Earlswood Lakes are three attractive large reservoirs set in pleasant wooded countryside next to the village of Earlswood to the south of Solihull.

Nationally renowned as a prolific match venue, it is also popular with pleasure anglers.

Before the end of 1999 all three lakes were operated as unmanaged natural fisheries with the most common species being bream and roach.

The quality of fishing was high but the demand from anglers for this type of natural fishery declined through the 1990's.

In 1994 there were over 10,000 angler visits to Earlswood Lakes but by 1997 this had fallen to just 2,500.

In a bid to regenerate interest it was decided to substantially alter the way the fishery was operated.

In October 1999, Engine Pool was virtually drained dry and most of the stock removed.

All of the larger bream were transferred to Windmill Pool and all the other fish were transferred to local canals.

Between November 1999 and March 2000 Engine Pool was stocked with five tons of carp averaging eight to 10 ounces each.

At about the same time a new car park, new footpaths and 80 large timber platforms were constructed.

All the platforms are fitted with bankstick and umbrella holders.

However, anglers are reminded that these are reservoirs and water levels usually go down during the summer months as water is pumped to maintain navigation in the nearby canal.

The platforms, therefore, tend not to be useable from early June until mid October depending upon weather conditions.