20 day-ticket big carp venues in England and Wales
If you’re looking to catch big carp from 30lbs to over 40lbs then you’ll need to find a venue that holds them. This guide includes 20 venues that offer the chance to catch big carp on a day ticket.
If you want to catch decent sized carp or a new personal best you have to head to a lake which holds them – and if you’re after a 30lb-plus specimen we’ll presume you already know your wraps from your rods, after all, there’s no point in teaching your grandmother to suck the proverbial eggs! Having said that, if you’re new to night fishing you may want to read Stu Lennox’s feature ‘A Beginners Guide to Night Fishing’ before you set off for a long session.
Here we offer you 20 day ticket fisheries spread over 16 different counties where you can catch carp over 30lbs with some venues holding fish to over 40lbs.
Baden Hall – Eccleshall, Stafford
The three former sand and graven pit Specimen Pools – The Quarry, Bridge and Glovers – all have some big beasts and fish equally well with modern and traditional carping techniques. Pop-up boilies, wafters, sweetcorn and even maggots and worm work well on the hook with pva bags or spodding used to build up a swim. Unhooking mats, landing nets, water bucket and weigh slings are provided. Tickets are £30 for 24 hours on Bridge and Glovers and £35 on The Quarry, which comes with individual fishing cabins. Full week tickets £210 and £245 respectively. Check out what’s on offer at https://www.badenhallfishery.com/.
Beaver Fishery – Lingfield, Surrey
Head for Snipe Lake to catch carp to just under 40lbs. At two acres in size with two islands and easy to fish depths of three to five feet, Snipe Lake holds 12 single pegs giving anglers plenty of water to fish to. Flavoured boilies fished over feeder pellets work well fished on a Size 6 hook to minimum 15lb line whilst fishing in the margins also provides good results. Day tickets cost £15 for two rods whilst 24-hour tickets are £25. More information at http://www.beaverfarmfishery.co.uk/ .
Berners Hall Fishery – Ongar, Essex
With at least one known fish over 50lbs, 20 over 40lbs and 150 over 30lbs, The Reservoir at the three lake Berners Hall complex is the lake to head for. Twenty four designated swims spaced out across 24 acres of water mean’s there’s plenty of space no matter where you are on the lake. Depths vary throughout the year but generally the deepest points are between 14 and 15 feet. A wide range of tactics work well with bottom baits, pop-ups, zigs – although there is a one zig rule – and surface fishing all accounting for fish. Fish also getting caught in the margins. Tickets cost £35 for 24 hours. Visit https://www.bernershallfishery.com/ for full details and how to book.
Bluebell Lakes – Tansor, Northamptonshire
One of the UK’s top big carp waters with carp to over 50lbs, Bluebell Lakes just a short drive from the Northamptonshire village of Oundle. Until recently home to two 60lb-plus carp – ‘Benson’ and ‘The Creature’ – Bluebell’s Kingfisher Lake holds several commons to over 50lbs and more than 20 fish over the 40lb mark. Depths vary between 14 and 16 feet on this seven acre water with most anglers concentrating their fishing between 10ft and 12ft on the popular swims. Popular baits include boilies, carp pellets, sweetcorn, cheese and luncheon meat fished over particle attractors including hemp, sweetcorn, maize feeder pellets although the use of maggots is not allowed. Summer surface fishing using bread and dog biscuits can be very successful. Prices on Kingfisher vary from £40 for a 24-hour three rod ticket through to £240 for a week long ticket. Take a look at https://www.bluebell-lakes.co.uk/.
Cefn Mably Lakes – Cardiff, Wales
To be found between Newport and Cardiff in South Wales, Cefn Mably incorporates eight lakes of which three hold specimen sized carp with Lodge Lake being the venue’s flagship water. At just under five acres in size, it offers 12 spacious swims and, in addition to a host of fish over 20lbs, holds at least 175 fish over 30lbs with the lake record currently standing at 39lbs. In addition to 24-hour tickets there are lakeside cabins and pods available for hire. Lodge Lake 24-hour tickets cost £30 through to £80 for 72 hour tickets with additional days costing £25. Visit https://www.cefnmablylakes.co.uk/ for more information.
