Abbey Lakes Fishery, Orrell

Situated only 5 minutes from Junction 26 of the M6 and at the Orrell, Wigan end of the M58, Abbey Lakes Fishery could easily be missed by many anglers.

This quiet secluded water set right back from the road is quiet difficult to find if only because of a Private Road sign that seems to prohibit cars from entering.  Trust me dismiss this sign the road also takes you to a very small car park exclusive for visitors to Abbey Lakes.

This peaceful spot just off the A577 was once a supply lake for a local abbey that’s long since gone, today it is the home of variety of wetland birds including ducks, geese, swans, to name but a few.

Approaching the water via a wide gravel path you reach the top of a small but shallow incline where the lake opens out.  The water itself is surrounded by an array of wooden fishing platforms of all sizes from small individual platforms to double if not triple platforms suitable for wheelchairs.  I have to say my visit first was only brief to take a few photographs but I did notice many of the platforms had severe rot and some had large gaping holes, so be careful.

All the same the water seems well tended, with a good path all the way round which is perfectly suited to disabled anglers or anglers who need to bring a trolley.  With what seems to be recent construction work to the sluices I don’t presume the owners West Lancashire Borough Council have given up on Abbey Lakes it just yet.

One draw back is the opening times of this water the car park is locked at 8pm in the Summer and 6pm in the Winter and only opens again at 8am.

Currently I haven’t fished this water so have no idea what fish can be caught here, I assume the usual suspects found in most North West Fisheries and who knows one or two surprises.  Ticket prices if any are currently unknown with no indication given on the West Lancashire Council website

If you have any more information about Abbey Lakes, Orrell please get in touch.