VENUES
POPULAR LOCAL lAKES (Day ticket)
The lakes in and around Cheltenham are Pitville Lake, Pitville Park. Right in the centre of Cheltenham, this lake contains a fair amount of fish, both the smaller roach and perch for the youngsters to catch and larger fish. We have a picture in our shop of an over 18lb Carp that came out in that very cold weather, this February. There ae also Pike to over 10 lbs that we have been told about. This lake is now being operated privately and tickets will be issued after 15th June.
Stanborough Pool is along the Tewkesbury Road, travelling towards Tewksbury, turn left down the lane by the side of the Old Spot Pub. This is a good place to take youngsters as there is a really good head of fish. It is only a smallish lake, but the owner has built a couple of holiday chalets if anyone fancies a fishing holiday. If you look on the news page you will see a picture of a 15lb 4oz Carp landed this February, by one of our young cusomers on a single maggot. There is also Bed and Breakfast accommodation. Contact Tel: 01242 680327.
Pear Tree Lake, Staverton, take the road sign posted Boddington off to the left hand side of Tewkesbury Road, (just past the Old Spot Pub travelling from Cheltenham) and follow the road until you reach the old Koi Fish Farm and it is behind. It is good for a quiet day's out, children not allowed. Sorry but telephone number not known. PLEASE NOTE THIS LAKE WILL BE CLOSED, POSSIBLY UNTIL MARCH 2013 FOR EXTENSIVE REPAIR WORK TO IT'S BANKS.
Burley Fields Lake, Crippetts Lane, Leckhampton, GL51 4XT, commonly known as "the Pig Farm", which fishes well, (Carp to over 20lbs). Course fishing and double figure Carp, well stocked. They have also have overnight fishing. Telephone number 01242 862905. (£12 for 2 rods).
Another lake which is probably well known to locals is down Brockhampton Lane, you turn just before Smith's Industries, turn left and follow road round past the Severn Ttrent Water works? and it is through big brown gates with a gravelled drive way. £7.00 for a Day Ticket. That is the only information I have at present, perhaps some one would let me know any further details.
There is, of course, the lake on Cheltenham Racecourse, but this is stirctly only for club members and you must be sponsored by an existing member to obtain membership.
Local fishing Clubs
Tickets for Eckington Clubare available in our shop. Breakingstone is still going strong, shares the river at Burleigh with Smiths Angling, (but do not have tickets in shop). There is a Club based at the old Walker Crossweller Lakes, which has matches. Tel: 07882580766. And the Gloucestershire Angling Club is looking for new members. Gloucestershire Angling Club Website
LAKES A BIT FURTHER AFIELD
Tirley Court, from Junction 9 of M5, take the A38into and out of Tewskbury, after 2 miles turn right on to B4123, after 2 miles go over Haw Birdge, then after about half a mile, turn left. Lovely surrondings with three lakes including match and specimen. &Tel: 01452 780208.
Staunton Court on the A417 (Ledbury Road) has all facilities including disabled and permits are obtained on the bank, three lakes, also has caravan field. It is a favourite of one of my younger customers as it is the place he caught his first fish. He says "you have to know how to fish it". Tel: 01452 840230. Staunton Court Website Website
Hales Fruit Farm Travel through Winchcombe towards Toddinton and it is on the main road just before the Pheasant Pub. Reasonably stocked with cafe and farm shop, also a caravan site. Hayles Fruit Farm Website
Isbourne Fishery A newly opened lake which boasts itself as an excellent up and coming Carp venue. It is sign posted to the left as you travel along the B4632 out of Winchcombe towards Broadway. The charges are £10.00 per day for two rods. Post code GL54 5PP. Enquires to info@isbournefishery.com. Telephone contact Martin 07891 392686. Richard 07919 451438. Two of our customers went to have a look on Saturday and 3 Carp were landed whilst they were there, and we have heard a a 25lb Carp being caught.
Stone End Farm Fishery, at Church Lane, Corse, (Tel: 01452 700254). A good day's fishing, also a caravan site and most people enjoy their day. Fisheries UK Website
I have been told about another smallish lake at Brooks Farm, Twynning, not being local, I haven't visited it myself, but I am told it is, left at the War Memorial and left again down a lane. Another lake possibly worth a look see. The locals love it there and it gets regulars from Cheltenham and Tewksbury. it is a lovely spot to fish even if it is a little lake at about fourty meters long and fifteen wide, but only costs £4 a day to fish, which is collected from the bank.
Strensham Court Lakes are newly opened (although the lakes have been there some time). If you wish to night fish, you might try it, although the cost is £10 for 12 hours and £20 for 24 hours. I am told it is shallow in places, but then a lot of these lakes are, and it has a silty bottom. There is quite a range of does and don'ts. The contact number for bookings if 07723 554667. & Directions are turn into layby at War Memorial and head down lane to a metal gate with a Private Road sign, that is entrance.
Another nice lake is the The Mill Pool, Beech Lane, Painswick. However you must telephone to book first (Derek or Sarah Hinds: 01452 813687 or 07968 189251). The brochure giving further details is up in our shop.
