Christchurch, Linch Hill

Although I haven’t fished the lake loads in the past, when I have visited my sessions have always been fruitful, so my advice could be very beneficial to you if you’re going there just a handful of times each year.

I always take gear that will be suited to a range of tactics at Christchurch. Depending on which swim you end up in, you could use a multitude of methods; it might be spodding particles, it could be sticking boilies over pop-ups, or even little traps waded down the edge.

The lake is pretty deep throughout, averaging 13ft-14ft. As a result of the depth, there are a number of ways to fool them. Floater fishing can be exceptional in the warmer months and will often select the bigger fish. Consequently, never forget your floater gear particularly in the summer.

When the wind blows it is very important to take note because the fish DO follow it. Keep an eye on the weather, if there is a fresh wind change then you want to be on the end of it.

There is a heavy amount of pressure on the lake, so the carp do seek sanctuary in the weed beds, the snags etc. Anywhere that they can hide themselves away will generally be superb spots. If you spot carp in and out of a snaggy bush, then fish as close as you can to that bush! If they’re sitting in the weedbeds try and locate a little firm spot nearby. A light leading rod with braid will help you to pinpoint such areas.

The fish will eat anything on there day; boilies, pellets, particles etc all work well.

You will see carp show aplenty. They are very active carp and so they will giveaway their whereabouts more often than not, which obviously makes location easier. The lake is also very clear and so generally if they aren’t showing you can often creep up on them in the edge by shinning up a nearby tree. The trees there are great for climbing and fish spotting.

Christchurch was always busy, although it may have calmed down since it has moved away from day ticket, so it is important to chat to other anglers; find out when they’re going etc to allow you to claim a decent swim. You need to be on the fish there, like anywhere, this is the most important factor.

Once in the swims search for small, non-obvious spots. A tiny, smooth silt patch, a little gravel clearing in the weed, these will produce more fish constantly than the big, blatant gravel bars etc .