Woodlands Lakes, Thirsk

Located in the picturesque North Yorkshire village of Cartlon Minniott, just a few miles from the market town of Thirsk, Woodlands Lakes is one of the UK’s best known commercial fisheries. With five pleasure lakes and eight match lakes to choose from, there is rarely a shortage of pegs at Woodlands, meaning it provides a haven for both match and pleasure anglers alike.

The well stocked onsite tackle shop run by local angler Craig Kent supplies both fresh bait and quality tackle from all the leading manufacturers, while the onsite café provides a hearty breakfast and choice of snacks throughout the day.

In 2007, the venue also opened an onsite bistro and bar, providing quality food at realistic prices, and offering anglers the chance to relax after a days fishing with a post match pint. Several log cabins have also been erected, making Woodlands the perfect location for a short break, with the cabins being literally a stones throw away from some of the best fishing in the country.

The Lakes

The venue is perhaps best known for its match lakes, with the most famous being Partridge, Skylark, Kestrel, Wagtail and Curlew. In terms of shape, these are almost identical, being around 50 metres wide, and having between nine and 18 pegs down either side, with anglers fishing both banks. Depths are pretty much uniform, being around four feet in almost every peg. Depending on the time of year, pole or bomb fished with meat and corn, or pellet fished long and shallow on the pole will take carp to double figures. Match weights frequently top 100lb, with the best being just shy of 300lb.

The other three match lakes and the pleasure lakes are totally different, in terms of shape, containing island features, as well as bays and points giving a unique character to each and every peg. Alongside the vast head of carp on these lakes, there are also some massive roach and skimmers, and a good bag of silvers is on the cards from the majority of pegs.

Prices:

Day tickets at Woodlands are £8, with fishing from dawn until dusk only.

Directions:

From The A1. Come off at the junction marked Thirsk and Ripon, and head towards Thirsk. After around 4 miles you will come to a roundabout with a pub named ‘ The Busby Stoop’ on it. Head straight on here, and after a further mile you will come to a bend in the road, the turning to Woodlands is on the right hand side.