RUTLAND Water
March 30th, 2006 by Fishing admin
ANGLING: Still plenty of quality sport to be had
NOW that river anglers have had to put their tackle away for the duration of the close season, it is time to break out the stillwater gear.
And anglers are very lucky in this area to have some of the best stillwaters to try. Over the next few weeks I will give you an insight into several of my favourites that I feel are well worth a try.
I will start off with Railway Lakes. This two-lake fishery has enjoyed a big following for many years now. The big, deep water lake comes into its own a little later in the year once warmer weather arrives whereas the smaller lake fishes well for most of the year.
Look to fish two lines on this pool. I particularly like to fish pellet and paste on this water right in the margins.
Balanced tackle can and does make all the difference on this type of water.
Take your time, let the elastic do its job and you should net the fish. But pull hard, rush the job and the inevitable smash and crash of tackle will follow very quickly.
This water lends itself well to floating baits. At times wherever you look fish are taking bread and biscuit.
Tickets are £5 off the bank from the bailiff, match bookings to Tony Hudson on 01733 203428.
Out to the North of Peterborough is Westons Lake, run by owner Mark Weston.
It has only been open a few years but has already gained a fine reputation with some very big fish being taken.
A lot of better carp are taken on meat, corn and pellet from the margins, the best action coming later in the day.
Once the weather picks up then try floating baits as this is yet another local water that will see bread and biscuit work very well and with some small bays and islands, a roving approach when there are not too many anglers about, can bring in carp.
This is not just a carp lake though. Despite reports of several fish going to the scales at 20lb plus a lot of anglers still fish this water for the cracking silver fish action to be had on maggot and caster.
Fishing is from dawn till dusk and at £6 represents good value for money. A contact number for further enquiries is 01733 252185.
A water I spent a lot of time at last season was Kingsland Reservoir on the outskirts of Whittlesey.
This fishery has already built up a fine reputation and it seems to be getting better every year.
If you are looking to fish small feeders or the waggler at this time of year then the Silver Fish Pool could well suit you.
It is full of crucian carp, tench, skimmers and chub although once the weather starts to pick up there will be plenty of tench and crucians showing in the margins.
Both carp lakes here perform well to other methods, pellet and paste in the margins, sweetcorn and luncheon meat on the long pole line.
Teresa and Richard Stevenson are the owners who run this very successful fishery and they make every effort to ensure anglers have a good day’s sport.
This is a good water for club bookings both on the carp lakes and the Silver Fish Pool. Give them a try, you will not be disappointed. Day tickets are £5, contact number is 01733 840312.
A little further away but still within easy striking distance of Peterborough and well worth a visit are the Wyton Lakes at Huntingdon.
All the usual carp tactics work well but the early season action will see a feeder approach having the best of the action.
There is also a good head of bream and tench that are often taken on sweetcorn in the margins. Day tickets are £7 for non-residents.
Gerards Carp Lake has gained a fine reputation over the past few years. Big carp anglers have seen the carp grow on well and it is not uncommon to hear of several doubles being taken in a session.
This is one of the few waters in the area where a method feeder can be used. I would go so far as to say that the ‘method’ will be by far your best approach now and right through the summer months.
From time to time the bagging waggler will score well and on other occasions you will be able to take fish off the top but in the main it is a feed approach that is best.
Day tickets (£6) are from the bailiff who regularly comes round. Contact number is 01733 252243.
RUTLAND Water opens on April 1 and trout anglers in the area are predicting another bumper season.
Before a fly has even been cast the fishery has been celebrating success. Readers of Today’s Flyfisher have voted Rutland Water as the best trout fishery over 100 acres in the UK. The result was announced by Tim Smith, editor of Today’s Flyfisher, at an awards event.
Recreation manager for Anglian Water, David Moore, said: ”All the team at Rutland Water are thrilled with this result and it is a great start to the new season. We are expecting another good season this year and our extensions to the Fishing Lodge and extra trout stocking will make the fishery an even better venue for the tens of thousands of anglers who travel to Rutland from all over Europe.”
On opening day anglers have the opportunity to win the Independence Day Trophy for best fish.
• THE new 2006/2007 rod licences are now available on line or at any of the local post offices.
This year there has been another rise in price. A full licence for an adult is now £24 – not too high a price to pay if you split it down over 12 months – but anglers will be very keen to see just what they are getting for their money.
Perhaps some of the extra revenue the EA will gain from this price increase will pay the wages of a few more enforcement officers to try and stop the taking of fish from our waters – something which is now getting out of control.
Anyone over the age of 12 fishing in freshwaters in England or Wales must have a valid Environment Agency rod licence.
IT is annual meeting time around the local club scene.
Peterborough & District AA will have plenty to talk about, and all members are welcome to attend their meeting at Fletton Ex-Serviceman’s Club starting at 8pm prompt on April 6.
The club is always on the lookout for new committee members and younger members would be especially welcome. You do not have to be interested in the match-fishing scene, pleasure