Focus on Bridge Inn Fishery, Norfolk, and great weekend swims to try
IN THE winding Wensum valley in Norfolk lies the picturesque Bridge Inn Fishery, which offers the visiting angler rod-bending action on both still and flowing water.
The main attraction for stillwater fanatics will be the five-acre Bridge Lake, which is best described as a ‘proper carp water’ but also boasts a fantastic head of other species like tench and bream. Angling Times spoke to ‘gem of a bailiff’ Clive Dobinson, who revealed more about the complex…
“This is by no means a runs water, but if you work at it good results can be had.
“There’s a really good head of 20lb commons in here, many of which were stocked at the 7lb mark around 15 years ago – they now average between 21lb and 25lb and are truly pristine fish. There are also a couple of 30-pounders in the lake, the record being a common of 33lb 7oz.
“I held the record for 10 years with a fish of 32lb 10oz, a mirror – we have seen that one swimming about recently and it now looks 40lb.
“You can fish the lake both day and night. Day fishing is best carried out in a swim that is neglected and difficult to fit a bivvy in. It’s a bonus if it has an overhanging tree, and fishing close to it will often score.
“Bait-wise on here, we get both boilie anglers and those who use particles.
“I do quite well on sweetcorn and chocolate boilies in the margins, targeting the lily pads, which are the best features.
“There are also tench and bream to double figures and a large head of silver fish, and only last week a 5lb eel was caught – who can tell for sure how big they go?
“Floater fishing can be good, although you will have to watch out for the seagulls, which can be a pain. Zig rigs just below the surface can also be effective.”
The river surrounding the fishery was famous a few years ago for its barbel sport, and for featuring in John Wilson’s classic TV series Go Fishing.
Sadly, the barbel population is diminished due to predation, but the stretch is now home to some very large chub.
“Last week a big fish of 7lb 2oz was caught from the river by an angler who was wading out,” said Clive. “The run is also home to plenty of small dace and chub if you want to run a stick float through for small stuff.” LOCATION: 2 Fakenham Rd, Lenwade, Norwich, Norfolk, NR9 5SE CONTACT: 01603 872248 or 07554 356821 PRICE: £10 per day, £20 for 24 hours. Season tickets available RULES: Read these on arrival FACILITIES: Pub, accommodation, toilets