A Summer Update from Spring Rock Fishery

A tale of two lakes

In the heart of the Welsh countryside, where the rolling hills meet the tranquil waters, something special is happening at Spring Rock Fishery. As the summer sun beats down and anglers across the country face the challenges of high pressure and low water levels, this twin-faceted venue continues to deliver memorable moments for everyone who graces its banks. From the thrill of a personal best in the specimen lake to the non-stop action of the day ticket water, Spring Rock Fishery stands as a testament to perseverance, passion, and the pure joy of angling.

The headline news, and indeed the talk of the fishery, comes from the Specimen Lake, where a stunning mirror carp has made its grand debut. For a lake already known to hold two “thirties”—both impressive common carp—the arrival of this new contender has sent ripples of excitement through the angling community. Tipping the scales at just over thirty pounds, a magnificent mirror is a sight to behold, its deep, solid frame a picture of strength and health. What makes this capture even more remarkable is its history. Earlier this year, one of the fishery’s dedicated bailiffs had the pleasure of landing the same fish, then weighing in at just over 27lb. Its recent weight gain is a clear indicator of the lake’s rich ecosystem and the excellent condition of its inhabitants, promising even greater things for the future.

A fantastic session for Josh

The lucky angler to land this new specimen was Josh, who, on only his second visit to the fishery, found himself at the end of a battle he won’t soon forget. Casting from the bivvy peg, a spot known for its potential, Josh employed a simple yet effective hair rig setup. His bait of choice was a 16mm Sticky Manilla boilie, presented over a generous bed of pellet. This classic combination proved irresistible, and after a tense fight, the mirror carp was safely netted. Along with the thirty-pounder, Josh also landed another mirror in the early teens, solidifying his trip as an unmitigated success and a testament to his angling skill.

This victory is particularly noteworthy given the challenging conditions. The past few weeks have seen persistent high pressure and soaring temperatures, which have resulted in lower-than-normal water levels—a scene I imagine is all too familiar to fisheries across the UK. Such conditions can make fishing incredibly tough, with fish becoming lethargic and less inclined to feed. Yet, Josh’s success proves that with the right approach and a bit of patience, the rewards are still there for the taking. The battle to outsmart these wary fish in adverse conditions only adds to the sense of accomplishment, making each capture all the more special.

The Bivvy Swim where Josh caught the 30lb Mirror Carp

Endless catches on the Pleasure lake

While the specimen lake garners the headlines, the heart and soul of Spring Rock Fishery lie in its day ticket pleasure water. This bustling, vibrant lake never fails to provide endless entertainment for anglers of all ages and abilities. It is a place where simplicity reigns supreme, where the most basic of baits—sweetcorn and, of course, the ever-popular maggot—can produce a day of non-stop action. The variety of fish on offer is nothing short of spectacular, with anglers reeling in endless amounts of crucian carp, along with a healthy mix of mirrors, commons, roach, rudd, and even the occasional beautiful koi and tench. The joy on a young angler’s face as they land their first fish, or the contented smile of a seasoned veteran as their counter clicks up, is a common and cherished sight.

For those looking to target the bigger residents of the pleasure lake, the method feeder has been the key to success. This tactical approach has been landing some of the larger carp, with one recent capture weighing in at a healthy 14lb. This particular fish is destined for a promotion, as it will soon be heading over to the Specimen Lake to grow and challenge future anglers. This process of nurturing and moving fish ensures that both lakes continue to thrive and offer different but equally rewarding angling experiences.

156 fish caught in one session

The dedication of the regulars is a testament to the day ticket water’s appeal. One long-standing angling couple had a particularly memorable day recently, with one partner clocking up an astonishing 156 fish on their counter using a float and maggot. The pure elation and satisfaction of such a high catch rate are what make days like these so unforgettable. It’s a powerful reminder that fishing isn’t always about landing the biggest fish; sometimes, it’s about the sheer number of bites, the constant excitement, and the simple joy of being out on the bank.

In a world where angling can be challenging, Spring Rock Fishery continues to be a beacon of hope and success. The recent capture of the new thirty-pound mirror carp, coupled with the consistent, action-packed fishing on the Pleasure lake, proves that even in the toughest conditions, the rewards are there for those who seek them.

Anglers are finding that the fishing at Spring Rock is non-stop.

Written by Steve
Steve's been an angler since the age of 12, when he caught his first perch on his local canal in Warwickshire. An avid float angler for over 30 years, Steve's just as passionate about angling now, whether stick float fishing on the Avon or at his local gravel pit fishing for spring time Tench.