TOP FIVE VENUES
LINEAR FISHERIES, WITNEY, OXFORDSHIRE
Voted No1 Stillwater in the country by Angling Times readers, several of the lakes are reliable spots for multiple carp runs during the colder months.
If recent form is anything to go by, Brasenose One and Two, Hardwick and Smiths and St Johns are all producing bites for anglers.
The fish in all these waters average nearly 20lb and there are some huge specimens over 40lb present as well.
Fish over a light spod mix of chopped boilies and corn, with a decent dose of sweet liquid to draw the carp in.
Contact: 07885 327708 Postcode: OX29 7QF
TODBER MANOR FISHERIES, STURMINSTER NEWTON, DORSET
Big and Little Hayes Lakes are prolific waters, with visiting anglers catching as many as 20 fish in a 24-hour session.
The average size of these carp is 15lb-plus and there are much bigger fish present too.
Boilies are king of the baits. Fish a scattering of differentsized baits and use a brighter, balanced bait over the top. Contact: 01258 820384 Postcode: DT10 1JB
NORTON DISNEY, LINCOLN, LINCOLNSHIRE
Fancy a trip to a new complex? Embryo’s Norton Disney is now open and producing fish in even the coldest of conditions.
Pettitt’s is the in-form lake,
with several 20lb-plus fish landed in the last week.
Be prepared to fish at distances of 20 rodlengths and adopt a light baiting approach with a solid PVA bag of boilie crumb.
Contact: 01268 285987 Postcode: LN6 9QH
STANWICK LAKES FISHERIES, WELLINGBOROUGH, NORTHANTS
The 25-peg Mallard Lake and the smaller three-acre Swan Lake can fish very well at this time of year. You will find big fish in Mallard and a slightly smaller average in Swan.
Try a single bright hookbait cast to the middle of the lake or a small scattering of freebies. Contact: 07974 300015 Postcode: NN9 6GD
MAKINS FISHERY, NUNEATON, WARKS
Popular with match anglers, this fishery offers some of the best carp sport in the country. The 4.75-acre Lake 1 is the best spot for keen carpers. In here you will find specimens to 35lb, and lots of them.
Try a single bright hookbait or a small mesh bag of crumb and a 10mm boilie to catch one. Contact: 01455 220877
Postcode: CV11 6QJ
ROACH, rudd and perch are on the cards along the Telecom Bridge to iTT Bridge section of this South West canal.
A recent match was won with a double-figure net of silvers, despite tough conditions. Featuring in this net were not only good stamp roach and perch, but also quality rudd to nearly 2lb.
The pole is the best way to approach the canal, and in clear water breadpunch over liquidised loosefeed on a short line is a winning tactic.
When the water is coloured, switch to groundbait and maggots. In all conditions it’s worth priming a chopped worm and caster line, as the canal holds some clonking perch to nearly 4lb.
Contact: 07753120460
Prices: £7 per day, £4 juniors, Taunton AA
Website: www.tauntonangling association.co.uk find where the fish are settled. fishery.co.uk