Andersons Lake at St Ives is a mature, medium-sized gravel pit in Cambridgeshire, forming part of the long-established St Ives lakes around Meadow Lane. It is primarily known as a focused carp water rather than a mixed coarse fishery, suiting anglers who are comfortable on relatively clear, feature-rich pits and who are prepared to work at their fishing. It will appeal most to intermediate and experienced carp anglers who value watercraft, observation and quieter surroundings over heavily stocked, high-volume action.
The lake itself is broadly pit-shaped, with open water dominating and no large central islands. Anglers can expect a typical ex-gravel pit depth profile, with shallow shelves stepping down into deeper water, interspersed with firmer bars and softer gullies. Depths are often varied enough to offer options across the year, from shallower margins to deeper central areas. Weed growth can be a feature in warmer months, with clearer patches, silt pockets and clean gravel providing obvious holding spots. Swims are generally spaced to give each peg a fair wedge of water, and the layout encourages anglers to think about lines, casting angles and shared features rather than simply dropping short-range traps.
The stock is centred around carp, with a mix of mirrors and commons. Andersons St Ives Fishery is typically regarded as a lower- to medium-density pit rather than a runs water, with carp that have seen pressure and tend to respond to careful angling. Most fish are commonly reported in the mid-double to upper-twenty bracket, with a realistic chance of better fish for those who build a situation over time. A handful of larger, more sought-after specimens are understood to be present, but it is not a venue where big hits or easy numbers should be expected.
Success on Andersons usually comes from active fishing rather than simply sitting behind static rods. Locating showing fish, subtle signs on the surface, and understanding how they move between bars, weedbeds and open water are key. In spring, the carp often use the warming margins and shallower areas, before spreading more widely as temperatures rise. Summer weeds and clear water can make stealth, line lay and rig presentation critical, while increased angling pressure will often push fish into less obvious zones or quieter corners. Autumn can reward a more sustained approach in deeper or mid-depth areas as the carp prepare for winter.
The overall atmosphere is more natural than commercial, with a relatively quiet, syndicate-style feel. It tends to be calmer than day-ticket “runs” waters, and sessions often hinge on a few key chances rather than constant action. Mature bankside vegetation, birdlife and a lack of overtly manicured features give Andersons a traditional big-pit character, appealing to anglers who enjoy a more involved, thoughtful style of carp fishing.
Practical notes:
– Ticket or access type: Controlled access, typically on a membership or permit basis rather than open day tickets.
– Facilities available: Relatively limited; expect basic access and parking, with anglers largely self-sufficient on the bank.
– Notable rule considerations: Usual modern carp safety requirements (appropriate nets, mats, and rigs); check current fishery rules for specifics on hooks, leaders, boats and baited areas before fishing.
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Description
Andersons Lake at St Ives is a mature, medium-sized gravel pit in Cambridgeshire, forming part of the long-established St Ives lakes around Meadow Lane. It is primarily known as a focused carp water rather than a mixed coarse fishery, suiting anglers who are comfortable on relatively clear, feature-rich pits and who are prepared to work at their fishing. It will appeal most to intermediate and experienced carp anglers who value watercraft, observation and quieter surroundings over heavily stocked, high-volume action.
The lake itself is broadly pit-shaped, with open water dominating and no large central islands. Anglers can expect a typical ex-gravel pit depth profile, with shallow shelves stepping down into deeper water, interspersed with firmer bars and softer gullies. Depths are often varied enough to offer options across the year, from shallower margins to deeper central areas. Weed growth can be a feature in warmer months, with clearer patches, silt pockets and clean gravel providing obvious holding spots. Swims are generally spaced to give each peg a fair wedge of water, and the layout encourages anglers to think about lines, casting angles and shared features rather than simply dropping short-range traps.
The stock is centred around carp, with a mix of mirrors and commons. Andersons St Ives Fishery is typically regarded as a lower- to medium-density pit rather than a runs water, with carp that have seen pressure and tend to respond to careful angling. Most fish are commonly reported in the mid-double to upper-twenty bracket, with a realistic chance of better fish for those who build a situation over time. A handful of larger, more sought-after specimens are understood to be present, but it is not a venue where big hits or easy numbers should be expected.
Success on Andersons usually comes from active fishing rather than simply sitting behind static rods. Locating showing fish, subtle signs on the surface, and understanding how they move between bars, weedbeds and open water are key. In spring, the carp often use the warming margins and shallower areas, before spreading more widely as temperatures rise. Summer weeds and clear water can make stealth, line lay and rig presentation critical, while increased angling pressure will often push fish into less obvious zones or quieter corners. Autumn can reward a more sustained approach in deeper or mid-depth areas as the carp prepare for winter.
The overall atmosphere is more natural than commercial, with a relatively quiet, syndicate-style feel. It tends to be calmer than day-ticket “runs” waters, and sessions often hinge on a few key chances rather than constant action. Mature bankside vegetation, birdlife and a lack of overtly manicured features give Andersons a traditional big-pit character, appealing to anglers who enjoy a more involved, thoughtful style of carp fishing.
Practical notes:
– Ticket or access type: Controlled access, typically on a membership or permit basis rather than open day tickets.
– Facilities available: Relatively limited; expect basic access and parking, with anglers largely self-sufficient on the bank.
– Notable rule considerations: Usual modern carp safety requirements (appropriate nets, mats, and rigs); check current fishery rules for specifics on hooks, leaders, boats and baited areas before fishing.
Andersons St ives Fishery Rules
