This is our lake map and tips guide to fishing at Bridge Pool on the Baden Hall complex in Staffordshire
Baden Hall Fishery, Eccleshall, Staffordshire, ST21 6LG | Web: www.badenhallfishery.com | Tel: 01785 850313
We say...
This eight-acre lake is just one of the gems on the 11-lake Baden Hall site.
Initially, Bridge Pool had 10 pegs all on one side of the lake, but there is now one on the opposite bank to stop the fish hogging the far margin.
Depths range from 8ft to 14ft and there’s plenty of weed for the fish to hide in, but the clear spots in between are well worth searching out.
The lake record stand at just a few ounces under 40lb and there are many 30s and 20s present.
This is not an easy venue, but the rewards can be incredible.
Venue expert Mat Woods says...
“My favourite of all the lakes, I call it Bertie Bassett’s lake because there is such a massive variety of carp.
“Lovely scaly bangers, to long lean commons, quirky mirrors, big plump leathers and everything in between swims around in the Bridge Pool – it’s a really special lake.
“The weed grows in the Bridge Pool in large columns and is best fished with caution and strong tackle. Casting over weed beds to reach fish is precarious – you are better fishing near the weed and coaxing them out with bait, rather than run the risk of losing everything you hook.
“Your skills with a bare lead – casting for a drop and looking for smooth areas of sand – will come into their own here.
“I cannot stress how much an edge it is finding the clearer areas – there are literally hundreds to find and often they are right next to the weed. Perfect!
“On the bait front be mindful that the lakebed is fairly diverse and round baits can roll down the slopes really quickly.
“Chopped baits, corn and particle baits work very well indeed. Your rigs need to be strong and you need to be responsible with where you cast a bait. No prizes are given out for losing fish."
1 of 3A 37lb Bridge scaly!
2 of 3Mat Woods with a Bridge Pool stunner
3 of 3...and another!
PRICES AND FACILITIES
£25 five-year membership needed to buy day tickets
Midweek March-November = £25 for 24 hours
Weekends March-November = £30 for 24 hours
Midweek December-February = £15 for 24 hours
Weekends December-February = £20 for 24 hours
Bookings run from 9am. Anglers are allowed to walk the venue from 7am
On-site toilets
RULES
Barbless hooks only and no bent/crank hooks
12lb minimum mainline and 15lb minimum hooklinks
No braided mainline
No nuts as loosefeed
Particles must be properly prepared and used in moderation
Full rules available on Nash Lakes website