Surrounded by ancient bluebell woodland, this pretty little lake of just under an acre in size, holds a very impressive head of large Wels catfish (Silurus glanis). Situated within the woods, conveniently located behind the lodge, a spacious swim has been constructed to accommodate the two anglers that we allow at any one time. Back in 2008 the lake was drained, allowing us to remove the 4-5ft of silt that had accumulated over a number of years. There are now many features to find, gullies, gravel spots, deep holes and depths of up to 8ft. There are no real snags to speak off thus allowing the angler to enjoy and safely land the large cats that inhabit this lake.

This small lake boasts an impressive stock, with a good head of 50's, 40's and 30's. The lake record stands at 63lbs although there is bigger now present. Being such a high stocking density, maintaining water quality is crucial and needs to be monitored on a regular basis to ensure these fish remain in optimal condition and sustain healthy weight gains. A large aerator is operated on a 24/7 basis to ensure oxygen levels are kept at healthy levels. The lake is also ILFA licenced that allows non-native species, in this case the Wels, to be kept at this location.

Rules -

Valid ticket holders only permitted onto fishery. Strictly no guests and no viewing of lakes.
- Minimum 15lbs line
- Minimum of 12" of safety tubing to be used
- No persons under the age of 16
- Barbless hooks only, no leadcore or leaders of any description
- Maximum of 2 rods per angler.
- No shelf life boilies
- No braided mainlines to be used unless for marker float / feature finding etc.
- Free running rigs / semi-fixed only. No fixed rigs such as Helicopter / Chod rigs allowed
- No live / dead-baiting / permitted. No fish to be removed or introduced.
- No nuts of any kind permitted.
- No keep nets or sacks to be used.
- Only landing nets, weigh slings and unhooking mats provided to be used.
- Strictly no litter, this also includes no cigarette butts left in swims.
- No fires and no BBQ's.
- Each angler to be in possession of the appropriate Environment Agency Rod Licenses.
- Neither the fishery nor any of its servants shall be held responsible for any loss or damage to, or theft of property. Ticket holders shall not be entitled to make claims against the fishery or any of its servants in respect of any such damage, loss, theft or injury.

Site plan of the catfish lake

Mats, slings and landing nets are supplied on all lakes at churchwood fisheries