Shepherds Fishing in Norfolk, England

• Overview

  Shepherds lies within the bounds of Norfolk, England. Rolling hill runs right down to the water. Ground here is low by England standards. For a base, Snettisham sits 2.2 miles out. After that come Dersingham at 2.7 miles and Heacham at 3.2 miles. Nearest other option: Stantons 0.2 miles, Saham Mere within 25 miles and Scoulton Mere 29 miles. Rules here are straightforward: one licence, with local byelaws on top.

• Where to Fish on Shepherds

  No depth figure has reached our records, which makes a plummet useful. The tide is the timetable on this water; two hours either side of the change usually fish hardest. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Fish documented in Norfolk include European eel, roach and brown trout. Read Shepherds for ten minutes before the first cast goes out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 16°C, the coldest about 4°C. A long season, with weather mattering more than the month. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. Anyone fishing Shepherds regularly works to that calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. A car park sits roughly half a mile away. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. The nearest alternative is Stantons, 0.2 miles out. For Shepherds in particular, ask before you travel.