Broadacres Lake Fishery have just sent me their brochure, it is at Hanbury near Bromsgrove and according to their leaflet, it looks quite pleasant with three lakes and a breeding pond suitable if you want to make sure your children will catch and remain interested. This is a well established fishery with toilets, car park and disabled facilities. Tel: 01527 821880. Broadacres Website
Harescombe Fisheries, Stroud, Gloucestershire. (Sat Nav GL4 OXD) Follow signs to Harescombe Village and permits are available at the Post Office. Contact No: 07831 127699. There are three lakes to choose from and they are surrounded by open farmland in a valley. Main baits are maggot, caster, worm, corn and meat. No Braid and no Floating baits and 12-24 hooks only.
One of our customers has just visited the lakes at "The Fishponds", Colwall, Opposite the Church, Mill Lane, Colwall. Telephone Mark on 077165 85577 for further details. I am told it is very pleasant with tea and bacon rolls being available on site and toilets for disabled. I have just been told by another customer that this is well worth a visit, matches are held at this venue as well if you are a match fisherman (or lady).
If you know where the Golden Vally Common, Coombe Green (through Tewkesbury, over the Mythe Bridge and turn left at Water Treatment Plant onto A438, follow the road for a few miles until you reach a T junction, turn right onto the B4208 then follow road for a couple of miles until you see a sharp bend to the right, on the bend is a junction the the left signposted to the Golden Valley, the lake is a mile or so up this road. There is a lake in the middle of the common that is good fishing, and as it is on common ground it is a free fishing venue as long as you have your Rod licence. The other way to reach this lake is to come off at Junction 2 of the M50 and take the road to Redmarly, turn left at the sign for Kingsgreen Caravan Site and follow the road past the caravan site and on to T junction, then turn left and you will soon be there. I've just been told that there is now a notice up at this lake saying "Only Local People May Fish Here".
I have just been told about a fishery at Castle Green Farm, Leighsinton, over in the Malvern Hills. It is a 25peg lake, all over depth is about 9', loads of fish, £5.00 per Day Ticket, not very busy. No bait restrictions. That is all I know at the moment, I will try to find out more or if anyone knows any more details perhaps they could email me.
Jubilee Fishery, Bishampton, nr Evesham. This is one I know nothing about, but appears in the booklet I received when I renewed my Rod Licence. They do have a website though. Jubilee Fishery Website
We now have the yearly tickets for Gardeners Pool at Seul. (Junction 13 on M5 take A38 to Bristol then 'B' road through Frampton. Car park is on righthandside of road just on bend to the left. The annual fee is £25.00, but it does look fantastic, (picture on our door) very picturesque as well as looking a fantastic place for a days fishing.
Willow Farm Fishery, over at Lenchwick, near Evesham, has just been brought to my attention. There are three pools available and according to the details I have it is set in rural surroundings and although pegs are clearly defined the only concession to convenience is a portaloo. It actually sounds like my kind of fishing, because, to me, being out in the countryside in pleasant surroundings is one of the bonuses of going fishing. The actual address is Willow Farm, Chadbury Road, Lenchwick, Evesham, WR11 4TG and the contact telephone numbers are 01386 871011 and 07976 441762. More details can be found on the Fisheries.co.uk website. Fisheries UK Website
Elton Farm Carp Lake, on the A48 between Chepstow and Gloucester, turn onto the A4151 at Elton Corner, just by the Texaco Garage and it is just along on the right. Open all year round and has match fishing on the canals. Tel: 01452 831450 or 07720 549954.
Three Counties Fishery, is run by Brian and Sue Powell, has four lakes plus game fishing on the River Wye at Letton (Near Hay-on-Wye). The Day tickets range from £5.00 to £10.00 for the notorious Pixley Pool at Ledbury. It is preferrable to telephone beofe visiting any of their waters as they have quite a few matches booked. Tel: 01531 890455 or Mobile 0974 838322. Three Counties Website
Watersmeet Hotel and Angling Centre, Ledbury Road, Hartpury, only residents are allowed to fish this lake.
LOCAL RIVER FISHING
There is, of course, plenty of local River fishing on the Severn and the Avon, to mention just a couple: There is Lower Lode, just before you enter Tewkesbury travelling from Cheltenham and The Weir at Tewkesbury. I myself have seen plenty of Jack Pike lurking in amongst the boats parked up along the River through Tewkesbury. Details of Day Tickets available can either been seen on signs along the River banks or from the Fishing Tackle shop in Tewkesbury. I have mentioned the free stretch of River available at Ripple under the Environmental Agency.
