White Springs Fishery
Top Welsh carper, Mike Jones gives you the low down on one of his favourite venues in the west region
White Springs Fishery can be found deep in the in the valley of Pontarddulais, which is part of the Welsh natural trust so as you can imagine the scenery is amazing. The fishery is situated just on the outside of town. The specimen lake is around 9.5 acres in size with plenty of islands and lily beds to fish to and I would say that it’s an ideal lake for anglers looking for a challenge!
The lake record stands at a huge 44lb with a good head of twenty and thirty- pound fish to go for plus you’ve got a lot of upper-doubles to keep you on your toes. Fishing can be very prolific on here when you find the fish, but a technical and logical approach will score you well.
There are numerous features on this lake, islands, bars, margins, silt spots and the odd strip of gravel to name just a few. The lake’s depths very from two foot in places to around nine, although I have had most of my fish from the margins over small beds of bait fed in little and often - my mix consisted of maggots and Nash’s Scopex Squid in 10mm and 15mm sizes.
Winter fishing can be fantastic on this lake with a lot of big fish being landed through the colder months; personally I have had fish to 42lb 10oz in February from the margins, which is a huge fish for the area.
Most decent carp rigs will work at White Springs, but I like to keep it simple and use a Snowman set-up comprising of a Nash size 8 Fang X hook, 20lb Missing Link and a lead clip system, my hook baits being a 15mm bottom bait and a 10mm pop-up combined to make the Snowman Rig.
Finding White Springs Fishery: From Junction 48 of the M4 follow the road up through the village of Hendy after approx one mile you will approach a ‘T’ junction, on the corner stands a pub called the Black Horse Inn. Turn right and stay on this road through the village of Pontarddulais. From here it is signposted.
The vital information you need...
Biggest residents: 44lb mirror.
Average fish size: Upper-double.
Rough fish stock: 250 fish.
Going bait: Nash Monster Squid and Scopex Squid.
Takeaways: Various takeaways deliver from the near-by village.
Local tackle shop: Onsite shop stocking Nash, Guru, Korda, Preston etc.
Rod limit: Three rods.
Location: SA4 8QG.
Contact: Call 01792 885699.
Website: whitespringsfishery.co.uk
Prices: Day tickets £15, £25 for 24hrs, £45 for 48hrs.
Facilities: Secure car parking, toilets and log cabins.
Known winter areas/swims: Islands, margins and silt spots.
Mike's top tip: Try maggots in your mix and don’t neglect the margins.