What do I need to know?

The owners at Billing Aquadrome have had many problems with the fishing on the complex. An apparent lack of understanding our sport, the flooding and confused restocking programs have made some of the lakes a joke for many carp anglers in the region.   

There seems to be a perception that carp anglers and match anglers are the same thing.

Not to mention otter issues, which is hard to avoid in the Nene valley.

That said, they have some real gems swimming in their lakes and the potential is huge, if you’re prepared to fight through the issues then you’ll be on to a winner.

The carp are literally wood carvings, living in crystal clear and weedy waters and often avoiding capture for long periods, the fish are spotless on the most part.

Kingfisher lake itself is split in two, both are worth a look with the larger of the two being slightly more prolific and less fished by coarse anglers. Though there are plans to remove all carp from the smaller side, which are already underway, so be sure to ask if any are left that side!

There will be several locals on site at the weekends, pole anglers, holiday anglers and beginners in our sport – which we should all support – but they can get in the way.

Though you don’t need to fish far out, the margins are strangely quiet on both sides of the lake with the central weedy areas being home to the majority of residents.

Weed is a problem for many, with big lily beds and big areas of bottom-covering snags so make sure you have a lead around before you start as a bare minimum.

The fish are usually shy of big beds of bait and are often caught targeting one at a time or single tactics in the clear patches or chods over the top.

Fishing in the holes created by the weed is a solid approach and PVA bags or sticks fit right in, pellets and a white or yellow pop up being better than others.

Though the forums and bailiffs will tell you there are carp in the 30’s in the lake, thats largely incorrect, there is 1 mirror that is caught a few times a year that can just tip the 30 barrier (pic above).

But, there are lots of the 20’s and all are fin perfect, the Kingfisher is not a venue for the beginner angler and a little savvy/watercraft will put fish on the bank most days, but they won’t be massive and you’ll soon have your eye on the Lily lake next door.

The lake is a gem, though it probably should be the jewell in the crown of the complex as it offers the most accessible fishing, features and stock it plays second fiddle to the lily lake next door.

Billing have taken the biggest fish across the complex, including some of the larger residents from the kingfisher in to that lake, which on the face of it is a good thing as the lily is a glorious looking thing.

But, and it’s a big but, anglers can only fish one side of the lake at night, the residents around the lake offer large political issues and you have to be static thanks to their booking system – if they could find a way to sort this they should – if not, put those big scaleys in the Kingfisher and make that the top-draw lake the complex should deliver.

Don’t go to the Kingfisher without these: