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​Willsmore Lake is a club-owned water situated close to Fakenham Garden Centre and within easy reach of Fakenham town centre. Despite its convenient location, the lake has a surprisingly secluded feel and is one of Fakenham Angling Club’s hidden gems.

Just a short walk from the main road brings you to a mature, well-established lake surrounded by trees, vegetation and local wildlife. With a varied stock of coarse fish, 21 designated fishing pegs and plenty of natural features, Willsmore offers enjoyable fishing for experienced anglers, pleasure anglers, beginners and younger anglers alike.

 

The Lake

Willsmore is a mature, fully stocked coarse fishing lake offering varied fishing throughout the season.

There are 21 designated fishing pegs situated around the lake, including a number of double pegs. These provide anglers with access to different areas of the water and a good selection of natural features. The double pegs provide additional space and can be particularly useful for anglers fishing together or an adult accompanying a junior.

One of Willsmore's particularly interesting features is its substantial undercut bank and margins, which provide fish with plenty of natural cover. Fish can be found surprisingly close to the bank, making margin fishing a particularly productive approach at Willsmore.

Recent water and vegetation management has been carried out around the lake. This includes work along the arm, where the previously substantial reed bed has been considerably reduced.

Although certain areas and features have traditionally been popular with anglers, recent reports from members show productive fishing from around the lake. Lily pads, remaining reeds, undercut margins, overhanging vegetation and areas of open water all provide different opportunities.

Taking some time to watch the water and look for signs of fish before choosing a peg can often pay off.

 

Species

Willsmore holds a good variety of coarse fish, including:

• Carp

• Bream

• Tench

• Roach

• Rudd

• Other silverfish

The lake has a healthy head of carp, with the largest known carp currently estimated to be around 18lb.

Alongside the carp are bream and tench, while the healthy population of roach, rudd and other silverfish means there is plenty to target whatever style of coarse fishing you enjoy.

 

Carp Fishing

Carp are one of the main attractions at Willsmore, with the lake's largest known carp currently estimated to be around 18lb.

While Willsmore isn't a specimen carp water, it can provide some excellent and enjoyable carp fishing. Its relatively intimate nature and abundance of natural features make locating and targeting its carp particularly rewarding.

Don't overlook the margins. Willsmore has areas of substantial undercut bank which provide excellent cover for fish, and carp can be found much closer to your feet than you might expect. Margin fishing can be a real winner here, particularly when fish are confidently moving along the bank.

Lily pads, remaining reeds and overhanging vegetation provide further areas of cover, while areas of open water shouldn't be ignored.

Historically, the reed bed along the arm was one of the lake's most prominent features and a popular area for carp anglers. Following recent vegetation management, this reed bed is now considerably smaller.

Recent reports from club members indicate productive fishing from all around the accessible parts of the lake, so there is no single area anglers need to concentrate on.

Take some time to watch the water before settling into a peg. Showing fish, bubbling, movement around vegetation and activity along the margins can all provide useful clues as to where the fish are feeding.

 

Tench & Bream

Willsmore also provides opportunities for anglers targeting tench and bream, with some good-sized fish caught throughout the season.

Both species add another dimension to the lake and make Willsmore suitable for anything from a dedicated session targeting larger fish to a traditional day's mixed coarse fishing.

As with the carp, don't assume one particular part of Willsmore will always produce. Fish move around the lake and recent reports from members suggest productive fishing can be found throughout the accessible water.

The margins and natural cover shouldn't be overlooked when targeting these species either.

 

Roach, Rudd & Silverfish

Willsmore has a healthy population of roach, rudd and other silverfish and can provide plenty of action for anglers looking for regular bites.

This is one of the reasons the lake is particularly well suited to younger and less experienced anglers.

A simple session targeting silverfish can provide plenty of opportunities to develop essential angling skills, from feeding and striking through to playing, landing and safely handling fish.

It's not just for beginners, though. Willsmore can be equally enjoyable for an experienced angler who simply wants a relaxing day's pleasure fishing.

 

A Great Water for Young & New Anglers

Willsmore plays an important role in helping the club introduce younger anglers and complete beginners to the sport.

Its healthy silverfish population means new anglers have a good opportunity to experience regular bites rather than spending their first fishing session waiting for a single larger fish.

As their experience develops, the variety of species in Willsmore gives them the opportunity to progress and try different techniques.

The club encourages experienced members to help maintain the friendly atmosphere at Willsmore and support younger and less experienced anglers whenever possible.

 

Before You Fish

All anglers are asked to read and familiarise themselves with the current club and fishery rules before fishing Willsmore Lake.

