Winter is well on the way, but there is no need to hang the carp rods up just yet! We have always said that there are still plenty of bites to be had in winter if you choose the right venue! So here they are, three of the best day ticket lakes that will (almost) guarantee you a bite this winter!
WHAT SORT OF VENUE?
Well, does the lake have good previous winter carp fishing form? It is not a secret that some lakes do fish better than others in the winter, so do a little bit of research and make sure the venue fishes well in the colder months.
- Do you need to pre book? Make sure you don’t fall foul of any booking systems that are in place. Jump on the venues website and find out the details. If you must pre book a certain swim then that is the time to do some more in-depth research, check the catch reports from the previous year and ask around online. If you are really stuck give the venue a call and ask.
- Check the facilities on offer suit your needs and requirements. Most fisheries offer toilets of some description but if you are looking for a tackle shop onsite and a café for a fry up then do your checks and make sure they have what you need.
- A good stock of fish is really important. Winter carp fishing can be tough but on most well stocked venues, there is always a chance of a bite or two. You’ll also find less anglers too, which is always a bonus!
So, where would we recommend?
Berners Hall Fishery, Essex – with three lakes to choose from and a reputation for producing bites in the winter, Berners Hall is the place to head when the weather turns cold.
The Res holds a staggering number of big carp with fish to over 50lb, including over twenty different 40lb plus carp and 150 different 30lb plus fish!!! Around 700 fish in total call The Res their home, bait boats are allowed, and booking is essential.
Meadow Lake (5 anglers) and Poultons Lake (3 anglers) are also very prolific and Poultons is great for a social with two mates. Check out more www.bernershallfishery.com and book online at www.gocatch.fish
Linear Fisheries, Oxfordshire – With a huge number of lakes to choose from there is usually always room at Linear in the winter season. We would recommend the new Tar Farm lakes for a few bites, or Brasenose 1 for a whacker.
Onsite tackle shop, showers and toilets mean you are well looked after during a long session. Book Tar Farm online at www.gocatch.fish
Sandhurst Lake, Yateley – A great winter venue, being very shallow in the main. Stoked with some cracking fish up to and well over 40lb. You book a slot but choose your swim when you arrive. Notable areas to head for include the pipes, the island swims, and the bailiffs’ swims. Make sure you check the rules as there are strict bait rules in place.
Book online at www.sandhurstlake.co.uk
For us though, Berners Hall takes top spot due to the sheer number of huge fish that anyone can come and have a go at. The Res does get booked up but there is usually midweek space if you book in advance so get planning now! If the Res is not your thing then take a look at the other two smaller lakes that are lovely and secluded, packed with lots of big carp and the swims are well spaced out.
You can use bait boats on the Res and the other lakes, and they really come into their own in the colder months when the fish often hold up further out in the deeper water.
Head over to www.gocatch.fish and get booked on today!
BERNERS HALL FISHERY
- Three Lakes The Res for the whoppers, Meadow and Poultons for lots of bites.
- Onsite Tackle Shop Pre order and pick up when you arrive!
- Facilities clean toilets on site and takeaways that deliver to the lakes.
- Big Fish! over twenty different 40's and 150 different 30's in the Res alone!
- Bait Boats are allowed if used sensibly and kept within your swim boundaries.
- Book First you must book in advance.