Fishing Near Me | 14 Awesome Venues To Fish In 2021
Looking for somewhere new to go fishing? Check out this list of hotspots and you may just find the venue of your dreams…
Waldegraves Holiday Park Fishing Lakes
County: Essex
Contact: 01206 382898, holidays@waldegraves.co.uk, www.waldegraves.co.uk
Stock: Carp, Sturgeon, Bream, Tench, Reach, Rudd, Perch and Gudeon
Facilities (Icons): Accommodation, Food & Drink, Family Orientated, Disabled Facilities, Activities nearby
Waldegraves Holiday Park Fishing Lakes
River Steam Holidays
County: Worcestershire
Contact: 01562777563/07801981629, www.riversteamholidays.co.uk
Stock: Barbel, Pike, Roach, Chubb, Perch, Salmon and Eel.
Facilities (Icons): Accommodation, Activities Nearby
River Steam Holidays
Fron Farm Fishery
Country: Wales
Contact: 01974251392, sue@fronfarmfishery.co.uk, http://www.fronfarmfishery.co.uk/
Stock: Carp, Barbel, Rudd, Perch, Tench
Facilities (Icons): Accommodation, Food and Drink, WC/Shower
Fron Farm Fishery
Cranford Fishing Holidays
County: Devon
Contact: 01805 622334, info@cranfordcottages.co.uk, https://www.cranfordcottages.com/
Stock: Carp, Crucians, Tench, Bream, Perch, Rudd
Facilities: Accommodation
Cranford Fishing Holidays
Packington Somers Fishery
County: Warwickshire
Contact: 01676 523 833/ 07956008809, penny@packingtonestate.co.uk www.packingtonestate.co.uk
Stock: Roach, Tench, Carp, Barbel, Skimmers, Crucians, Ide
Facilities: Tackle Shop, Café, Toilet Facilities, Disabled Access
Packington Somers Fishery
Tinney Waters
County: Devon
Contact: 01409 271362, www.tinneywaters.co.uk, sally@tinney-waters.co.uk
Stock: Carp, Bream, Roach, Rudd, Tench, Perch
Facilities: Accommodation, Dog Friendly
Tinney Waters
Cobbleacre Lakes
County: Norfolk
Contact: 01603 754305, info@cobbleacre.co.uk , www.cobbleacre.co.uk
Stock: Carp, Catfish, Ide, Roach and Perch
Facilities: Touring Site (camping) Toilets with Showers
Cobbleacre Lakes
Reepham Fishery & Holiday Accommodation
County: Norfolk
Contact: 01603 870829, enquiries@reephamfishery.co.uk, www.reephamfishery.co.uk
Stock: Carp, Mirror, F1’s Blonde and Mirror, Tench, Barbel, Rudd and Roach
Facilities: Accommodation, Dog Friendly, Disabled Access, Toilets
Reepham Fishery & Holiday Accommodation
Faulkers Lakes
County: Lincolnshire
Contact: 01754811324, clare@faulkerslakes.co.uk, www.faulkerslakes.co.uk
Stock: Carp up to 20lbs, Barbel up to 11lbs, Bream up to 7lbs, Crusians, Chub, Tench, Ide, Rudd, Roach and Perch.
Facilities (Icons): Toilets, Accommodation, Parking
Faulkers Lakes
Springfield Meadows
County: Devon
Contact: 01409 221723, info@springfieldmeadows.co.uk, www.springfieldmeadows.co.uk
Stock: Carp up to 30lb, bream, tench, rudd, chub, perch, roach and crucian
Facilities: Accommodation, dog friendly, Washing facilities
Springfield Meadows
Wyekham Lakes, North Yorkshire Water Park
County: North Yorkshire
Contact: 01723 862771/07792 968975, www.northyorkshirewaterpark.co.uk , info@northyorkshirewaterpark.co.uk
Stock: Crucian, Mirror, Common, Ghost, linear Carp. Rudd, Roach, Perch, Bream, Tench
Facilities: Toilet, Dog Friendly, Bait for Sale, disabled access
Wyekham Lakes, North Yorkshire Water Park
Float Fish Farm
County: Cambridgeshire
Contact: 07365904040, dale.hudson@floatfishfarm.com, www.floatfishfarm.co.uk
Stock: Carp, Roach, Rudd, Perch, Tench, Barbel, Chub, Crucian, Catfish
Facilities: dog friendly, food available, tackle and bait shop, toilets and shower facilities
Float Fish Farm
Lakeside Fisheries & Caravan Park
County: Norfolk
Contact: 01366 383491, richesflorido@aol.com, www.lakesidedenver.co.uk
Stock: Carp, Roach, Rudd, Perch, Bream, Tench and Barbel
Facilities: Accommodation, disability access, tackle shop, toilets and showers
Lakeside Fisheries & Caravan Park
Gabriel Fishery & Farm Campsite
County: Kent
Contact: 01732 865355, info@gabriels-fishery.co.uk , www.gabriels-fishery.co.uk
Stock: Carp & Tench
Facilities: Camping, tackle shop, food and drink, disability access, Parking
Gabriel Fishery & Farm Campsite
Lavender Hall Fishery
County: Coventry
Contact: 01676 530299, info@lavenderhallfishery.co.uk , www.lavenderhallfishery.co.uk
Stock: 5 lakes full of different types of carp
Facilities: tackle shop, food and drink available, disables access, toilets
Lavender Hall Fishery
Fishing Near Me | Best match fishing lakes to visit for 100lb plus bags!
Want to head to a match fishing venue that is guaranteed to give you a 100lb plus bag of fish, that’s near you? Then check out the top 20 venues that you can visit to achieve this goal!
Find a big-weight water near you
Alders Farm Fishery, Milton Keynes, Bucks
Before closing due to the extreme hot weather this fishery was in fine form, with 200lb bags caught in matches. Ash Lake was the water to be on, with anglers catching carp on the waggler, Method feeder and down the side on the pole. The fishery re-opened on July 30.
Contact: 01525 261713
Postcode: MK17 9AH
Angel Of The North Fishing Lakes, Chester-Le-Street, County Durham
Last month a remarkable match on Bowes Lake resulted in all 21 participants catching over 100lb. Feed a lot of fishery micros and fish a banded fishery pellet over the top for carp to double figures.
Contact: 0191 4100449
Postcode: DH3 1RF
Blundells Fishery, Warrington, Cheshire
You will often need more than 100lb to frame here in an open match. On Pine Lake weights have been close to 200lb, with double-figure carp getting caught on pellets shallow, down the side or mugged off the top.
Contact: 0161 7752124
Postcode: WA3 6EJ
Decoy Lakes, Peterborough, Cambs
This mega complex has 274 pegs over 11 lakes, all of which are capable of throwing up a 100lb bag. Lou’s Lake is a great water for the pleasure angler, and fishing the top-2 plus two on the pole with pellets will see you bag up in no time. The lake is stocked with carp to 20lb, crucians, roach, rudd and bream.
Contact: 01733 202230
Postcode: PE7 2AD
FLE Fishery, Southampton, Hampshire
The Canals and Top Lake are absolutely stuffed solid with carp. The smaller fish are found in the canals, where the pole or whip with fishery pellets, corn or maggots can produce instant bites. On the Top Lake the feeder to the island is worth a try, or the pellet waggler in open water.
Contact: 07595 024363
Postcode: SO51 9BN
Forest Lane Fisheries, York, Yorkshire
There are three lakes here open to pleasurer anglers, all of which are capable of a bumper bag. Don Lake holds the bigger carp and barbel – to catch them, fish maggots down the edge on the pole or the feeder to the island.
Contact: 01347 833390
Postcode: YO61 1TT
Gold Valley Lakes, Aldershot, Hampshire
The Middle Lake is the place to be at Gold Valley at the moment, with matches throwing up multiple bags over 100lb. The Method feeder and pellet waggler are both good tactics to catch the stocks of carp and F1s. For the silver fish, try pole fished maggots over groundbait.
Contact: 01252 336333
Postcode: GU11 2PT
Goodiford Mill Fishery, Cullompton, Devon
The Match Lake here is an incredible bag up water for carp averaging 3lb-5lb. Stocked alongside the carp are a good head of roach, bream, tench, crucians and very big perch to
3lb-plus. The pole down the margins and feeder to the island are both deadly tactics.
Contact: 01884 266065
Postcode: EX15 2AS
Hallcroft Fishery, Retford, Nottinghamshire
Moat Pool was twice home to the Fish O’Mania final, and with its stocks of carp to over 20lb, bream, tench and roach it’s easy to see why. Pole or waggler fished shallow with pellet or meat is a great tactic to put a big bag together.
Contact: 01777 719911
Postcode: DN22 7RA
Heronbrook Fisheries, Eccleshall, Staffordshire
A fantastic day’s fish and a ton-up bag is possible from any of the five lakes here, and on pretty much any method you fancy. Biggest recent match weights have come from Meadow, where 250lb hauls have been landed. Soft pellets are a favourite on here for carp, bream, F1s and tench.
Contact: 07879 441282
Postcode: ST21 6LX
Janson Fishery, Nottingham, Notts
Open matches on the Match Pool have been won with over 300lb in the past month and pleasure bags of over 100lb are possible on all the other lakes too. Carp dominate catches at this time of year and paste is a great way to target them. The new Aubrey’s Lake is awesome for silverfish.
Contact: 07555 892127
Postcode: NG13 9FA
Lindholme Lakes, Epworth, Lincolnshire
Loco Lake is one of the larger waters at the popular Lindholme complex and is in phenomenal form, with 200lb bags of carp caught in recent matches. Being one of the deeper waters, 6ft-10ft in places, shallow tactics have been dominating. This is certainly a water where you should bring a pellet waggler!
Contact: 01427 875555
Postcode: DN9 1LF
Meadowlands, Coventry, West midlands
Fish dead maggots down the margins on either Warren or Lambsdown and you can expect to run into plenty of big carp. Evening matches have seen bags of over 160lb taken – these big fish are great fun on the pole.
Contact: 07858 756474
Postcode: CV8 3EG
Monk Lakes, Marden, Kent
The four match lakes here are absolutely phenomenal, and favourites of Guru-backed ace Pemb Writing. Weights have gone over 500lb last month, with the margins being a real hotspot for the hungry carp which fall to expanders and paste.
Contact: 01622 833 332
Postcode: TN12 9BS
Monkhall Fishery, Bridgnorth, Shropshire
Hawk, Buzzard and Swallow Pools have all produced 100lb-plus bags this past week, with some exceeding 200lb. Pellets fished shallow on the pole or waggler score well on all the lakes for F1s and larger carp. If after silvers, casters shallow on Owl Pool can be great fun.
Contact: 01746 785481
Postcode: WV16 6XF
Springvale Lakes, Newark, Nottinghamshire
For a 100lb-plus bag of silver fish this is a ‘must visit’ venue. Last month a 161lb bag of ide and mixed silvers was taken on casters fished shallow on the pole.
Contact: 07720 581292
Postcode: NG22 0BT
Todber Manor Fisheries, Sturminster Newton, Dorset
A favourite water of match ace Des Shipp, and for good reason if recent results are anything to go by. In a match last month he smashed the 300lb barrier by fishing the Method feeder to the island on Hillview Lake.
Contact: 01258 820384
Postcode: DT10 1JB
Viaduct Fishery, Somerton, Somerset
Each day of last month’s festival at this venue saw each of the top 12 anglers bag over 100lb. For pleasure anglers Cary is the place to do this, with slapping or mugging on the pole being great tactics for double-figure carp. Good weights of silvers can be had too on pole fished maggots.
Contact: 01458 274022
Postcode: TA11 6LJ
Wold Farm Fisheries, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire
This fishery is always throwing up spectacular weights of silvers and this last week has been no different. Islands Lake has been providing spectacular sport for younger anglers, one of whom took a 75-fish mixed bag weighing approximately 150lb, including some nice barbel. Tactics couldn’t be simpler, with pole fished corn resulting in a bite a chuck.
Contact: 07974 000230
Postcode: NN29 7XA
Woodland View Fishery, Worcester, Worcestershire
Large open matches held on Deans, Barley and Hay lakes have resulted in all the top five anglers weighing in nets of 100lb-plus. These catches are made up of mainly carp and bream, taken on the 4m pole line.
Contact: 01905 620872
Postcode: WR9 0AU
Fishing Near Me | Best chub fishing rivers in the south
Looking for a good chub fishing river? Then take a look at our list of the best rivers to visit in the south and visit one this weekend!