The rules are in place to protect our fish, wildlife, waters and fellow anglers. They apply to both club members and day-ticket holders, so please make sure you are familiar with them before starting your session.

Please use the Rules button below to view the current rules.   

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Day Tickets

Day tickets are available for Willsmore Lake and must be purchased before fishing.

Day-ticket holders may fish during daylight hours only and must follow all club and fishery rules.

For current prices, availability and information on purchasing a ticket, please use the Day Ticket Information button below.

 

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Fishing Times

Club Members: Willsmore is available for 24-hour fishing for members only, subject to club and fishery rules.

Day Ticket Holders: Fishing is permitted during daylight hours only. Night fishing is not permitted on a day ticket.

 

Location, Parking & Access

Willsmore Lake is situated in Fakenham, close to Fakenham Garden Centre and within easy reach of the town centre.

 

Finding Willsmore

What3Words: soloutions.ticket.chained

Also searchable on Google Maps. type 'Willsmore lake Fakenham'

 

Parking

Parking is available opposite the fishery entrance path.

Please park considerately and ensure that entrances and access routes are kept clear.

From the parking area, cross to the fishery entrance path and follow the path down towards Willsmore Lake.

 

Access Around the Lake

There are 21 designated fishing pegs, including a number of double pegs, positioned around the accessible areas of the lake.

Please be aware that it is not possible to walk or fish around the entire perimeter of the lake.

A section affected by bank erosion is closed to anglers and members of the general public. Access has been restricted to minimise further disturbance and help maintain the integrity of the bank.

For your own safety and the protection of the venue, please remain within permitted areas and don't attempt to gain access to the closed section.

 

Facilities & Useful Information

Fishing pegs: 21 designated pegs, including a number of double pegs

Fishing: 24 hours for club members (rules apply)

Day tickets: Daylight hours only

Parking: Opposite the fishery entrance path

What3Words: soloutions.ticket.chained

Toilets: Watch this space!

 

Looking After Willsmore

Ongoing water, vegetation and bankside management forms an important part of looking after Willsmore Lake.

Recent vegetation management has changed the appearance of some areas of the lake, particularly the reed bed along the arm.

Bank erosion is also being actively managed. Restricting access to vulnerable areas reduces additional foot traffic and disturbance and helps the club protect the bank from further deterioration.

We ask everyone fishing or visiting Willsmore to help us look after the venue.

Please remain within permitted areas, respect the bankside vegetation and wildlife, keep your peg clean and tidy and take all litter, discarded fishing line and tackle home with you.

By looking after the water today, we can help ensure Willsmore remains an enjoyable place to fish for future generations of anglers.

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Restricted Area & Bank Management

Please be aware that there is a section of Willsmore Lake which is not accessible to anglers or members of the general public.

Movement within this area is restricted due to bank erosion and as part of the club's ongoing efforts to protect and maintain the integrity of the bank.

Reducing foot traffic through this section helps prevent further deterioration and allows the club to manage the affected bank appropriately.

Anglers and visitors must not enter the restricted area, even where it may appear possible to do so. Please respect all barriers, signage and access restrictions in place around the lake.

These measures are there both for the protection of visitors and for the long-term preservation of Willsmore.

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Club Open Day

Willsmore Lake is also home to the club's Open Day, an important event which helps introduce angling to the wider local community.

The Open Day gives families, youngsters and people who may never have picked up a fishing rod before the opportunity to have a go at the sport in a friendly and welcoming environment.

Visitors can meet club members, learn about different fishing techniques and tackle and get practical experience of fishing with help from more experienced anglers.

The event also gives the club an opportunity to promote responsible angling, encourage the next generation of anglers and raise awareness of Fakenham Angling Club within the local community.

 

Visiting Willsmore for the First Time?

One of Willsmore's greatest strengths is its variety.

You don't necessarily need complicated tackle or techniques to enjoy a productive session, and recent reports from members show that good fishing can be found throughout the accessible areas of the lake.

Whether you're hoping to target one of the lake's carp to around 18lb, search for tench and bream or simply enjoy a few hours catching roach and rudd, Willsmore offers something for anglers of different ages and abilities.

Don't overlook what's right in front of you. The undercut banks and margins provide valuable natural cover, and some of Willsmore's fish can be found surprisingly close to the bank.

At the same time, don't automatically head for what looks like the most obvious feature. Take a little time to look around, watch the water and keep an eye out for signs of feeding or moving fish before deciding where to fish.

Please stay within the designated fishing and access areas and respect any temporary or permanent restrictions around the lake.

Above all, respect the water, its wildlife and your fellow anglers and help us keep Willsmore a welcoming, productive and enjoyable place to fish.