Roach anglers paradise opens it doors

A DAY-TICKET fishery boasting one of the biggest stocks of specimen roach in the UK has opened its doors to anglers.

A major winter netting operation at Abbey Lake in Gloucestershire revealed that the three-acre venue held more than 50 big redfins weighing between 2lb and just under 3lb, with a further 150 fish between 1lb 8oz and 2lb in reserve.

The ‘roach anglers paradise’, which is part of the popular Lemington Lakes complex, has been carefully nurtured by owner and fisheries consultant Andrew Ellis.

“It’s taken around five years of hard work to get this population of roach to the stamp that they are now, but this is just the beginning – these fish will keep growing ,” Andrew told Angling Times.

“They are completely empty at this time of the year, and as soon as the water temperatures start to rise in earnest and the roach begin to eat more, they will pack on weight quickly.”

Andrew revealed how the changing face of the specimen angling world was one of the factors that encouraged him to develop Abbey Lake. 

“There seems to be an increasing number of stillwater anglers who want to catch big roach and that’s the reason why I’ve put so much effort into breeding these fish. I think it’s important that anybody should be able to have a crack at catching a 3lb roach for the price of a day ticket,” he said.

“The lake has been closed since November, so the next few weeks are sure to see a few anglers leaving with smiles on their faces and personal bests under their belts!”

Day tickets on Abbey Lake cost £8. To find out more about the complex visit: www.lemingtonlakes.co.uk or call 01608 650872.