Willows Pond

NOW ADULT KEY HOLDERS ONLY (see below for details)

Following many years of neglect, this once famous Hull fishery declined badly, having suffered from vandalism, heavy littering and poaching. It had also become silted and quite weedy, all of which has put off decent local anglers from fishing the venue. In 2016, the Association moved its monthly meetings to Willows Club and our reputation for high-quality venues and good-management meant that the Willows’ committee sought our input in reviving the pond.

Willows is a tree-lined pool of approximately ¾-acre in size. It contains excellent numbers of fish including tench, rudd, roach and bream, along with some carp.

Security for members fishing the venue is a top priority, so we have organised a team of local bailiffs committed to regular visits and checks. The pond is surrounded on three sides by a high, barbed-wire topped wall, and the other bank has had a high-quality security fence and lockable gate installed, thus completely enclosing the venue to further discourage unlicensed fishing and youngsters using it as a meeting place.

The existing pegs were old, dangerous wooden platforms and these have been removed and replaced with timber-framed, safe swims. The many trees that surround the pond shed considerable leaf-fall directly into the pond, adding significantly to the build up of silt and also block the oxygenating effect of the wind. These will be trimmed back along with a cutting back of backside vegetation and a general clean-up of litter and refuse. An oxygenating splash aerator has been installed.

Despite our best efforts the problem with some youngsters causing significant problems resulted in the Association and Willow Club deciding to allow only anglers over 18 years of age to fish the lake. This was a difficult decision to take, and went against the ethos of all concerned in trying to encourage youngsters into angling and spending time outdoors. This policy does not affect our regular coaching programs and youngsters are still allowed and encouraged to attend these. The over 18s policy may be reviewed in the future. Fishing on the venue will be controlled under the existing H&DAA fishery rules including a ban on the use of keepnets outside of official matches and with the addition of a 2-rod maximum.

ALL Adult and Senior H&DAA members and Willows Angling Section members wishing to fish Willows must purchase a dedicated key for the venue. Keys are available ONLY from H&DAA Secretary Stephen Tunley on 07533 168254 or from Dave Hollingworth, Willows Social Club Chairman, on 07930 074371. TELEPHONE FIRST. DO NOT just turn up at Willows Club as Dave is not always there. The cost of a key is £15. KEYS ARE NOT AVAILABLE via post or WHEN YOU RENEW OR PURCHASE A NEW PERMIT. Take your H&DAA permit or willows permit with you as proof when buying a key.

Bailiffs will be checking that those fishing Willows have both a membership CARD and aN OFFICIAL key. Anyone found fishing without either will be asked to leave and jeopardise their future access to the pond.

We will continue to utilise Willows as a venue to extend our coaching programme to encourage more people, particularly the young into our sport. We would welcome the involvement of any members willing to help with the work at Willows or to become bailiffs making regular visits. If you’re interested please contact Derek Pye 07811 897033 for details.

Permits required

Hull & DAA permit

Stock / Size

Tench, Rudd, Roach, Bream and Carp / ¾-acre

Directions

The pond is situated behind the Willows Club, 695 Holderness Rd, Hull.

Postcode: HU8 9AN
what3words ///locate.blur.snake – Access to car park

Parking

Excellent parking available in Willows Club car park. Short walk along a concrete path to pond, accessible by wheelchairs.