Cottington Lakes

Black Lake is a versatile mixed coarse fishery offering 32 well-spaced and varied pegs. Depths range from approximately three feet near the car park to about nine feet in parts of the bay at the far end and along a central channel. Anglers can fish from the main bank or from the many pegs on central islands which offer different perspectives of the water. The lake holds a good head of common and mirror carp to over 40lbs, plus grass carp into double figures. The current lake record stands at 40lbs. Additional species include quality tench, bream, roach, rudd, chub and perch providing varied sport for pleasure and match anglers. Black Lake is suitable for both specimen carp fishing (following Pepper/Christine/Heron rules) and match/pleasure fishing with barbless hooks. Day tickets are available without advance booking, though availability should be confirmed with the tackle shop on busy periods.

Christine Lake is a beautifully set-out specimen carp water of approximately 3.5 acres, limited to just six anglers at any time to prevent overcrowding. This idyllic pool is a typical carp angler's dream with several bays and two islands providing plenty of features to target. Depths vary between four feet in the entrance bay near the car park to just over six feet in other areas. The lake holds a good head of common and mirror carp to over 40lbs, plus grass carp into double figures. The current lake record stands at an impressive 40lbs. Time spent on the bankside observing fish patrol routes and feeding areas is always worthwhile. Advance booking is strongly recommended due to the limited number of swims. The lake is available for exclusive hire at £850 per week (167 hours), with shorter sessions available from 23 hours upwards. Part days are charged at £1.50 per hour.

Elliot Lake was created in 2005 from the last two lanes of Match Lake. This small 20-peg water features a central cigar-shaped island and is fully stocked with excellent variety, making it ideal for families with children or anglers wanting consistent action. Banks slope down to a four-foot flat bottom with a one-foot shelf around the island. Recent seasons have seen double figure carp to 18lbs 8oz (mostly commons), decent numbers of tench to just over 6lbs, perch and bream to over 3lbs, and roach to 5lbs. The water also holds lovely crucian carp and crucian crosses running to a good 3lbs, providing specialist interest. The lake fishes well on pole or waggler, though some anglers prefer feeder tactics toward the island. All usual baits work effectively with maggots, sweetcorn, meat baits and soft hooker pellets proving particularly successful over beds of feeder pellets or groundbait. One rod only as per match/pleasure rules with barbless hooks mandatory.