• Throop Fishery, Dorset Stour, Bournemouth, Dorset
This famous fishery is home to some monster chub of over 8lb. There are several methods you can use to catch them but some of the biggest hauls are had by trotting maggots. The bottom end of Beat 2 is a great area to start.
Contact: Ringwood Tackle, 01425 475155
Prices (2019): £11 per day, £8 concessions, Ringwood & District AA
Website: www.ringwoodfishing.co.uk
• Bristol Avon, Kellaways, Chippenham, Wiltshire
A days roving this wild stretch of river can result in numbers of chub hitting your landing net. The fish average around the 2-3lb mark and are often more than obliging. They take simple baits such as bread, cheese paste or worms presented on short link-legers.
Contact: Premier Angling, 0117 986 7507
Prices (2019): £6 per day, Chippenham AA
Website: www.chippenhamanglingclub.co.uk
• Kings Weir, River Lea, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire
Downstream of this well-known big fish weir pool some very large chub can be found. Already this season fish weighing over 8lb have been caught with multiple 7lb-plus specimens also reported. Float fishing maggots can work well, as can legered pellets and boilies. Take time feeding the swim before casting out to allow the chub to gain confidence. This stretch is reserved for members only and is safely enclosed within a gated area. When you become a member you are given a key that allows access to this stretch. These chub also visit the weirpool area which is available on a day ticket.
Contact: 01992 468394
Prices (2019): £12 day tickets, bookable in advance
Website: www.kingsweirfishery.webeden.co.uk
• River Thames, Abingdon-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
Lots of good chub have been caught from this area of the Thames in past seasons, with fish over 7lb reported. Try the weir area for the bigger fish or fish across to the downstream boats. Spraying maggots and fishing the waggler is a good method. For those who wish to use a more static approach baiting a swim with mashed bread in a cage feeder is another proven winner.
Contact: 01235 522642
Prices (2019): £10 per day, £5 concessions
Website: www.abingdon.gov.uk/town-council-services/fisheries
• River Tone, Fast Stretch, Taunton, Somerset
As the name suggests this narrow and quick section of the River Tone is alive with chub in the 2-4lb bracket. In matches bag weights often go to over 30lb of hard fighting chevins. Trotted maggot, hemp and casters is the most commonly used methods. If you are after the better fish its worth trying a roving approach with legered bread, cheese paste or worm.
Contact: Taunton Angling Centre, 01823 282518
Prices (2019): £7 per day (available online)
Website: taunton-angling.co.uk
• River Culm, Beare Gate, Cullompton, Devon
This wild river runs through some picturesque areas of the Devonshire countryside. It’s the perfect roving angler’s river with a variety of swims to target. Fish to over 5lb have been reported in previous seasons as well as numbers of smaller fish averaging 3lb.
Contact: Exeter Angling Centre, 01392 436404
Prices (2019): £6 per day Exeter & District AA
Website: www.exeteranglingassociation.co.uk
• The Royalty Fishery, Hampshire Avon, Christchurch, Dorset
It’s been a great season for big chub catches on this famous fishery. Traditionally better known for its barbel fishing, this season has seen chub of 7lb 14oz hit the bank. Boilies are a great bait for these fish and a stealthy approach is often required to tempt one. For those who prefer a more traditional approach, trotted maggots take more than their fair share of chevins averaging 5lb-plus.
Contact: Davis Tackle, 01202 485169
Website: www.davistackle.co.uk
Carp Fishing Near Me | Canal venues with big carp
If you like a challenge when you go fishing then there will be nothing better to you than going out to your local canal or river and trying some carp fishing. To help you in your pursuit of carpiness we’ve decided to put together a list of great canal venues where you are likely to catch a carp from.
North
Bridgewater Canal, Leigh, Lancs
This North-West canal holds its fair share of twenties. The basin at Mather Lane, Astley wide and the boats at Agden are known spots. The Kraft Arm controlled by Warrington AA is also a carp hotspot.
Contact: Leigh Tackle, 01942 604125
Prices: £2.50 a day on the bank, Leigh DAA, Kraft arm is £20 a year, Warrington AA
Leeds & Liverpool Canal, Bingley, W Yorks
Few anglers fish this stretch of canal and those who do are matchmen targeting the bream, meaning the big carp to over 20lb which are known to reside here are left untouched.
Contact: WH Kershaw, 01274 595574
Prices: £2.50 from WH Kershaw, Bingley AC
Rochdale Canal, Todmorden, W Yorks
The club hold regular matches here which see the odd big carp banked from time to time but few anglers actually target them making this a potential untapped carpy goldmine.
Contact: 01706 639373, Todmorden AS
Prices: £36 a year, Todmorden AS,
Sheffield Canal, Sheffield, S Yorks
The free ‘Plumpers’ stretch at Tinsley is one of the country’s best canal carp hotspots. Anglers here boast catches of up to six or seven fish per session on baits like pellet or corn on the Method or pole.
Contact: Billy Clarke Tackle, 0114 255 1145
Prices: Free fishing
Shropshire Union Canal, Chester, Cheshire
The L shaped basin and the section of cut running off it is full of carp to over 20lb, making it popular amongst local carpers.
Contact: Chester Tackle Locker 01244 345069
Prices: Part of the £20 a year Canal & Rivers Trust Waterway Wanderers Scheme
Trent & Mersey Canal, Northwich, Cheshire
Anderton Marina and the Saltesford Wide stretch are well worth a look as this area of canal can often produce multiple hits of fish in a session.
Contact: Northwich AA, 01270 662487
Prices: £5 a day from Vale Royal Angling, Northwich AA
MIDLANDS
Ashby Canal, Hinckley, Leics
Trinity Marina contains a big head of carp so fishing at the marina entrance (you are not permitted to fish within it) will provide you with the chance of enticing them out and banking fish to over 20lb.
Contact: JD Tackle Supplies 01455 633069
Prices: Part of the £20 a year Canal & River Trust Waterway Wanderers Scheme
Grand Union Canal, Northampton, Northants
The canal arm at Gayton Marina is worth a try for carp as the marina itself holds fish to nearly 30lb. These fish leave the sanctuary of the marina during periods of low light.
Contact: Northampton Nene AC, 01604 761173
Prices: £5 on the bank, Northampton Nene AC,
Shropshire Union Canal, Pendeford, W Mids
A match record of 107lb was taken here by an angler catching just 13 carp! Fish below the lock using baits like pellets and boilies and you shouldn’t go far wrong.
Contact: Ian’s Tackle, 01785 715744
Prices: £2.50 from Ians Tackle, Wolverhampton AA
Stratford Canal, Lowsonford, Warks
Renowned urban carp angler Alan Blair recently showed the capability of the carp fishing on the Stratford cut in his Urban Banx series of films catching high doubles and odd fish over 20lb.
Contact: Alcester Sports & Tackle 01789 762200
Prices: Part of the £20 a year Canal & River Trust Waterway Wanderers Scheme
Trent & Mersey Canal, Derby, Derbys
The Shardlow area has produced a fair few specimen carp in recent years. Carp up to 20lbs are frequently caught in the area below Swarkstone locks.
Contact: Fisher Mania, 01332 752500
Prices: £25 a year canal only ticket, Pride of Derby AA
SOUTH
Basingstoke Canal, Ash Vale, Hants
A carpy hotspot Ash Vale
Contact: The Creel Aldershot 01252 320871
Prices: £4 on the bank, Basingstoke Canal AA
Exeter Ship Canal, Exeter, Devon
The Lime Kilns section of canal and Turf Locks marina is not just a bream and tench water as carp to a staggering 40lb have been landed off the record.
Contact: Exeter Angling Centre 01392 435591
Prices: £5 from Exeter Angling Centre, Exeter AA
Grand Union Canal, Ivinghoe, Beds
The Luton Angling Club stretches are renowned for their excellent carp sport and they arent many better in the UK than the area around Ivinghoe boats.
Contact: Luton AC, 077044 62635
Prices: £5 on the bank, Luton AC
Grand Union Canal, Little Venice, London
Big carp hide amongst the moored boats here so the trick is to find a gap and feed tight to the barges. Big carp are also rumoured to exist on the canal around Camley Street Nature Reserve near Kings Cross.
Contact: First Tackle, 02084 557778
Prices: Part of the £20 a year Canal & River Trust Waterway Wanderers Scheme
Grand Union Canal, Marsworth, Herts
Another known carp hotspot on this waterway; the locks area at Marsworth holds some monster fish which can be stalked by fishing tight to features like boats or the locks themselves.
Contact: Tring Anglers, 077961 78313
Prices: £5 on the bank, Tring Anglers
Royal Military Canal, Hythe, Kent
A known big fish canal, the Ladies Walk area holds some huge fish to near 30lb. In the past they have been caught by imitating the bread which is fed to the ducks. Try a washed out white mainline cell boilie.
Contact: Cinque Ports AS, 01303 891450
Prices: £5 on the bank, Cinque Ports AS
Fishing Near Me | Top 10 zander fishing hotspots
Want to catch your first zander? Then check out our list of venues where you are most likely to catch a zander.
Ashby Canal, Hinkley, Leics
A giant 18lb specimen was landed on this stretch of canal a couple of years ago, there could be more out there.
Contact: JD Tackle Supplies 01455 633069
Prices: Part of the £20 a year Waterway Wanderers Scheme, see Canal and River Trust Website
Birmingham-Fazeley Canal, Curdworth, W Mids
This area of canal contains a huge head of silverfish and plenty of zander feeding off them.
Contact: Tamworth Tackle 01827 66701
Prices: £3 a day on the bank, Stirrup Cup AC
Coventry Canal, Bedworth, Warks
The Hawkesbury Junction area is a hotspot but most places on this canal contain the species.
Contact: Tusses Fishing Tackle, 02476 365635
Prices: Part of the £20 a year Waterway Wanderers Scheme, see Canal and River Trust Website
Fossdyke Canal, Lincoln, N Lincs
One of the few venues up North which contains zander but well worth a visit. Be patient and look for obvious features.
Contact: Harrisons Tackle, 01522 523834
Prices: £4 on the bank Lincoln DAA
Grand Union Canal, Milton Keynes, Bucks
The inner-city stretches hold plenty of zander with Linford and Fenny Stratford the best areas to try.
Contact: Gone Fishin MK, 01908 313158
Prices: £6 on the bank, Milton Keynes AA,
Grand Union Canal, Stoke Bruerne, Northants
The bottom lock area and the long pound are known hotspots for plenty of small zander. Nether Heyford, a few miles north is also worth a visit.
Contact: Northampton Nene AC, 01604 761173
Prices: £5 on the bank, Northampton Nene AC
Grand Union Canal, Warwick, Warks
The Lure Canal Anglers have recently taken on this stretch and it has already proven its potential with plenty of zander to over 5lb already banked.
Contact: Bailey's of Warwick, 01926 491984
Prices: £5 a day, Lure Canal Anglers
Gloucester Canal, Hempsted, Gloucs
Between the docks at Bristol and up to Hempsted you will find some of the best canal zander fishing in the UK with fish well into double-figures.
Contact: Lobby’s Tackle: 01453 791417
Prices: £4 a day on the bank, Winget Angling Club
Oxford Canal, Somerton, Oxon
A small zander was caught here in a match recently and rumours of other captures have been made since the canal became popular with drop-shotting anglers.
Contact: Castaway Fishing Tackle 01295 254274
Prices: £5 on the bank, Banbury DAA
Trent & Mersey Canal, Fradley, Staffs
The whole stretch between Fradley and Alrewas contains plenty of small zander which can make for plenty of action while lure fishing.
Contact: R&J Angling, 01543 262014
Prices: £6 Birmingham AA brought in advance from local tackle shops
Fishing Near Me | Best venues to catch a big barbel
Here are some of the best barbel fishing venues in the country. If you’re wanting to catch a double figure barbel this season.
River Aire, Bingley, W Yorks
The Myrtle Park section holds fish to over 10lb and it has been re-stocked with more barbel by the Environment Agency. Fairly shallow runs and deep pools provide fish-holding features to look out for.
Prices: £4 a day Bingley AC, Contact: 01274 59557400
Website: www.bingleyanglingclub.co.uk
River Don, Denaby Main, S Yorks
The big pool where the Dearne meets the Don is full of barbel. Luncheon meat fished over hemp always produces here.
Prices: £25 a year, Rotherham DUAA
Contact: 01709 862558
Website: www.facebook.com/rotherhamanddistrictunitedanglingfederation
River Goyt, Stockport, Cheshire
Virtually the whole river is fishable for barbel with double-figure specimens landed every season. Try the weir in Vernon Woods.
