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
Now owned by Dave Harnick Snr, ably assisted by son Dave Jnr, the Harnick family purchased the site 3 years ago and set about turning the site into the ideal fishery. Both father and son are carp anglers and have listened to other anglers to improve the facilities, stock and waters whilst providing everything required to target a new personal best in some considerable comfort.
The fishery consists of three pools; a general coarse lake with a myriad of species for which to wet a line, a fly fishing only lake with trout to double figures, brook, tiger and blue trout in addition to the expected rainbow and brown trout, and the main attraction which is the carp lake containing pristine carp to over 47lbs. I fished the main lake for an overnight session and was very pleased with what I found.
The specimen water covers around 9 acres, with depths to 14’ and has a natural stream bed running through it. Plenty of weed means plenty of natural food for the inhabitants, with the result that it can be a challenging arena for those who may be used to easier venues. Because the pool is stream fed and absorbs the runoff from the adjacent Pendle Hill, the lake bed contains copious amounts of food rich silt and nutrients, which means a fertile environment for the bank side plantings; surrounded by well established reed beds, overhanging trees, sedges and bushes, there is plenty of cover for both anglers and fish. There are more than 300 carp, including a lake record of 47lbs 6ozs with several 30’s, numerous 20’s and others doubles to back them up; the opportunity of a new personal best is there for the taking!
There are 25 fishing ‘stations’ of which 9 are easily able to accommodate 2 large bivvies so you can fish with a friend; both anglers have enough room to fish 3 rods each without coming into conflict with adjacent pegs. Each ‘station’ is constructed to a high standard, constrained with heavy logging to provide a stable base to fish from and topped with quality wood bark to remove the inconvenience of fishing in a muddy puddle. One thing I did notice is the fact that it is EASY to get bivvy pegs into the ground WITHOUT a mallet, so no chance of someone next door spooking the fish away! Behind every peg is a refuse bin which is emptied each morning, so nothing to attract rats or other critters! Access to each station is simple; vehicles have more or less full right of entry to allow anglers to drop off tackle at the peg and return the car or van to the car park. Less able anglers will be able to take advantage of several ‘stations’ which have a gentle slope down to the water.
Facilities onsite are excellent; hot showers are available for just a small £1 contribution towards hot water, so long stay visitors have no need to be uncomfortable during their stay. There are both male and female toilets (and disabled) all of which are clean, with a working flush, seat AND toilet roll which isn’t damp or greaseproof! Sinks are also provided with hand wash and plugs...... The shop/cafe is stocked with a reasonable amount of items which anglers may have forgotten; terminal tackle and a few larger items should ensure that you can fish whatever you have left behind, and the amount of available bait is astonishing in such a relatively small shop. The cafe serves hot, tasty food at chip shop prices and features an extensive menu of curries, chillies, pies and burgers. Not content with that, food orders can be taken and delivered (still piping hot!) to your bankside abode! £3.50 for pie, chips, peas and gravy, served at the peg is an ideal way to keep warm on winter sessions!
Ample car parking, cctv and a locked gate between the hours of 9pm and 7am mean that anglers can relax in a secure site and concentrate on their fishing without fear of intruders. The bailiff lives onsite and is available to deal with any issues as they arise. Tactics at Pendle View don’t have to be complicated; the advice given is to keep things simple, use a good quality boilie and minimal baiting. Floater fishing is also successful, but the water birds may get there first so keep your eyes peeled.
In summary, Pendle View is an exceptionally attractive, established venue with no silly rules and constructed with the angler in mind. Prices on the main lake are a very reasonable £24 for 24 hours, to avoid disappointment it is recommended that you book and pay for your peg in advance by telephoning the office direct on 01254 822 208 all major credit cards are accepted. Rules of note include a barbless hook policy, no nuts of any kind, no lead core, and you must be in possession of an unhooking mat, but there is nothing unexpected or trivial; all rules are there to protect the fish and the angler! The fact that Pendle View has the current Lancashire carp record at 47lbs 6ozs with a fish known as ‘Butt Head’ has made this a popular complex for those who like to be challenged when angling for some very big fish; if that sounds like you, then check out the website and book your ticket!
Pendle View Fishery
A59 Bypass
Barrow
Clitheroe
Lancashire
BB79DH
01254 822208
http://www.pendleviewfishery.com/
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Day tickets are available only by contacting John Pointon on 07963672550. (Booking essential) Daily rates from just £10 which include a hot sandwich delivered directly to your peg whilst you concentrate on relaxing at the water’s edge. Whiston takes pride in providing high quality waters which are properly managed to ensure the enjoyment of our visitors; all day ticket guests are welcomed as friends and we hope to encourage anglers to acknowledge the environment, respect the peace and tranquillity of others, and return to enjoy the fishing in pleasant, safe and undisturbed surroundings.
Sensible rules designed to protect your catch must be adhered to, but otherwise, just sit back and enjoy! Situated immediately adjacent to our own 18 hole par 71 golf course, visitors can choose to spend time by the lakes or on the links, before partaking of award winning fayre prepared by the resident chef prior to retiring in overnight accommodation in our exquisite Manor House Hotel.
Just 3 miles from Alton Towers, the hotel was completed in 1850 and has many original carvings and features which add to the ambiance and charm of this delightful residence. It really is the place to come for your fishing, corporate golf day, society event, wedding and many other functions; let Whiston Hall take care of it all!
Whiston Fisheries
Blakeley Lane
Whiston
Staffordshire
ST102HZ
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