULES: No keepnets, barbless hooks only, no nuts, groundbait in cups or feeders only, no livebaits, max hook size 8, no pole fishing on Linear Lake. FACILITIES: Café (Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays only), toilets