The car parking comprises a large grassed area, but additional space is available at the side of the track which runs all the way around the edge of the pool and allows anglers to fish from the back of the car if required, which makes it an ideal venue for those less able. Well tended banks mean that anglers can set up anywhere (within reason) as there are no recognised pegs, but obviously decorum indicates reasonable spacing should be maintained from your fellow angler. Because you can park so close to your peg, vehicle security isn't an issue which is a consideration for many anglers..... Other facilities on site include clean toilets with toilet roll and soap! I know that they are regularly cleaned too as I saw the contractor emptying the contents and resupplying the sundries!
Mere Moor Specimen Lake was initially dug around ten years ago as a purpose built fishery venue and has depths to around 14' between the island and the sandbar, although at the top end I couldn't find any deeper than 7' into which to cast my baits. The sandbar itself is covered only by a few inches of water, but shelves deeply into a clearly defined channel which is a recognised fish holding area. Be aware that high voltage power lines cross the water at this point, and anglers are prevented from casting into dangerous areas by substantial fencing, but the channel is easily reached from elsewhere.... an split island feature running up the central spine of the lake also holds a lot of fish; I witnessed dozens of good sized carp patrolling the margins and occasionally sinking to feed on the shelf which protrudes for about 3' before dropping away to deeper water. A reed lined bay at the top end also appeared to hold good numbers of fish under cover of overhanging trees and other vegetation and would certainly warrant further investigation. The lake bed is predominantly clear of obstructions, but variations in depth make good bait placement a crucial factor in catching fish.
What of the stock with the Specimen Lake? I've had confirmed reports of fish to just over 22lbs, but whilst I was on the bank, I was approached by an angler who assured me of a near 40lbs beast which is reputedly resident....as always, I'm usually dubious of such claims until witnessed or verified, and indeed bailiff Tim confirmed that the biggest capture he is aware of is around 26lbs; still a very worthy fish however. There are also grass carp to over 20lbs present which will definitely put a bend in your rod! Even though there is a substantial number of fish present, it's not all about carp at Mere Moor; I watched as ‘Harry', a venue regular, landed a stream of smashing golden orfe in excess of 4lbs in addition to some beautifully silvered roach which I'm told may grace near the 3lb mark on the scales; Tim also lists quality tench to 4lbs and decent perch as potential targets for the general specimen hunter, so plenty to enjoy for all.
Immediately adjacent to the specimen lake is an old trout pool providing consistent sport with carp to 8lbs, orfe, ide and the usual silver fish which is in use as a general coarse fishing pleasure water. I noted a variety of successful tactics employed including waggler, whip and quivertip which all bought fish to the net.
The two match pools are both capable of providing summer weights in excess of 250lbs during five hour matches and are proving popular amongst clubs seeking intimate waters for smaller matches. These pools had a wide selection of fishy features, so the anticipation of drawing that ‘banker' peg is never far away!
At Mere Moor, sensible rules apply throughout; expect to get your ticket and rod licence checked by the team to ensure you are allowed to fish. Junior anglers below the age of 12 are not allowed on the Specimen Lake unless supervised by an adult, unhooking mats MUST be used; no fixed rigs or lead core, no floating baits and you must use barbless hooks....the rest of the rules really apply to commonsense and courtesy, but you can find all the details on the fishery website and on notices around the venue.
Under the guidance of Tim and Tony, further site enhancements are planned and will see improved signage, netting of the pools to reduce stock levels which will result in increased growth rates for many of the carp which are already showing potential for greater weights and a whole host of other ideas which will develop the fishery into something to be enjoyed by every visitor at any time of year; definitely worth a few hours of your time!
On the Specimen lake, day tickets are available priced at £10 for three rods, a 24 hour pass will set you back £25. Visitors to the other lakes can fish for just £5! For more details, contact Tim Walklet on 07563636991 or visit www.meremoorfisheries.co.uk
Taxmere T2 Carp Fishery
Quality fishing in tranquil surroundings
Arclid, near Sandbach
If you like fishing in relaxed, unpressured and tranquil surroundings, then Taxmere T2 could be just the ticket! This newly opened day ticket fishery near Sandbach is maturing beautifully and is sure to become a stunning specimen water for the future; both in terms of its attractive stock and picturesque surroundings.
At just over an acre in size, there are six carefully placed swims each offering spacious open water and marginal features for the exploring angler, and what’s more, with a registration and pre booking scheme in place for a maximum of six anglers per day, you always know you’re going to have a lovely peg to fish when you arrive.
Just one of the stunning Taxmere T2 inhabitants!
The pool has been stocked with young home grown carp from our other specimen water, which averaged around 6lb on introduction. These fish are growing exceptionally well with the largest caught so far already exceeding 11lb. The water has also been stocked with a small number of tench between 4lb-6lb with no other species present.
