Linch Hill Fishery - Willow Pool
Gravel pit heaven. Stunning fish to over 40lb on a day-ticket.
Follow in the footsteps of anglers such as Terry Hearn and Nick Helleur by eating a bacon-butty in the Linch Hill Café prior to walking down to the majestic Willow Pool. Once part of the Linch Hill syndicate, Christchurch and Willow Pool have now been opened to all as day ticket waters by the fishery that will not disappoint.
On a carpy scale of one to ten Willow pool is an easy eleven! At around seven-acres in size it contains everything a carp angler could dream for! There are features galore with gravel bars and humps, weed and silt, as well as an island, and if that wasn’t enough the margins are surrounded by overhanging trees. Many of these trees are suitable for climbing where marginal feeding spots can be viewed through the clear water. These spots are regularly used by the Willow carp that love to patrol the marginal shelf, which can provide plenty of stalking opportunities, as well as an opportunity of a different kind. Willow Pool is also great place to film or photograph some truly stunning carp. So a polarised camera lens filter can be just as useful as the polarised glasses that you will find invaluable at this venue.
Boilie tactics will work just as well, as one of particles and pellets when the fish are feeding on the deck, so keep to your strengths and preferred methods. Although if you are expecting some sunny conditions during your session, take some Chum Mixer biscuits as the Willow fish will readily feed from the surface and a thirty-pounder off the top is not unimaginable. There are a number of big fish residing in Willow, with several fish round the forty-pound mark.
Drooling with anticipation of fishing for some classic looking English carp on a day ticket basis? We thought you would be, so give fishery manager, Julie, a call to find out more about fishing on one of the best venues around! Seriously, you will not be disappointed.
The vital information you need...
Biggest resident: Mirror: The Half-Lin at 38lb
Average fish size: Upper-double to low-twenty
Rough fish stock: 250 carp
Going bait: Mainline Cell and particles
Local tackle shop: State Tackle (01993 702587)
Takeaways: New Peppers Tandoori (01993 709322)
Rod limit: Three rods
Location: Stanton Harcourt, Oxfordshire, OX29 5BB
Contact: 07833130041 or 07769198609
Website: linchhillfishery.co.uk
Facilities:Toilets, shower and on-site café.
Prices: Three-rod tickets are £20 for 12hrs; £30 for 24hrs.
Known summer areas/swims: Check the snags and reeds in the edge, the Willow fish love the margins.
Bailiff's top tip: “Surface fishing can be prolific so come prepared with some Chum Mixers. ”