Cromwell Lake – Newark, Nottinghamshire
Cromwell Lake is an attractive 18-acre spring fed and tree lined specimen lake just of the A1 in Newark. Depths vary between 3ft and 18ft with features which include prominent gravel bars, silty areas and drop off’s. With several 40lb fish and at least 40 over the 30lbs mark, there are 18 swims plus a 24-hour anglers’ lodge with toilets, showers, charging points, wi-fi, a dining area, microwave, fridge/freezer, sink kitchen utensils and free cups of tea and coffee. Ticket prices start at £32.50 for 24 hours with longer stays and cabins available. See https://www.cromwelllake.com/.
Elphicks Fisheries – Horsmonden, Kent
Open from the beginning of July to the end of December, all seven lakes at Elphicks Fisheries hold carp over 30lbs whilst four have fish to over 50lbs. Available for day ticket and session fishing, they vary in size from the six acre North Lake with 19 swims to the 1.3 acre Plantation Lake with eight swims. If you’re looking for carp over 40lbs then head for North Lake, Plantation, Praire, Pullens or West End whilst if its a chance for a 50lb fish you’re after then North Lake, Pullens or West End are the waters to head for. Because angler numbers are restricted on the main carp lakes it’s best to book in advance. Ticket prices on these lakes are £30 for a three rod day ticket and £40 for three rod 24-hours. Longer stays are also available. Full details on https://www.elphicks-fisheries.co.uk/.
Farlows Fishery – Iver, Buckinghamshire
Formed as a result of gravel extraction which began in the 1930s and gradually saw the near 50 acre site used for building the nearby M25 motorway, Farlows is steeped in carp fishing history as one of the original gravel pits of the Colne Valley. Farlows Lake 1 has over 100 30lb-plus carp together with eight already over 40lbs and a further 17 about to hit a similar weight. Advance booking is not required as it’s ‘First come – first served’ whilst a one rod day ticket costs £13 and a two/three rod day ticket £17. Also available are 24-hour tickets at £30. Further information on https://www.farlowslake.co.uk/
Frisby Lakes – Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire
Set in delightful surroundings, Frisby Lakes is a 48-acre gravel pit with more than 50 well-spaced swims which caters for anglers of all abilities. With commons and mirrors which run to 35lbs the venue also offers an on-site tackle shop, cafe, unisex shower facilities and toilets. Under 16s fish free of charge but anglers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Prices start at £10 for a 12-hour ticket (£5 for over 60s) and £20 for 24 hours (£10 for over 60s). Visit https://www.frisbylakesfishery.co.uk/ for more information and to book.
Hamstall Fishery – Hamstall Ridware, Staffordshire
Set in the rolling Staffordshire countryside on the fringe of the village of Hamstall Ridware, Hamstall Fishery has an attractive one-and-a-half acre Specimen Carp Lake with mirrors to over 30lbs as well as commons to a similar size and large leather carp. Fishing is by advance booking only and anglers should go equipped with 42-inch landing nets, an unhooking mat and cradle if they want to weigh fish. Luncheon meat and paste work well while floating bread is great on warm evenings. Day tickets are £20 with 36-hour tickets costing £35 and 48-hour tickets £50. Longer stays are available. For further information and to book visit https://www.fisheries.co.uk/fishing/hamstall-pleasure-fishery/ .
Hopsford Hall – Shilton, Warwickshire
Gaining a growing reputation for its carp fishing, Hopford Hall to the north of Coventry is an attractive three acre lake with commons and mirrors now being landed at over 30lbs as well as decent sized ghosties, leathers and linears. The biggest fish to come out of Hopsford in recently was a 36lb common whilst several fish were taken last year over 30lbs. Whilst many carp anglers use flavoured boilies, pop-ups and particle baits, more traditional baits work equally well with sweetcorn, luncheon meat and floating dog biscuits particularly effective in the summer months. Floating baits work well in the shallower parts of the lake when fished close to the marginal weeds. Day tickets cost just £10 with 24-hour two-rod tickets are available at £25. To book see https://www.fisheries.co.uk/fishing/hopsford-hall-fishery/ .
