Nothing could be more relaxing than a spot of fishing when staying at Cooks Green Holiday Cottage. Whether you are an enthusiast or beginner, a lazy day at one of Gloucestershire’s fine lakes or rivers could be just the way to idle away a few hours in picturesque locations. Take a fine picnic of local produce with you ham, cheese, fruit, crusty bread, and a bottle of cider or apple juice. If you do not have your own equipment, many of the local angling clubs or fishing tackle shops would be happy to help. Some lakes welcome children and it is an ideal opportunity for children to catch their first fish.
Here are some fishing venues local to us and a few of the best a little further afield.
Lake Fishing
Pittville Park in Cheltenham is home to Pittville Lake. In the centre of the town, the lake contains large quantities of fish suitable for children to catch such as smaller roach and perch and larger fish. Carp up to 18 pounds have been caught and Pike are reputedly up to 10 pounds. The lake is privately operated and tickets to fish are issued at the park after 15th June each year.
Along the Tewkesbury Road is Stanborough Pool. It is reached by turning left into the lane by the side of the Old Spot public house (handy for refreshments after landing a carp or two!) There is an excellent stock of fish although the lake is quite small and it is an ideal place for a spot of fishing with the family. Contact Tel: 01242 680327 if you fancy a session here.
Burley Fields Lake, Crippetts Lane, Leckhampton, GL51 4XT, is known locally as “the Pig Farm”. This is a popular location for anglers and offers overnight fishing if that is your choice. The carp are hefty and weigh well into double figures and this lake is very good value. Telephone 01242 86133 for bookings.
Local River Fishing
There is plenty of local river fishing on the Severn and the Avon. Try Lower Lode just before Tewkesbury travelling from Cheltenham direction and The Weir at Tewkesbury. Details of day tickets can be seen on notices along the riverside or can be bought from the fishing tackle shop in the town
Fly Fishing
Lechlade & Busyleaze Trout Fisheries are half a mile north of Lechlade in thirty acres of beautiful countryside. The fishery is open all year round a fishing visit can be arranged by telephoning 01367 253266.
Salford Trout Lakes is a lovely place to fish. Guaranteed to be one of the prettiest lakes you will fish, its setting is idyllic. The countryside in this area is fantastic so the journey is sightseeing heaven too. From Cheltenham take the A40 and turn left through Burford.
Sea Fishing
For a spot of sea fishing, take the M5 to Junction 15, turn off towards Thornbury and then Aust. Park where the road turns inland, and walk across the fields to the sea. Fishing is good anywhere between the two bridges. Do be prepared, as you will get muddy.
Safety First
There are some low water spots, which are extremely dangerous, so unless you are fishing with someone who really knows the area, stay clear. Avoid very large tides and fish one and half-hours either side of high water. If you are lucky, you are likely to catch Codling, Flounder, Sole, Whiting, Conger, Mullet, and the occasional Bass.