Rudyard Reservoir
At around 2 miles in length and covering 180 acres when full, Rudyard Reservoir is quite a large expanse of water and is of a typical reservoir configuration going from shallow water at the Rushton end of the lake to as much as 30 feet (9.1 metres) deep at the dam head. With over 150 permanent pegs there are swims to suit every kind of angler; the dam end for those who want easy access, or up towards the shallows for those who like to fish in more remote surroundings.
The depth of the lake varies at different times of the year dropping by as much as 10 feet (3 metres) in the summer months as the lake is a working reservoir replenishing the regional canal system. The clarity of the water varies and at the north end of the lake the river Dane washes into the lake filling the north end with coloured water.
Species
Rudyard is well known for its fishing and many competitions are held on its waters annually. The lake is stocked with huge shoals of roach and bream, which for decades have drawn anglers from many parts of the country to Rudyard’s tranquil waters. Rudyard is well known for its champion Pike and many anglers come to Rudyard hoping to hook one of these fine specimens, which go to high-twenties.
Specimen carp are also present and though little fished for, 20lb plus fish are often spotted. Double figure carp sometimes show to pleasure anglers around the dam end, so the rewards of bigger fish are there for those who are able to locate them.
Species/Density/Weights
Common Bream Large shoals Upto 8lb, average 3lb
Roach Bream hybrid Large shoals Average 12oz
Roach Large shoals Upto 2lb
Perch Large shoals Up to 4lb 4oz, average 1lb
Pike High Upto 32lb, average 12lb
Common Carp Low Upto 28lb
Mirror Carp Low Upto 25lb
Tactics & Tips
When pike or perch fishing all methods produce fish. Because of the size of the lake one of the main problems is fish location, to overcome this many opt for boat fishing, these can be hired or you can launch your own. If bank fishing there are many productive swims, but you will have to move around to locate the fish.
The warden will usually point you in the right direction. During the winter months many of the pike can be found in the deeper water at the dam end, around the launching bay, concrete steps, mooring wall and floating jetty. In the early spring the fish move down to the shallows, there is plenty of bank space here on the meadows or railtrack side. Most baits have been working well but Lamprey seems to have been producing most fish recently.
All lures will catch but spinnerbaits and jerkbaits produce good fish. Quite a few perch have been caught on in-line spinners and small spinnerbaits, from the bay in summer and the boat houses and deeper water in winter.
Location
Located on the A523 in the village of Rudyard.
Nearest Post Code ST13 8XB
Grid Reference SJ951583
Sat Nav 53.122300,-2.073926
Additional Rules:
Read all the General Rules and additional rules for the water on the Membership General Rules & Conditions page of the Members section of the website. Click Here To View