WHERE TO FISH EXTRA
Pike are widespread, but finding a venue holding 10lb-plus fish can be tricky. This week we reveal fisheries that will boost your chances of banking a sizeable predator...
ASHBY CANAL, MOIRA, LEICS
The near- and far-side banks of this non-navigable canal are packed with reeds, which are an obvious holding area for the pike. Look for small silverfish topping, and your target species won’t be far away. Travel light and keep on the move to get plenty of bites.
Tel: 01283 224667
RIVER WEAVER, WINSFORD, CHESHIRE
The boards by the Red Lion pub provide comfortable fishing with the chance of several double-figure fish in a day.
Cover the whole width of the river, dropping one rig a few rodlengths out and another into the main current. Small roach
livebaits and deadbaits will both work well.
Tel: 07717 471220
STAINFORTH &KEADBY CANAL, THORNE, SOUTH YORKSHIRE
The stretch by the Canal Tavern pub is home to lots of silverfish in winter, and these draw in the big pike. There’s every chance of fish to high doubles, and presenting a deadbait a few metres out from the bank will put you in pole position. Tel: 01405 814056
BISHOPS BOWL FISHERY, BISHOPS ITCHINGTON, WARWICKSHIRE
Mitre Pool is home to a good head of pike that run to over 20lb. This six-acre lake has two islands close to the middle, but it is the margins and near-side slope that tend to produce the biggest predators. Both sea and coarse deadbaits will produce the goods.
Tel: 07970 196044
EREWASH CANAL, ILKESTON, NOTTS
The Lower Beauvale-controlled stretch of the canal is home to plenty of pike, with a solid chance of a double. Shallow and reasonably featureless, it is best to head to the structures, with bridges and locks the prime holding spots for all species. Deadbaits score, but lures should never be discounted.
Tel: 07941 223123
RIVER PARRETT, LANGPORT, SOMERSET
Giant shoals of roach and perch pack into the town during winter, and the pike follow them in. With livebaiting and coarse deadbaits not permitted, it is offerings such as mackerel and sprats that do the damage. Walk the venue to look for signs of pike, as they can often be spotted striking at their prey. Tel: 01458 274022
RIVER CROSSENS, SOUTHPORT, MERSEYSIDE
A favourite venue of predator legend Gord ‘The Piking Pirate’ Burton, this river (more of a drain actually) is home to a large head of pike. Each swim looks similar to the next, and staying mobile is essential to make every trip a success. Rotate between a series of brightly-coloured lures and cover as much water as you can.
Tel: 07543 050195
DAMFLASK RESERVOIR, SHEFFIELD, SOUTH YORKSHIRE
With
