Day Tickets Available

The Approach Fisheries

Boat Lane, Leeds, LS26 9AH
Waters
2
Total Pegs
—
Day Ticket
£10
Open
—
Biggest Fish
TBC
Opening Information Open all year. Trout Lake: walk-up day ticket, just turn up and pay. Willows: membership booking required.
About This Fishery

One of the finest specimen carp complexes in the North of England, comprising two mature gravel pits in the Methley countryside near Leeds. The Approach was rebranded in 2020 from the legendary Eric's Willows and the adjoining Trout Lake, with significant investment in facilities including a lakeside cafe, toilets and showers. Willows holds carp to over 60lb and is renowned as a Yorkshire record water; the 30-acre Trout Lake offers more accessible day-ticket fishing with carp regularly exceeding 40lb and Wels Catfish to 49lb.

Visit & Contact
info@theapproachfisheries.co.uk

On Site

Café
Car Parking
Showers
Toilets

Ticket Prices

Subject to change — confirm with venue
Adult
Day Ticket
Trout Lake
£10.00
Adult
24 Hour Ticket
Trout Lake
£20.00
Adult
48 Hour Ticket
Trout Lake
£40.00
Willows Membership
(one-off joining fee)
£50.00

The Waters

Select a water to view details, species & records Water details, species & records
Trout Lake
30.0
acres

Former gravel pit, open to walk-up day tickets. Irregular lakebed -- old road runs central through the lake, accessible at range from the gravel peg area. Clear gravelly areas throughout. Carp to over 50lb with regular 30lb and 40lb captures. Wels Catfish to 49lb+ also present. Old Willows fish have migrated into this lake following flooding events.

Species & Weights
Carp 50lb+
Willows
25.0
acres
3.3m
max
0.6m
min

The original Eric's Willows lake -- one of the most famous specimen carp waters in the North. Lakebed described as egg-box in character with extensive weed in summer. 350+ carp stocked from prestigious suppliers. Lake record in excess of 60lb. 16 different forties to 49lb 8oz and over 50 different thirties. Rowing boats supplied around the lake for landing. Membership required before fishing (GBP50 one-off, must first fish Trout Lake minimum 5 times).

Species & Weights
Carp 60lb+
Trout Lake
30.0
acres

Former gravel pit, open to walk-up day tickets. Irregular lakebed -- old road runs central through the lake, accessible at range from the gravel peg area. Clear gravelly areas throughout. Carp to over 50lb with regular 30lb and 40lb captures. Wels Catfish to 49lb+ also present. Old Willows fish have migrated into this lake following flooding events.

Species & Weights
Carp 50lb+
Willows
25.0
acres
3.3m
max
0.6m
min

The original Eric's Willows lake -- one of the most famous specimen carp waters in the North. Lakebed described as egg-box in character with extensive weed in summer. 350+ carp stocked from prestigious suppliers. Lake record in excess of 60lb. 16 different forties to 49lb 8oz and over 50 different thirties. Rowing boats supplied around the lake for landing. Membership required before fishing (GBP50 one-off, must first fish Trout Lake minimum 5 times).

Species & Weights
Carp 60lb+
Fishery Rules
Tackle
  • Large unhooking mat and landing net are compulsory. Carp care kit must be carried.
  • Rowing boats are provided on Willows to assist with landing fish -- use them if weeded up.
Access
  • Trout Lake: walk-up day tickets only -- no booking required. Pay on arrival.
  • Willows: membership required. GBP50 one-off fee. Must have fished the Trout Lake a minimum of 5 times before applying for membership.