Seymour Fishery

Introduction to the Fishery

Seymour Fishery is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Somerset Levels, less than a mile from the Natural England SSSI Huntspill River. Originally dug in 1993, the venue has undergone a total transformation under passionate ownership to become one of the region’s most sought-after exclusive-hire waters. Set within a private 3-acre plot surrounded by rolling farmland, the fishery offers an atmosphere of total seclusion.

The ethos here is built on quality over quantity. Every fish in the water has been hand-selected and raised on the owners’ own fish farm, ensuring that the stock is not only healthy but carries incredible character and scale patterns. It is a venue designed for the discerning angler who appreciates a tranquil environment where the only interruptions are the local kingfishers, owls, and the scream of a bite alarm.

The Lakes, Features & Pegs

The lake itself is a mature, tree-lined 1-acre water that belies its size with a variety of underwater topography. With depths ranging from shallow, reed-fringed margins to central gullies of around 6–8ft, there is plenty for the thinking angler to target. The lake bed is a interesting mix of firm clay and silty patches, with established lily pads and overhanging willows providing natural holding areas for the resident carp.

Accessibility and comfort are high priorities at Seymour. The venue features five purpose-built, spacious timber swims that are well-spaced to ensure that even with a full group of four, everyone has their own water to fish. The banks are impeccably maintained, and the entire site is protected by a professional-grade electric otter fence. For those looking for a touch of luxury, the “Shepherd’s Hut” provides a high-end lakeside retreat complete with a wood-burning stove and a hot tub, making it a perfect choice for fishing couples or those on longer sessions.

What You Can Catch

The fishery is stocked with approximately 55 hand-picked carp. The star attractions are the mirrors and commons that have now pushed well over the 30lb mark, with the current lake record standing at over 38lb. The average size is impressive, with a significant portion of the stock residing in the 20lb to 28lb bracket. These are “proper” English carp—hard-fighting, clean, and in mint condition.

Proven Tactics & Recommended Baits

Success at Seymour often rewards the stealthy angler. Because the fish are hand-reared and inhabit a relatively small, private environment, they can be wary of heavy-handed tactics. Recent reports suggest that a “less is more” approach with high-quality food signals works best. Large beds of bait can sometimes be counter-productive; instead, try fishing over small helpings of 12mm or 15mm boilies soaked in matching liquids.

Margin fishing is particularly effective here, especially during the evening and overnight. Stealthily placing a rig near the overhanging bushes or reed lines with a handful of crushed boilies and corn has accounted for many of the lake’s biggest residents. In terms of rigs, simple and robust is the way to go—stiff-link pop-up rigs or wafter presentations on a clean spot are the go-to choices for regular visitors.

Top Tips for Success

To get the most out of your session at Seymour, observation is key. Spend time watching the water before unloading the gear; the fish often move in small groups and will show themselves in the quietest corners of the lake. Use the on-site “Meet and Greet” service to your advantage; the owners have an intimate knowledge of the stock and can point out the most recent hotspots.

Keep noise on the bank to an absolute minimum—these fish are sensitive to vibrations. If the fishing is slow, try “washing out” your baits in lake water to dull the initial chemical “hit” and make them appear more natural. Lastly, don’t ignore the middle of the lake during the day; the carp often retreat to the deeper central areas when the sun is high before moving back into the margins as the light fades.

Make a booking

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