At present fishing is day only, fishing dawn till dusk, though this may change in the future. A registration scheme is in place at a cost of five pounds a year; registered members can then book a days fishing safe in the knowledge that a swim is available and has been reserved for them. The pool is situated on private land with no public access. Secure car parking is situated close to the pool allowing peace of mind and easy access to and from all the swims.
Quality fishing in tranquil surroundings
Prior to the club taking on the water in 2010 the pool had not been fished. However, it was periodically stocked with carp over several years and is already known to hold carp to the low-twenties. Larger fish may be present and it will not be long before the venue is producing fish in excess of 30lbs, assuming such residents do not exist already.
The pool is a former ash pit. A relic of the days when quarrying was carried out is evident in the form of a large item of plant which remains on the island on the north side of the water and provides the place with extra character. Ample, secure on-site parking is provided and a well maintained path around the perimeter of the water provides easy
access for those staying overnight.
Fishing is allowed from the designated pegs only unless when stalking in which case permission of any nearby anglers must be sought. All cars to be parked in the allocated parking area and not driven around the pool.
Fishing on this water is controlled by Lymm Angling Club. For more
information on this and other waters available, along with rules and
details of membership, please visit the Lymm Angling Club website at: http://lymmanglersclub.com
The lake bed is festooned with bloodworm beds and has both silty and firmer areas. There are various species stocked including high quality roach, tench and crucian carp. The main attraction however are the carp and catfish. The carp have been caught upto nearly 27lb with a large number of other 20lb+ fish with an average weight of mid to high doubles.
The catfish are however the stars of the show in the Plex and have reached weights of 45lb+, again there are plenty of back-up fish with around half a dozen other 30lb+ fish, average weight for the catfish is 15lb+. The largest catfish landed in 2009 weighed 38lb 12oz.
Fishing controlled by Wheelock Angling Society. For more information on this water and becoming a member, please visit: http://www.wheelock-as.co.uk
The lake contains a number of Carp to over 35lbs, plus Tench, Perch, Roach, Crucian Carp and a few Bream. The lake has produced a new record mirror of 36lb 9oz in 2008, a magnificent mirror. 2009 looks good after The Park also produced a new 30 and some cracking high 20lb fish in 2008. The Park also produces some fantastic Rudd for those who fish for them.
Fishing controlled by Wheelock Angling Society. For more information on this water and becoming a member, please visit: http://www.wheelock-as.co.uk
The lake contains a number of Carp to mid 30’s, plus Roach, Rudd, Perch, Tench, Crucian Carp and Bream. The lake has a large head of 20lb carp, the largest being a Common which has reached mid 30’s the past few years. The lake also contains several 30lb Mirrors and a high percentage of the 20’s are now around the 28lb mark. The fishing can be very rewarding for those who put the effort in.
Fishing controlled by Wheelock Angling Society. For more information on this water and becoming a member, please visit: http://www.wheelock-as.co.uk
Day tickets are available on the bank at £2.50 per rod, this will be collected by our local Bailiff. Day ticket anglers can only fish while the gates are open to the park, they cannot fish the swims on the right hand bank as these are for Society members only and they are not allowed to night fish. All Society rules must be obeyed by Day ticket anglers. There are two disabled swims on the lake with easy wheelchair access.
A unique venue for the area and an excellent introduction to the quality of the waters controlled by Wheelock.
Fishing controlled by Wheelock Angling Society. For more information on this water and becoming a member, please visit: http://www.wheelock-as.co.uk
The lake contains plenty of Carp to Mid 20’s and has a good gene pool mixture, the latest fish to go in 2009 have been of the Dintons Strain. It can be a little tricky at times but the fish are never far away and have taken on a lovely dark coloration. This water has only been stocked with carp.
This is an intimate water with some lovely fish. A perfect place to spend a day well away from the rigours of modern life.
Fishing controlled by Wheelock Angling Society. For more information on this water and becoming a member, please visit: http://www.wheelock-as.co.uk
We believe that the Mere contains original carp over 20lbs and the Society has an ongoing stocking policy with this water. We have stocked several strains of carp over the past few years and now have fish to just under 30lb, although a much larger fish was seen during a working party in 2008. The lake has good head of Pike and these have been caught to 24lb in recent times. The Mere also held the Cheshire Bream record with a fish over 11lbs for a short time in the 70s.
Tench have been caught in the past few years to over double figures and are in superb condition, Perch to over 3lbs, Roach, Rudd and Crucian Carp. This is an excellent fishery which is really gathering speed as the fish stocks mature.
Fishing controlled by Wheelock Angling Society. For more information on this water and becoming a member, please visit: http://www.wheelock-as.co.uk
This fishery is affected by overhead electric power lines. Poles are not allowed. Carbon or carbon composite rods, whips, net handles, etc. are not allowed on this water. Assembled tackle must not be carried to, from or around the water. Members only. No night fishing.
Fishing on this water is controlled by Lymm Angling Club. For more information on this and other waters available, along with rules and details of membership, please visit the Lymm Angling Club website at: http://lymmanglersclub.com
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