Squeezed between the northbound carriageway of the A1, the southbound track of the East Coast Main Line, and the north bank of the River Trent, the six lakes of the A1 Pits form a huge playground for anglers of all denominations.
Whether you fancy spending a week on the bank side in a bivvy or a caravan waiting for the specimen carp and pike on one of the big pits, introducing a beginner to coarse fishing on one of the smaller mixed fisheries, or a quick overnighter chasing the huge bream and tench somewhere in the middle, the lakes offer all anglers a challenge and an opportunity.
When you add in one and a half miles of prime barbel and carp fishing on the powerful River Trent, which carves a huge seam through this Nottinghamshire countryside, it hardly seems fair to other venues.
Hidden in plain sight, the pits are best approached from the A1 to the north of Newark. Take the exit for North Muskham and follow the road south out of the village and back over the A1. Turn left before the level crossing into the fishery. Travellers from the A46 Nottingham road can take the opposite approach, up the A616 past the sugar factory and into the tiny hamlet of South Muskham. Turn right onto Church Lane, then right again into the fishery immediately after the tracks.
There is so much space that you just need to turn up, drive around, choose a swim (you can park behind most of them), and start fishing. When the bailiff turns up, let them know how long you plan to stay, and pay your cash.
Pit 1, the smallest lake, is the first you will meet. A mixed fishery, it is an ideal place to introduce beginners and your children to the pleasures of fishing. There are carp and pike to offer something for the budding specimen hunter.
Pit 2 was stocked with lots of small carp to 8 pounds to complement others to over twenty pounds, double figure pike, and quality roach.
Pit 3 was stocked with 500 carp which are now into double figures. There are also original fish to 30lb along with a good head of bream and pike.
Pit 4 is home to double figure tench and bream, along with carp to 35lb.
Pit 5 contains the largest carp (41lb) and pike (37lb) to come from the A1 Pits. A lot of pike were transferred to Pit 5 from Pit 6 when the largest lake was drained in the noughties.
The largest lake, Pit 6, provides a big challenge for the dedicated carp angler, fish to 40lbs reside here. Be warned though, you might find a gravel bar or two, but you won’t be able to cast to the far bank!
Anglers fancying a crack at specimen carp, barbel, chub, pike and zander on the River Trent can choose from 150 pegs downstream from Crankly Point. Just remember to step up the gear as it is bit of a beast.
The nearest shops are in Newark which is only a few minutes away by car, although several local takeaways will deliver. Ask the bailiff for details. If you notice a strange, dry, sweet aroma in the air, the wind is in the south west and you have found the Sugar Factory.
Species:
Pike | Carp | Tench | Bream | Barbel | Chub | Roach | Rudd | Dace | Zander
Key Information
Season: Open February to November
Membership: None
Day Ticket: Available on the bank
Night Fishing: Open to all
Toilets: Yes
Tackle Shop: Future Fishing, Newark, NG243SD
Food: Several Take Away options are available
Other: Dogs are allowed
Other: No lure fishing
Sat Nav: NG23 6EQ
Contact Details
Disclaimer:
This website is not affiliated to A1 Pits. No liability is accepted for costs incurred due to inaccuracies in this information. Please contact the venue to confirm details before setting out.