Although the main pool has been in existence for many years since gravel extraction ceased and the workings filled with water, the facilities had fallen into disrepair in recent years and now Leamington Angling Association in partnership with Warwickshire County Council are undertaking a restoration of the fishing pegs and restocking of the pool. Indeed, there are about 20 pegs at present on the main pool and these will be added to in 2006 as work starts on digging out new pegs and adding access for anglers. Any Leamington AA member who can help with the work, even in a small way, is asked to contact Ian Clarke on 01926 494413 for more details.

An existing population of roach, perch, tench, bream and pike has been identified along with a number of larger carp. Restocking has already started with a consignment of mirror and common carp going into the pool together with some small tench. Pike over 20lb, tench over 5lb and very large crucians have already been caught.

The newly introduced carp have already started showing and put on a considerable amount of weight in their first year. Not surprisingly, bread seems to work well as a bit as do red worm and maggots. A little groundbait, introduced at intervals, gives good results, especially in a small swimfeeder.

This venue has superb facilities for a family day out with walks to Ryton Wood, childrens play areas, a hide for bird observation and several picnic areas. Over the next few years, the fishing will be developed and improved to give Leamington Angling members a great new venue whether your interest is in big carp, tench or silver fish.

The fish stocked in 2004 have been growing well over the last 12 months and are now being caught at around 2lbs. They fight like five pounders - so don't fish too light (3lb hook length minimum) and only use carp-friendly nets.

Pre-baiting a swim the night before fishing often helps to concentrate the fish. Halibut boilies and pellets, sweetcorn and a mix of chopped red worms and maggots should do the trick nicely and can be used on the hook. Bread is also popular as a fair amount is thrown in for ducks by visitors walking round the pool. Indeed, in winter bread is now regarded as the number one bait.

In summer all pegs offering any depth of water tend to be good, whilst winter fishing is best done from near the picnic tables on the road bank, the first two pegs near the car park - which are very handy - and the sandbank pegs at the back of the island.

Again, in summer almost anything goes whilst in winter a groundbait feeder holding plenty of hemp and small pellets with a pellet or small boilie on the hook can work wonders. Also good is waggler-fished maggost with plenty of loose-fed pinkies.

Entrance to the park costs £1.50 per vehicle.

All anglers must have a valid Leamington Angling Association membership book together with an Environment Agency rod licence.

A superb new platform, construted courtesey of the Environment Agency, has just been completed and offers easy access for up to three disabled anglers. Further details on this can be obtained from the Visitor Centre, where there are on-site toilets.

For more information, telephone 01926 312319 or e-mail Anthony Simmons.

In addition to the angling, Ryton Pools Country Park has an attractive Visitor Centre and a cafe which is open every day except Christmas Day from 10.30am until 3.00pm. The cafe serves hot and cold meals and snacks, All Day Breakfasts, a selection of vegetarian dishes, freshly made sandwiches and baguettes and confectionery and ice cream. Groups of five or more anglers wishing to reserve an All Day Breakfast or hot meal are asked to telephone the cafe in advance on 07967 310808 to keep waiting time to a minimum.

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