Jubilee pools

Jubilee Pools is a small, dedicated coarse fishery that has built a strong reputation among local and travelling anglers for its mixed fishing, well-kept surroundings and hands-on management by resident bailiffs Neil and Ros Hubbard. Rather than focusing solely on headline carp, the venue offers a balanced experience where pleasure anglers, specimen hunters and those returning to the sport can all find something to enjoy, though it is not without a few drawbacks that are worth weighing up before a visit.

The fishery is made up of two distinct waters: Island Pool and Horseshoe Lake, each with its own character and target species. Island Pool is the larger of the two and is designed with over 40 pegs, including purpose-built areas for disabled anglers, which makes Jubilee Pools notably accessible compared with many smaller commercial venues. Horseshoe Lake, by contrast, tends to appeal to anglers who value traditional float and waggler tactics and who appreciate a more old-school gravel pit ambience. Together they create a venue that can cater for short evening sessions, full day trips and more methodical specimen fishing.

For carp anglers, Jubilee’s Island Pool is the main draw, with a stock that includes mirrors and commons running into the upper twenties and beyond, backed up by plenty of double-figure fish. This gives realistic opportunities for those targeting larger carp without the highly pressured feel of some big-fish circuit waters, although catching the better fish still demands careful baiting, watercraft and a degree of patience. The carp are reported to be in excellent condition, something regulars often attribute to the fishery’s stocking policy and the emphasis on correct tackle, including decent-sized landing nets and unhooking mats. Rules such as barbless hooks only and a two-rod limit per angler underline the focus on fish welfare and sensible angling practice.

While carp feature prominently, many visitors value Jubilee Pools even more for its reputation as a genuine mixed fishery. Island Pool holds specimen bream and tench alongside roach, crucians and perch, and in recent years it has become regarded as one of the better bream venues in the Midlands. Horseshoe Lake, meanwhile, appeals strongly to anglers who enjoy waggler fishing for tench and other silver fish, with reports of busy summer sessions where anglers have caught tench backed up by crucians, bream, roach, chub and perch. This variety makes Jubilee suitable for those who want more than just a static carp set-up and who enjoy watching a float bury or a quivertip pull round several times during a session.

The setting and atmosphere of Jubilee Pools are repeatedly highlighted by visitors as a strong positive. Anglers describe Horseshoe Lake in particular as having an old-school feel, with mature bankside vegetation and an abundance of flora and fauna that encourages a slower, more relaxed style of fishing. The overall impression from many regulars is that Jubilee offers a calm, well-kept environment where pegs are tidy, platforms are maintained and litter is taken seriously, supported by on-site bins and clear expectations that anglers take responsibility for keeping the banks clean. For some, simply sitting back and watching wildlife is as much a part of the day as waiting for the next bite.

Facilities at the venue are practical rather than flashy, but they compare favourably with many similar-sized coarse fisheries. There are toilets on site, established access for disabled anglers on Island Pool, and parking positioned so that most pegs can be reached without long walks, which is especially valued by older anglers or those carrying more kit. Recent work has included the creation of a new disabled area with clean, well-laid platforms and convenient car parking close by, which has been positively received by visitors who rely on easier access to be able to keep fishing. The overall layout seems geared toward making sessions comfortable and straightforward, though the popularity of the more favoured pegs can make choice of swim a little limited at busier times.

Management by Neil and Ros Hubbard is a recurring theme throughout feedback, and for many anglers it is one of the key strengths of Jubilee Pools. They are frequently described as friendly, approachable and willing to offer advice on pegs, methods and current form, which can be especially useful if you are visiting for the first time or switching between Island Pool and Horseshoe Lake. Their day-to-day presence on the banks helps enforce rules such as barbless hooks, appropriate landing nets, unhooking mats and sensible use of bite alarms, while also creating a feeling of security and order that not every fishery manages to achieve. At the same time, the structured rule set may feel restrictive to some, especially those used to more relaxed club waters, so it suits anglers who are comfortable with clear guidelines.

