Wassell Grove Fisheries and Campsite

Wassell Grove Fisheries and Campsite stands out as a multifaceted venue where angling enthusiasts and campers converge amid well-maintained lakes and pastoral surroundings. This site combines fishing lakes with accommodation options, drawing in day visitors and overnight stays alike through its diverse offerings.

Fishing Lakes Overview

The venue features five distinct coarse fishing pools, each tailored to different angling preferences, from match competitions to pleasure sessions. The Front Match Lake, with 36 pegs, provides ample space for competitive events, boasting depths of five to six feet in open water and shallower margins around two to three feet. Anglers often target species like carp using baits such as maggots, worms, pellets, and luncheon meat during summer, while winter tactics shift to pinkie and sinking bread.

The Back Match Lake offers 14 pegs with similar depths, ideal for smaller groups seeking consistent action close to islands and margins. Brook Pool accommodates 29 pegs across varied depths up to nine feet, supporting a range of methods including pole fishing and free-running method feeders. Top Lake and the New Pool, both with 16 pegs, cater to carp-focused pursuits, where larger specimens up to nearly 30 pounds have been landed, appealing to specimen hunters.

Day tickets, season passes, and club bookings make it accessible for various budgets, with options like a poolside fishing hut equipped with a bunk bed for dedicated overnight angling. Match fishing events keep the pools active, though pleasure anglers should verify availability to avoid booked sections.

Stock and Fishing Quality

Fish stocks include carp, roach, bream hybrids, and gudgeon, with reports of plentiful catches in match lakes—sometimes over 40 fish per session mixing smaller species and carp up to five pounds. Pools appear clean and tidy, with healthy specimens noted by visitors, making it suitable for newcomers, families, and seasoned anglers alike.

However, some feedback highlights concerns over fish welfare, particularly in busier pools where a significant portion of carp show mouth damage from frequent hook pulls. This suggests potential overcrowding or heavy angling pressure, prompting calls for netting to remove damaged stock and thinning to improve overall health. While productive, consistent maintenance remains crucial for sustained quality.

Campsite Facilities

Accommodation spans tents, tourers, campervans, seasonal pitches, and cosy camping pods in a tucked-away meadow, with hook-ups available subject to demand. A fishing hut provides waterside lodging, and recent expansions include upgraded toilets, showers, and a dedicated disabled facility, ensuring accessibility for all ages and abilities.

Dog owners appreciate the pet-friendly policy, provided leads are used around resident animals and wildlife. Eco-conscious practices feature on-site power generation, recycling stations, and a washing-up area, aligning with a commitment to sustainability. An on-site sauna adds a relaxation element, bookable separately.

Café and On-Site Amenities

The café serves as a hub with indoor and outdoor seating, offering full English breakfasts, hot and cold sandwiches, homemade cakes, and beverages nearly year-round. Visitors praise hearty meals and friendly service, enhancing day trips or extended stays. Proximity to lakes allows anglers to refuel without leaving the site.

Facilities extend to 24-hour access for toilets and showers, supporting both campers and anglers effectively. Cleanliness receives commendations, though the layout poses challenges with steep hills separating camping areas from amenities, which can test those with mobility issues.

Animal Interactions

Alpacas roam the grounds as a unique draw, available for feeding at a nominal cost per bag, delighting families and adding an interactive layer beyond fishing. Their friendly demeanour fosters memorable encounters, complemented by occasional mentions of horses. Such features elevate the site for non-anglers, blending leisure with nature.

Management and Atmosphere

Owners Paul, his wife, and staff like Julie and Liz earn praise for their welcoming approach, going out of their way to assist guests. The 20-acre site maintains a peaceful vibe, with stunning views and public footpaths for walks. Proximity to local shops aids convenience without urban intrusion.

Yet, navigation issues persist, as mapping services occasionally misdirect to incorrect entrances, requiring extra effort to locate. While generally serene, the steep terrain demands consideration for access, particularly for campers returning from facilities.

Strengths for Visitors

For carp fishing lakes and family outings, the combination of productive waters, affordable animal feeds, and glamping options proves compelling. Reasonable pricing across tickets, stays, and café fare attracts repeat visits, with eco-upgrades and clean upkeep bolstering appeal. Anglers value the variety of pegs and methods, from waggler to zigs, suiting all skill levels.

• Multiple match fishing pools with flyer pegs for competitive edges.
• Upgraded, accessible facilities including disabled provisions.
• Full breakfasts and snacks fuelling long sessions.
• Alpaca interactions providing family-friendly diversions.

Areas for Improvement

Fish mouth damage indicates a need for vigilant stock management to prevent long-term declines in catch quality. Steep access routes limit ease for some, suggesting potential levelling or transport aids. Booking ahead for pleasure fishing avoids match overlaps, ensuring optimal experiences.

Overall, Wassell Grove balances angling prowess with campsite comforts, though addressing fish health and terrain would enhance reliability. Potential clients weighing coarse fisheries UK options find here a solid choice for multifaceted escapes, tempered by practical realities.

Venue Suitability

Ideal for match anglers, carp pursuits, and glampers seeking tranquility amid fishing venues with camping. Families benefit from animal encounters and kid-friendly catches, while eco-travellers note sustainable touches. Weigh mobility needs against the hilly layout for best fit.