Watersmeet Fishery

Main Lake

Although the tree-lined pools were originally worked as clay pits, each has its own individual character with plenty of space for anglers. An aeration system helps to maintain oxygen levels in prolonged sunny dry spells whilst a recirculating system ensures each pool receives a constant supply of fresh water.

Main Pool is a locally renowned carp water

At two acres in size Main Pool is the largest of the two waters and is well-known locally for its large head of double-figure carp which run to 30lbs. Recent decent sized fish include a 28lb fully scaled mirror taken on a hair-rigged Scopex boilie at the top end of the lake and a 24lbs mirror taken on squid flavour boilie.

It has also been a renowned tench water for many years with the largest verified specimen currently standing at 9lbs 8oz.

Pike to 20lbs

Add to this pike over 20lbs, roach to 1lb 8oz and rudd which provide plenty of sport on the surface when the bigger fish aren’t feeding, and you can be reasonably sure of having a decent day.

A nice feature of Main Pool is that the 25 pegs are separated from each other by lush vegetation so, unless you choose one of the double pegs you rarely see other anglers when fishing.

Deepest off the Hotel bank where it is just over six feet, the lake bed shelves gradually along its length to the far end where it averages three feet. This makes the water ideal for fishing the rod.

Boilies are the most popular bait

Boilies fished on the bottom are the most commonly used bait for the carp whilst early in the season floating crust is also very effective. Stalking the carp can also give good results with many of the larger specimens being taken after anglers have dropped their bait into a mass of bubbles rising to the surface.

As with many waters, a lot of fish are taken in the margins, particularly near the overhanging trees where the fish find shelter.

Tench Pool

Holding mainly tench, crucians and a head of bream which are said to run to just over 10lbs, Tench Pool is surrounded by lush vegetation and trees and could have come straight out of the pages of Izaak Walton.

At just under an acre in size, it is irregularly shaped and has a fairly even depth of between three and four feet and when on form provides excellent sport.

Because of its unform depth, anglers are just as likely to catch whichever peg they choose. Also, because the pool is shallow it reacts quickly to changes in temperature and is best fished with the float.

In addition to the tench, which average 3lbs to 4lbs, and bream, Tench Pool is home to some nice looking perch which go to 1lb 12oz.

Most popular techniques for the tench and bream are those straight from the text-books, fishing on the bottom with bread, maggots, casters, worm or sweetcorn all being extremely effective. Other baits such as cheese and pastes also work well on their day.

The accommodation at Watersmeet

Rooms overlook the garden or lake

The accommodation includes 19 rooms which overlook either the main lake or gardens. All offer en-suite bathrooms with showers and toilets, colour TV and tea and coffee making facilities. The patio and garden area at the rear of the inn provide an ideal spot to relax with a drink and unwind on sunny days. With a short frontage to Main Pool, you can even do a bit of fishing at the same time!

The double rooms are ideal either for couples or families looking for a break which combines the best of all worlds – a pleasant country inn, home cooked food, a friendly atmosphere in which to relax and the opportunity to get stuck into some big fish.

Pets welcome

Open all-year round with barbecues in the lakeside garden in summer, Watersmeet welcomes families, clubs, groups and pets. All prices quoted include accommodation and fishing.

Accommodation in one of the new double or twin bedded rooms costs just £80.00 per night based on two people sharing.

Also available is a five bed room with bathroom which is aimed at groups of anglers. Ideal for use as a base when fishing Watersmeet, the room offers a welcome change from a bivvie and costs just £35.00 per night per person for four or more anglers sharing.

An added attraction at Watersmeet is that adjacent to the fishery is a traditional oak-beamed country freehouse pub with real ales and guest beers and a separate restaurant which serves home-cooked food. The pub is available for residents who require breakfast.