You could be driving past some of the best fishing in the country every single day without giving it a second thought. Urban fisheries have a habit of being overlooked and written off. Park lakes, canals and reservoirs in our towns and cities can produce far better sport than most anglers expect.
As spring arrives and fish begin to feed with intent, these venues can come alive. Warmer water, and regular feeding spells often mean bites can come quickly. They are accessible, reliable and, in many cases, seriously underrated.
The Rosie, Connah’s Quay, North Wales
Situated in the Wepre Park, The Rosie is a stunning lake where crucians, tench and silverfish are on the cards. Day tickets from the visitor centre café.
Contact: www.connahsquayanglingclub.com
Crookes Valley Park, Sheffield, S Yorkshire
This deep venue holds a head of quality roach, not to mention a handful of elusive carp. Early mornings are a good bet to avoid the crowds. Free fishing.
Contact: www.sheffield.gov.uk
Sefton Park, Liverpool, Merseyside
One of a handful of great park lakes in Liverpool. It’s a good bet for carp, with simple tactics working. Permits online.
Contact: www.liverpool.gov.uk
Hollingworth Lake, Rochdale, Lancashire
Healthy stocks of silverfish in this large water. Feeder tactics work well. Permits available from the visitor centre.
Contact: www.visitrochdale.com
Stowe Pool, Lichfield, Staffordshire
Excellent silverfish sport with quality skimmers, roach and perch. Day tickets from the
on-site ranger.
Contact: www.lichfielddc.gov.uk
Peatmoor Lake, Swindon, Wiltshire
Home to carp to 20lb, including a good head of doubles, plus decent bream. Peatmoor Angling Club controls the fishing.
Contact: www.facebook.com
Hales Hall Pool, Cheadle, Staffordshire
This North Staffs Angling water is a real gem. Carp, bream and tench are all present. Affordable memberships available online.
Mousecroft Pool, Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Here in an area of community woodland you’ll encounter bream to 7lb, and quality carp.
Contact: www.shrewsburytownfisheries.co.uk
Mote Park, Maidstone, Kent
Superb bream bags are on the cards here, with Method feeder tactics a winner. Day tickets available from Maidstone Angling Centre.
Walthamstow Reservoirs, North London
At this urban oasis you’re spoilt for choice, with numerous large waters containing specimen carp and bream.
Contact: www.thameswater.co.uk
