Lake Windermere

[Wayneuk]

Hi all,

I'm gonna give windermere a go this weekend. Not for the pike though. I was thinking a large swimfeeder, but with a lake so big im struggling with where to start tactics wise. Has anybody got any ideas?
I didnt have a species in mind i was just gonna see what came out and maybe target that in the future for specimens.. Any ideas very welcome

[northern eye]

Hey Wayne.
Ive fished Windermere, Derwent, Bassenthwaite and Coniston. Never used a groundbait feeder as I always assumed the lakes were a bit too deep for it and the bait may have all come out the feeder before it hits bottom. I have used a big maggot feeder though but blocked up allot of the holes so the bait does not escape so quickly. Course species are mainly roach, perch and eels and I have caught some nice sized perch on small spinners too but this is better done from a boat. You can also get trout and char on the same tactics. Baits I always take are nice big worms and of course, maggots. I have not tried pellets, meat or other course baits but fake baits such as maggots, casters and sea baits like rubber ragworms have also worked and they stay on the hook or hair if pulling back in through weeds or over rocks. The fish are hard to find in the big waters but go light, walk the banks (or get a boat) keep moving and eventually you will hit on shoal of roach or perch and get some nice hard fighting wild fish!! Trouble I found aswell was fishing the banks, you need to get right out because the weed around the bays can be a problem so find a good rocky outcrop to fish off and get the bait out a good 40 yards or more!! Good luck, let me hear how it goes.