Fishing in and near Northampton

Cemex Angling

This water is particularly noted as a specialist carp and catfish water. It also offers good tench and bream with roach and perch for the pleasure angler. Night fishing is allowed. CEMEX Angling catfishing rules are strictly enforced at this venue. ... more

It has been said that the charm of fishing lies in the pursuit of that which is elusive, yet attainable, and the perpetual series of occasions for hope this evokes. If you share this sentiment you are sure to enjoy a fishing holiday in England. Whether it be teasing trout out of a moorland stream or clashing with carp beside a picturesque lake, freshwater fishing in England holds something for everyone.

A wealth of fishing marks dot the countryside all throughout England. Visiting fishing enthusiasts can choose from famous beats on main rivers, lonely stretches of their tributaries, or the peaceful waters of lakes and reservoirs.

The east of England boasts some of the choicest coarse fishing in the whole of Britain, along with a range of famous reservoir fisheries. Dominant species here include roach, bream and pike. Trout, carp and tench frequent the region's chalk-fed rivers and stillwaters. But there is no need to swallow this claim hook, line and sinker - the Anglian Fisheries Guide lists the myriad of delightful fishing spots available in the region and acts as indispensable pathfinder for self-sufficient anglers.

Comprising largely of the Lake District, England's North West offers spectacular trout fishing and has also been known to produce some sizable pike. Head out to New Mills Trout Farm near Carlisle, where two well-stocked fishing lakes guarantee an exciting day out for novice and enthusiast alike. It is especially suited to youngsters looking to learn the art of angling, with on-site tutoring available at a nominal fee. Further along the way, near Lancaster, Wyreside Lakes Fishery forms part of a family run business that includes 8 fishing lakes, farm-style accommodation and a four star campsite. Situated in over 120 acres of scenic woodland, this establishment is known for consistent production of quality carp.

The north west region of England represents a whole different kettle of fish. With interest in coarse fishing growing, the area's rivers have been developed accordingly and a variety of specimen fish now quietly populate these serene waters. Eden Meadows, a day ticket fishery located near Darlington, offers three fishing lakes with superb access to a range of pegs. Bigger fish to fry? Consult the North East Fisheries Guide, a comprehensive manual that lists all the fisheries in the area, and take your pick.

A reel expert can tackle anything, and this includes the stillwaters and chalk streams of Hampshire, Sussex and Kent in the south east of England. Ardingly Reservoir near Brighton, rather a large water, often gets mistaken for a hard water despite the substantial shoals of roach, carp and gudgeon roaming its depths. The main area of the reservoir might disconcert beginners, but the Balcombe Arm, at a maximum width of 95 meters, provides a perfect training ground for fledgling anglers.

Fishing for compliments? Most match and specimen species can be found in England's South West, so no matter where you choose to cast your line, you are sure to hook a praiseworthy plum. These include carp (crucian, mirror, leather, common, grass, koi), dace, bleak, chub, sturgeon and orfe (golden and blue). Day permits can be obtained from a range of establishments, including hotels and fisheries. Emerald Pool Fishery, a particularly popular establishment near Cheddar, offers visiting fishing enthusiasts a choice of four pools nestled among eight acres of exquisite Somerset countryside. Angling times are set from first light until dark, but night fishing can also be accommodated with prior arrangement. Further along the way, just outside Hereford, The Mill Pond awaits roaming anglers with three acres of well stocked water. Here, a plethora of pegs on the main pool, well reeded margins and various sub-terranian relief systems makes for a very hospitable fishing environment.

Also situated in the South West, Dartmoor Farm, a member of the Dartmoor & West Devon Farm Holiday Group, combines legendary Okehampton hospitality and a superb rural setting with a range of fun-filled leisure pursuits. The establishment is located within the vicinity of a host of fisheries, including Spiers Lake and Angler's Paradise. Week Farm, also nearby, offers coarse fishing in a choice of three lakes, the smallest of which is ideal for youngsters. Likewise boasting numerous fishing lakes, Warmwell Holiday Park, near Weymouth, caters for both pleasure and specimen angling. With nice quiet backwaters and plenty of features to fish, Warmwell is a holiday destination favoured by visiting and local fishermen alike.

So, when in England do as the English do. Pack a few sarmies, bundle up rod and tackle and set out for the peaceful waters of the English countryside. It doesn't even matter if you come home empty-handed, because as a wise man once said: "Even a bad day of fishing is better than a good day of work".