West Pitt Farm Fishery
Two coarse fishing lakes and four pet friendly holiday lodges deep in the Devonshire countryside
Key facts about West Pitt Farm Fishery
Nestling in the picturesque Culm Valley and set in 11 acres of glorious Devonshire countryside, West Pitt Farm Fisheries has two pools for day ticket fishing plus four holiday lodges.
With their own entrance, car park, toilet and disabled access, the two pools have been stocked with a variety of quality fish with the emphasis on tench and crucian carp.
Since the fishery was taken over by new owners in 2018 a great deal of work has been done on improving the lakes. Disabled anglers are asked to contact the owner in advance who will be happy to arrange for access to the lakeside.
Mallard Lake
Mallard has carp to over 20lbs
At about one and quarter acres in size, Mallard Lake is the largest of the West Pitt waters with carp which run to 22lbs, large numbers of which are in the 3lb to 7lb range. As a result, carp nets of 120lbs are not unusual for competent anglers whilst other species which are regularly taken include tench to 5lbs, roach to 1lb 8oz and numerous rudd.
Mallard is shallow around the island
Mallard is shallow around the island at two to three feet deep and the lake slopes off to deeper water at the dam end near the outlet where between nine and 11 feet can be found. The most popular techniques are pole, waggler and feeder including the “method”. Again, do not forget the margins and keep loose feeding accurate.
Corn, meat, pellets and paste are all popular baits. Bread has proved effective both on or just below the surface or on the bottom.
The whole lake fishes well in the summer with the island and dam being popular, the deeper water near the outlet is favoured in winter when 30lb bags are not uncommon.
Willow Lake
Don’t underestimate Willow Lake!
Although only half an acre in size, Willow Lake should not be underestimated. It holds carp to 10lbs, tench to 7lbs, chub to 3lbs, crucian carp to 2lbs, perch to 2lbs and plenty of smaller rudd and perch to keep the novice angler happy.
Depth at the farm end is two and a half feet gradually deepening to eight feet at the outlet end. Willow Lake is usually sheltered from prevailing winds and fishes well all year round – making it well worth the walk!
Waggler and pole are favoured methods
Waggler and pole are the favoured methods, using corn, pellet, meat and bread to target bags of tench and crucians. Select and feed two areas, one close in, the other further out. If you are catching tench and crucians and it goes quiet it probably means that a carp has moved in. If your tackle is robust enough carry on feeding and you are likely to catch it, but it will probably weigh in excess of 5lbs. If a bite is not forthcoming, switch to your second line. Bags made up of a dozen crucians with a similar number of tench are not uncommon.
Floating baits such as bread and mixers can be used to target the chub and carp during the warmer months with the evenings being a favourite time to use this exciting method.
How to get there
You may also be interested in
If you enjoy fishing in Devon, then take a look at some of our other fishing lakes in Devon including, Wapperwell Pond Fishery, New Barn Farm Fishery, Four Ponds Fishery, Bussells Farm, Chequered Lake, Coombe Water Fishery, Emperor Lakes Fishery and Four Ponds Fishery.
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