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Gailey Reservoir
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picture
Description
Controlled by British Waterways, Gailey is a well documented
Pike water. Before it opened for general pike fishing it was fished
quite regularly by Mick Brown and it was here that he caught his
first '30'. Gailey is mentioned by Mick in his book ' Pike Fishing,
The Practice & The Passion ' in which he describes some of the
fishing Gailey has to offer.
As you enter the lodge to pay you can see photos on the wall of
some of the massive pike caught here, unfortunately today's pike
angler could find these to be a thing of the past. The largest pike
caught this season (99-00) was 24lb, but a 30lb fish was found by
the ranger washed up on the bank, so there could be one or two big
ones still lurking ?
Gailey is a nice size water of around 26 acres, and has depths that
vary from 2 to 14 ft of crystal clear water. The main visible features
on the water are reed fringed margins and three islands, the deepest
water at 14ft is in front of the largest island and this is where
quite a few pike can be found throughout the season.
Tactics
If you are new to boat fishing then Gailey is the ideal place to
start as it is quite sheltered and due to its size not too daunting
when afloat. Successful methods for me have been to either drift,
troll or float fish baits around the deeper water in front of the
large island. Most baits work but I often opt for live baits which
must be purchased at the fishery.
If bank fishing then reaching the deeper water means casting about
70yds, but a lot of bank anglers fish around the bait pens where
pike can also be found. Lure angling is not allowed.
Tickets
Gailey is a day ticket water open for pike fishing 23rd October
to the end of February. Tickets cost £7 for two rods, £1
from every ticket sold goes into a prize fund, presented at the
end of the season to the angler who catches the biggest pike.
Boats cost £6 for a double
punt and £4 for a single.
Live trout are available @ 50 p each.
Location
Take the M6 southbound, get off at junction 12, turn left onto the
A5 for 1 mile then take the next left. The entrance is on the left
by the sailing club.
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