Wyreside Lakes. Carp tactics and venue advice.

Wyreside Lakes is one of the most beautiful and tranquil fishing destinations in the North of England. Located at the northwest edge of the historic Forest of Bowland in Lancashire, the venue occupies a serene 185-acre site in the idyllic surroundings of Farleton Knott. The lakes are surrounded by stunning landscapes of rolling hills and woodlands, with the scenic Lake District just a short drive away. Wyreside Lakes is a world-renowned fishing spot, attracting anglers of all abilities from different corners of the world. The venue boasts six beautiful lakes that have all been stocked with a wide variety of fish species, including carp, roach, tench, bream, perch, and pike. In this article, we will discuss in-depth details about Wyreside Lakes, its features, the best baits, tactics and rigs for fishing, with a specific focus on carp fishing.

Venue Details

Wyreside Lakes boasts six beautiful lakes, covering more than 185 acres. The lakes vary in depth, morphology, and size, making them ideal for multiple fishing techniques. What’s more, the venue welcomes a wide variety of fish species, making it an ideal destination for both novices and seasoned anglers. Here are some details of each lake:

1. Wyre Lake

Wyre Lake is the largest in the complex, covering approximately 18 acres. The lake is one of the most popular among anglers owing to the wide variety of fish in it that includes carp, tench, roach, bream, perch, and pike. Bill’s lake is deepest lake in the complex, with depths ranging from shallow margins to over 30 feet. The lake also features a large island in the middle, with several decent gravel bars that provide perfect spots for the fish.

2. Fox’s Lake

Fox’s Lake is approximately 7 acres in size and is known for its large carp. Two islands are situated in the middle, making the lake perfect for specimen hunters. The lake encompasses different depths ranging from shallow margins to over 20 feet.

3. The Orchard

The Orchard is a smaller lake in the complex, covering around 4 acres. The lake features a host of species including carp, roach, bream, tench, and pike. The lake has moderate depths ranging from 15 feet to 3 feet.

4. The Maze

The Maze is the smallest of the complex, covering around 3 acres. The lake is another popular carp fishing destination and is often fished by anglers looking for big specimens. Other species in the lake include tench, roach, and bream. Depths in this lake vary from 12 feet down to 2 feet around the margins.

5. The Birches

The Birches is a smaller lake in the complex, covering around 3 acres. The lake is home to various species of fish including carp, tench, roach, and perch, with depths ranging between 3 feet down to 18 feet.

6. Ghyll Head

Ghyll Head is the tiniest of all the lakes in the Wyreside complex, covering just under 1.5 acres. It is widely known for its massive carp, which can weigh up to 30lb. The lake is moderately deep, with depths ranging between 3 – 20 feet.

Best Baits

Carp are among the most sought-after species in Wyreside Lakes, and they can be caught with various baits. However, the best baits should be selected according to the prevailing conditions of the day. Here are some of the most effective carp baits for Wyreside Lakes:

1. Boilies

Boilies are the most popular carp bait at Wyreside Lakes. Boilies are hard, round baits formulated with a variety of ingredients, colours, flavors, and sizes to cater to different situations. Some popular flavors anglers prefer are fruity flavours, fishmeal, and nutty baits. Baits mirroring natural food organisms, such as crayfish or mussels, could also work well. Pellets, sweetcorn, and maize could also work well as complimentary baits.

2. Particle Baits

Particle baits are another excellent carp bait at Wyreside Lakes. This bait includes maize, hempseed, tiger nuts, and other seeds. These baits typically provide a mix of food sources, and with their crunchiness, they often demand more prolonged feeding.

3. Natural Baits

In addition to other baits, natural baits can also be effective for catching carp at Wyreside Lakes. Natural baits include worms, maggots, and casters, and can provide an excellent source of protein for the fish.

4. Popped -Up Baits

Another very popular bait for catching carp at Wyreside Lakes are popped-up boilies, which are ideal for when fish are still foraging but remain reluctant to feed. Popped-up baits are boilies that are buoyant and float just above the hook, providing a greater visibility and presentation.

Tactics

As with any fishing venture, experimenting with various tactics during a given session will typically increase your chances of a successful outcome. The tactics one utilizes on the day should be approached with caution, and it will depend on the species targeted as well as water conditions. Here are some effective tactics for catching carp at Wyreside Lakes:

1. Pre-Baiting

Pre-baiting your swim is vital in getting the carp feeding heavily. Initially, use a small amount of bait and gradually introduce more as the carp begin to feed. Groundbait can be useful for creating a reliable feeding area and enticing fish to your swim. No creation of blobs! just keep the bait distribution light, so that the fish doesn’t eat too much before your first cast.

2. PVA Bags

PVA bags are small bags of bait that contain a small amount of bait and dissolve quickly in the water. PVA has gained massive popularity in modern carp fishing due to its ease of use, flexibility and excellent ability to deliver bait accurately and efficiently. Creating small bags of pellets, ground bait, and adding one to two boilies, before placing and casting them in pre-baited areas can be effective.

3. Zig Rigs

Zig Rigs is another popular carp fishing tactic at Wyreside Lakes. Zig rigs is a technique that involves suspending a baited hook further in the water column, usually midway between the surface and the waterbed. The technique has gained popularity, particularly on challenging, well-fished venues with naturally wary fish.

4. Margins

Fishing margins at Wyreside Lakes is a high reward and low risk tactic worth considering. Despite this, it is the most overlooked spot on most venues; at Wyreside, these areas can provide excellent sport if executed well. Ensure the presentation, baiting, and tackle is perfect, then immerse bait with small pellets and boilies for a more attractive bouquet.

Rigs

Rigging at Wyreside Lakes will depend on the species of fish and the conditions on the day. There are various types of rigs for different species of fish, and different methods will prove more effective on the different Wyreside Lakes. Here are some popular rigs that have proved effective at Wyreside Lakes:

1. Multi Rig

The Multi Rig is one of the most effective carp rigs at Wyreside Lakes. The rig consists of a short length of braid with a swivel at one end and a ring at the other. The bait is attached to the ring with a bait floss and covered with a hook sleeve. The Multi Rig can be used for both pop-up and bottom-bait fishing.

2. Combi Rig

The Combi Rig is a versatile rig that can be effective for catching both carp and other species at Wyreside Lakes. The rig consists of a stiff hook link with a pop-up boilie, suspended several inches off the bottom, linked to the end of the line on a hair rig. Use of this rig focuses on attracting feeding fish that are suspicious of any bottom-moving hooks.

3. Zig Rig

The Zig Rig is a pop-up rig that suspends the bait mid-water column. The rig is ideal for catching carp that are foraging in the upper layers of the body of water. The rig is created by tying a hook link onto the mainline and adding a foam pop-up onto the hook with a baiting needle. Weights can be added to the main line to extend the depth of the rig.

4. helicopter Rig

The helicopter rig, another popular choice at Wyreside Lakes, provides a versatile presentation with a swivel that ties to the mainline through a helicopter rig bead, adding a lead and gamma sleeve for the perfect safety and tangle-free rig. Hooks are tied with the desired hook link material, and the bait is used either in pop-up or bottom bait versions.

Conclusion

Fishing at Wyreside Lakes is an excellent way to enjoy a tranquil, beautiful, and serene environment while catching a range of different species of fish. By understanding the venue details, selecting the right bait, utilizing effective tactics, and rigging your rods, you can increase your chances of a successful catch. Whether you are an expert fisherman or looking to explore your interest in fishing, Wyreside Lakes is an outstanding destination that has something for everyone, with challenging angling and serene fishing locations alike.Wyre