Willow Bank Specimen Lake, Todber Manor Fisheries

Willow Bank is a purpose-built specimen carp water situated within the Todber Manor Fisheries complex. At three acres, it offers an intimate and focused angling experience for up to six anglers across its spacious, well-maintained swims. The lake was designed with the specimen hunter in mind, and its stocking policy reflects this clear objective. The water holds a significant head of large carp, with a current stock of over 100 fish, the majority of which are over 20lb. The key draw for many is the exceptional number of carp exceeding the 30lb barrier, with more than 50 individual fish in this weight class present. Furthermore, the lake contains a known cohort of at least five different 40lb+ specimens, making a personal best capture a realistic target for visiting anglers. The average weight of the carp is in the mid-20s, ensuring that action can be prolific, with the constant possibility of a truly large fish.

The lake’s topography is varied and presents a range of challenges and opportunities. A prominent central island is a key feature, accessible from most swims and creating natural patrol routes and holding areas in its margins and shelves. The lakebed is a mosaic of features, including hard gravel bars, softer silt pockets, and clay seams. Depths range from approximately four feet in the margins to a maximum of ten feet in the deeper central areas. Anglers who invest time with a marker float or leading around will be rewarded by identifying these subtle transitions and productive feeding spots. The margins are not to be ignored, with overhanging trees and marginal cover providing sanctuary for carp, especially during warmer months or periods of high angling pressure. Successful tactics on Willow Bank often revolve around accuracy and thoughtful bait application. Due to the high stock density and quality of fish, they have seen a variety of methods.

Solid PVA bags cast to showing fish or onto identified clear spots are a consistent producer. Pop-ups and wafters presented on helicopter or lead clip setups are effective over the gravel and cleaner areas, while bottom baits tipped with a fleck of colour can entice wary fish from the siltier zones. High-quality boilies are the primary bait, with pellets and corn used effectively in spod mixes. The intimate nature of the lake means that stealth and watercraft are paramount; keeping disturbance to a minimum can be the difference between a blank and a memorable session. With its high density of large, pristine carp and well-designed environment, Willow Bank has established itself as a premier day-ticket specimen water in the South West, suitable for anglers seeking consistent action from hard-fighting fish with the very real chance of a new personal best.