Sturgeon fishing has rapidly gained popularity in the UK, offering anglers a chance to battle these ancient, powerful fish. Known for their size and fighting spirit, sturgeon present a thrilling challenge. Below is a guide to some of the top sturgeon fishing venues across the UK, alongside valuable tips for maximizing your fishing experience.
Popular Sturgeon Fishing Venues
Here’s a curated list of some of the best fishing venues in the UK where you can target sturgeon:
1. Mineral Lakes Fishery (Bedworth, Warwickshire)
A well-known destination for anglers in search of sturgeon, Mineral Lakes stocks sturgeon up to 70lbs, alongside other species like carp and catfish. With day tickets and night fishing available, this venue is perfect for a challenging fishing adventure.
2. Hollyhurst Lakes (Coventry, Warwickshire)
Offering an attractive fishing experience, Hollyhurst Lakes features the infamous sturgeon known as “The Beast,” weighing over 70lbs. It’s a popular spot for night fishing, and its two lakes provide ample opportunity to land a big sturgeon.
3. Mount Pleasant Farm Fishery (Bolton le Sands, Lancashire)
With its serene setting, Mount Pleasant Farm is known for its sturgeon population, which reaches up to 20lbs. The fishery also has tench, carp, and roach, making it a diverse venue for any angler.
4. Golden Pond Fishery (Andover, Hampshire)
This one-acre lake in the Test Valley is home to sturgeon up to 8lbs. Along with specimen carp and tench, Golden Pond Fishery is a picturesque venue for both novice and experienced anglers.
5. Mere Lane Fishery (Tarleton, Lancashire)
Known for its Percy the Sturgeon, who can weigh up to 33lbs, Mere Lane Fishery offers a top-notch fishing experience with a well-stocked lake full of carp, bream, and roach.
6. Oaklands Fishery (Church Stretton, Shropshire)
This fishery is perfect for a family fishing holiday, with sturgeon up to 20lbs. Along with sturgeon, you can target carp and other coarse fish, and the lakes are accessible for both day and night fishing.
7. Selby 3 Lakes Complex (Selby, North Yorkshire)
At Selby, you’ll find sturgeon along with large carp up to 39lbs. This venue is perfect for anglers seeking a trophy catch, and it offers a mix of day ticket and syndicate-only waters.
8. Risby Park Fishing Ponds (Beverley, East Yorkshire)
A peaceful venue with over 120 pegs, Risby Park is well-stocked with carp and tench, along with sturgeon that add a special element to the fishing experience.
9. Stubpond Fishery (Lingfield, Surrey)
Stubpond is a popular spot for sturgeon, catfish, and carp. Its well-stocked lakes and picturesque setting make it a go-to for anglers looking for a big catch, with sturgeon reaching impressive sizes.
10. Riverside Fisheries (Stowmarket, Suffolk)
A tranquil venue featuring sturgeon up to 15lbs, Riverside Fisheries is a top pick for those looking to enjoy a peaceful fishing experience, with carp and tench also present in abundance.
11. Fir Tree Fishery (Appley Bridge, Wigan)
Featuring sturgeon in its specimen lake, along with carp and bream, Fir Tree Fishery offers a challenging and rewarding experience in a beautiful countryside setting.
12. Oakwood Fisheries (Ingatestone, Essex)
Located in Essex, Oakwood Fisheries boasts sturgeon up to 20lbs. It’s a peaceful venue with a variety of species, including carp and catfish, making it a great choice for a relaxing day of fishing.
Sturgeon Fishing in the UK
In the UK, sturgeon fishing is typically done in stocked lakes designed to provide the best conditions for these incredible fish. Many of the popular venues offer modern facilities like tackle shops, accommodation, and even tuition for beginners. Lakes such as Anglers Paradise in Devon, Carp Sturgeon Lakes in Essex, and Lymm Angling Club in Cheshire are also notable sturgeon fishing destinations.
Tackle and Bait:
- Sturgeon are bottom feeders, so heavy-duty equipment is essential to handle their strength and weight.
- Boilies, pellets, and even unconventional baits like squid or mackerel can be effective in attracting larger specimens.
- Sturgeon fishing requires patience and precise bait placement, especially in deeper waters where they tend to reside.
Sturgeon Fishing FAQs
What are some sturgeon fishing tips?
- Use heavy tackle to handle the size and strength of sturgeon.
- Choose a braided line for better sensitivity and durability.
- Fishing during early mornings or evenings can increase your chances, as sturgeon are more active during these times.
- Be patient! Sturgeon fishing can take time, but the reward is worth the wait.
Where can I find sturgeon fishing near me?
- Check local fishing forums or social media groups for recommendations.
- Contact local angling clubs for details on sturgeon fishing venues in your area.
- Visit the websites of popular venues like those listed above for more information.
What is the best bait for sturgeon fishing?
- Boilies and pellets are commonly used.
- For larger sturgeon, try baits like squid or mackerel, which are highly effective in some waters.
Is sturgeon fishing allowed in the UK?
- Yes, sturgeon fishing is permitted in the UK at designated venues that have the proper license and stock sturgeon.
What is the average size of sturgeon in UK fishing lakes?
- Sturgeon in UK lakes typically range from 10 to 50lbs, though some specimens can exceed 100lbs in well-stocked venues.
Whether you’re chasing a 20lb sturgeon or looking to land a trophy-sized specimen, sturgeon fishing in the UK offers an exciting challenge for any angler. With a variety of venues across the country, there’s no shortage of opportunities to experience the thrill of landing one of these prehistoric giants.