Oakwood Park Lakes

Living in the heart of east Anglia on the Suffolk/Norfolk border I don’t have to travel too far for a day ticket venue; I have at least five venues within a 35 mile radius that contain fish in excess of thirty-pounds, with three of them holding fish over forty. My chosen venue is in fact the one closest to me, and it’s been an on-going challenge for me to nail a thirty from its waters. I have caught fish all year round fishing short sessions, normally no more than 12hrs or perhaps an overnighter. The lake stock is pretty unknown, as it was never intended to be fished commercially and was originally dug as a privately owned retreat with the original stockings of carp being low-doubles.

With no predators the fish were left to grow on the natural food present with most of the stock being mid-doubles some five years ago. The venue has become well known for the catfish is holds and the amount of pellet used by anglers targeting these fish has really boosted the carp weights. The average weight is now low to mid-twenties with multiple captures not uncommon. I have witnessed the capture of a number of fish over thirty pounds, but have yet to land one myself. The stock is probably a seventy to thirty percent split between common carp and mirrors with some cracking scaleys to go at.

The lake is chalk based so finding a good drop is never difficult from any of the swims around the lake. I tend to move swims regularly recasting until I find a spot that produces the goods and then concentrate my efforts with both rods in that area. It’s an approach that has provided me with numerous multiple catch visits. Casting to the islands and fishing the margins works well during the warmer months, but as the temperatures start to drop, so do the fish - into the deeper areas of the lake.

The venue is in fact the home to some of the UK’s largest catfish so through the summer months the ticket price is probably seen as too high for anglers who only wish to target the carp. But that all changes in the winter months when price is considerably lowered and the venue can be fished for £25 for 24hrs.

The vital information you need...

Biggest residents: 35lb
Average fish size: Low to mid-twenty.
Going bait: Bright pop-ups, crushed boilies and pellets.
Takeaways: Chinese, Chippy, Kebab and Indian all within five miles and will deliver – ask at the fishery for details.
Rod limit: Two rods
Location: Black Dyke Road, Hockwold, Thetford, Norfolk, IP26 4JW
Contact: Kate or Gideon on-site 01842 827812 – Pre booking only
Website: oakwoodparklakes.co.uk
Prices: £75 for 24hrs, winter tickets £25 for 24 hours
Facilities: Secure car park plus on-site toilets and shower.
Known winter areas/swims: Try and find some deeper water if the shallow areas around the islands fail to produce.
Vinny's top tip: Match the hookbait with a small mesh bag of crushed boilie on every cast. Also don’t be afraid to try fishing a bright pop-up off the lead, mini Zig style has worked well for me.