Meadows Lake, Holme Fen, Cambridgeshire

There is a watercraft draw at the beginning of your session and so it really pays to obtain information before hand. Talk to the bailiff as their knowledge can be key from where the fish have been residing. Use your eyes, have a good walk around; look for bubblers, showing fish that sort of thing.

You can also keep up to date with catch reports on their website.

Bait Advice

I love tinkering with baits at I feel this really adds some value at Holme Fen.

The first thing I suggest is to add a liquid additive to your freebies. I use Odyssey XXX coated in Liquid Crab Compound. This is a very fishy combo.

I find that pink, bright work well over there, something that stands out as the cherry on the cake.

It’s all about finding the fish and when I was there I saw fish showing at range. As a result, I pinpointed a nice clear spot and fished it with a bright pop up over bait. I felt that due to me fishing longer than most, it gave me a real advantage.

Rig Suggestions

I like to employ the multi rig in conjunction with a bright pop-up. I tie this from Fox Camotex complete with a size 4 Fox Stiff Rig Straight – strong components, reliable that don’t tangle is key. The fish are very big carp and so if you hook one you want to ensure that you get it in.

Strong main line is key so I opted for 15lb GR60 a reliable bulletproof monofilament. It is weedy, so make sure you’re prepared.

Top Tips

1. Choose your swim wisely, look for fish before you start baiting.
2. Finding a clear hard spot is a must, it is very weedy.
3. Use strong, reliable tackle, they are big carp.

What To Consider On Arrival

The most important thing to consider when you arrive at Meadows Lake is how pressured the area is. Look for other anglers, the amount of lines in the water and where they are fishing to.

Try to fish quieter water if possible.

However, try try to get on the fish in the draw, this is key!

Location

I’m by no means a regular, but from what I’ve heard the best areas are the point swim and the beach because the command the area of the lake.

But as I mention, location is so important on a heavily pressured venue so don’t go in with pre-conceived ideas.

There’s a good angling community at Holme Fen, it’s not like a syndicate or anything, it’s almost a holiday venue where the vibes are very similar to a France trip.