Record-breaking venue reopens doors

The Earlswood Engine Pool in Solihull was the original British big-weight water but back in 2017 the venue was drained and emptied of fish after reports of invasive catfish emerged. Now, the pool has been re-stocked and is open for fishing, with local anglers rubbing their hands in anticipation of more bagging days.

Duncan Clarke, manager of Solihull Angling Centre, told us:

“We’re all so pleased that the pool has re-opened and can’t wait for the matches to start again in a few months’ time.

“I fished it for years, through its bream days in the mid 90s, to when they stocked it with carp. I’d never seen so many fish – it was biblical!”

No fewer than five tonnes of carp were introduced between 1999 – 2000, but after being emptied these fish were moved.

The reservoir is now undergoing a new stocking programme, as John Ellis of the Canal and River Trust reveals:

“By 2021, subject to approval, approximately 40,000 F1s averaging 8oz each will be introduced, which should make for interesting fishing. There is potential to hold Let’s Fish events, as well as expanding the Boddington Classic.”