Willesley Lake is a spring-fed lake which was dug about 200 years ago as a boating lake for Willesley Hall, a large 18th Century estate owned by the Hastings family.

Although trees go down to the water round much of the lake, anglers can fish from any of the the wooden platform pegs whilst bivvies can be erected either where the trees meet the pathway or just back from the water in the field along the far side of the lake from the car park entrance.

As one would expect from a 24-acre lake, depths vary from very shallow to about 15 feet at the deepest point in the centre of the lake. However, for the most part depths average five to six feet until quite well out into the water whilst at the far end of both arms even shallower water can be found, which makes for good fishing in hot weather when the carp can be seen cruising the shallows.

Because the lake is home to an estimated 700 double figure mirrors and commons, with many between 20lbs and 30lbs, it is becoming popular with carpers and specimens exceeding 30lbs can be seen on the lake’s website.

Both traditional and modern carping techniques work well with many anglers fishing the field pegs dropping their baits either just short of, on or just beyond an mussel bed which runs parallel to the bank about 40 yards out. However, there are no 'hot pegs' and anglers stand a good chance of catching whether they fish on the bottom in the deeper water, close to the bank - which can be very productive - or on the surface in warm weather.

The Pavilion has its own ladies and gents toilets and there is a lockable 'wet room' complete with shower where longer stay anglers can clean up. The facilities are checked three times a day to ensure they are kept clean. The car park is locked overnight, but there are still plenty of space to park if your arrive at daylight!

Please make sure you read the rules before you visit, the lake is managed strictly for the enjoyment of anglers wanting to enhance their craft, enjoy the location and catch fish safely.

WYRESIDE LAKES

Willesley Woodside, Ashby de la Zouch, Leics LE65 2UP Contact: (Managed by Redfins Angling) 01530 272864 Website: www.willesleylake.co.uk Tickets: Day – 2 rods £10, 3 rods £12; night/24hrs £20 Size: 24 acres in 40-acre historic estate Facilities: Disabled access, showers, toilets, shop, night fishing, gates secured, Pet friendly, 32lb 14oz venue record, 1 lake