Angel of the North Fishing Lakes
BackFishing lakes like Angel of the North Fishing Lakes offer dedicated spaces for coarse anglers seeking reliable catches of carp and silvers. This venue features three distinct waters: Lookout Lake, Bowes Lake, and Bassetts Pond, each tailored to different skill levels and preferences. Operated with a strong emphasis on fish welfare, the site maintains pristine conditions across its lakes, appealing to those who value sustainable angling practices.<>
Lookout Lake Features
Lookout Lake stands as the primary mixed pleasure water, accommodating up to 75 pegs but limited to 30 anglers at once to prevent overcrowding. Depths range from three feet near the banks to six feet further out, with channels and shelves providing varied fishing spots. Anglers target carp up to over 20 pounds, alongside tench to 10 pounds, bream to 10 pounds, and perch exceeding three pounds.<>
The lake holds a diverse stock including crucian carp averaging two pounds, golden tench, orfe, ide, roach, rudd, ghost carp, and koi to 10 pounds. Effective methods involve waggler fishing in warm conditions, pole work, or swingtip ledgering during windy weather common in the region. Feeding swims lightly and frequently draws in fish, with pellets, maggots, luncheon meat, and mussels proving successful baits.<>
- Carp pegs: 1-3, 16A, 24-25, 33, 42.
- Tench hotspots: channels at island ends and peg 21.
- Year-round silvers: near island shelves using sweetcorn or casters.
Bowes Lake Strengths
Bowes Lake, at three-and-a-half acres, focuses on carp angling for pleasure and matches, boasting a record catch of 602 pounds. It features two central islands and a no-fishing sanctuary, stocked predominantly with commons, mirrors, and leathers from five to eight pounds, up to 31 pounds. Silvers complement the carp, ensuring mixed bags.<>
Pole, swimfeeder, and waggler dominate tactics, with margins yielding bites in summer. Minimum tackle requirements like 14 elastic and size 12 hooks ensure safe handling of larger fish. Pegs 1, 3, 5, 13, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, and 37-40 perform consistently, though all areas produce under right conditions.<>
Winter fishing thrives between islands or near the inlet at peg 19, while margins at ends demand scaled-up gear for surprise battles. The structured depths and features make it forgiving yet challenging for carp fishing lakes enthusiasts.
Bassetts Pond Appeal
The smallest water, Bassetts Pond covers a third of an acre with 14 pegs, including two for disabled access, ideal for novices, families, and sheltered fishing. Stocked with carp from original Horseshoe Lake stock to six pounds, plus crucians to over one pound, roach, rudd to 1.8 pounds, golden tench, ide, orfe, ghosties, and koi.<>
Tight margin fishing at two-and-a-half feet deep yields constant action, using light tackle like four-pound line to size 14-16 hooks with maggots or pellets. Whip, pole, or waggler suit all, minimising worm and caster use. Its undulating bottom and six-foot depths offer surprises even for seasoned visitors.<>
Facilities and Support
On-site shop provides bait such as maggots (no reds), worms, casters, and pellets, alongside tackle and refreshments. Modern toilets, an education centre, and ample parking enhance comfort. Professional Anglers Association coaches deliver tuition for all levels, from individual sessions to groups, fostering skill development.<>
Pathways and flat banks aid accessibility, with ongoing tree planting boosting biodiversity. Open matches, including mid-week Wednesdays, attract competitors, while season tickets grant night fishing exclusivity. Emphasis on Environment Agency rod licences underscores regulatory compliance.<>
Fish Care Practices
Owners Ann and Arthur Adlington prioritise animal welfare, enforcing rules like landing nets for all fish, unhooking mats, and chemical dips for gear. New visitors receive briefings on best practices, such as turning fish upside down to reduce stress. This results in undamaged, healthy stocks observed in heavy nets.<>
Critics initially challenged strict handling protocols, but anglers now praise the approach for producing vigorous, pristine fish. Youngsters receive illustrated booklets on species, knots, and logs, promoting responsible angling from the start.
Positive Experiences
Regulars report abundant catches, like over 120 pounds of carp in windy conditions, highlighting consistent action across lakes. Carp in excellent condition fight hard, with bays well-maintained for pleasure sessions. Coaching proves patient and effective, turning beginners into return visitors with their families.<>
Venue earns respect as a top fishing lakes site within 50-100 miles, with monthly bags of lively four-to-ten-pound carp. Clean surroundings, helpful staff offering tips, and nature preservation add to satisfaction.
Challenges and Criticisms
Strict rules on fish handling and peg limits deter some, perceived as overly rigid by less experienced or casual anglers. Forum discussions note unfamiliarity with coaching-style mandates, potentially frustrating those preferring unrestricted sessions. Limited peg usage to half capacity avoids overcrowding but reduces availability on busy days.<>
Wind exposure affects open lakes, though Bassetts offers shelter. Bait restrictions, like no floating boilies or loose corn, limit tactics for specimen hunters. Some reviews dismiss complaints as from those ignoring welfare focus, yet underscore a learning curve for rule adherence.
Venue Suitability
Coarse fishing lakes seekers find reliable sport, especially for carp and silvers in structured environments. Families and novices benefit from coaching and easy waters, while matches suit competitive types. Disabled access and tuition make it inclusive, though rule compliance is essential for enjoyment.<>
Overall, the balance of quality stock, maintenance, and education positions it strongly among regional options, rewarding prepared anglers with memorable outings despite operational stringency.
