The Match Lake at Larford offers 6 acres of superb fishing where bite after bite can be experienced from a variety of species. Every peg is capable of producing massive weights thanks to the high density stocking of mirror carp, common carp, hybrid F1s, roach, tench, bream, skimmers, chub, perch and rudd.
When fishing the Match Lake and Arena pools, the most successful tactics are pole fishing at anything between 2 metres and 13 metres.
The most successful baits are soft 4mm and 6mm pellets. Feed pellets must be purchased from the fishery which is available 7 days a week from the fishery shop. Hook pellets are your choice but sizes 4mm and 6mm are the most popular. Corn and meat also produce big bags and maggot works well on the new Arena pool.
Also try the paste made up from the Dynamite Baits green swimstim – brilliant!
The Match Lake is good with small in line method feeder and dead red maggots.
Float size on both Arena and Match Lake 0.20 gram to 0.5 gram. Line size 0.12 or 14 dia with 14 or 16 barbless hooks. Expect weights of around 100-150lbs in the summer and 50-70lb in the winter – guaranteed!
LAKE RULES
– No barbed hooks
– No keepnets (except in matches)
– Two keepnets to be used in matches (one for silver fish and one for carp)
– One rod or pole only per angler
– Fishing from 7am until dusk in winter
– Fishing from 7am to 8pm during summer
– Night fishing by prior special arrangement only
– Maximum of 3 rods to be used at one time
– All keepnets, landing nets, weigh nets and slings must be dipped before use, and be of carp-friendly sack material
– Car parking in designated areas only
– All litter MUST be taken home – this includes cigarette ends
– Unused bait to be taken home or thrown into the lake. Bait left on the bank attracts vermin and is classed as litter
– No dogs
– Tickets to be obtained from the on-site fishery office before fishing
– No fish to be removed
– No live bait for pike – SEA DEAD BAITS ONLY
– No placing fish on the bank whilst unhooking unless positioned on an unhooking mat. We prefer fish to be unhooked in the landing and off the ground
– No camp fires
– No elasticated Method feeders. All feeders and carp terminal tackle must be able to break free and also be free-running
– All carp (regardless of size) must be netted
Match Rules
1. All competitors must use two keepnets, and split the catch equally.
2. All nets used for retaining carp must be of carp-friendly sack mesh (nets can be hired at £5.00 per session). Anyone not in possession of carp-friendly nets will not be allowed to fish and, ideally, nets should carry the Angling Foundation’s Waterlily logo for maximum fish-friendly protection.
3. Fish to be weighed by bringing bottom ring through keepnet only. Our fishery staff weighs all matches.
4. All carp must be netted. No swinging in of fish at any time. Landing nets must be of a fish-friendly material, ideally polyester and, if possible, featuring the Waterlily logo.
5. Strictly barbless hooks only. Hook checks will be made during competitions. Anyone found to be using barbed hooks will be asked to leave the site. Maximum hook size 10.
6. Groundbait on Match and Arena Lake to be fed by pole cup or feeder only or what can be squeezed in one hand only.
7. Pellets: Maximum 4 bags per angler. All feed pellets must be purchased from the fishery.
8. All landing nets and keepnets must be dipped before entry to the lake bank.
9. Elasticated method feeders, in-line or conventional feeders allowed (but not on Arena Lake)
10. No catfood, dogfood, bloodworm or joker, or macaroni cheese on either the Specimen or Match lakes.
11. No Floating baits on any of the lakes.
12. No floating poles.
13. Fishing from the banks or stages only – NO wading or placing platforms in the water unless agreed with the fishery management.
14. No bait to be thrown on the banks at the finish of a competition.
15. All litter including cigarette ends to be cleared from the peg on completion. Failure to do so will result in a ban.
16. No pole tapping or cupping water.
17. All pole rigs must have a fixed float 6inch minimum from pole tip or longer.
18. Hook length from the nose of the method feeder to the hook must be a minimum of 4 inch (STRICTLY NO BRAIDED HOOK LENGTHS)
19. No feeder floats allowed.
20. Boilies will be allowed in matches.
21. No PVA bags (tea bags).
22. Arena Lake is float only.
BAIT RESTRICTIONS/BANS
– No tiger nuts, peanuts or other nut baits
– No bloodworm or joker
– No macaroni cheese
– No catfood feed
– ALL FEED PELLETS MUST BE PURCHASED FROM FISHERY
– HOOK PELLETS ARE OF YOUR OWN CHOICE
Directions
From Stourport, follow the main road (A451) over the river bridge, heading towards Worcester. Approximately 1/2 mile after the river bridge, take the left-hand fork, signposted Worcester and Astley Cross (B4196).
Follow the road through the village of Astley Cross. After approximately 1/2 mile, take the left-hand turning, signposted LARFORD. Follow the country lane for about 1 mile and Larford Lakes and River Complex is directly at the end of the lane to your left.
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