Prices: £19 a year, Stockport Federation of Anglers
Contact: 0161 366 7253
Website: www.facebook.com/Stockport-Federation-Of-Anglers-270431096491636/
River Ribble, Ribchester, Lancs
Two kilometres of single bank fishing extending from the Village to Red Bank containing plenty of barbel to around 13lb. Hair-rigged pellet on a running lead rig is a good tactic to employ on this stretch.
Contact: Something Fishy, 01524 792696
Prices: £5 from the Spar shop, Ribchester DAA
Website: www.radac.org.uk
River Rother, Beighton, S Yorks
This free to fish stretch holds plenty of fish in the 8-10lb bracket. Both trotting and leger tactics account for plenty of specimens here using baits like meat or big pellets.
Contact: Pauls Tackle, 01709 862558
Prices: Free fishing
Website: www.paulstacklecentre.com
River Wharfe, Tadcaster, N Yorks
The club holds the rights above and below the town containing some big barbel well into double-figures. The pegs below the bridge where there is cover are a good place to try.
Contact: Tadcaster APA, 01937 833262
Prices: £2.50 a day from Chocolate Box newsagents, Tadcaster Angling & Preservation Association
Website: www.brighousewood.weebly.com/tadcaster-apa.html
River Avon, Barford, Warks
Barbel to 14lb are taken regularly from the spots below the weir all-year-round on feeder and pellet tactics. The Dead Arm is a good place to try as is the bottom end of the stretch below Sherbourne Brook.
Contact: Barford AA, 01564 777411
Prices: £45 a season, Barford AA
Website: www.barford-angling.co.uk
River Derwent, Borrowash, Derbys
Recent years have seen numerous big barbel to 17lb landed on this Earl of Harrington AC stretch on the outskirts of Derby. Big baits fished on a running line or static leger methods are all you need to catch one.
Prices: £5 from Nathan’s of Derby
Contact: 01332 515353
Website: www.theearlofharringtonsac.co.uk
River Nene, Castor, Cambridgeshire
This area of river is becoming more popular amongst barbel anglers with fish to 15lb being reported. When the river is fining down during a warmer spell is the best time to go, using a roving approach with meat as bait.
Prices: £5 on the bank, Peterborough DAA (no night fishing)
Website: www.fishinginpeterborough.co.uk
River Severn, Hampton Loade, Shrops
Hampton Loade has 50 pegs of prime Barbel water situated 6 miles downstream of Bridgnorth on the left bank. The deeper pegs at the bottom end of the stretch are winter hotspots, fishing under your feet when the river is up and coloured.
Contact: Middle Severn Angling 01746 769070
Prices: £5 a day on the bank, Kinver Freeliners AC
Wesbite: www.kinverfreelinersac.com
River Wensum, Costessey Mill, Norfolk
Numerous re-stockings have taken place over the years on the Wensum and although the fishing isn’t as prolific as it once was, there are still barbel to be had in the weir pools around Costessey.
Prices: Free fishing
Contact: 08432 891368
Website: PW Angling, www.pwangling.co.uk
River Wye, Canons Bridge, Herefordshire
This Wye & Usk Foundation stretch either side of the bridge boasts deep glides, sweeping bends and fast, gravel lined rapids. If you don’t hook a big barbel here you’ll probably connect with one of the resident giant chub.
Contact: 01874 712 074, Wye & Usk Foundation
Prices: £15-£22 a day, four anglers on this stretch max per day
River Wye, Hereford, Herefordshire
The spots by the tennis courts below the bridge are good for specimen barbel as are by the flats at Bartonham, fishing from downstream of the oak tree. The first peg upstream of the old railway bridge is also a hotspot. A block-end feeder with bunches of maggots works well here.
Contact: Woody’s Tackle, 01432 344644
Prices: £7 from Woody’s Tackle, Hereford DAA
Website: www.hdaa.blogspot.co.uk
River Arun and Rother, Pulborough, W Sussex
The tidal stretch at Stopham is deep and fast flowing but holds plenty of double-figure barbel as well as enough smaller specimens to keep you interested. The club also runs a prolific stretch of the Rother the scene of Ian Duffy’s recent 18lb 9oz specimen.
Prices: £75 a season, Pulborough AS
Contact: 01798 831525
Website: www.pulboroughas.com
River Avon, Ringwood Fishery, Ringwood, Dorset
A fishery famous for its specimen barbel stocks. Where the main river splits and where side streams enter the river are always worth concentrating on so a roving approach will pay dividends.
Contact: Ringwood Tackle, 01425 475155
Prices: £10 a day from local tackle shops, Christchurch AC
www.christchurchac.org.uk
River Great Ouse, Haversham, Bucks
The famous Adam’s Mill section still holds the record for the biggest UK barbel and although its glory days are past, there are still plenty of fish here to put a bend in your rod, thanks to numerous re-stockings. Try the spots between the bridge and the M1.
Prices: £43 a year, Milton Keynes AA
Contact: 01908 270000
Website: www.mkaa.co.uk
River Ivel, Biggleswade, Beds
Arguably the best barbel river in the country the sections at Biggleswade Back Meadows and Common are the most heavily fished for barbel with fish being regularly caught in double figures. However there are other spots and the best advice is to go and walk the river, check it out, in truth there are barbel all along the river.
Contact: Ivel Protection Association, 01234 823959
Prices: The association has numerous member clubs offering different prices
Website: www.ipafishing.co.uk
River Lea, Kings Weir, Broxbourne, Herts
A fishery which showed good form for barbel to well over 15lb last winter. The pegs next to the weir are available to fish on a day-ticket and respond well to legered boilie or meat tactics in winter.
Contact: Kings Weir Fishery, 01992 468394
Prices: £12 a day in advance, Kings Weir Fishery
Website: www.kingsweirfishery.co.uk
River Thames, Hampton, Middlesex
The swims at the far end of the stretch opposite Hampton Palace gardens contain plenty of barbel, which often fall to halibut pellets or meat fished on the feeder.
Prices: Free fishing,
Contact: 01784 461831
Website: Surbiton Angling Centre, www.prestoninnovations.com/en/dealers/389_surbiton-angling-centre
Fishing Near Me | Best carp fishing winter venues
With winter fast approaching we have decided to put a list of some of the best carp fishing venues that perform really well in the colder months. As we all know winter carping can either be great or a massive waste of time so it’s best to head to a venue that you know will still produce carp even when the temperature drops to freezing.
BADEN HALL FISHERY, STAFFORD, STAFFS
The pleasure fishing only, Middle Pool offers 68 pegs of carp averaging around 12lb with the odd larger lumps. You can night fish this lake as well as surface fish it in the summer.
01785 850313, Postcode: ST21 6LG, https://www.badenhallfishery.com/index
BARSTON LAKES, SOLIHULL, W MIDS
Barston lake is renowned for its lumps with fish to well over 20lb. The water deepens underneath the electricity wires from around 7' to 15' so these can be good pegs in the cold if the fish are searching for some depth. Otherwise try catching on the drop, or in the margins.
01675 444890, Postcode: B92 0LB, http://www.barstonlakes.co.uk/
EAST DELPH LAKES, WHITTLESEY, CAMBS
These lakes have recently come under new ownership with much work and plenty of re-stockings taking place. At just under two acres the Front Lake is a well-stocked lake holding original carp to over 25lb.
07473 154208, Postcode: PE7 1RH, http://www.eastdelphlakes.com/
MAKINS FISHERY, NUNEATON, WARKS
Lake 1 on Phase One of the complex is another prime example of a match lake where the carp have outgrown their purpose. They average around 12lb but go to over 20lb. The gravel bars in between the islands are the hotspots.
01455 220877, Postcode: CV11 6QJ, http://makinsfishery.co.uk/
STANWICK LAKES, STANWICK, NORTHANTS
The 3 acre, 30 peg Swan Lake used to be a match venue but the carp have now grown on. The average size is between 8lb-16lb although mid-twenties have been caught and there is also a known thirty. There is a car park, conveniently located next to the lake, so you can drive right to it.
07974 300015, Postcode: NN9 6QZ, http://www.stanwicklakesfisheries.com/
TODBER MANOR FISHERIES, STURMINSTER NEWTON, DORSET
Little Hayes Lake is around 6 acres in size and stocked with approximately 700 carp ranging from 10-30lb. The lake boasts 15 gravel swims all of which produce carp catches all year round. Currently anglers are catching well using maggots.
01258 820 384, Postcode: DT10 1JB, https://todbermanor.co.uk/
Linear Fisheries, Witney, Oxon
Linear is one of the most visited venues within the country with anglers from far and wide travelling down to spend time on one of the seven available lakes. With carp going up to 50lb this is definitely one to visit this winter.
Contact: 07885 327708, www.linear-fisheries.co.uk, Postcode: OX29 7QF
Fenland Fisheries, Earith, Huntingdon PE28 3SA
This is a great venue for anyone who wants to catch their first twenty. Normally known for its summer surface fishing it has recently picked up some winter for and is well worth a visit.
Contact: 01487 841858 Website: http://www.fenlandfisheries.com/
Fishing near me | Best pike fishing lakes
Pike fishing near me is one of the most frequently asked question that gets sent into our office so we decided to put this handy little list of some of the best pike lakes and waters in the country for you to fish.
Beaver Fishery, Lingfield, Surrey
Majors Lake is a great venue for pike takes with plenty of fish in the low double-figure category.
07710 656041, Sat Nav: RH7 6HL Web: http://www.beaverfarmfishery.co.uk/the-majors-lake
Bishops Bowl Fishery, Leamington Spa, Warks
On the Mitre Pool, Pike in excess of 20lbs can be targeted between October and February. It is a productive pike lake with lots of mid doubles from the margins on dead or live baits.
01926 612379, Postcode: CV47 2QB Web: https://bishopsbowlfishery.co.uk/lakes/
Broadlands Lakes, Southampton, Hants
Cast tight to the islands on into the margins with a mackerel deadbait for pike to over 20lb. Puncturing your baits with a knife or scissors may give you an edge.
02380 869881, Postcode: SO40 2RX web: http://broadlands-lake.co.uk/
Cudmore Fisheries, Whitmore, Staffs
In Tara Pool, pike to 20lb can be taken on bright lures as the fishery allows drop-shotting during the winter months.
01782 680919, Postcode: ST5 5HW Web: http://cudmorefisheries.co.uk/lakes/
Esthwaite Water, Hawkshead, Cumbria
The Lake District venue is one of the best pike waters in the country with fish to 40lb lurking in its depths. There are plenty of smaller doubles to provide plenty of action though with boat fishing and guiding an option too.
015394 36541, Postcode: LA22 0QF Web: http://www.hawksheadtrout.com/
Finch Farm Fishery, Maidenhead, Berks
Famed for its catfish the lakes also contain plenty of pike too with float-fished deadbaits at long range have been accounting for fish to 25lb in recent weeks.
07790 525642, Postcode: SL6 3ST Web: https://finchfarmfishery.com/
Patshull Park Fishery, Pattingham, Shrops
For just £7.50 a day, anglers can target fish to 32lb. Anglers can also boat fish but deadbaits must be of sea origin and livebaits must be brought from the on-site shop.
01902 700774. Postcode: WV6 7HR Web: https://patshull-park.co.uk/fishing/
Pickering Park Lake, Hull, East Yorks
This water really comes into its own during the colder months when the chance of catching a specimen pike is the target. Only deadbaiting allowed.
01482 300300, Sat Nav: HU4 7AB
Selby 3 Lakes, Selby, North Yorks
Pike to 22lb have been caught already this winter on the day-ticket lake. Depth’s vary between 3 to 18ft on this pool which also has plenty of fish holding features such as submerged reed beds.
07818 092420, Postcode: YO8 8NB Web: http://www.selby3lakescomplex.com/
St Ives Lakes, St Ives, Cambs
The 5-acre Ivo is under-fished but contains some huge pike. The lake contains loads of interesting features, gravel bars, deep margins with loads of cover.
07803 065993, Postcode: PE27 4YQ Web: https://www.stiveslakesfishery.co.uk/
The Warren Fishery, Stanford Le Hope, Essex
The Main Lake is known for its Pike. Many people have visited on their first trip and had a Personal best here. Sizes range from the usual Jacks to upper 20’s with at least two thirties present in the lake.
01375 672083, Postcode: SS17 0EG Web: http://www.thewarrenfishery.co.uk/index.php
Watermark Fisheries, South Cerney, Gloucs
Both the day-ticket Bradley’s and Lake 6 contain the species. Lake 6 in particular screams Pike with all the features a pike angler likes to see including rush beds and sunken trees. Fish over 20lb are regularly caught.
