FISHING AT RUDYARD
Rudyard Lake has long been known within the angling community for both pleasure and match fishing, particularly for its specimen pike. Anglers travel from across the country to fish the lake’s well-stocked waters.
The eastern shoreline features around 140 marked pegs, beginning at the Rushton Spencer (northern) end of the lake. Organised matches are occasionally held, and notices are displayed when pegs are reserved.
The lake supports a variety of species including pike, carp, bream, perch and roach, offering opportunities for both relaxed pleasure fishing and more serious specimen hunting.
Fishing is available via day ticket, season pass, or through membership with the Stoke-on- Trent Angling Society, making it suitable for occasional visitors and regular anglers alike.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or trying fishing for the first time, Rudyard provides a scenic and accessible place to spend a day by the water.
FISHING TICKETS
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Fishing History
The North Staffordshire Railway, always looking towards increasing passenger traffic, saw the potential for offering fishing at Rudyard Lake and first introduced a stock of fish in the 1860’s. Day fishing permits were advertised as being obtainable from all station masters en route for the princely sum of one shilling. In 1905, the NSR were then also advertising the lake as ‘the rendezvous of all anglers’ as they had restocked it with a further 30,000 fish.
During the war years angling naturally declined but some long established clubs such as the Hotel Rudyard Angling Society and Ye Olde Central Angling Society maintained a presence at the lake, the latter having a small cabin and rented fishing rights at the north east corner adjacent to the Cliffe Park Halt station.
During the 1950’s and 60’s, Rudyard became the Mecca for angling matches in the north west with over a hundred anglers regularly attending competitions.
During the 1950’s and 60’s, Rudyard became the Mecca for angling matches in the north west with over a hundred anglers regularly attending competitions each weekend in the summer months.
Nowadays, with the newfound popularity of commercial fisheries, angler attendance has fallen but the future looks brighter! Anglers are slowly turning their backs on these commercial fisheries where often little ability is required to catch large weights of fish. They are now returning to enjoy the delights of testing their skill and knowledge to catch fish in Rudyard Lake.
An ‘open match’ every Saturday has been revived starting usually in June/July each year with many top anglers participating; good weights of bream are being caught. The Lake is famous for its specimen fish, in particular pike, carp and perch, with many specialist anglers attending in the hope of achieving their personal best.
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