Barston Lake at Barston Lakes Fishery

Barston Lake, the centrepiece of the Barston Lakes fishery complex, is a 21-acre man-made water situated within the grounds of the West Midlands Golf Club. Its origins are tied to the golf course's construction, initially serving as a large reservoir and water hazard. Over the years, it has been sculpted and developed into one of the most prolific and versatile fisheries in the Midlands, renowned for its dual identity as both a premier match fishing arena and a rewarding specimen carp water. The lake's design is predominantly open water, shaped like a large, irregular bowl, with its most dominant feature being a central island. This island, accessible by a bridge from the golf course side, is a magnet for fish, with its margins, shelves, and overhanging trees providing both cover and natural food sources. Anglers positioned on the clubhouse bank or the river bank have direct casting access to this key feature.

The topography of the lake bed is varied, a result of its construction and subsequent landscaping. While large areas consist of silt and clay, strategic excavation has created a network of underwater features. Gravel bars and firmer patches are present and are often key to locating feeding fish, particularly the larger resident carp. Depth varies significantly, from shallow margins of 3-4 feet to deeper areas plunging to over 12 feet. The main body of the lake holds an average depth of 6-8 feet, providing a suitable environment for year-round angling. The swims, numbering over 80 for match purposes, are well-spaced and constructed with gravel or wood-chipped bases, offering stable and comfortable platforms for anglers.

The fishing at Barston is heavily influenced by its high stock density. It is not a venue for the angler seeking solitude and the pursuit of a single, elusive target. It is a water of action. For the carp angler, this translates into a high probability of bites, but requires tactical adaptation to single out the larger specimens from the vast shoals of smaller carp and F1s. Method feeder and solid PVA bag tactics are exceptionally effective, allowing for the presentation of a compact parcel of bait with a hookbait directly amongst it. This approach is favoured due to the high population of bream and other silver fish, which can quickly whittle down spodded beds of bait. Zigs are another dominant tactic, particularly during warmer months, with the carp spending considerable time in the mid to upper layers of the open water. Finding the correct depth is critical for success.

For those targeting the larger carp, which run to over 40lb, a more selective approach is required. Fishing slightly away from heavily pressured areas, using larger boilie hookbaits, and identifying patrol routes along the island margins or on the back of gravel bars can be productive. The lake's high stock and constant angling pressure mean the fish are well-educated but also highly competitive for food. A well-presented rig and a quality bait will nearly always produce a response. The constant activity from match anglers also means that bait is consistently introduced across the lake, keeping the fish on the move and actively feeding. The challenge at Barston is not necessarily getting a bite, but refining your approach to target the specific size of fish you desire.