01285 862680, Postcode: GL7 5UZ
Woodland Waters, Ancaster, Lincs
The Specimen Lake fishes well for pike in the colder weather. Fish to 28lbs have been caught on roach deadbaits cast at around 30 yards recently.
01400 230888, Postcode: NG32 3RT Web: http://woodlandwaters.co.uk/
Fishing Near Me | Best Carp fishing Surface Venues
When the Summer months arrive, one of the best ways to catch carp while fishing is by catching them off the surface. This doesn't mean that landing them is any easier though. To help you make your search fro the perfect water a little easier we've put together a list of great surface fishing venues for when you want to catch a carp off the top.
Alderfen Fisheries, Wroot, Lincs
Contact: 07759 936455, www.alderfenfisheries.co.uk, Postcode: DN9 2BG
Ashmoor Lakes, Newnham, Hampshire
Contact: 07941 165763, www.ashmoorlakes.com, Postcode: RG24 7AZ
Bowland Lakes Leisure Village, Preston, Lancs
Contact: 01524 791 637, Postcode: PR3 1BY
Drayton Reservoir, Daventry, Northants
Contact: 01908 302556, Postcode: NN11 0SG
Fields End Fishery, Doddington, Cambs
Contact: 01354 740199, www.fieldsendfishing.co.uk, Postcode: PE15 0TY
Furnace Lakes Fishery, Horsham, West Sussex
Contact: 01403 791163, www.furnace-lakes.co.uk, Postcode: RH13 0QZ
Linear Fisheries, Witney, Oxon
Contact: 07885 327708, www.linear-fisheries.co.uk, Postcode: OX29 7QF
Manor Farm Fishery, Biggleswade, Beds
Contact: 01767 317835 www.manorfarmfishing.com, Postcode: SG18 9BB
Mill Road Fishery, Norfolk
Contact: 07917 756015, www.millroadfishery.co.uk, Postcode: NR29 3EY
Nine Oaks Fishery, Llanarth, Ceredigion
Contact: 01545 580 482, www.nineoaks-fisheries.co.uk, Postcode: SA47 ORW
Fenland Fisheries, Earith, Huntingdon PE28 3SA
Contact: 01487 841858 Website: http://www.fenlandfisheries.com/
Fishing Near Me | Fisheries with a River or Canal
Think commercial fishery you automatically think of big bags of carp and F1’s fishing on an ornate pond or snake lake. However, many anglers don’t realise that some fisheries actually run their own river or canal stretches, many of which rarely see a rod and line. These stretches may not appeal to everyone but what they do offer is easy access to those who love running water; most of which can be fished on a cheaper day-ticket than you would pay to fish the lakes on the same complex. What’s more, you’ll probably have the whole river to enjoy yourself.
A1 Pits, South Muskham, Notts
A cracking section of the River Trent run by the fishery which is renowned for its barbel and bream sport. A classic feeder venue.
07970 209433, Sat Nav: NG23 6EQ
Barston Lakes, Solihull, W Mids
This stretch of Rover Blythe varies between shallow, fast-running stretches to slow moving lengths with deeper holes where an angler can stay for much of the day. There are pike, chub, perch and trout and eels as well as roach.
01675 444890, Sat Nav: B92 0LB
Bax Farm Fishery, Sittingbourne, Kent
A small un-named chalk stream is split into three sections and has some nice fish including carp to around 20lb, chub, tench, roach, bream, rudd and is over 30 feet wide.
01795 520887, Sat Nav: ME9 9BU
Billingford Lakes, Norwich, Norfolk
A 1 mile stretch of fast flowing Wensum ranges in depth from 2ft-6ft. Chub in the 3-5lb range are the top species here. Also to be found is dace, trout, pike, roach and barbel.
01362 788111, Sat Nav: NR20 4RF
Birkwood Farm Fisheries, Wakefield, W Yorks
This four lake complex has recently opened up their own section of the River Calder stocked with trout, chub, gudgeon, roach, rudd, perch and barbel.
01924 892251, Sat Nav: WF6 2JE
Bluebell Lakes, Oundle, Northants
This section of the River Nene runs right next to the lakes and contains everything from small silverfish to big barbel and carp.
01832 226042, Sat Nav: PE8 5HP
Broadlands Fishery, Southampton, Hants
Two rivers meet on the complex, the Test and the Blackwater. Both hold a variety of coarse fish from roach to pike and chub as well as grayling.
023 8086 9881, Sat Nav: SO40 2RX
Catterick Lakes, Scorton, N Yorks
A quality section of the River Swale containing mainly roach, chub and barbel but there are also perch and grayling to target.
07816 200590, Sat Nav: DL10 7LF
Cosgrove Park, Milton Keynes, Bucks
River Great Ouse, The River Tove and the Grand Union Canal are all within the park to go with its 13 lakes which can be fished by booking a touring caravan pitch. A great angling holiday venue.
01908 563360, Sat Nav: MK19 7JP
Docklow Pools, Leominster, Hereford
Two beautiful stretches of the rivers Wye and Teme offering anglers staying on site or with yearly memberships the opportunity to target big fish like barbel to over 12lb, chub as well as roach and bream to double-figures. A venue often visited by our very own Dave Harrell.
01568 760256, Sat Nav: HR6 0RU
Hacketts Lakes, Nottingham, Notts
The tiny Polser Brook, a River Trent tributary, runs through the complex. When the weather cools big bags of roach can be caught using a whip or waggler.
07798 702 053, Sat Nav: NG12 2LD
Hallcroft Fishery, Retford, Notts
A fast flowing stretch of the River Idle containing barbell to 8lb, chub to 4lb, dace and gudgeon amongst other species. Available on a day-ticket you can fish a stick float or ledger with baits like meat and maggot.
01777 710448, Sat Nav: DN22 7RA
Hall Lane Fishery, Bispham, Lancs
The River Douglas which is around 3m deep, contains mainly chub and dace. Ideal venue for trotting a float with baits like bread.
07766 141388, Sat Nav: L40 3SD
Larford Lakes, Stourport, Worcs
80 pegs of River Severn fishing, offering 50lb-plus bags of barbel to 10lb, chub and bream with both feeder and float tactics are equally effective.
01299 829373, Sat Nav: DY13 0SQ
Lea Valley Park, Broxbourne, Herts
The Hertford and Ware Joint Angling Club run Lea Navigation runs through the park and available on a day ticket. This year bream nets over 50lb have fallen to feeder and red maggot or corn tactics.
07907 212035, Sat Nav: EN2 9HG
Manor Farm Fishing, Biggleswade, Beds
A meandering, 3-5ft deep stretch of the River Ivel which is renowned for its big fish from barbel to specimen perch, eels, chub and roach.
01767 317835, Sat Nav: SG18 9BB
Manor Farm Leisure, Evesham, Worcs
Two sections of the Warwickshire Avon which are prolific specimen barbel spots. Every year at least 50 double –figure fish are caught on these stretches. Its so good AT’s own Martin Bowler once called it: ‘Britain’s best barbel river’
01386 870039, Sat Nav: WR11 8PA
Monk Lakes, Marden, Kent
2000m of the River Beult which you can fish day or night. The fishing is challenging but rewarding with quality perch, chub, roach, carp, tench, bream and pike to go at.
01622 833332, Sat Nav: TN12 9BS
Tunnel Barn Farm Fisheries, Shrewley, Warks
One of the most popular fisheries in the Midlands but few people know that it also runs a 2.5 mile section of the Grand Union Canal from the tunnel at Shrewley up to Rowington. Silverfish along with carp and bream to 6lb are abundant.
01926 842188, Sat Nav: CV35 7AN
Shiplate Farm Fishery, Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset
A challenging 0.5 mile stretch of the River Axe on site which is known to produce bags of bream over 150lb.
07895 852162, Sat Nav: BS24 0NY
Fishing Near Me | Places to stay and fish in the north.
Sycamore Fisheries
Cheshire is well known for hosting some of the country’s finest fishing locations – and Sycamore Fisheries backs this up, with anglers averaging 70lb-80lb mixed bags.
On site you’ll find six feature-packed pools that scream classic pole fishing, thanks to their canal-style shapes with far-bank reeds and islands to target. Silverbirch and Rowan are the two identical match waters and each boasts 20 well-spaced pegs to fish from.
Around 12m away you’ll reach the island, and anglers have been fishing tight to these features with pellet, corn and maggot for fantastic nets of carp, F1s, chub and barbel.
Similar fishing can be found on the 30-peg David’s Pool which shares a similar layout to Silverbirch and Rowan. The central island is slightly further away but this is easily reachable on the bomb or Method feeder – which will claim the biggest carp to around 15lb and barbel to 6lb.
The Willow Pool is a very popular pleasure water that has the most open water on site and is the best place to catch 50lb of carp shallow on the pellet waggler or pole with caster on the hook.
There are also some awesome crucians in here and these are well worth a go with maggots down the edge. Finally, the two smaller pools – Clockface and Joe’s Pool – are superb for bite-a-chuck action.
The latter is your standard canal pool offering a mixed stock and a deep track and far-bank margin to target. Clockface is designed in a ‘Donut style’ and gives every angler an island to target in the middle of the lake.
Again you’ll find a mixed stock of fish in here, including carp to 10lb, bream, tench, roach, crucians and rudd – and is the place to be if you’re just getting into the sport.
Prices: £5 a day, £4 concessions
Contact: Phil on 07710 780864 or visit www.sycamoresleisure.co.uk
Location: Ashton Road Farm, Golborne, Warrington, Cheshire, WA3 3UU
Rules: All nets must be dipped, barbless hooks only, no keepnets except during matches, landing nets must be used to land all fish, no dogs allowed, children under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult over 18, no littering, groundbait in moderation only, no bloodworm or joker, no boilies, no cat or dogfood, no floating baits, only coarse feed pellets may be used – no trout pellets allowed
Facilities: Parking, toilets
Spring Heath
Spring Heath Log Cabins & Fishery is a tranquil 10-acre holiday park located on the outskirts of the traditional English village of Knockin, in Shropshire.
The park is set in a beautiful natural waterside location which instantly de-stresses you from your everyday life. So, whether you wish to spend time fishing or relaxing, we can ensure you that we have what you are looking for.
The cabins are individually hand crafted using whole Douglas Fir tree trunks. They have been built using traditional post and beam construction, as used in Canadian log cabins. They even have grass-covered roofs to act as insulation.
We have two log cabins which overlook the fishing pools. Each cabin is divided into two spacious semi-detached holiday lets. Two sleep six people and two sleep four.
The fishery consists of two pools, each approximately two acres in area. The pools have a number of wildlife islands and are set in mature surroundings. They attract lots of rare wildlife which will make your stay even more special.
Ecclestone Pool is a fishery that caters for the discerning angler who prefers to fish in a quiet mixed fishery that is not full of F1 carp or where you can expect huge bags of fish in six hours. This pool is ideal for the beginner or intermediate angler, or someone who wants to get away from busy commercial waters.
There are a number of fishing platforms for less-abled anglers or those that just want a dry platform to fish from. This pool contains carp of all varieties, tench, bream, roach, rudd, crucians, chub, perch and golden orfe.
You really cannot fail to catch from this pool, which is perfect for the younger angler to learn the sport.
Blurton Pool is also two acres and has two islands in a tranquil setting at the edge of woodland. This is a challenging, moderately-stocked pool and not one for the angler who wants a quick bite.
This is a small pool with carp predominantly between 8lb to 20lb. Due to the size of the pool you do not need 3lb test curve rods and 15lb line. Most of the time the fish are within 30 metres of the bank.
When fishing this pool, you must have an unhooking mat and a suitably sized landing net (minimum net size 36ins and no pan landing nets), as the fish are larger than those in Eccleston Pool.
No night fishing is permitted on either pool.
Before you start fishing, please read the rules on the website.
Location: Lower Heathwaen, Knockin, nr Oswestry , SY10 8DA
Contact: 01691 682746
Prices: Day tickets, Blurton Pool: Adults £10 per day for two rods, concessions £9; evening tickets £8, £7 concessions. Eccleston Pool: Adults £8 one rod, £10 two rods, concessions £7; evening tickets £6, £5 concessions for a maximum of two rods
Rules: Two rods only, no fixed rigs, barbless hooks only, unhooking mats, no keepnets,
no nut baits, no sacks, no rods to be left unattended
Facilities: Disabled access and swims, toilets and disabled facilities, caravan pitches
Website: www.springheath.co.uk
Breffni Arms Hotel
This stunning hotel in the town of Arvagh is well-known by match anglers for the regular festivals it sponsors – attracting some on the sport’s biggest names – and being sited close to the Cavan-Leitrim-Longford border.
