WHERE TO FISH
Roach and skimmers dominate at prolific Midlands complex
SILVERFISH season is drawing to a close on most commercials, but there are some venues that continue to provide top-quality roach and skimmer sport right through the year.
As the carp wake up, the smaller species tend to get bullied away from the bait, but you won’t suffer such problems at Sherwood Forest Fisheries in Nottinghamshire. Situated on the outskirts of Mansfield, there are five lakes to choose from, but Sherwood Lake is far and away the most prolific for silvers.
All the mirrors and commons were removed last season, allowing the roach and skimmers to feed at will throughout the year without fear of being muscled away from a bed of bait.
Sport has been pretty consistent all winter, but it has gone to a new level over the last few weeks, with 30lb-plus nets now the norm.
STUNNING SETTING
You’ll struggle to find a more tranquil and scenic fishery than Sherwood. All the lakes are surrounded by towering trees, some of them more than 100ft tall.
These lakes are not ‘holes in the ground’ either – lily pads, overhanging bushes and reed beds are among the many features to be found in and around the waters.
Drennan Barnsley Blacks star Tom Noton is a huge fan of river fishing but, during the closed season, he heads straight to Sherwood Lake. “I love my silverfish sport and I know that I can come here, fish light tackle and get a bite almost every chuck from quality skimmers and roach,” he explained.
“You can park behind a good number of the swims and the pegs are all spacious and stable, adding to the appeal.
“Pole fishing is the most effective style of fishing here, its sensitivity helping you to spot the shy bites that silverfish are renowned for.”
CAUTIOUS FEEDING
The rising temperatures have whetted the appetites of most species, but piling in the bait is guaranteed to ruin your chances from the word go on Sherwood Lake.
