This awesome water, predominantly filled with specimen carp and tench can be found right on the south fringe of an area known as the Isle of Axholme. This quaint little area is right on the border of two counties of North Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. It’s not too far from the village of Haxey in North Lincolnshire, which is effectively just off the A161. The closest villages are Misterton (where you can go for food, milk and other provisions) and Westwoodside. Travelling by car from the close cities of Sheffield, Leeds, Doncaster and Nottingham is best done on the motorway network with the M180 motorway being some 15 minutes away.
You’ll find that the lake, with a topography to make any non-member jealous, is around 17.5 acres in size (with a section of lake known as ‘Finger Bay’ historically being cordoned off for stocking purposes as it was hard to access) and is a beautiful matured sandpit. Whilst being originally dug for sand and aggregates in the 1970, it didn’t become an angling venue until the summer of 2001.
The last wagon to pull out of the make-shift roadway happened around 1992/3 when the majority of the lake’s sand stock were exhausted. This left the lake in its present ‘flooded’ form and it wan’t until it was stumbled upon by chance that it became a carp lake.
That in itself is surprising, because the lake itself is perfect for carp fishing: beautiful gin clear water with annual weed beds which contain an absolute abundance of natural food. The lake bed is incredible, with natural plateaus, bars, gullies and high spots. Without doubt, the water is perfect for holding and growing carp.
The Carp Society negotiated a long-term lease in 2001 with the owners of the Langholme Lake – a large Northern based mineral company. Stocks of fish were originally provided from a number of sources including Horseshoe Lake, Woldview and Shotgate.
The first stocks of fish went in to the lake in July 2001 with around 50 hand picked fish being the lake’s first residents. There were some 50 Woldview bred fish and around 6 fish weighing more than 20lbs which came directly from the Carp Societies flagship lake, Horseshoe. Thereafter, many other fish were added from other lakes, including Shotgate Lake and the Society’s ‘other’ water, Lake 61. The total stocks were believed to be more than 210 doubles. In addition, there were around 50 high singles which, due to the quality of the water and a strong amount of bait going into the water, has meant that the carp have grown significantly with several fish being over the magical 30 mark, one or two hitting 40lbs. A further stock of around 50 smaller fish were added in 2010.
There are 15 hand built pegs on the lake, with 3 or those being classed as ‘doubles’ -comfortably allowing 2 anglers on the swim at any one time. The pegs have been constructed by the members of the lake from 2001, using strong railway sleepers as a base. This approach means that the pegs are strong, safe and secure. Many of the pegs are tree lined, meaning that nature is invited to mix with the anglers. Langholme Lake really is a paradise in the spring, summer and autumn months. Winter, on the other hand is not a good time of year for Langholme Lake, with many of the lake’s inhabitants going to sleep from late November through to early March.
Access to the lake is down a lane which requires a bit of care when driving down due to its condition. Thereafter, you will need a key to get through the gate which secures the lake.
For more information, visit the Carp Society website where you will find information on all the lakes, waiting lists, annual subs and joining fees.