Islands Carp Fishery – Barrow Street, Wiltshire
The Islands Carp Fishery’s four-acre Main Lake has 12 clearly designated swims, loads of features to fish to and a lake record which currently stands at 36lbs with several known 30s. The lake has been designed to give anglers their own individual area of water by incorporating six islands with spits which run out into the lake to separate swims. Below the surface there is a hole in every swim where depths drop from about four feet to seven feet. Twelve-hour day tickets start at £20 for a single swim or £15 each for two anglers sharing or £30 and £25 each for 24-hour tickets. For more information and on-bookings see https://cmfisheries.co.uk/.
Linear Fisheries – Hardwick Village, Oxfordshire
Billing itself as probably the best day ticket group of carp waters in the UK, Linear Fisheries offers 14 day ticket waters plus three syndicate lakes. If you’re after your first 30lb fish head for Brasenose One or Two whilst more ambitious anglers after a 40lb or more specimen should go for the 18-acre St John’s gravel pit or the 14-acre Manor Farm Lake. Anglers wanting to fish the two Brasenose waters or St John’s can just turn up and pay whilst those heading for Manor Farm need to book on-line at Linear’s website. 10-hour day tickets start at £8 for one rod through to £20 for three rods whilst one rod 24-hour tickets are £13 through to £32 for three rods. For full details and prices see https://www.linear-fisheries.co.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=start.home.
Milton Pools – Great Milton, Oxford
Established over 70 years ago, Milton Pools has six waters which offer everything from tranquil pleasure fishing to fishing for carp to over 40lbs. Incorporating plenty of features including two islands, Specimen Lake has a central bed of lilies and the pegs are numbered so anglers wishing to fish for 24 hours or longer can book in advance and stipulate which pegs they want to fish. Specimen Lake holds a good number of 20lbs to 30lbs fish, several mid-30s and some going to over 40lbs with the lake record currently standing at 43lbs. Day tickets are £10 for one rod or £15 for two. 24-hour tickets come in at £25. See https://www.fisheries.co.uk/fishing/milton-pools/ for the full story.
Monument Lake 1 and 2 – Shifnal, Shropshire
Run by RH Fisheries, Monument 1 and 2 have firmly established themselves as one of the top day ticket carp venues in the UK with fish now nudging the 50lb mark. At eight acres in size, Monument 1 is stocked with more than 300 fish with about a third of them over 30lbs and at least 14 known 40lb specimens, making it an excellent place to catch a day ticket 30 or 40lb-plus fish. Monument 2, the second lake to be dug on the site, is slightly larger at 10 acres and has two double pegs and 14 others making it able to accommodate 18 anglers at any one time. Fishing is available in blocks of 36 hours at a cost of £60 per session from March 1 to December 1 and at £50 per 36-hour session from December 1 until the end of February. Anglers wanting to book sessions longer than 36 hours should book consecutive sessions. On-line booking is preferred with a 50 per cent deposit paid on booking. Full details of the waters and booking facilities can be seen at https://rhfisheries.com/book/monument-1.
Norton Disney – Norton Disney, Lincolnshire
Norton Disney’s 16-acre Pettitt’s Lake is destined to be the venue’s ‘Big Fish’ lake with 40 different 30lb fish having been caught. The lake record currently stands at more than 40lbs. With just 13 swims on 16 acres, each swim commands a decent amount of water. With a lake bed which resembles an egg box in places, it is an interesting lake to fish with plenty of features to fish to. Day tickets cost just £15 whilst it’s £30 for 24 hours with concessionary tickets available for OAP, Juniors under 18 and disabled anglers at £20, although juniors must be accompanied. You should report to the lodge to pay for your ticket. Fishing operates on a first come, first served basis. Please note that the venue is a cashless site so only card payments are accepted. For full details visit https://www.embryoangling.org/day-ticket-venues/.