Tewkesbury Popular Angling Association, have their own stretches of water and anyone who is interested, will you please note that they now have their own website. Link to Tewkesbury Popular Angling Website
FLY FISHING VENUES
Broad Oak Trout Lakes, as far as I know this lake has recently opened. It is located between Hanley Swan & Welland near Malvern. Day tickets ae available for Fly Fishing only from the manned fishing lodge and there is disabled access. It is recommended that you telephone before you go: Mrs Charlotte Morgan on 01684 593881 or Mr Chriss Lee, 07717 627951. Broad Oak Website
Beanhill Lake, I have found the details for this lake from a Stillwater Guide for the Trout Fisherman. The address is Beanhill Farm , Clanna Cross Roads, Alvington, Lydney, GL15 6AE, Contact 01594 529113. Beanhill Lake Website
A second lake from the same booklet is: Great Burrows Trout Fishery,Nibley Green, North Nibley, GL8 6AZ, Contact 01453 542343. (So perhaps if anyone visits either of these two lakes they would let me know more about them.
Lechlade & Busyleaze Trout Fisheries, Burford Road, lechlade on Thames, GL7 3QQ. This fishery is open all year round and is half a mile North of Lechlade and is set in thirty acres of beautiful countryside. The contact is Tim Small, 01367 253266. Lechlade Website
Witcombe Waters, Witcombe Farm, Great Witcombe, GL3 4TR. There season is 8th March to 25th October for Day Tickets and Season Permits finish on 20th December. They do have Junior Tickets and Boat Hire. Contact Tel: 01452 864413 during office hours.
Chew Valley Lake, Bristol This is a massive lake of 1200 acres, but is well stocked and prices are reasonable with a "Bank Day" at £15.00, (they also do "Boat Days" at £31.00). Contact telephone number is 01275 332339.
Woolaston Court Trout Lakes, Main Road, Woolaston, Lydney, GL15 6PJ Thier ticket prices seem far more reasonable than most Fly Fisheries. Woolaston Court Website
Salford Trout Lakes. This I am told is a lovely place to go fishing in idyllic surroundings, in fact, one customer has said this is the prettiest lake he has ever fished. Certainly the countryside is absolutely fantastic if you travel from Cheltenham use the A40 and hang a left through Burford. Salford Trout Lakes Website
Trout fishing at Lenches Lake This lake is on the Evesham Road at Church Lench, approximately 4 miles North of Evesham. Contact telephone is 01386 871035. Lenches Lake Website
COACHING (For all Ages and Abilities)
There is a very good local Coach, who will help you if you are just starting or are more experienced, but just wish to improve your skills. Richard also organises coarses for younsters through various schemes and will also organise Junior matches. Richard has started a National Junior team that are already doing well and took four classes in their latest match. Link to Coaching Website
CAT FISHING
Shatterford Lakes, Kidderminster, the nearest Day Ticket waters for Catfish, that I know of, is Shatterford Lakes near Kidderminster. One of our customers caught a giant 52lb Cat last August so why not go and try your luck. Shatterford Lakes Website
CLUBS TO JOIN WITH SEVERAL LAKES (ANNUALLY)
FOREST OF DEAN ANGLING CLUB, six lakes with Carp, Tench, Perch, Roach and Rudd in every lake plus Bream, Golden Rudd, Gudgeon, Chub and Bleak in some of the lakes. Visit their Web Site for more information on Rules and Matches. Forest of Dean Website
ASHTON KEYNES ANGLING CLUB Another Angling Club near is the Ashton keynes Angling Club. I regret I have not been able to go over there as yet, but if you have a look at their Web Site, I am sure you will find it interesting. Ashton Keynes Website
BIRMINGHAM ANGLERS ASSOCIATION (BAA) , Their waters are mainly to the North of Tewkesbury, rivers, lakes and pools, but this is one that is well worth joining, they have just opened their sixth lake up near Droitwich only to be used for pleasure fishing and not matches. You are only able to join through their Head Office and not in local tackle shops. This is a BAA decision and the only tickets availble at tackle shops are the day tickets at £6.00 per time. These can however, be discounted against your full membership and give details of where to apply. BAA Website
ENVIRONMENT AGENCY I would suggest you try the Environmental Agency Website for further details of places to fish. Have you tried the free stretch of river fishing at Ripple. The Environmental Agency have worked hard to make this venue more fisherman friendly. They have cut steps in the bankside and put in wide platforms at the water's edge.
'In conjunction with the Young Anglers Project (YAP) the Agency do run Coaching days for yougsters, so If you know any youngsters who wish to get more involved, I suggest you contact Keith Urch of YAP on 07885 397781'. Link to Environment Agency Website
SEA FISHING
You do not have to travel as far as you would think for a spot of Sea Fishing, if you turn off the M5 at Junction 15 and head towards Thornborough and then Aust. The best place to park is just as the Road turns inland, access is through a gate and then walk across the fields to the Sea. Fishing is anywhere between the two bridges but be prepared to get a bit muddy.
Important! There are some low water spots which are extemely dangerous so please leave alone unless you ae fishing with a local person who has had considerable experience of this area. Very large tides are best avoided, the best time to fish being one and half hours either side of high water. If you are lucky you are likely to catch Codling, Flounder, Sole, Whiting, Conger, Mullet and the occasional Bass.
FISHING HOLIDAYS IN IRELAND
There is a new company specialising in fishing and/or golfing holidays to Ireland. If you are interested try their website on: Fishing and Golfing In Ireland Website