More informal than the other waters at Heyford Fisheries in that it has no clearly defined pegs and anglers can sit where they choose, Acorn Lake is a delightful pool tailored towards young anglers and novices - although it is worth a visit if you have experienced a succession of blanks or want to try out new baits, techniques or rigs!Being near the car park and having a flat and even bank, it is also suitable for less able-bodied anglers who do not want to walk to the far end of the fishery for to a peg.

About three - quarters of an acre in size, Acorn is able to accommodate up to 14 anglers and is heavily stocked with small fish as well as some bigger specimens including Common Carp to 6lb 8oz.

Whilst it is packed with small carp, Acorn has a very good head of perch, daddy ruffe, roach, rudd, gudgeon and a few tench.

However, it tends to be the carp which are the main quarry for anglers - including 14 - years - old Heyford regular Jeremy Pope from Towcester who is pictured right with a nice 5lbs Mirror he took on pole - fished sweetcorn whilst Fisheries.

co.

uk visited the venue.

Indeed, Acorn's existence as a pool dedicated to younger anglers is to be praised.

Although fishing only light tackle, Jeremy knew he was into a good fish and whilst his friends were urging him to net the fish quickly his experience told him better.

Allowing the fish its head in the early stages of the fight he used his skill to keep it away from the weeds and only when it rolled on its side did he say: Now it's ready.

Only four feet deep throughout, Acorn has banks which drop straight to the maximum depth and is an ideal pole and waggler venue.

With maggot and sweetcorn both being popular baits, pellets and paste also work well, particularly when fished on the bottom or in by the margins, although if the fish aren't taking off the bottom it pays to fish higher in the water until you find them.

All in all, it goes to make Acorn a very pleasant and productive water.

Lake Rules