There are hundreds of lakes to keep anglers pleased, including Gowna and Gulladoo along with river fishing too, and all sited just 90 minutes from Dublin and Belfast.
Family-run, Breffni offers the visitor 13 superbly-appointed family and standard guest bedrooms on a bed and breakfast or bed, breakfast and evening meal basis, with all the facilities to ensure a comfortable stay including Wi-Fi, multi-channel TV and direct dial phones.
You’ll also be spoilt on the dining front, with bar food served throughout the day alongside the sumptuous restaurant offering modern cuisine and a range of fine wines – plus plenty of beer of course!
But while you’re not relaxing in the hotel it’s the fishing that’s the main order of business here and if bream, roach and hybrid sport is what you’re after then we recommend Lough Gowna, where you can catch between 50lb and 80lb of them on cage feeder or slider float tactics.
Come in closer on the pole with maggots over groundbait for the roach – which can be caught up to 2lb and over… if you’re lucky!
Prices: Single rooms from £55, fishing is free on most waterways here
Contact: 00353 049 4335127 or visit www.breffniarms.ie
Location: The Breffni Arms Hotel, Arvagh, Co. Cavan, Ireland
Facilities: Single, double, twin and family rooms, Wi-Fi, bed and breakfast, restaurant, parking, access to dozens of waterways and fisheries
Longford Fishery
This nine-lake commercial complex is as scenic and peaceful as any river bank or natural water you will find.
Lily Lake has seven islands which are perfect to polefish to at 14m-16m. Carp average around 5lb and can be caught on a variety of methods including fishing in the margins or tight to the islands.
Paste is an excellent bait here. Fish it in the margins or at the bottom of the near shelf for instant bites, although other common baits such as pellets, meat and corn work well too.
The Main Lake is for day-ticket anglers only and holds a good mix of stock at high density, making it ideal for beginners or those looking for easy fishing.
There are also specimen carp in here to 20lb, but most enjoy fishing for the early doubles using a waggler or pole in the margins with paste or corn, or taking them off the surface with biscuits or floating pellets. This would be a good lake to catch your carp personal best.
Carwood Lake is similar to Lily, except the carp average 5lb-10lb. Nets to 200lb have been taken on here and there are also barbel to 4lb being caught in the margins on dead maggots, meat or past on the pole. The margins tend to hold the bigger carp, while the two islands hold smaller fish.
Prices: £7 a day, £4 for an extra rod, concessions (juniors and OAPs) £5.50 a day
Contact: 07917 824188 or visit www.longfordfishery.com
Location: Longford Fishery, Long Lane, Longford, Derbys, DE6 3DF
Rules: Barbless hooks only, all fish to be landed in a landing net, no carp sacks permitted
Facilities: Parking, toilets, café, food delivered to swim
Blackthorn Gate
The three on-site pools and four luxury lodges have been drawing in anglers and holidaymakers from all over the country since their introduction a few year ago.
Set at the entrance to the glorious North Yorkshire Moors National Park, just being at Blackthorn Gate, Eastfields Farm, is breathtaking – but it’s when you book a holiday here that the fun really starts.
Each lodge – Curlew, Skylark, Lapwing and Chaffinch – is tailor made with relaxation in mind. All have a living room/dining room, a kitchen and two bedrooms. The master bedroom has an en-suite shower room.
There is a drying room in each lodge as well as a veranda, where you can sit and soak up the sun. You’ll also find a private hot tub (extra charge applies) and a sauna so you can relax and unwind after a hard day’s fishing.
And there’s plenty of fun to be head on each lake, with carp to over 10lb, bream, tench, roach, crucians and chub available to ensure the float keeps going under all day long.
Contact: 01642 324496 or visit www.blackthorngate.co.uk
Prices: Lodges from £267 for midweek and weekend breaks depending on time of year. Weekly rates available on the website
Rules: No keepnets, maximum of two rods only, barbless hooks only, no fires or radios, groundbait in moderation, no littering, no fishing from the island on Rita’s Pool between March 1 and August 31
Prince Albert Angling Society
When a club has more than 220 waters in its portfolio you know it’s got to be pretty special – and that’s the case with Prince Albert AS.
The Cheshire society offers a staggering range of waters right through the season at a bargain price. Every member of the club has access to secluded meres, big stillwaters and rivers that offer everything from trout and salmon to specimen carp and bream.
The club is highly active on the tuition front, with free coaching days for juniors and an extensive match calendar to get youngsters into fishing.
The waters controlled by Prince Albert are as far apart as the Scottish Borders down to South West Wales. Night fishing is available on many of these, too, and because the club does not operate a day-ticket system you’ll often have a venue all to yourself.
Famous rivers including the Severn, Trent, Wye, Eden, Ribble, Mersey and Dee are on offer with fine barbel, chub and roach sport, plus many smaller, intimate wild waters in Wales. Fly anglers have the chance to catch trout, fresh-run sea trout and salmon when the time is right.
For stillwater anglers, Redesmere, part of the Capesthorne Estate in Cheshire, is a famed carp water and home to fish well over 30lb.
There are over 50 stillwaters on the club card, ranging from 100-acre lakes to small ponds. Anglers can target carp to over 40lb, specimen tench and bream as well as monster perch and pike. The club also runs two long canal stretches as well as some syndicate waters, including trout venue Blithfield.
Fishing Near Me | Places to stay and fish in the midlands
Looking for places to stay and fish for your holiday this year? then you may want to take a look at this handy list of places that you can stay and fish within the midlands.
BARSTON LAKES
Built around the immaculate West Midlands Golf Club, Barston Lakes offers first-class fishing to a variety of anglers. Located conveniently near Coventry, Birmingham, Leamington and Warwick, the four pools on this complex offer specimen carp as well as prolific matchfishing throughout the year.
The 125-peg Barston Lake offers a unique prospect for match and specimen anglers. Containing carp to 37lb, this mighty pool can also be booked for matches for 10-100 people. The luxury of behind the peg parking is available on half of the lake, with wheelchair access also available on certain pegs. Night fishing is permitted, and anglers using bivvies are asked not to obstruct the public footpath that runs around the right hand side of the lake.
Match Pool is a 22-peg lake that can be booked for matches that was designed with polefishing in mind. Carp, F1s and silverfish offer excellent sport throughout the year.
Night fishing is allowed on 10-peg Jake’s Lake, which holds carp to 30lb. Meanwhile, 18-peg Daisy’s Lake offers mixed fishing featuring carp to double-figures.
Not only is the fishing at Barston outstanding, but the catering facilities available are also some of the best in the country. The bar is open from 7am, and food can be taken away or enjoyed in the pristine restaurant. The venue also has disabled access to pegs and ample parking.
Prices: 1 or 2 rods (3 rods is £2 extra) up to 8 hours £8.95; (£6.50 junior or oap); 8-16 hours £13.50; 17-24 hours £18
Contact: 01675444890 or visit www.barstonlakes.co.uk
Rules: No barbed hooks, no surface fishing, no braid outside of November 1 and May 1. No keepnets except in matches. Night fishing available for £15 a year
FLOAT FISH FARM
Containing everything from golden tench to immense catfish, Float Fish Farm caters to all your angling desires. Currently holding eight lakes, and with plans to add a further five or six, this fishery is destined to become one of the largest in the South East of England.
Specimen carp anglers can enjoy Home Lake (no booking required), for fish to 26lb including ghost and ornamental Koi. Sand lake (online booking only) holds carp to 32lb, as well as catfish that have been caught to 64lb. Lapwing (online booking only) is a six-acre water featuring six swims, giving anglers plenty of room to target the water’s three specimen carp to over 40lbs, as well as many fish to 30lbs and over.
Match and pleasure fishing is also available on Two Islands, Horseshoe, and Wagtail lakes, which contain all species including barbel. Kingfisher Lake is a small water geared towards the youngest and oldest anglers, where good bags of carp, crucians and silvers can be taken. Tench Pit ahs three wims and tench to 8lb.
Bait and tackle can also be purchased on-site whether you are fishing or not, where match and coarse baits alongside maggots, casters and worms can be purchased. Food of excellent quality is also served every weekend from 7am to 2pm. There is a food van on site.
Elmhirs Lake
Elmhirst Lakes is a beautiful and peaceful holiday retreat, ideal for anglers and non-anglers seeking a relaxing break within an easy walk of the small market town of Horncastle and its inns and cafés.
On site are three coarse ponds and a specimen lake holding carp to 30lb, roach to 3lb and a host of other species to spice up your session.
The fishing is superb, and you can find the same quality in the accommodation on offer.
A range of static caravans and lodges all offer TV/DVD, fridge and microwave, and some have en-suite facilities to the main bedroom. All are beside the main lake, with superb views over the water, and all accommodation is carefully cleaned prior to your arrival, so you’ll feel at home from the start.
Parking is available next to your accommodation, so long walks are not an issue.
When you’re not relaxing in your comfortable static home you’ll be getting down to some rod-bending action across four idyllic waters. All have mixed stocks and you can catch plenty of big roach, tench, bream and crucians by fishing maggots on the pole or waggler over a little groundbait in the margins.
Alternatively, you can mount a specimen-style attack for the carp with boilies and pellets and simply sit back and relax, taking in the surroundings… at least until your alarm screams off!
Prices: Accommodation from £440-£520 a week, fishing for residents only
Contact: 01507 527533 or visit www. elmhirstlakes.co.uk
Location: Elmhirst Lakes, Elmhirst Lane, Horncastle, Lincolnshire, LN9 5LU
Rules: Barbless hooks only, all fish to be landed via a net – no swinging in, no littering, no dogs, no fires, no keepnets
Facilities: Parking, modern caravans and lodges – toilets, shower and cooking facilities, entertainment
WESTWOOD LAKES
Just outside Boston is this fantastic seven-lake complex. Whatever your level of ability, Westwood Lakes will supply your angling fix!
For a mixed bag on simple pole or waggler tactics head to Skylark, Hawk, Swallow, Osprey or Falcon – all boast brilliant stocks of carp, barbel, bream, tench and silvers.
Best areas to target are the islands, or the nearside margin. For baits you can keep it traditional with maggot, worm, corn and caster, or go for the modern approach of pellet and paste. However, any tactic fished well will leave you with a sore arm!
For hectic line-stripping action with larger carp or big stillwater barbel, a session on Kestrel or Kingfisher will do you proud – both species run to over 10lb. The average stamp is sublime, at around 7lb and you can’t beat pellet and paste down the edge.
For match anglers, winners of several open contests qualify for a £5,000 final, while the three-day Autumn Classic Festival will give 108 anglers the chance of competing for £10,000 in prize money. There are no fewer than seven festivals planned for next year, from April to November, and you can book in now.
The complex isn’t just for anglers, mind. Twenty-six luxury lodges and a restaurant make it ideal for the whole family, not to mention the entertaining surroundings.
Fishery owner Alan Coupland says: “We encourage people to come and stay in our beautiful surroundings – you need not be a fisherman to enjoy our Westwood Lakes.
“You can simply relax and unwind or use our great location to explore the very interesting buildings, towns, markets and seaside resorts our county has to offer.”
Location: Five House Lane, Boston, Lincolnshire PE21 7JA
Contact: 01205 724 162
Prices: Day ticket £7
Rules: Barbless only, no surface fishing, running rigs only, no meat, fishery pellets only, all nets to be dipped
Facilities: Tackle shop, accommodation, restaurant, Mallard bar lounge, toilets
Web: www.westwoodlakes.co.uk
BAKE LAKES
Described by the fishery as “a jewel in Cornwall’s angling crown”, Bake Lakes lives up to everything said about the complex.
You will find nine lakes, each one offering first-class coarse or carp fishing regardless of your angling style or ability – but which lake should you fish for your angling fix?
For specimen carp, a session on Caesar’s Palace or Luxor, both five acres, will see stunning scaly carp to 25lb-plus caught. Spend some time locating the fish, then present a simple bottom rig towards them with boilie hookbaits and pellet loosefeed.
Those after a mixed bag of carp, tench, bream and silvers could do a lot worse than pay a visit to Flamingo, Treasure Island or Dunes.
Here, simple pole or waggler tactics with corn, caster, maggot, worm or pellet will see your float bury on a regular basis!
Juniors are also well catered for here, and they will be more than happy catching a fish a chuck on ‘wag and mag’ tactics.
For any traditionalists that wish for an escape from carp, the intimate Snag Alley offers the perfect opportunity. This water is only stocked with tench and silver fish – use light gear on here and enjoy some fantastic fun!
