RUDYARD LAKE

Rudyard image by kind permission of Clive Jones

Description

In a recent nationwide poll Rudyard Lake was voted as one of the Top Ten silver fish match venues in the country; the Society has fished the reservoir in partnership with The Rudyard Lake Trust since 1998.

At around 2 miles in length and covering 180-acres when full; its quite a large expanse of water and is of a typical reservoir configuration going from shallow water at the Rushton end of the lake to as much as 30 feet (9.1 metres) deep at the dam head.

With over 150 permanent pegs there are swims to suit every kind of angler; the dam end for those who want easy access, or up towards the shallows for those who like to fish in more remote surroundings.

The depth of the lake varies at different times of the year dropping by as much as 10 feet (3 metres) in the summer months as the lake is a working reservoir replenishing the regional canal system. The clarity of the water varies and at the north end of the lake the river Dane washes into the lake filling the north end with coloured water.

Society Chairman John Davy with a Rudyard Pike

Species & Stocking

Rudyard is well known for its fishing and many competitions are held on its waters annually. The lake is stocked with huge shoals of roach and bream, which for decades have drawn anglers from many parts of the country to Rudyard’s tranquil waters. Rudyard is well known for its champion Pike and many anglers come to Rudyard hoping to hook one of these fine specimens, which go to high-twenties.

Specimen carp are also present and though little fished for, 20lb plus fish are often spotted. Double figure carp sometimes show to pleasure anglers around the dam end, so the rewards of bigger fish are there for those who are able to locate them.


Species Weights

Bream to 8lb; averaging 1lb – 3lb
Common Carp to 20lb+
Mirror Carp to 20lb+
Perch to 4lb 4oz; averaging 1lb – 2lb
Pike to 28lb
Roach to 2lb
Tench to 6lb

Gareth Jones with a 26lb+ common from Rudyard Lake

Tactics & Tips

When pike or perch fishing all methods produce fish. Because of the size of the lake one of the main problems is fish location, to overcome this many opt for boat fishing, these can be hired or you can launch your own. If bank fishing there are many productive swims, but you will have to move around to locate the fish. The warden will usually point you in the right direction. During the winter months many of the pike can be found in the deeper water at the dam end, around the launching bay, concrete steps, mooring wall and floating jetty. In the early spring the fish move down to the shallows, there is plenty of bank space here on the meadows or railtrack side. Most baits have been working well but Lamprey seems to have been producing most fish recently.

All lures will catch but spinnerbaits and jerkbaits produce good fish. Quite a few perch have been caught on in-line spinners and small spinnerbaits, from the bay in summer and the boat houses and deeper water in winter.

Additional

Night Fishing is allowed to Society members in possession of a night ticket during the months of May, June, July and August. Nights must be pre-booked with Ranger John Davey on 01538 306280 as only six anglers will be allowed at any one time.

Two rods are allowed on Society membership, however, up to two extra rods can be used if the relevant fee is paid to the Ranger and required rod licences are held.

Click here to visit the Rudyard Lake website.

If you or your club may be interested in booking a match on the venue, you can download a booking form here

Shaun Docksey with a nice Rudyard mirror

Rudyard Images