An iconic summer species with an ever-growing army of fans, crucian carp are still a very captivating fish with a mystery and grace about them. With more and more venues stocking them, there has never been a better time to get out there and catch some, or even break your pb. Here is our list of venues to target now...
Baker’s Pond, Kilnhurst, S Yorks
A shallow three-acre pond where you can fish from platforms, some of which are just yards from the secure car park. Its part of the Ravenfield Ponds complex, which has seven stillwaters, a stretch of the River Don and canal fishing.
More info: www.ravenfieldponds.co.uk, 01709 363788
The Pit, Fields End Water, Cambridgeshire
A tranquil 2.5-acre lake with 24 swims and its own on-site bait shop. Good mixed stocks with lots of chunky crucians. Registered disabled users can drive right up to the lake, weather permitting.
More info: www.fieldsendwater.co.uk, 01354 740199
THE METHOD FEEDER IS A GREAT METHOD FOR CRUCIANS. HERE'S THE TACKLE YOU NEED.
Carlston Hill Farm Ponds, Sicklinghall, North Yorkshire
Run by Wetherby and District AC, this site is home to pristine crucians stocked by the Environment Agency in 2018. There are four ponds on site, and for regular bites try Ponds 1 and 2, which are mature, weedy waters joined by a pipe. Use a light pole float or waggler, with maggots, casters, pellets or corn.
More info: www.wetherbydistrictanglingclub.co.uk, 07742 942990
Marsh Farm, Godalming, Surrey
While the members-only Johnsons Lake holds the current British record, the day-ticket waters Hill Pond, Harris Lake and Richardson Lake are also good for crucians to over 4lb. Small Method feeders or a pole float fished against the marginal lilies over corn and micros won’t see you far wrong. Day tickets must be bought before fishing.
More info: www.godalminganglingsociety.co.uk, 01483 428885
Goodiford Mill Fishery, Cullompton, Devon
The 3.5-acre, 60-peg Match Lake holds a good head of crucians to well over 2lb, in among some big carp, bream, tench and perch. Fish light, feed little-and often and target marginal spots and features.
More info: www.goodifordmillleisure.co.uk, 01884 266065
The Rosie, Connahs Quay, Flintshire
A secluded one-acre water set within Wepre Park, it has depths to 7ft and is packed with features. Holds plenty of quality fish to over 2lb, which are best targeted on the pole. There are plenty of disabled fishing platforms too.
More info: www.connahsquayanglingclub.com, 01244 813674 (Deeside Fishing Tackle)
Mill Lodge Farm, Great Ryburgh, Norfolk
Created in 2016 as a bespoke crucian and tench fishery, this two-acre lake is a sight to behold, with lots of marginal lilies and rushes. It’s heavily stocked with many year classes of fish, which are best fished for down the edge over a little groundbait and a few pellets.
More info: www.wensum-view.co.uk, 01328 829104
Yaddlethorpe Ponds, Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire
A great-looking venue surrounded by woodland that’s classed as a Category A crucian fishery. Controlled by Scunthorpe Amalgamated Anglers, it holds some stunning fish to nearly 4lb, but it’s floatfishing only.
More info: 07851 784546
Buscot Park, Lechlade, Oxfordshire
This delightful 25-peg estate lake sits in the shadow of a 230-year-old manor house and holds good stocks of proper crucians to around the 3lb mark, as well as lots of tench and bream.
More info: www.buscot-park.com, 01367 240932
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