The northwest of England is a popular destination for anglers as many fisheries are in and around the region. The town of Wigan is close to various waters where quality fish can be landed and where anglers of all levels of experience are catered for.
- Kingsdown Flash
- Abbey Lakes
- Widows Flash Coarse Fishing
- Bryn Flash
- Molly’s Fisheries
- Woodshaw Reservoir
- Horrocks Flash
- Orrell Water Park
- Worthington Lakes
- Forsters Pools
- Fir Tree Fishery
- Fan Lodge
- Beacon View Fishery
This part of the country is easily accessed by the major motorway networks linking east to west, and north to south, and is served ably by public transport. Some rural areas where fishing in Wigan and local surrounds are available are particularly attractive, and there are many tranquil settings for the fisheries in the region.
Local anglers from Manchester, Liverpool, and other towns and cities use these facilities, as do enthusiasts from further afield. If you want to join an angling club in the Wigan area, the major one is Wigan and District Angling, which manages many excellent regional facilities. The following are a few of the prime fisheries that come highly recommended.
Among the best Wigan fishing waters is Woodshaw Reservoir. Managed by the Warrington Anglers Association – a prominent local angling club – this water is members only and is shallow at no more than 3.5ft. This fishery near Wigan is known for quality crucian carp and tench, and there are 30 pegs, including some dedicated to disabled anglers. Also on site is a car park and toilet facilities.
Some of the best carp fishing near Wigan can be found at Fir Tree Fishery, easily accessed from the M6 motorway and yet set in the delightfully tranquil surrounds of Appley Bridge, Lancashire. With full disabled access and conditions suitable for anglers of all levels of experience, this is a beautiful spot to fish and day tickets are readily available. Many carp of around 15lbs are landed often, with larger specimens of up to 30lbs also in the water. Bream, tench, and roach up to 7lbs are also present. Facilities include a tackle and bait shop, toilet facilities, and car parking.
One of the most popular Wigan fisheries is Fan Lodge, located in the village of Bickershaw. An attractive place to fish, carp in the water are plentiful at around 10lb, while larger examples of 20lbs are also landed. With 70 pegs, the fishery caters to seasoned anglers and novices, and disabled and elderly anglers are catered for. Bream, tench, and roach of up to 7lbs, while the occasional pike of 20lbs is sometimes a catch. Toilet facilities and car parking are on site.
The above are a mere few of the many impressive fisheries in and around the Wigan area.