Post by Camo on Aug 21, 2004 17:13:36 GMT -5
Just a stone's throw from the back garden of Izaak Walton's cottage in the rural Staffordshire village of Chebsey is the Izaak Walton Fishery. Surrounded by 43 acres of farmland, it currently comprises three main pools which offer a variety of angling to suit everyone from novice to specimen angler. The bottom of the site is bounded by the River Sow, which Walton actually used to fish, and a 500 metre length of this is available on the day ticket.
By comparison with Izaak Walton and his cottage, the fishery is relatively new. It started life in the early 1990s as a fish farm before developing into a fully-blown day-ticket site following demand from local anglers. It has no connection with the Izaak Walton Anglers Association.
Surrounding the pool are many recently planted trees including willows and alders while the edges of the pools, which tend to shelve off rapidly, have been planted with numerous types of marginal plants to enhance the fishery. The spin-off is that fishing close in to the bank often provides good catches.
The whole fishery has been developed with disabled anglers in mind. Orange Badge holders are allowed to drive their vehicles right down to the waterside when the weather permits, and the facilities are being further improved to provide a clubhouse with ramped access whilst disabled toilets are being constructed in addition to the existing facilities. At present anglers can order fresh sandwiches which will be delivered to their peg, but once the new clubhouse is complete the fishery intends to serve a wider range of food and drinks including full English breakfasts.
Fish sizes in the main waters are maintained thanks to a policy whereby anything under two inches which is caught during a match is transferred to the fishery's own growing-on pool.
Because the pools are fed by springs in the nearby wood the water quality is high whilst for those looking to stay over for a couple of days will be pleased to know that caravans are welcome in the five-acre Top Field which offers superb views over the valley. Bookings by members of caravan clubs for club breaks are also welcome
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By comparison with Izaak Walton and his cottage, the fishery is relatively new. It started life in the early 1990s as a fish farm before developing into a fully-blown day-ticket site following demand from local anglers. It has no connection with the Izaak Walton Anglers Association.
Surrounding the pool are many recently planted trees including willows and alders while the edges of the pools, which tend to shelve off rapidly, have been planted with numerous types of marginal plants to enhance the fishery. The spin-off is that fishing close in to the bank often provides good catches.
The whole fishery has been developed with disabled anglers in mind. Orange Badge holders are allowed to drive their vehicles right down to the waterside when the weather permits, and the facilities are being further improved to provide a clubhouse with ramped access whilst disabled toilets are being constructed in addition to the existing facilities. At present anglers can order fresh sandwiches which will be delivered to their peg, but once the new clubhouse is complete the fishery intends to serve a wider range of food and drinks including full English breakfasts.
Fish sizes in the main waters are maintained thanks to a policy whereby anything under two inches which is caught during a match is transferred to the fishery's own growing-on pool.
Because the pools are fed by springs in the nearby wood the water quality is high whilst for those looking to stay over for a couple of days will be pleased to know that caravans are welcome in the five-acre Top Field which offers superb views over the valley. Bookings by members of caravan clubs for club breaks are also welcome
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