Airman Pit

The Airman, originally a clay pit, was bought by SDAA in 1965 and has since developed into a premier stillwater fishing venue. Spanning 4 acres with depths up to 30 feet, the lake caters to both specimen and pleasure anglers. The diverse fish population responds well to various fishing styles, often seen swimming along the reed-lined margins. The lake is also a County Wildlife Site, attracting a variety of birds and insects. One of the highlights of The Airman is its licensed population of Wels catfish, descendants of the original stock introduced in 1880. With specimens reaching over 60lb, this waterbody offers a unique fishing experience. The lake also boasts stunning carp up to 30lb, with regular stocking to sustain future angling opportunities. During winter, pike take over as the main predator, providing thrilling fishing for anglers. For pleasure anglers, The Airman offers an abundance of smaller species such as roach, bream, tench, rudd, and perch. Roach shoals can yield bags over 20lb, while specimen roach over 3lb have been recorded, often caught accidentally by carp anglers. Bream ranging from 'skimmers' to double figures are present, along with a growing population of tench exceeding double figures. Specimen rudd are a common sight in warmer months, challenging anglers with their elusive nature. Additionally, larger perch up to 3lb have been increasingly reported in recent years. Overall, The Airman is a diverse and thriving stillwater venue, offering anglers of all levels a rewarding fishing experience with its rich assortment of fish species and scenic wildlife surroundings.