HUGE fishery is set to re-open in East Anglia this spring, 17 years after it shut, and is on track to revitalise fishing in the region.
East Bilney Lakes was the first commercial to open in Norfolk 35 years ago, but was closed and left to rot for over a decade – until Lee Carver took it over last year.
At that point the venue was unfishable, packed with weeds and tonnes of silt. Following a monumental restoration task by Lee and the fishery team, they have now created an impressive complex offering four stunning lakes and more than 100 pegs. An open weekend is being held on May 14 and 15, before it officially opens for fishing on May 21.
“There’s a lot of nostalgia for the place,” Lee told us. “It’s also one of the prettiest venues you’ll see, and despite all the work, we’ve kept a natural feel to the place.”
There’s a specimen lake, home to a head of big carp; a silverfish lake, offering true crucians; the original 100-year-old estate lake filled with mixed carp; plus a match lake.
“We already have plans to host Fish ‘O’ Mania qualifiers next year, and hope to add something new to the match fishing calendar,” Lee, a keen match angler himself, added.
For more info, visit the East Bilney Lakes Facebook page.
