There are two crystal clear lakes to choose from, one of which       is a specimen trout water.

TREE Meadow Fishery was opened by John Hodge in 1987 and lies in a small wooded valley set in about six acres. The fishery consists of two lakes – three acres and one acre, which are spring-fed and give the lakes a quality of water clarity not often seen in this part of the country.

The Sedge Top Lake has an average depth of nine feet with a deep point at the hut end of about 15 feet, and a small island at the far end. Willow Lower Lake is about six to eight feet deep generally, with an island at the car park end. Will has one heavily wooded bank which casts a good shadow on the water, giving anglers a chance a chance to try their hand at stalking specific fish.

Because the water is generally gin clear even in the height of summer, it’s often possible to target fish at some distance.
Sedge Lake offers two, three and four fish tickets, after which catch and release is required, or you can fish a half or full day on a catch and release basis.

There’s a real abundance of wildlife including a resident kingfisher.

Willow Lake is now run as a specimen fish lake and there is no catch and release here. Both lakes carry a good head of fish, stocking on an as and when needed basis, but there are never less than 120 fish per acre. Rainbows and browns are stocked in both lakes, with fish from 2lb to double figures.

One thing you will find is that the quality of the fish at Tree Meadow is quite exceptional, with all fish having full fins and powerful tails.

Fly life in and around the lakes is very prolific too, and the fish feed heavily on buzzers, damsels (both nymph and adult) shrimp, caddis and louse. Anyone using flies representing these will do well.

Dry fly fishing on both can be an absolute joy. Favourite patterns of the locals include Black Gnat, Dark Hoppers, Sedge and Daddies, although most dark, dry fly patterns will provoke a response especially on the lower lake.

There is an abundance of wild life in and around the lakes as well and apart from the ducks and coots you will come across swans, kingfishers and may even see buzzards circling overhead.

Fact File
Tree Meadow Trout Fishery, Hayle, Cornwall

Contact: John Hodge on 01736 850899 or 07971 107156.

Website: www.treemeadow.co.uk .

Opening times: 9am to dusk, seven days a week.

Facilities: On-site facilities include and angler’s hut, a shop selling snacks and drinks, and an extensive tackle shop which sells plenty of flies. There is a large car park and on site toilet. Tackle can also be hired. Trout Master venue.

How to get there: Leave the main A30 into Hayle. At the roundabout take the B3302 Helston Raod for three miles until you reach Fraddam Village. Turn left at Deveral Road(before the filling station). Carry on for about a mile. The fishery is on the right.