The Ultimate Fishing Spots Around Northampton: Tips, Techniques, and Top Locations
, by danny chapman, 11 min reading time
Introduction
Nestled in the heart of Northamptonshire, Northampton offers anglers access to a diverse array of fishing spots within a 10-mile radius. With a variety of well-stocked lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, this area provides options for every level of angler, from beginners trying float fishing for the first time to seasoned enthusiasts in search of trophy-sized carp or pike. The region's waterways host a range of species, including carp, trout, pike, perch, bream, tench, and more, making it a rewarding destination for those with different fishing preferences.
Each location around Northampton comes with its unique charm and challenges, allowing anglers to explore a wide range of fishing styles. Whether you prefer fly fishing in calm reservoirs, ledgering for barbel in flowing rivers, or enjoying a quiet day of float fishing on a serene lake, Northampton’s fishing spots have something for everyone. This guide covers some of the best locations near Northampton, complete with recommended tips and techniques for getting the most out of your time by the water.
1. Billing Aquadrome
Location Overview:
A popular leisure park with multiple lakes, Billing Aquadrome offers ample opportunities for angling. Known for its picturesque surroundings and well-stocked waters, it’s a fantastic spot for a relaxing fishing day.
Target Species:
Carp, bream, pike, perch, roach, and tench.
Best Fishing Styles:
Carp Fishing:
Billing Aquadrome is renowned for its carp population. Recommend using carp-friendly rigs, PVA bags with pellets, and boilies as bait.
Tip:
Early morning and late evening are prime times. Carp tend to be closer to the surface in warmer months, so surface bait can be effective.
Predator Fishing (Pike and Perch):
Using lures or dead bait is popular, especially near weed beds.
Tip:
Try casting near submerged vegetation for pike. Spinnerbaits or soft plastic lures are effective for perch.
Float Fishing for Bream and Roach:
Light tackle with maggots or worms works well for these smaller species.
Tip:
Look for areas with a slight current, as these fish tend to gather where oxygen levels are higher.
Recommended Gear:
For carp fishing, go for a heavy rod with 12–15lb test line. For pike and perch, a medium spinning setup is ideal.
Billing Tackle Recommendation: KORDA KAIZEN GREEN RODS 13ft 4lb t/c
2. Castle Ashby Fisheries
Location Overview:
Set in the scenic grounds of the Castle Ashby Estate, this fishery is well-regarded for its maintained lakes, including the Grendon, Lizard, and Butts lakes. Each lake offers different species and styles of fishing, making it a versatile spot for anglers.
Target Species:
Carp, bream, tench, roach, and perch, with some sizeable carp and tench that attract experienced anglers.
Best Fishing Styles:
Carp Fishing in Grendon Lake:
Grendon Lake is particularly known for carp, which can reach impressive sizes. Using boilies or sweetcorn tends to work well, with larger rigs designed to withstand longer battles.
Tip:
Early morning and late afternoon are ideal times, as carp often patrol close to the bank at these hours.
Float Fishing in Lizard Lake (Bream and Roach):
Lizard Lake is well-stocked with smaller species like bream and roach, making it an ideal choice for float fishing. Light tackle with maggots or corn works well.
Tip:
Aim to fish in shaded or deeper areas where fish may be resting. Consistent feeding can draw fish into your swim.
Tench Fishing in Butts Lake:
Butts Lake offers a peaceful environment and a solid population of tench, which respond well to worm or pellet baits.
Tip:
Fish near weed beds or lily pads, where tench are likely to congregate. Early mornings are usually best for tench.
Recommended Gear:
For carp fishing, a strong rod with a 12–15 lb line is recommended. A light float rod with 4–6 lb line works for roach and bream in Lizard Lake, while a medium rod with a 10 lb line suits tench in Butts Lake.
Castle Ashby adds an element of variety to the Northampton fishing scene, with its multiple lakes catering to different styles and species. Whether you're after a trophy carp or just looking for a relaxing day float fishing, Castle Ashby Fisheries offers a rich experience in a beautiful setting.
3. Pitsford Water
Location Overview:
A large reservoir known for trout fishing and coarse fishing. It’s popular for both fly fishing and lure fishing.
Target Species:
Rainbow trout, brown trout, zander, pike, perch.
Best Fishing Styles:
Fly Fishing (Trout):
Dry flies and nymphs work particularly well here.
Tip:
Use different fly sizes depending on water conditions. Smaller, lighter flies work in clear, calm water, while larger flies help attract fish in choppier conditions.
Lure Fishing (Pike and Perch):
Popular among those targeting predators. Spinnerbaits and soft plastics are ideal choices.
Tip:
Early morning and late evening are prime times for pike and perch near weed beds.
Recommended Gear:
Use a medium to heavy spinning rod for predator fishing. For fly fishing, an 8-weight rod with a range of fly patterns works best.