An important consideration for prospective visitors is how the ticketing and costs work, particularly for members of the controlling angling association. Jubilee Pools operates on a members-plus-fee basis on stillwaters, with a small additional payment each time you fish that goes towards ongoing maintenance and improvements such as peg work, access and restocking. Some anglers welcome this arrangement as a transparent way to reinvest into the fishery, while others may see it as an extra charge on top of existing club membership, especially if they only visit occasionally or also fish other waters on the same ticket. For regulars who appreciate the quality of the pegs, platforms and fish stocks, the extra contribution tends to be viewed as reasonable; for more casual visitors, it is another factor to weigh up against other local options.

On the bank, Jubilee Pools does not always offer easy fishing, and this is both a positive and a negative depending on what you want from a session. There are accounts of days where bites have been sparse and anglers have had to think carefully about swim choice, bait and presentation, particularly on the carp-dominated Island Pool where conditions, pressure and wind direction can all influence results. Those who are willing to move, adjust depths or switch tactics often fare better, especially when targeting bream, tench or perch, but anglers expecting instant action from heavily stocked match-style lakes may find Jubilee more demanding. For many, though, this slight edge of challenge is part of the venue’s appeal and contributes to a greater sense of satisfaction when the rod finally hoops over.

Accessibility is a notable strength, particularly for disabled and less mobile anglers. Island Pool includes dedicated pegs designed specifically for wheelchair access, and the newly developed disabled area with clean, level decks and close parking shows that the fishery continues to invest in making the venue usable for as many people as possible. The presence of solid platforms and maintained paths not only improves safety but also gives confidence to those setting up heavier gear or fishing in less favourable weather. However, as with any venue with popular accessible pegs, these spots can be in demand, so arriving early or planning midweek visits can help those who rely on particular swims.

In terms of tactics, Jubilee Pools suits a range of approaches, and many anglers appreciate the chance to rotate methods during the day. Classic float and waggler fishing on Horseshoe Lake remains especially popular for tench and silver fish, with light tackle and refined feeding often paying off, while Island Pool lends itself to more traditional carp methods such as ledgering with boilies or pellets for the bigger fish. The venue’s mixed stocks mean you are just as likely to see anglers using groundbait and maggots for bream as others quietly stalking the margins for carp, and this variety contributes to the overall atmosphere of a multi-discipline coarse fishery rather than a single-species carp water. Wind direction is regularly mentioned as an important factor, with fishing into the wind sometimes improving catch rates, so paying attention to conditions can make a real difference.

Feedback from anglers over recent seasons paints a broadly positive picture of Jubilee Pools, though it also highlights the realities of a fishery that balances popularity with a more traditional approach to coarse fishing. On the positive side, visitors consistently praise the condition of the fish, the cleanliness of the site, the friendliness of the owners, the quality of the pegs and the tranquil setting that encourages longer, more relaxed sessions. Less favourable comments tend to focus on the fact that it can fish hard at times, that some pegs or lakes may be busier than others, and that the requirement to pay an additional fee per session, even for members, may not suit everyone. For anglers prepared to accept these trade-offs in exchange for a well-managed, mixed coarse fishery with genuine character, Jubilee Pools offers a solid option worthy of consideration.

For those looking specifically for a coarse fishing venue with a mix of species, Jubilee Pools stands out in its area by offering both specimen potential and enjoyable float fishing in a setting that retains an older, more natural feel. Anglers who appreciate targeted sessions for tench, bream or mixed silver fish, alongside opportunities for larger carp, are likely to find plenty to like, especially if they value well-kept banks, clear rules and visible on-site management. However, anyone seeking heavily stocked, high-catch-rate commercial-style waters or who is uncomfortable with additional day payments should carefully consider whether the balance of pros and cons fits their preferences before choosing Jubilee Pools for regular visits.

Ultimately, Jubilee Pools presents itself as a carefully managed, mixed-species coarse venue with two contrasting lakes, strong accessibility features and a clear emphasis on fish welfare. Its strengths lie in the quality of its fish, its tidy and peaceful setting, and the presence of engaged bailiffs who maintain standards and assist visitors. The challenges come from variable catch rates, occasional peg pressure and the need to factor in ongoing session fees, but for many anglers these are acceptable compromises for a fishery that offers character and variety rather than a purely commercial feel.