Norfolk Fishing Network 2004 - 2024 - Bedfordshire Fisheries

Fishery Name: Stanford Pit

Address: Stanford Road, Stanford, Bedfordshire, SG18 9JD

Grid Reference: TL16060 40810

Sat Nav: SG18 9JD (Green Man Public House)

Phone Numbers: 01767 627607

Email Address: [email protected]

Description: This small one acre gravel pit lies in the middle of Stanford Wood where the pine plantation is replaced by mature willow trees that surround the lake. With beds of lilies, overhanging willows and a small island there are plenty of features to fish to. Water levels in the lake fluctuate throughout the year and when full depths vary from 3-5 feet. During the summer months water levels usually drop by 1 to 2 feet exposing areas of the lake bed, and levels are usually slowly restored during the winter months. However, during periods of prolonged drought the lake has been known to dry out completely necessitating the fish to be rescued and transferred to other venues. The lake has then been restocked once the water levels have recovered. Fish thrive in the warm shallow waters and recruitment is excellent meaning the lake usually contains a good head of silver fish dominated by rudd, roach and perch. Tench and crucian carp are also present in small numbers. The most visible species are the carp that can often be seen cruising around just under the surface of the lake. Stanford Pit can be an excellent venue for anglers to learn the basics of float fishing with bites usually guaranteed during the warmer months. A light float set up on whip, pole or running line combined with maggots will soon have fish feeding in the swim. Switching to baits like sweetcorn will bring a larger stamp of fish. Although the carp are easily spotted they can prove surprisingly difficult to catch. The Forestry Commission are responsible for managing Stanford Wood, which is open to the public and is popular with dog walkers. There is no vehicle access to the wood, apart from the public car park located some way from the lake. Cars can be parked in the roadside lay-by approximately 100 yards from the lake, although some members prefer to drop off their tackle and then park on the grass verge opposite the Green Man Public House.

Fish Species: Barbel Bitterling Bleak Bream Common Bream Silver Bullhead Carp Common Carp Crucian Carp F1 Carp Carp Ghost Carp Grass Carp Leather Carp Koi Carp Mirror Catfish Wels Chub Crayfish Dace Eel Goldfish Goldfish Brown Grayling Gudgeon Minnow Orfe/Ide Blue Orfe/Ide Golden Orfe/Ide Silver Perch Pike Pumpkin seed Roach Rudd Rudd Golden Ruffe Schelly Stickle back Stone Loach Sturgeon Tench Tench Golden Walleye Zander

Fishery Rules: These rules apply to Stanford Pit, in addition to the full set of Club rules: No fishing off the island at any time. Do not light any fires or damage young trees.

Facilities: ?