Marton Hole

for a map click here

Background
Marton Hole was created around 100 years ago by the collapse of land being mined below it for salt. Rumour has it the local farmer at the time jumped across a small hole in the morning walking down to tend his herd and on his way home that evening at the same spot Marton Hole had appeared!
It is fed by a stream but has no outfall and for this reason in the winter the water can rise by as much as 2 feet. In the summer when the temperatures rise and evaporation occurs the water drops revealing the fishing stages!
At one time the water was used as a game fishery and was stocked with trout and grayling. However when the water was taken on by WAA the fishery could not be netted successfully due to its depth so it is believed that offspring of these game fish still exist.
Marton Hole is probably the Associations mystery water and it is fair to say that it's hardly ever fished. This is probably down to the round trip hike of about a mile and a half.
It must be pointed out that Marton Hole can be a dangerous place to fish. It is remote - so raising the alarm could be difficult. It has sheer drops on two sides of about 40 feet and is also susceptible to land slips. If that isn't enough, the water has a sheer drop not that far out down to 55 feet. For safety reasons unaccompanied juniors are not encouraged and senior members should always try to fish in pairs. Fishing is entirely at your own risk.

Stock
As we have already said something of a mystery. However over the years 1000's of coarse fish have been stocked into the water. chub were stocked a few years back and one was recently caught at 5lb. There are also know rudd captures in excess of 2lb and perch to nearly 4lb. common and mirror carp are also present and at one time leather carp were also known to exist. Along with roach and tench there is an outside chance of a grayling or trout. As far as is known no pike or bream reside in the hole - unless you can tell us otherwise.

March 2009
Marton Hole is now closed for fishing until further notice, due to an outbreak of "blue green algae". We will keep you informed of the progress on this water as the season progresses

Special Rules
Access via Whitegate station only.
Fishing is only permitted from the bank shown on the map with a dotted line.
All other banks are out of bounds, due to their dangerous conditions and constant subsidence.
The water at this venue is extremely deep and the banks are very steep - junior members should be accompanied by a senior at all times.
Barbless hooks only to be used and none greater than a size 6.

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