It's not often anglers have the opportunity to fish a private 'big carp' lake on an 'exclusive' basis knowing that they will be the only people there all week, but that's what's on offer at Rookery Meadow.
Developed by the same team which runs the highly-successful Wildmoor Waters carp fishery in South Cerney, Gloucestershire, Rookery Meadows is set in the heart of the beautiful Vale of Evesham and offers specimen carp to over 30lbs on a three-and-a-half acre lake which is restricted to a maximum of five anglers at any one time.
Whilst the cost of between £750 to £1,000 per week depending on the time of year may seem high, divide this by five and then by seven for the number of day's fishing and you come out at less than £30 a day.
Although Rookery is in a very remote location - which is part of its appeal - there is good access through five fields along a private track which runs to a car park adjacent to the lake giving what the owners describe as: "the discerning carp angler's dream".
Indeed, Rookery Meadow is so remote and the angling available by prior reservation only that it is unlikely you will see anyone else apart from those in your party for the duration of your stay.
Rookery Meadow, at around three-and-a-half acres, has a good head of lovely fish and can be booked exclusively by parties of up to five anglers for a week at a time. There is a cabin on site which provides shelter and a separate flushing toilet complete with wash basin. For carp anglers who really want to fish in splendid isolation, surrounded by nothing but trees and wildlife, Rookery Meadow is the spot!
Since Rookery Meadow was stocked the fish have been putting on huge weights with average growth being about between 5lbs and 6lbs. All fish are photographed on capture to enable a comprehensive record of catches to be maintained and to enable anglers to identify individual fish and find out information such as weight and date of last capture, the original stocking date and size at stocking.
On arrival anglers will be welcomed to the lake and shown around by one of the experienced bailiffs who will be able to share information on the best tactics and spots to fish, ensuring that your stay is a successful one.
By arrangement, the bailiffs are also available to stay for the first night or two if requested at no extra cost, a feature which provides valuable advice and information about the lake.
In addition to the fishing, there is a new cabin and toilet facilities on site which provides a nice retreat for taking meals, putting your feet up for a break from fishing or sleeping.
Advanced booking is essential and a deposit is required to secure bookings with the balance being payable on arrival.
Anglers wishing to book a session should call Andy Stump on 07711 831 856.
Ticket costs
| Per Week |
£750 to £1,000 for a maximum of five anglers
depending on time of year |
Rookery Meadow Lake
Even though Rookery Meadow lake has hardly been fished in recent years it is already throwing up some stunning fish with the sport having been underpinned by the stocking of 150 mirror and common carp to 35lbs. These are in addition to the existing stock of fish which were reported to run to 30lbs-plus.
Within weeks of opening in early Spring 2006, several 20lb and one 33lb 2oz fish had already been taken by anglers.
Although a maximum of only five anglers will fish the lake at any one time, there are some 15 'natural' grass bank pegs which can be fished comfortably, about half a dozen old wooden stages plus a host of other spots ideal for anglers who like to stalk their quarry.
Triangular in shape, there are lots of overhanging trees around the water providing cover and shade for both fish and anglers. The silt bottom generally runs from about two feet deep at the narrow end, which is ideal for stalking, down to seven feet at the dam end.
One of the main features of the lake is an old stream bed which runs about 12 feet out from the right hand bank down to the dam. Along the trench up to eight feet can be found.
On the surface there are three mature lily beds about 12 feet in diameter which are located near the dam end whilst all the way round the lake the banks are lined with reed beds which, like the lily pads, are as haven for fish, particularly in summer.
An obvious feature of the water is an old pier which runs about 20 feet out into the lake and again this attracts the fish. Fishing tight against the pier supports often yields good specimens but anglers must be ready to turn any hooked carp away from the supports as soon as they strike.
The other major feature is the shallow water at the far end from the dam. This is absolutely fantastic for stalking because the fish cruise in the shallows and can usually be taken with floating baits with dog biscuits and bread being the most popular and successful.
When it comes to fishing the deeper water, most anglers tend to fish over a bed of mix-sized feeder pellets using fishmeal-based boilies. Because the fish have become used to them, the Cotswold Bait Creations boilies are usually guaranteed to get results.
Another popular technique is to fill a pva bag with mixed pellets, pop-up boilie hook bait and boilie freebies to ensure the feed is spread around the hook.
Rookery Meadow has few rules, the principle being that anglers should be able to fish freely and enjoy their stay whilst ensuring the welfare of the fish and the environment come first. As a result, anglers should use no more than three rods each, have a quality unhooking mat, not used fixed-lead bait rigs and have a 42-inch landing net. Bait boats are allowed.
Visit three Cotswolds Carp Waters on the Net
Rookery Meadow is one of three big carp waters in the Cotswolds run by the same team. The other two are Wildmoor Waters, which is already building an impressive reputation, and Evesham Vale - an 11-acre carp water which opens in August 2006.
All three have websites where details of how the waters are fishing, photographs of latest catches, information on booking and news from the venues can be found. The website also has a useful section showing how to make up the most successful rigs for the two lakes. Follow this link to visit their sites. |
Rookery Meadow Fishery
