Venue Profile: Astbury Mere, Congleton

Mar 03,2006 00:00 by Julian

Astbury Mere was formed from an old sand and gravel pit, which has now established itself as a mature fishery. In total the lake extends to some 43 acres and is set in a slight valley surrounded in part by trees. On site there are WC's and facilities to purchase food and beverages from a licensed restaurant.

Overview
Access and car parking is excellent. The depths range from a few feet in the shallows to over 40-foot in the middle. There are many bars and shelves and a little plumbing about will easily locate likely feeding areas.

Stock
Prior to SOTAS ownership, the former owners stocked over 300 Carp from a southern fish farm, some of the fish coming from Woburn Abbey. Early indications show the fish are putting on weight with numerous fish of 25lb plus having been reported, in particular commons. The water holds an estimated 50 fish over 20lb and did its first 30lb-plus fish during 2004. The water also received stockings from the Capesthorne estate in 1988.

Notes
Top Weights; Common Carp - 28lb , Mirror Carp - 31lb
Location: Situated off the A34 just south of Congleton.
Allowances: Maximum of three rods, night fishing allowed, no sacks, no baitboats.
Club/Ticket: Fishing Controlled by Stoke-on-Trent Angling Society.
Senior Price: £80/year, plus £35 Night Permit.
Contact: www.sotangling.com

Gallery

Dan Edgar with a 31lb 8oz Astbury mirror

John Banks with an Astbury 20

Miffer set up on Astbury

Astbury 25lb common

John Banks with a low 20 astbury common