Finally, for those carp fanatics that crave the excitement of tempting a fish from the surface, a trip to The Canal will see your breadcrust or mixer hookbait regularly engulfed by fighting-fit fish.
Location: Bake Lakes Fishing, Trerulefoot, Saltash, PL12 5BW
Contact: 07798 585836
Prices: These are lake-specific. Day tickets start from £8, or £20 for 24 hours
Rules: Specimen Lakes: No fixed leads, barbless or micro barbed hooks only, no leadcore, large mats and nets essential. Coarse Lake: Barbless hooks only, no fixed rigs
Facilities: Toilets, café
Website: www.bakelakes.co.uk
LAVENDER HALL
Whether you want to bag up on match-size carp, floatfish for a net of silvers or wait patiently in peaceful surroundings for a larger specimen, Lavender Hall has something for you.
Situated in Berkswell, Coventry, it has been a popular venue since it first opened in 1998.
There are five lakes on site. Dragon Lake, Bens Lake and Oak Lake are match waters stocked with plenty of carp, roach, rudd, tench and big perch. You can expect match weights averaging 60lb-80lb. The waggler or pole with casters, maggots or pellets will produce regular bites.
Brook Pool is an out-and-out pleasure water with a good head of double-figure carp and some big tench. If you’re targeting the tench and silver fish in this pool the waggler with corn or meat is the method. Carp anglers are successful when fishing boilies or pellets in the margins.
If you are a specimen hunter, then Station Lake is a real haven, with some stunning fish to target. The lake is full of features, with three islands, varying depths, gravel and clay spots. Only eight anglers are allowed on the 11 swims on this two-acre water, which gives everyone ample space.
The carp average 16lb-18lb but there are many larger specimens present with 30-35 fish over 20lb and a lake record of 31lb. The bigger fish tend to fall to boilies, but a zig or surface bait is worth trying in warmer weather. This is a very good margin water too.
The site offers many facilities to make your stay more enjoyable. The tackle shop is fully stocked with all major brands and is open 8am-5pm daily. The Lavender Café will keep you well fed with breakfast, chips and sandwiches at affordable prices.
Prices: General Pools £9 full day ticket, £7 concessions
Specimen Lake £25 for 24 hours
Contact: 01676 530299 or visit www.lavenderhallfishery.co.uk
Location: Lavender Hall Lane, Coventry, CV7 7BN
Rules: Barbless hooks only, no braided mainline, no surface fishing on match lakes, no trout pellets, anglers aged under 16 must be accompanied by an adult on specimen lake.
Facilities: Café, tackle shop, toilets, disabled facilities, parking
SWAN LAKE
Set in beautiful rural Lincolnshire near Skegness, Swan Lake Fishing and Caravan Park is a friendly, family-run complex offering you a superb, relaxed holiday.
Amid the 13 acres of park lie two fishing lakes.The main lake, Swan, is two acres and was established over 100 years ago. A variety of fish in this lake includes carp, tench, barbel, crucians, roach, rudd and perch. Pole fishing close to the margins on this lake can be really productive, with regular bags of 100lb taken. Other tactics such as the Method feeder with corn or pellets never seem to fail to catch carp. The larger double-figure carp will often get caught off the surface during the summer.
Leaver Lake is a relatively new addition and is stocked with similar species to Swan Lake. The pole or waggler with pellet, meat, corn or maggot will produce bags of fish, with 50lb nets common. Fishing to the islands on this lake tends to produce the better examples.
The park’s country setting is ideal for scenic walks and bike rides. Adjacent to the park there is a small pub, and the historic village of Wainfleet is just over a mile away.
Wainfleet is home to a number of restaurants, shops and the world-famous Bateman’s Brewery, offering an interesting day out.
For accommodation the park offers a small hire fleet of holiday homes, ie caravans. Each of them has a lock-up storage unit. They are ideal for couples looking for a lovely and peaceful break. Sorry, no male partied or dogs allowed.
Swan Lake is maintained to a very high standard to ensure your stay is a memorable experience.
So why not visit and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Lincolnshire countryside?
MAKINS FISHERY
One of the first commercial fisheries, Makins offers action-packed angling. Each of its phases is different, and the pick of the bunch on Phase One has to be Lake Five.
The feeder dominates, with the best pegs those reaching the island. Groundbait with corn and pellet will take carp to 20lb, or big tench and bream if the carp fail to feed.
Phase Two offers a host of bays and islands. The Crater Pool has some of the biggest stillwater barbel in the country – fish to 12lb come out on worm to a pole approach down the edge on peg 15. On Phase Three carp, barbel, roach, skimmers, and perch to 2lb are taken throughout the year.
There are plenty of other facilities on site. Two luxury three-bedroom lodges with hot tubs overlook lake 5. Each has its own private parking and a secure store for tackle or bicycles.
If you don’t wish to stay in these there is also a 35-pitch touring and caravan site with shower and toilet block. For a place to eat you can visit the on-site café or there are two pubs serving food less than a five-minute drive away. The cathedral city of Coventry is just 15 minutes away by car with places to visit including the interesting motor museum.
Match anglers should check out the King of Makins contest, sponsored by Dynamite Baits. Test your skill on each of the three phases to find the best all-round angler.
Different styles of fishing, large lakes, small lakes and canals will test your skills. Big cash prizes are on offer, as well as Dynamite Baits packages. The first of three matches takes place on June 30.
Prices: £7.50, £5.50 concessions
Contact: 01455 220877 or visit http://makinsfishery.co.uk
Location: Makins Fishery, Bazzard Road, Bramcote, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV11 6QJ
Rules: Barbless hooks only, maximum size 10, no bloodworm or joker, no floating baits, Dynamite Baits Green Swim Stim or on-site shop pellets only. See website for full list
Facilities: Toilets, disabled access, café, tackle and bait shop, accommodation
King Richard III
Located on the historic hunting grounds of King Richard III, this venue will provide an interesting and unforgettable angling getaway in its exclusive three-berth log cabin. With fishing available on the lake for guests only, you can enjoy catching the stock of big carp in complete privacy.
While staying in the two-floor cabin you can awake each morning surrounded by countryside and wildlife. Your visit will be made hassle-free and comfortable, with the fully furnished cabin having everything you will need, including wifi to stay connected.
Tackle storage will also not be a problem with plenty of space outside the accommodation. You can even use a 4x4 to save lugging your gear or luggage around the site.
Moving offsite to the area around Henley-in-Arden, you will be able to stock up on all the bits of tackle and bait you will need for your stay, with the tackle shop not being far away. For those not wanting to cook there is a huge variety of restaurants locally.
Prices: £350 for three-night stay, £750 for a week for three people
Contact: 07753 634440 or email revitrevit@hotmail.co.uk
Location: Hill Barn Farm, Henley in Arden, B95 5SA
Rules: Barbless hooks only, no littering, please use suitable nets and unhooking mats
Facilities: Two-floor log cabin, wifi, disabled access , tackle shop nearby
Sycamore Farm
A beautiful and peaceful place, hidden in the Lincolnshire countryside. The 14-acre site has two lakes where you can enjoy dawn till dusk fishing for the stock of carp, barbel, roach, rudd and tench.
Sycamore Farm Park is popular with people fishing the float on either rod or pole. Sweetcorn fished over pellet in the margins should get bites from the venue’s many carp – some of which run to 30lb.
For accommodation there are static caravans across the park. The touring field has a range of pitches all with electric hook-ups plus a toilet and shower block, pot-wash area and launderette. There are also two country cottages and two new luxury apartments.
The touring field has been fully over-hauled and now has new electricity hook-ups fitted, as well as a toilet and shower block.
For supplies, the onsite shop has everything you will need for your visit – including tackle and a selection of the Dynamite Baits range.
If you need a rest from the hard-fighting fish, the popular seaside resort of Skegness is only a few miles away. Here you can take a walk along vast stretches of sandy beaches or visit other local attractions.
Prices: Park guests -£5 a day, Non-residents - £6 per day
Contact: 01754 810833. www.countryandcoastalholidays.co.uk
Location: Sycamore Farm Park, Chalk Lane, Burgh Le Marsh, Skegness, PE24 5HN
Rules: No keep nets, no ground bait, barbless hooks only, no bloodworm, no hemp
Facilities: Accommodation, shop, toilet and shower block
Woodland Waters
Within a beautiful wooded valley covering 72 acres lies the luxury accommodation and five fishing lakes at Woodland Waters.
The fine selection of lakes on site provide a variety of environments and species of fish for the visiting angler. The 14-acre Specimen Lake is predominantly a big carp water with fish reaching upper twenties. This tree-lined lake also has other species to fish for including bream, rudd, perch and some large pike.
The seven-acre Match Lake is a prolific bagging water. Incredible nets of 500lb featuring bream, roach, rudd, perch and carp have been caught by visitors. The lake is known however for its large head of quality tench up to 11lb 8oz.
If the large specimens in the other lakes are not on the feed, there are also three other lakes. The Small Carp Lake, Birch Lake and Roach Pool are popular pleasure fishing waters ideal for juniors or beginners. All are stocked with mix of coarse species.
The Lakeview and Woodview lodges offer the perfect setting for a relaxing holiday and overlook some of the stunning mature lakes. If the lodges aren’t for you the site also has excellent camping and caravan facilities close to the specimen lake. After a day’s fishing you can relax, unwind and feast in Woody’s Bar and Lakeview Restaurant which offer locally sourced food and a range of ales or wines.
Prices: £6 for one rod or £8 for two. Concessions £4.50 for one rod or £6.50 for two
Carp Fishing - £20 for 24 hours. Concessions £15 for 24 hours.
Contact: 01400 230888 or visit woodlandwaters.co.uk
Location: Willoughby Rd, Ancaster, Grantham, Lincs NG32 3RT
Rules: Barbless hooks only, 10lb minimum line for carp fishing, no tiger nuts, no bloodworm or joker, no keepnets or groundbait in small lakes, under 14s to be accompanied by an adult
Taswood Lakes
Nestled in the Tas Valley in the heart of the Norfolk countryside is Taswood Lakes, a picturesque and tranquil fishery.
There is something for all anglers here. For the dedicated carp angler there are four main carp lakes – Spring, Grove, Heron and Broadwing – all available to fish on a day ticket.
The hard-fighting English carp in these lakes have reached weights topping 42lb 5oz in the past, with some immaculate specimen commons and mirrors on offer.
The coarse lakes – Lapwing, Osprey and Grebe – are well stocked and contain a variety of species. Tench lakes, mixed pleasure lakes, match-style carp lakes, whatever technique you wish to use or species you wish to target, this fishery will accommodate you.
Nets in excess of 100lb are recorded every season, comprising specimen tench, roach, chub and bream.
The complex has comfortable swims with excellent access for disabled users, along with toilets, shower facilities and ample car parking. There is a tackle, bait and general convenience shop on site which also sells food. Use of a microwave is available.
When on holiday at Taswood you can choose to stay in one of the four stunning holiday cottages which overlook Osprey Lake. Each has its own private swim for some real exclusive and intimate fishing.
Prices: £10 a day 7am to 6pm on Spring (£12 Heron, Broadwing & Grove), £10 6pm to 7am Spring (£12 Heron, Broadwing & Grove),
Contact: 01508 470919 or visit www.taswoodlakes.co.uk
Location: Taswood Lakes, Mill Road, Flordon, Norwich, Norfolk, NR15 1LX
Rules: See website for full list
Facilities: Disabled access, toilets, shower facilities, parking, tackle shop
Waterloo Farm
This picturesque family-run resort on the Northants/Leicestershire border is the perfect spot for a fishing holiday.
Whether enjoying the luxury of the two Norwegian log cabins or pitching up at one of the four caravan sites, the peaceful location will provide an enjoyable stay.
The three lakes on site each serve a different purpose. The oldest, Waterloo Lake, consists of 37 well-spaced pegs and a variety of coarse species to target. For the pleasure or match angler there are crucians, chub, tench and barbel. For specialists or those after bigger fish the carp run to over 25lb.
Caravan residents can enjoy exclusive fishing with pitches directly next to the water’s edge on Wellington Lake, a purpose-built match pool where 100lb-plus bags are possible.
For those looking to start fishing or introduce the younger generation to the sport there is a purpose-built 12-peg Junior Lake. It provides the perfect environment to learn the basics. Expert angling tuition is available on this lake, and can be booked during your stay.
If the quality fishing and peaceful surroundings are not enough you can also enjoy breakfast and lunch daily in the classically decorated on-site tea room. Shoppers can check out Carols Emporium for a range of beautifully crafted items and handy items you will need for your stay, including bait and tackle.
