Here's our lake and swim map, plus tactics guide, to the Specimen Lake at Kilthorpe Pools in Rutland in the East Midlands...
Kilthorpe Pools, Kilthorpe Grange, Barrowden Road, Ketton, Rutland, Stamford, PE9 3RL | Web: www.kilthorpeholidays.com/pools.html | Tel: 01780 721313
We say...
A little lake hiding some very big fish!
Unlike the neighbouring Long Lake, the Specimen Lake at Kilthorpe Pools is a tricky proposition but the potential rewards are substantial.
The biggest fish has weighed as much as 44lb, and it's not the only carp over 40lb here.
There are only about 15 to 20 fish present, but they average 25lb. Unsurprisingly, they are masters of their small environment and take a bit of stealth to catch.
It has got weedy here summers past, but the owner is keen to keep that under control.
The lake is nestled in a leafy valley, with beautiful views. Thankfully, it's also fully otter fenced and secure.
Just three anglers can fish on the lake at one time, and we'd recommend it as the perfect spot for a two-angler weekend retreat.
Fishery manager Alan Whymark says…
"The margins slope away to form a basin shape and the bottom is clay with some bits of silt, gravel and weed banks.
"The fish can be spotted on a warm day, but a bit of stealth is required to catch them. If you can place you baits over the side, or have a mate to help you do that, then that's an advantage.
"Keeping your line out of the water [washing-line style] is also a good idea.
"On one of the first warm days of spring this year, a 28-pounder was caught on a piece of floating crust and zigs also work well."
1 of 3SticklebackEdwardNaylor35lb9oz
Stickleback at 35lb 9oz for Edward Naylor
2 of 3Zeusat44lb1oz
Zeus at 44lb 1oz
3 of 3kilthorpe4
Zeus at 38lb
PRICES:
£50 for 24 hours
Maximum of three anglers at once
Group bookings can be negotiated. Call Alan for full details and complete rule list
All fishing must be booked in advance
RULES:
No hooks larger than size 6
Microbarb hooks only
15lb minimum mainline
Inline leads only, no lead discharge allowed
No leaders
No pellets, nuts, groundbait or sloppy mix
Fishery provides nets, slings and mats