FISHERY OF THE WEEK Bishops Bowl, Warks
Nine lakes with specimens of all species
IF YOU’RE scouring the map for a venue with impressive big-fish potential, then it’s time to end that search and book a trip to Bishops Bowl Fishery.
Nine lakes have been constructed at the former limestone quarry site, with everything from giant, open water reservoirs to tiny, intricate pools just metres wide in parts offering sport for all manner of anglers and tactics.
And it’s not all about carp either. The owners recognise there is much more to fishing than just mirrors and commons and the lakes boast a variety of species that have all grown to specimen size, including roach, tench, bream and pike.
Big fish bonanza
The 3.5 acre, feature-packed Rushglen Lake has produced countless personal bests for anglers over the years, with bream to 8lb, roach nudging an astonishing 3lb, and even pike over 20lb. With large rush beds and islands, plus a huge head of stocked fish, there’s always a feature that will produce bites on this water.
Head over to nearby Greenhill Lake – the venue’s biggest water at 24 acres – and you’ll find the predators grow even bigger, with pike to 26lb having been netted in the past.
This lake is also home to some of the most stunning carp you’ll have ever seen, with almost every 30lb fish looking as if it has never seen a hook before.
As well as open water fishing there are features including islands, channels and intimate bays that you can target in your bid to outwit the big fish.
If you fancy slipping the net under a big tench, then Eastwell should be the first lake on your hit list. It’s one of the smallest waters on the site, with reedbeds and overhanging trees creating obvious spots to drop a float nearby.
Wherever you decide to set your stall out, the blend of rocky cliffs and blooming greenery on this nature-packed site will provide a unique backdrop to your day on the bank.
Well worth the trip
Leicestershire angler Rob Thompson makes a 100-mile round trip to target the tench but is adamant that the effort is more than worthwhile.
“I’ve never seen a fishery quite like Bishops Bowl, and it has been in brilliant form since it reopened from lockdown,” Rob
tells Angling Times.
“Big fish are there to be had on most lakes, but my favourite is definitely Eastwell. You can feel confident that a big tench will be attached to the other end every time the float goes under.”
A simple waggler set-up is the most effective, and this is best presented just off the rod-tip. Look for a peg with plenty of cover at close quarters and use 8lb mainline to a 6lb hooklength and a size 10 hook.
When it comes to baits, you can’t beat balls of groundbait laced with maggots and chopped worm for loosefeed, while a whole worm makes an irresistible hookbait for the resident tench.