Prices: £7 per day, concessions £5, under 14s £5, afternoons £5
Contact: 01858 434098 or visit waterloofarmleisure.co.uk/
Location: Harborough Road, Great Oxendon, Market Harborough, Leics, LE16 8NB
Rules: One rod only, barbless only, no floating baits, no large boilies, no cat or dogfood, no dogs on Waterloo Lake, anglers 12-14 to be accompanied by experienced angler, anglers under 12 must use Junior Lake and be accompanied at all times
Broad Escapes Fishing Holidays
Escape with a fishing holiday in the Broads National Park
Broads Escapes offers a collection of self-catering holiday cottages set within the beautiful surrounding of the Broads National Park.
Each cottage is a comfortable home from home, equipped with everything you might need during your stay. Located in pretty riverside villages just a short stroll from local amenities, each cottage benefits from a private garden or deck overlooking the water.
There is plenty to keep you occupied during your stay from the many attractions, surrounding market towns and villages or the stunning beaches of Norfolk coast. There are also over 190 miles of footpaths, cycle paths and bridal ways to explore and you will find some of the Broads best fishing right on your doorstep.
The Broads are a fisherman’s paradise, fish directly from your cottage or hire a boat for the day to explore little known locations. Common catches on the Broads include pike, bream, roach, mirror & common carp, rudd eels, tench, casters, corn and perch.
Four legged friends are also welcome in our pet our friendly cottages.
To book your next escape visit broadsescapes.co.uk or call 01692 661 277
Fishing Near Me | Top 5 Specimen Tench Venues
There is nothing better than the sight of your float slowly starting to slide away from a bed of lilies, knowing that you have most likely got a tench on the end of your line. Here at Angling Times we love out tench fishing and have put together a list of 5 venues that you must visit if you want to land a specimen tench.
BISHOPS BOWL FISHERY, Leamington Spa, Warks
Tench fishing on the 1.5 acre White Bishop Lake is remarkable, with fish exceeding 7lb caught every year and numerous fish around the 3-4lb mark regularly.
01926 612379, Postcode: CV47 2QB, http://bishopsbowlfishery.co.uk/
DOGGETTS FISHERY, Rochford, Essex
This lake is home to countless little bays and fishing with worm or corn close to a big reedbed can help you find tench to 5lb.
07958 204002, Postcode: SS41ED,
https://sites.google.com/site/essexleisurefisheries/doggetts-farm-fishery
LANGOLD LAKE COUNTRY PARK, Worksop, Notts
There are numerous floating islands dotted around the lake and these often hold large numbers of tench, with fish to 6lb not uncommon.
07772 326258, Postcode: S81 9NW, https://www.bassetlaw.gov.uk/everything-else/parks-open-spaces/langold-country-park.aspx
MARSH FARM, Milford, Surrey
Harris Lake holds tench to 9lb-plus and is becoming popular amongst the tinca chasing fraternity.
01483 428885, Postcode: GU8 5AE
TYRAM HALL FISHERIES, Doncaster, S Yorks
The 2-acre Tench Pond produced some fantastic fish last year. Depths range from between 5ft and 12ft. As you have probably guessed already the water holds a good stock of Tench which go to over 7lb.
01302 840886, Postcode: DN7 6DR, https://www.tyramfisheries.co.uk/
Fishing near me | Top 20 Carp Fishing Runs waters
There's nothing better than having a bend in your rod and a specimen carp on the end of it. If you’ve never caught a double-figure carp or have been struggling and just want to see your tip fly round then a visit to a carp runs water is a great remedy. There are literally thousands of them across the country including waters where the match carp have become too big and these can provide some superb sport. Angling Times has put together a list of the best day-ticket runs waters…
Alderwood Ponds, Steyning, West Sussex
Island Lake, as well as its huge perch to over 4lb is also full of carp which average around 11lb but top 20lb. Most of the them come out on boilies fished on bomb rigs.
01903 816377, Postcode: BN44 3AA, https://alderwoodponds.wordpress.com/
Baden Hall Fishery, Stafford, Staffs
The pleasure fishing only, Middle Pool offers 68 pegs of carp averaging around 12lb with the odd larger lumps. You can night fish this lake as well as surface fish it in the summer.
01785 850313, Postcode: ST21 6LG, https://www.badenhallfishery.com/index
Barston Lakes, Solihull, W Mids
Barston lake is renowned for its lumps with fish to well over 20lb. The water deepens underneath the electricity wires from around 7' to 15' so these can be good pegs in the cold if the fish are searching for some depth. Otherwise try catching on the drop, or in the margins.
01675 444890, Postcode: B92 0LB, http://www.barstonlakes.co.uk/
Bradshaw Hall Fisheries, Bolton Lancs
The 28-peg Lake Two is the carp hotspot at this multi-lake complex. It holds a good head of carp to 28lb and is kept aside from the match anglers as a specimen pool in itself.
01204 307197, Postcode: BL2 4JW, http://www.bradshawhallfisheries.co.uk/
Boddington & Drayton Reservoirs, Northants
Two of the original carp crunching waters run by the Canal & River Trust, both are still stuffed with commons and mirrors touching 10lb and plenty of them well into double-figures. Anglers often target them on the pole with strong rigs and elastics here.
01582 843454 or 01908 302556 (Drayton) Postcodes: NN11 6UD or Drayton: NN11 0SG
Cobbleacre Lakes, Hevingham, Norfolk
Adams Lake is another match venue which is full of doubles which are easy to catch. The lake is roughly 3 acres in size with depths ranging between 3ft – 7ft.
01603 754305, Postcode: NR10 5NL, http://www.cobbleacre.co.uk/
East Delph Lakes, Whittlesey, Cambs
These lakes have recently come under new ownership with much work and plenty of re-stockings taking place. At just under two acres the Front Lake is a well-stocked lake holding original carp to over 25lb.
07473 154208, Postcode: PE7 1RH, http://www.eastdelphlakes.com/
Llyn Y Gors Fishery, Anglesey, N Wales
Karpium Lake is the venues 1-acre runs water. It has seven swims containing around 400 fish to 30lb, including a good head of mid doubles. For bites try the Method feeder while boilies over particles are better for the bigger specimens.
01248 713410, Postcode: LL59 5PN, http://www.llynygors.co.uk/home.html
Longleat Fishery, Warminster, Wilts
The Top Lake, extending to some 7 acres, is a specialist carp fishery with 600+ ghost, common and mirror carp to over 30lb. The lake has a good head of twenties but with an average size of around 17-18lb. Day-tickets and night-tickets are available.
01985 844400, Postcode: BA12 7NW, https://www.longleat.co.uk/fishing
Makins Fishery, Nuneaton, Warks
Lake 1 on Phase One of the complex is another prime example of a match lake where the carp have outgrown their purpose. They average around 12lb but go to over 20lb. The gravel bars in between the islands are the hotspots.
01455 220877, Postcode: CV11 6QJ, http://makinsfishery.co.uk/
Manor Farm Leisure, Biggleswade, Beds
As well as holding game fish, the Damsel Lake also offers coarse anglers plenty of runs from carp even during the winter. They average around 8-10lb with some larger lumps to over 20lb. In winter the bailiff reckons anglers should try fishing zig rigs, maggot rings and focus on the margins.
01767 317835, Postcode: SG18 9BB, http://www.manorfarmleisure.co.uk/
Monk Lakes, Marden, Kent
The 10 acre Puma Lake is for pleasure specimen anglers only and holds a good head of carp to over 30lb. There are loads of features to target including three islands and gravel bars.
01622 833332, Postcode: TN12 9BS, https://www.monklakes.co.uk/
New Farm Fishery, Maidenhead, Berks
The Carp Lake has doubles in every peg and they are growing quick from 8lb to 40lb+ with carp ranging from commons, mirrors, grass and koi.
01628 789564, Postcode: SL6 3ST, http://www.newfarmfisheries.co.uk/
Pool Bridge Farm, York, N Yorks
The Carp Lake at Pool Bridge Farm is a runs water heavily stocked with carp weighing in the late singles to early doubles. It has permanent pegs which and the lake isn’t match fished meaning the fish are in pristine condition.
07928 359 420, Postcode: YO19 4SQ, https://www.poolbridge.co.uk/
Stafford Moor Fishery, Winkleigh, Devon
400 doubles make the Beatties Lake a real action water with lots of runs plus the chance to catch the fish of a lifetime to well over 30lb. With only 13 swims booking is essential.
01805 804360, Postcode: EX19 8PP, http://www.staffordmoor.co.uk/
Stanborough Lakes, Welwyn Garden City, Herts
Run by Welwyn Garden City Angling Club but available to fish on a day-ticket the 16-acre South Lake is a cracking carp water full of 20’s. Peg 5 and the Oak Tree swim opposite are the noted pegs for the biggest fish on here while pegs 1 to 4 are pole only, but have produced carp to 31lb.
07789 658056, Postcode: AL8 6DQ
Stanwick Lakes, Stanwick, Northants
The 3 acre, 30 peg Swan Lake used to be a match venue but the carp have now grown on. The average size is between 8lb-16lb although mid-twenties have been caught and there is also a known thirty. There is a car park, conveniently located next to the lake, so you can drive right to it.
07974 300015, Postcode: NN9 6QZ, http://www.stanwicklakesfisheries.com/
Thorpe Lea Fishery, Egham, Surrey
With a huge head of specimen carp, Thorpe Lea is arguably the best place in the country to bag your first 20lber. Adjacent to the M25, the lake was stocked with 2,500 carp 10 years ago and now boasts a huge head of upper doubles, 20s and even a few 30s.
07934 000559, Postcode: TW20 8PG, http://www.thorpeleafishery.co.uk/
Todber Manor Fisheries, Sturminster Newton, Dorset
Little Hayes Lake is around 6 acres in size and stocked with approximately 700 carp ranging from 10-30lb. The lake boasts 15 gravel swims all of which produce carp catches all year round. Currently anglers are catching well using maggots.
01258 820 384, Postcode: DT10 1JB, https://todbermanor.co.uk/
Tylers Common Fishery, Brentwood, Essex
The specimen Wagtail Lake offers a nice variation from the fishery’s match lakes. It is full of carp to over 30lb, 4 acres in size and has two islands. It varies in depth from two feet in the margins to five feet 7 metres from the bank. There are 38 pegs.
01277 821342, Postcode: RM14 1TS, http://www.tylerscommonfishery.co.uk/
Fishing Near Me | Top 5 bream venues
Big bream can be seen as a nuisance, especially when you've baited out a spot all day waiting for a carp to come along and pick up your bait, then the alarm goes off and you find out that it's a bream on the end of your line. However there is something quite special about the sheer size of a specimen slab and we've decided to put a list of venues where you can catch a double-figure bream.
ANGEL OF THE NORTH FISHERY, Chester-le-Street, Durham
Despite being your typical match style venue Bowes Lake holds bream into double-figures. A small feeder or Method, fished just off the island in the deeper water will provide the best chance of catching one.
Contact: 0191 410 0449, Postcode: DH3 1RF, http://www.angelfishing.com/
BLUEBELL LAKES, Tansor, Northants
Both Mallard and Bluebell lakes contain some monster specimens which often fall to carpers fishing boilies, corn and casters with PVA bags or spodded mixes.
01832 226042, Postcode: PE8 5HP, http://www.bluebell-lakes.co.uk/
BROOME PITS, Beccles, Suffolk
All four pits contain bream with C Pit offering the best chance of a nice net of fish. There are some huge specimens in the lakes too for big fish anglers with fish to over 12lb banked in the past.
07976 165325, Postcode: NR35 2PE,
COOMBE POOL, Coventry, West Midlands
The lake holds some monster fish particularly bream which go to over 11lb but average around 8lb. Don’t be afraid of feeding heavy with a spod here, even pre-baiting the day before would be an advantage. To locate a shoal, try and aim for a windward bank where the water is stirred up.
02476 453720, Postcode: CV3 2AB, http://www.fisheries.co.uk/coombe/index.htm
TRING RESERVOIRS, Tring, Herts
Both Wilstone and Marsworth are renowned for their big bream. Anglers here often catch them on mini boilies with fish to over 13lb not unheard of.
01582 841985, Postcode: HP23 4LH, http://www.fisheries.co.uk/tring/index.htm
Fishing Near Me | Top 5 Specimen Roach Fishing Venues
Finding a venue that holds a specimen roach can be quite difficult especially if you don't know where to look. To help you on your search for a specimen redfin we have put together a list of the best venues for you to go out and catch a 2lb plus roach this spring.
BURY HILL FISHERY, Dorking, Surrey
Milton Lake is the place to head for a potential new personal best, with delicate pole and waggler rigs with maggot or caster scoring for redins to over 2lb.
