The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

Hello chaps,

We'll do they? My local tench lake, where I spent many a happy hours, has removed some of its tench and become a full blown carp syndicate. I'm now in the rather sorry position of not having a good tench water and I'm looking for recommendations. What I crave is lilly pads and those wonderful mist filled mornings - so chaps and recommendations. Base in North Notts but will to travel.

Sorry to hear of your plight.....plenty of good stillwater and river tench fishing here in Kent....the carp mafia haven't won here yet!

It is old estate lakes where you can find your dream. Run by clubs who do not match fish and have no carp and carpers!

Blenheim Palace could be suitable or a similar type location. Stately home waters probably best - well in my area they are now as the prolific gravel pits have been ""carpyfied""!

Needles in Haystacks, I have been internet searching for ages for a similar place, but nothing doing really, a few are described as " Tench" waters, but when I go to check them out they are usually " Carp " ponds with men in tents all around ... or have large wooden platforms everywhere for anglers to sit on. Ugly places made so by the stench of commercialism and a desire to catch quickly without any real skill .

OMR.

It is anglers wanting easy fishing and bigger fish. Also somewhere to 'hang out for the weekend'! (Drink beer & no wife to object!)

There's one near me, Skelsmergh Tarn. It does have those wooden platforms but, due its boggy nature, it would be unfishable without them. A very pretty water, lovely big tench, crystal clear and maddeningly difficult to catch. Kendal Anglers have it, it can be fished on a day ticket, £5 I think. Most of the carpers don't bother with it.

http://www.kendalanglingclub.co.uk/

That does look like heaven! With 7lb tench to boot!

Shame it is soo far away!

Dudmaston.

Thanks all. It really paints a bit of a sad picture doesn't it? Traditional waters seems to be falling from popularity in my opinion. I feel the state of some modern fisheries is a terrible reflection on anglers and the sport, but of cause you can't tar all with the same brush. Maybe I'll stick with the rivers which are harder for fishery managers to exploit.

Ask Julian about the Crabtree Lake.