Naseby Reservoir
Willowbrook Lake, Islip
Willowbrook is very similar in shape, look and feel to Scotland pond at Castle Ashby but has more scenery, wildlife and personality in my opinion.
It is nestled away down a long track and is a fairly hidden place in terms of word of mouth so it’s often quieter than its counterparts.
There are some great chestnut-commons present for the carp angler who is prepared to try.
I love Willowbrook, though I haven't been there loads recently it's a picturesque old-school day ticket with plenty of fish to go at, many of the bigger residents go uncaught thanks to the locals predominantly being match anglers
What do I need to know?
Willowbrook lake is mainly fished by match anglers and older generation ‘sunny day’ carp anglers but there are some awesome fish there pushing around the 30lb barrier which can be caught right under your rod tip if you wait for your chance.
Though the average fish is around 10lb, you can target the bigger fish fairly easily and keep away from the matchmen by heading down the far end and fishing close in after they leave.
Tactics wise, stalking is always a winner, travelling light and baiting up a few spots in the margins with a mix of meats, crushed boilies, corn and particles is usually a winner – I used to do really well down there grinding up the Nash and the Dynamite white chocolate boilies with breadcrumb and a handful of the 10mm boilies – I don’t think Nash sell these anymore, might be wrong.
Anything white will stand you in good stead.
A small inline lead with a 3-4 inch basic hair rig is all you need here, a long leader to keep the rig pinned down and you’re set to go.
If you’re looking to be more static, the end pegs on the right hand side have access to a large tree on the far end of the lake which has a plateau leading from it, fishing towards that has always been a banker.
You’re not allowed to surface fish but a slow sinking bit of bread is a killer method cast to showing fish, strangely I’ve never done particularly well on zigs.
Don’t go to Willowbrook without these:
Chappers
Chappers has been angling since he was five and has spent the last 10-years fishing across the World. Catching carp to 60lb, wild Arapaima to 400lbs, Siamese carp over 200lb, Maekong Catfish to 250lb and 100lb Redtail catfish.