Contact: 01306 883621, Postcode: RH4 3JU, http://www.buryhillfisheries.co.uk/
LINCH HILL FISHERY, Stanton Harcourt, Oxfordshire
Some of the sport’s biggest names have visited Willow Lake after the roach and it is no surprise when you consider that redfins over 3lb are a regular visitor to the bank.
Contact: 01865 882215, Postcode: OX29 5BB, http://www.linchhillfishery.co.uk/index.html
MESSINGHAM SANDS, Scunthorpe, South Humberside
All of the day ticket lakes draw big crowds due to their roach fishing potential, with multiple fish over the 1lb mark easily achievable in a day on the pole or waggler.
Contact: 01724 763647, Postcode: DN17 3PN, http://www.messinghamsands.co.uk/
SION FARM FISHERY, Kidderminster, Worcestershire
Use slightly bigger baits to try and get through the smaller roach. Corn, triple maggot or caster all worth trying for a potential personal best.
Contact: 01562 730386, Postcode: DY10 4PF
WYRESIDE LAKES, Bay Horse, Lancaster
Fox’s Lake responds extremely well to both float and feeder attacks, with maggots, casters and corn fooling lots of roach up to 2lb.
Contact: 01524 792093, Postcode: LA2 9DG, http://wyresidelakes.co.uk/wyresidenew/
Fishing Near Me | Top 5 Specimen Perch Fishing Venues
Struggling to land a monster perch from your local river and want to see what a 3lb plus perch actually looks like? Then you may want to take a look at this list of venues that hold a specimen stripey for you to land.
HAMPTON SPRINGS, Hampton Malpas, Cheshire
Fishing close to the islands on Alice Springs will put you in with a chance of finding a perch nudging 4lb. Try the straight lead or waggler with maggots and worms.
01948 820789, Postcode: SY14 8AD, http://hamptonsprings.co.uk/
STAFFORD MOOR, Dolton, Devon
The vast majority of the waters here have produced perch over 3lb although Pines Lake is without a doubt the pick of the bunch at the moment.
01805 804360, Postcode: EX19 8PP, http://www.staffordmoor.co.uk/fishing/lakes/pines
WHITE SPRINGS FISHERY, Swansea, South Wales
A 5lb perch is a dream specimen but visit the Old Canal and it could become a reality. Snags down the margins and against the island provide the perfect swim.
01792 885699, Postcode: SA4 8QG, http://www.whitespringsfishery.co.uk/
WHITMORE FISHERIES, Preston, Lancs
Island Pond, The Basin and Club Canal have all produced perch over 4lb in the past. Use a straight lead or long pole over minimal feed.
01253 836224, Postcode: PR4 3HQ, http://www.whitmorefisheries.co.uk/index.php
WOODSIDE FISHERY, Kidderminster, Worcs
Island Pool is a popular hotspot with specimen anglers after perch over 4lb. Prawns are a fantastic bait when presented at close range.
01299 270565, Postcode: DY14 0BU, https://www.woodsidefishery.co.uk/
Fishing Near Me | Top 10 places to catch a bag of bream
Spring is around the corner and as a result the nation’s slabs are waking up and going on the feed. If you want to catch a 100lb of bream from a venue near you then you should definitely take a look at these top 10 waters to help get your started.
North
Anglezarke Reservoir, Chorley, Lancs
This vast water is over 190-acres in size and is well known throughout the North West for the excellent bream sport it offers with 100lb-plus bags a realistic target. As the reservoir is still used for drinking water the use of groundbait is prohibited, but micro pellets, maggots and bread mash will still produce in the feeder.
Prices: Day tickets available, £60 a year adults, £35 over 65’s
Contact: Southport and District Angling Association through website
Postcode: PR6 9DQ
Website: www.southportangling.co.uk
Carr Mill Dam, St Helens, Merseyside
This 55-acre water is famous for its large head of bream which many of the country’s top match anglers have fished for over the years. The match record for the venue is 70lb 11oz of bream taken on feeder fished red maggots. Other baits worth trying are maggots and casters.
Prices: £30 a year, St Helens AA
Contact: 01744 735748, St Helens AA
Postcode: WA11 7LZ
Website: www.sthelensaa.co.uk
Potter Pond Fishery, Strensall, Yorks
This 5-acre lake is ancient and as a result the bream grow big – with shoals of fish between 8lb and 11lb available. As we’ve reported in the past, the north bank and spit pegs are the best for the bream, with groundbait feeder tactics with micro pellets working best in the frame. On the hook you want use a mixture – but worms, corn and Ringers wafters will produce the bigger fish.
Prices: Pole/waggler/feeder £5; Specimen carp or pike £10 (up to three rods). Night fishing £20 (book in advance).
Contact: 01347 810617 or 07867 584236
Postcode: YO32 5TW
Midlands
Ferry Meadows, Peterborough, Cambs
Bream and skimmer bags to over 50lb are a reality here. Fish at a 50 yard chuck with a sweet-fishmeal groundbait and chopped worm and caster on the hook to find fish to 8lb. Sweetcorn is often an excellent switch bait at this time of year. You can also catch 20lb bags of skimmers on the pole and maggot.
Prices: £5 a day, £30 a year, Peterborough and District Angling Association
Contact: 07702 440892, PDAA
Postcode: PE2 5UU
Website: www.fishinginpeterborough.co.uk
Kingsbury Water Park, Sutton Coldfield, W Mids
There are at least half a dozen lakes on the water park which are natural in style. One of the best of them has to be Bodymoor Heath. This 47-acre lake is great for bream with specimen feeder tactics the best option for a potential 50lb-plus bag of them. Find an area of gravel and spomb over it with corn, pellets and dead maggots to draw the bream into the area. Fish Method feeders over the top with corn hookbaits to catch.
Prices: £3 a day for Bodymoor Heath, £4.50 car park fee
Contact: 01827 872660
Postcode: B76 0DY
Website: www.countryparks.warwickshire.gov.uk/country-parks/kingsbury-water-park/fishing-at-kingsbury/
Hallcroft Fishery, Retford, N Notts
Both Moat and Bridge Pool are well worth spending a day on targeting their shoals of resident bream. Moat Pool is the larger of the two waters with 190 pegs to choose from and the bream in here run to over 8lb. You can catch them on the feeder although the most fun method to use is the long pole with expanders, maggots and corn fished over micros.
Prices: £6 a day, £5 concessions
Contact: 01777 710448
Postcode: DN22 7RA
Website: www.hallcroft-fishery.co.uk
Meadowlands Fishery, Ryton-upon-Dunsmore, Warks
Besides being an excellent water for carp, Lambsdown Lake also holds an impressive number of skimmers and bream with individual fish to 4lb a possibility. You can catch them on the feeder at distance on dead maggot hookbaits although on the deeper pegs near to the entrance it’s possible to put together 60lb-plus bags of bream on the pole with maggots and expanders fished over pellets or groundbait.
Prices: £8 a day, £5 concessions
Contact: 07858 756474
Postcode: CV8 3EG
South
Lake John, Waltham Abbey, Essex
You can catch 80lb of bream relatively easily on the Top Lake at the moment. Fish around 5-6m out, feeding fairly heavy with pellets and corn for fish to 3lb. Worms and maggots tend to bring in the bigger bream but expect a few roach to show too.
Prices: £10 a day for one rod
Contact: 07958 938153
Postcode: EN9 2BJ
Website: www.lakejohnfishery.co.uk
Stonnes Fishery, Sheerness, Kent
The bream fishing on the Match Lake can be explosive at this time of year. Fish 6mm krill expander pellets over dampened micro pellets on the pole at 11m and 8m to be in with a chance. Switch to double maggot if you struggle on the pellet.
Prices: £7 a day, £10 for two rods
Contact: 01795 580411
Postcode: ME12 3AA
Viaduct Fishery, Somerton, Somerset
All the lakes hold bream but this time of year is arguably the best for a big net. You can catch easily just fishing the pole to around 10m out with soft pellets. Feed balls of micros regularly to keep bites coming and lay your rig over the top. When you start to catch a string of fish top up your peg after every five bites with a big pot of micro pellets.
Prices: £8 a day, £10 for two rods
Contact: 01458 274022
Postcode: TA11 6LJ
Website: www.viaductfishery.com
Fishing Near Me | Top 10 Rivers for pike
Fancy catching a monster pike that isn't from Chew or Blagdon? Then you are in luck as we've put together a list of some of the best venues for you to go and catch a river pike. Check out our river pike venue list below and let us know which one you will be trying this weekend.
North
Iver Crossens Drain, Southport, Merseyside
Anglers have been reporting plenty of double-figure pike to both lures and deadbaits. Look for areas where silverfish are topping and fish here for the best possible chance of catching.
Prices: £5 from Ted Carters, Southport DAA
Contact: Southport DAA, 01704 213690
River Torne, Epworth, S Yorks
This water is full of pike and perch making it a great choice for lure or dead bait fishing anglers. Roving is the best approach for the pike and wobbling small roach deadbaits is deadly for them. Otherwise use a lure in firetiger or perch colours for the best results.
Contact: 07554 096547
Prices: £4 on the bank or £25 a year, Doncaster DAA
Website: www.ddaa.co.uk
River Don, Sheffield, S Yorks
The Cineplex and Hillsborough areas are worth a visit for pike to 15lb on spinners once the levels drop a little. Spinner baits work well in the flow although you can’t beat a roach imitation shad worked along the bottom.
Contact: Billy Clarke Tackle, 0114 255 1145
Prices: Free fishing
Midlands
River Bure, Wroxham, Norfolk
This free-to-fish stretch of the Bure is a pike hotspot with plenty of jacks to go at and a good number of doubles. The railway bridge is a hotspot for the pike but you can catch them from all banks here. Ledgered dead roach works well although mackerel usually pulls out the biggest specimens. Lures are also worth a chuck around structure for the pike.
Prices: Free Fishing
Contact: Angling Direct, 01603 782453
Postcode: NR12 8UR
River Soar, Kegworth, Leics
The basin in front of the Sutton Bonnington lock gate is a pike hotspot with loads of fish in the 5lb -10lb bracket available. You can catch them next to your feet on the near bank where there’s a depth of 8ft. Float fish a roach deadbait and within 10 minutes you’ll probably have a bite!
Prices: £15 a year, LEVAS
Contact: David Kent, 07766 081877, Long Eaton Victoria Angling Society
Website: www.levas.co.uk
River Wye, Monmouth, Wales
The Wyastone Leys stretch is a popular pike venue at this time of year where fish well into double figures can be found in the slack water below Boys Rock Pool. You can trot a deadbait along the slacks to catch them although ledgering is normally the way to go here.
Prices: £20 a day, Monday to Wednesday only, Angling Dreams
Contact: 07976 908985, Angling Dreams
Website: www.anglingdreams.co.uk
River Severn, Upton upon Severn, Worcs
Aside from being a fantastic area to catch zander the stretch downstream of the town is excellent for pike. Livebaits work best but if you’re struggling to catch them a trotted dead roach or bleak will work wonders. Twenties are a possibility along here although there’s lots of jacks to go at. It’s hard to get to the best spots from the bank here but if you’ve got a boat you’ll enjoy the best sport.
Prices: Free Fishing
Contact: 01743 272828
South
River Lea Navigation, Ware, Herts
Spinning and jigging is working well in Ware town centre for specimen pike with double figure fish possible. There are plenty of roach showing on the Conkers stretch at Broxbourne and the pike have followed them in, so look out for crashing fish.
Prices: £4 on the bank, Hertford AC & Ware AC Joint
Contact: Johnson Ross Tackle, 01992 462044
Website: www.wareanglingclub.co.uk
West Sedgmoor Drain, Slathe, Somerset
The Pumping Station is a hotspot for pike and a 20lb fish is always on the cards. There’s no flow here so you can float fish a dead roach or rudd just off the bottom for the best results. Cast all around your swim to find where the pike are hiding out.
Prices: £7 a day adults, Taunton AA
Contact: 07753120460
Website: www.taunton-angling.co.uk
River Thames, Abingdon, Oxford
The open water near the town bridge is a hotspot for pike where double figure specimens lurk in the shadows for their next meal. You can catch bleak all along this stretch and they work wonders as a livebait fished on a float – otherwise you should leger a roach deadbait under the bridge for the best results.
Prices: £10 a day bought in advance from the Guildhall (postcode OX14 3HL)
Contact: Abingdon-on-Thames Fisheries, 01235 522642
Website: www.abingdon.gov.uk/town-council-services/fisheries