4. River Nene
Location Overview:
Winding through Northamptonshire, the River Nene is a versatile fishing spot. Anglers can target both coarse fish and larger predators.
Target Species:
Barbel, chub, pike, perch, roach, bream, and dace.
Best Fishing Styles:
Barbel Fishing:
Known for its barbel, the River Nene is great for ledgering with pellets or boilies.
Tip:
Focus on deeper sections with faster currents, as barbel tend to gather in these areas.
Chub Fishing:
Ideal for float fishing or ledgering. Try using bread or cheese paste for bait.
Tip:
Chub often hide under overhanging branches. Cast close to these areas.
Predator Fishing (Pike and Perch):
The river has a healthy population of pike, which respond well to dead bait.
Tip:
Cast near reed beds and submerged structures.
Recommended Gear:
For barbel, a strong rod with a 10-15 lb line. For pike, medium spinning gear with 20-25 lb test line is ideal.
5. Grendon Lakes
Location Overview:
Located slightly southeast of Northampton, Grendon Lakes is a peaceful fishing spot with multiple lakes suited to a range of fishing styles.
Target Species:
Carp, catfish, tench, and bream.
Best Fishing Styles:
Carp Fishing:
This is a go-to spot for carp anglers.
Tip:
Try fishing close to lily pads and use flavored boilies.
Catfish Fishing:
This lake is home to some sizeable catfish. Use fish-based bait, such as mackerel or squid.
Tip:
Catfish are more active in the evenings. Aim to fish from late afternoon until midnight.
Recommended Gear:
Use a heavy-duty rod for both carp and catfish with a 15-20 lb test line.
6. Sywell Reservoir
Location Overview:
Known for its rich biodiversity, Sywell Reservoir offers a tranquil setting for both coarse and predator fishing.
Target Species:
Carp, bream, tench, pike, perch.
Best Fishing Styles:
Float Fishing for Bream and Roach:
Use maggots or worms on light tackle for success.
Tip:
Fish near reed beds or around submerged logs.
Ledgering (Tench and Carp):
Use sweetcorn or pellet-based bait.
Tip:
Tench prefer still, clear waters, so early mornings are ideal for quiet surroundings.
Predator Fishing (Pike):
The lake’s weed beds provide an ideal habitat for pike.
Tip:
Use larger lures or dead bait in deeper areas.
Recommended Gear:
A float rod for bream and roach. For pike, use a medium spinning setup with a 20 lb test line.
7. Hollowell Reservoir
Location Overview:
A scenic location with fewer anglers and a good variety of fish.
Target Species:
Carp, pike, perch, bream.
Best Fishing Styles:
Ledgering for Carp and Bream:
Use bottom baits or ground bait to attract these fish.
Tip:
Fish near overhanging trees or reeds where carp may hide.
Predator Fishing (Pike):
With fewer anglers, pike fishing here is peaceful and productive.
Tip:
Cast around submerged structures and use larger lures.
Recommended Gear:
For carp, a 12 ft rod with a 15 lb line works best. For pike, go for medium-heavy spinning gear.
8. Wootton Hall Park Lake
Location Overview:
Nestled within the Wootton Hall Park, this small lake is ideal for a quick fishing trip.
Target Species:
Carp, tench, bream.
Best Fishing Styles:
Float Fishing:
The lake’s calm, shallow waters make it ideal for light tackle float fishing.
Tip:
Target areas with aquatic plants where fish congregate.
Carp Fishing:
Small carp can be targeted here using simple rigs with pellets or sweetcorn.
Tip:
Fish early in the morning or at dusk for the best bites.
Recommended Gear:
Light tackle and a basic setup work well.
9. Abington Park Lake
Location Overview:
This lake offers a peaceful, green space perfect for a day’s fishing close to town.
Target Species:
Carp, roach, and perch.
Best Fishing Styles:
Float Fishing (Roach and Perch):
Use a light rod and small hook with maggots or worms.
Tip:
Cast around shaded areas for perch.
Carp Fishing:
The lake has a few decent-sized carp, which respond well to simple baits.
Tip:
Fish near the bottom with boilies for carp.
Recommended Gear:
A simple float rod for smaller fish or a medium rod for carp.
Conclusion
The area around Northampton boasts a variety of fishing environments, from tranquil park lakes to bustling fisheries and expansive reservoirs. Whether you're just starting or are a seasoned angler, there’s a location to suit your style and target species within a short drive from town. From the large carp of Billing Aquadrome and Castle Ashby’s versatile lakes to the unique challenge of river fishing on the River Nene, each spot offers a unique fishing experience. By adapting your techniques to each location and season, you’ll find Northampton a rewarding place to enjoy fishing all year round.
This blog can provide Northampton anglers with both detailed locations and tactical advice, making it a resource they’ll return to for each fishing adventure!