Little Pit Fishery

Little Pit Fishery is a mature clay pit approximately 80 years-old which is run on an annual membership basis by Hinckley Angling Club. Membership runs for 12 months from the date it is taken out.

A natural-looking fishing lake with real history!

To be found behind a tree lined boundary on the edge of Hinckley town just past the Asda store – and not to be confused with the larger pit which is adjacent to the Asda superstore itself – the lake has some 20-plus pegs, many suitable for overnight angling, including some double pegs. Others are described as being cozy enough for one angler. All pegs are in natural looking surroundings bordered by bushes and willow trees which give both shelter and add to the attractiveness of this pretty pool.

Varied depth but runs to 20ft

The lake has a deep area where the bottom runs to about 20 feet before rising to 13 feet towards the bay, with regular features holding clay, silt and gravel spots which are typical of an old clay pit of this type. Most swims have different depths and are fringed with lily pads where the water is obviously shallower and ideal for float fishing.

Hinckley Angling Club’s natural approach to developing the fishery means there is plenty of vegetation around the pool with willow woven banks, reed lined spawning areas plus many shrubs and trees including oak, ash and sycamore. The lake has its own car park and is kept secure 24 hours a day to prevent anglers being disturbed during their fishing sessions.

Good head of common and mirror carp

Little Pit holds a good head of common and mirror carp between 8lbs and 20lb-plus together with good heads of roach, rudd and perch. This means that the water appeals equally to the avid carper looking to bivvy up for a few days and to pleasure anglers wanting an hour or two’s pleasant angling with a float rod. In addition, there are also some nice bronze bream which can often be seen basking on the surface plus some tench, the odd crucian carp and pike to nearly 20lbs which can often be seen lying in wait in every swim.

Techniques that work well

As is to be expected, most tactics catch fish with waggler and pole being good for fishing close in and the slider float or ledger for fishing further out in the deeper water. Nearly all baits also work well with maggots, casters, hemp, sweetcorn and hooker pellets all being popular when fished either over groundbait or a bed of feeder pellets. Unusually for many waters these days, anglers are permitted to use keepnets although due to their size carp should not be retained. The fishing season at Little Pit is from June 16 until the May 1