Old Mill Lakes – Market Rasen, Lincolnshire
If you’re after a 30 or 40lb fish, head for Willow or Oak on this four lake peaceful and secure fishery in the Lincolnshire Wolds which was voted one of the Top 10 lakes in the country by ‘Carp Talk’. At three acres in size, Willow has the biggest fish with recent catches including specimens to 48lbs whilst the eight acre Oak Lake has fish which run to 44lbs but is the easier of the two to fish and with more than 500 carp between 30 and 40lbs has the equivalent of five times more big fish per acre than its smaller sibling. All carping techniques work well but boilies fished on the bottom or wafters fished over feeder pellets produce well. Recommended tackle includes Size 6 hooks and a minimum of 15lb line. Tickets start at £35 for 24-hours with longer stays available. Anglers wanting to fish Old Mill must book in advance by telephoning 07767 363545 and paying by card. Full details at http://www.oldmilllakes.com/.
Orchid Lakes – Wallingford, Oxfordshire
Renowned over many years for its big fish, this 18 acre former gravel pit holds a good head of 30s and a handful to 40s. Although it used to have a reputation of being a weedy water this problem has now been eradicated. Surrounded by Weeping Willow and other trees, Orchid Lake has the feel of an old estate lake and with each swim having plenty of open water to go at anglers have plenty of room to themselves. For longer stays, anglers may want to avail themselves of the use of one of two timber lodges which have their own exclusive swims. Although the fishery does not have its own website bookings can be made by telephoning 01865 341810. 24-hour tickets cost £25.
Willow Park Fishery – Ash, Hampshire
Withn30 bark chipped pegs, most of which are large enough to accommodate multiple bivvies, the 10-acre Big Lake holds more than 400 commons and mirrors to over 30lbs with plenty of 20s added into the mix. Depths vary between four and eight feet. Facilities include separate male and female toilets which are open 24 hours as well as a disabled toilet and shower block for longer stay anglers, a cafe which serves breakfasts, burgers and freshly made pizza’s and a well stocked tackle shop. Day tickets cost £12 for one rod and £16 for two whilst concessions are available for Over 65s and Disabled anglers. Big Lake night tickets are £25 for two rods with weekly rates available at £150. Three rod tickets are available at the management’s discretion depending on how many anglers are fishing the lake. More at https://www.willowparkfishery.co.uk/.
Wyreside Lakes – Dolphinholme, Lancashire
Comprising a total of six lakes plus pod camping and campsite, Wyreside offers a chance of catching fish to over 30lbs in its Sunnyside 1, Sunnyside 2 and Fox’s Lake. All three waters have a silt and gravel bed with depths between three and 10 feet although Fox’s has a larger number of 30lb fish. Whilst Fox’s is available for day and overnight permits there is a minimum 24 hours at weekends. Day tickets for all three lakes start at £9.50 for one rod for through to £15 for three rods whilst two rod 24-hour tickets are £24 and £28 for three rods. For more information and photos visit https://wyresidelakes.co.uk/.
Similar articles
Can fish outlive their captors?
Studies into the ageing of fish suggests that some may be older than their captors – and may even outlive themBrown Trout: A fishing guide
Found everywhere from the chalk streams of England to the wilds of New Zealand, the brown trout is an iconic catch for countless anglers. Author Dom Garnett is your guide to the world’s most popular game fish.Apply now for help to beat invasive species
Angling organisations are being invited to apply for funds to support projects that tackle the spread of invasive non-native species and increase biosecurity at angling venuesWatercraft – Guide to improving your skills
How‘s your fishing going at the moment? Still regularly hauling them in? Is your catch rate consistently high? If you are you struggling a little, not catching as many or as often as you‘d like then it’s time to brush…Unusual baits for adventurous anglers
In this article, Chris dives into some baits that break away from the usual maggots, casters, hemp, worms, bread, corn, and meat. Anything else is fair game! So, in no particular order, here goes nothing!Win a Daiwa Ninja LT 3000-C
We’re giving away this fantastic Daiwa Ninja LT 3000-C to one lucky winner in our free prize draw.Search by Region or County
Find new places to go fishing in your local area or county by choosing your destination below
Comments