Over recent decades, the UK’s network of reservoirs have dominated the predator fishing landscape, producing perch and pike worthy of the history books. Now, there’s a new kid on the block.
Ladybower Reservoir sits within the stunning Peak District National Park, and spans over 500 acres. For years it’s been a trout fishery with a small and secretive winter pike syndicate. But now, under new ownership, Ladybower has opened to day-ticket predator anglers for the very first time.
Although details of its stocks have to date remained under wraps, fishery boss Pete Eville gave an exciting insight into the venue’s potential.
“When the syndicate was operational, things were, as syndicates often are, very quiet and closed,” he explained.
“However, I’ve seen pictures of 40-pound pike, beautiful fish of classic reservoir build – short, broad, fat and deep-bodied, with small heads.
“They look like the fish of Chew Valley Lake – the venue that produced the current British Record.”
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Immense potential
The first day-ticket predator anglers at Ladybower ventured out on Saturday, November 15 and, over that opening weekend, there were numerous fish caught, including a 20-pounder. Ladybower pike are decked out in beautiful colours.
“As the pike fishing here is pretty much unknown, most of the anglers on those early trips were getting to know the place, finding likely-looking spots and searching for fish,” Pete revealed.
“It has huge potential, though. The fish will be well dispersed currently, but early next year, when the females head to the shallows, there will be big fish caught… big, big fish!
“We have good perch too, and while they remain an unknown quantity, we know of a few spots where there are big shoals of smaller ones, which are often picked up by trout anglers.
“There will be bigger ones out there, no doubt, and we have a few expert lure anglers visiting soon to try and find them.”
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Huge interest
Having put out a ‘teaser’ post on social media, stating that predator fishing would soon be coming to Ladybower, the fishery experienced a surge of interest.
“That initial post had over 60,000 hits in three days,” Pete told us.
“We’re taking bookings over the phone – we want to ensure visitors are experienced and responsible anglers – and Warren, our fishery manager, was on the phone for six hours a day for three days straight!
“We’re booked up for a few weeks in advance, but there are still plenty of spaces available over the winter.”
It’s easy to see why there’s been such interest already, as the chance to target unpressured fish is proving a big draw.
“Ladybower also gives predator anglers in the north of England a more accessible opportunity to experience reservoir fishing for huge pike, rather than travel to waters in the Midlands, Wales or South West,” Pete added.
Doing things properly
Pete – an experienced businessman and angler – took over the fishery last year, having received a call that, like many other trout waters, it was struggling.
“Since taking it on, the trout fishery has gone ballistic and exceeded all expectations, and we have high hopes for Ladybower to perform as a predator venue over winter,” he revealed.
“It would be easy to spoil it as a pike water by letting too many people on at once, but we’re not going to do that. We’re keen to protect the fish.”
The fishing is currently limited to four boats a day, and the team have a list of sensible rules that have been put in place to ensure the fish’s safety.
“This will be a responsibly managed and expertly run fishery,” Pete added.
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