Shrewley Pools Farm
Attractive 400 year old spring fed lake for those who want to relax in rural surroundings and catch good fish
Ten key facts about Shrewley Pools Farm
View our 'Big Pool' Video
Shrewley Pools Farm
The spring fed three acre Big Pool at Shrewley Pools Farm combines an easily accessible 400 year old day ticket lake with the opportunity to catch a mix of carp to over 20lbs and silver fish in a quiet and relaxing environment.

There’s plenty of cover and open water on Big Pool
Located between Solihull and Warwick, the venue is easily accessible but with few refinements is without doubt an out-and-out pleasure fishery with few rules and the emphasis on relaxation. It was this which appealed to fishery regular Terry Barnett, a British Legion Ambassador, who later discovered that fishery owners Cathy Dodd and her husband Nick were looking to create an all inclusive informal and peaceful fishery which would appeal to all anglers. Terry’s background as a forces veteran led Cathy and Nick – an avid supporter of the Royal British Legion – to extend their vision for the fishery and also use it as a peaceful retreat to help service veterans like Terry to overcome physical and mental health issues after their experiences in the forces.

British Legion Ambassador Terry Barnett and Shrewley Pools Farm owner Cathy Dodd take time out at the fishery
Terry makes no secret of the fact that he’s had it tough. An unhappy childhood led him to join the Royal Corps of Signals at the age of 16. Two tours in Northern Ireland, service in Cyprus and Germany and more recently action in the First Gulf War following Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait have left their mark. On leaving the Army, Terry found he had different battles to fight. Problems with alcoholism, finances and Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome meant he found it difficult to cope with civvy life, but with help from the British Legion he beat the bottle, sorted out a steady home life and made such a significant recovery that the Legion asked him to become one of their Ambassadors and represent them at official events throughout the Midlands and at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday and other occasions.
A qualified Angling Trust Lead Coach, Terry said: “Fishing is a great way to unwind and get away from the problems we face in life. I have always regarded Shrewley Pools Farm as my safe place, and with Cathy and Nick’s help were are making it somewhere where all anglers as well as service veterans, families and individuals can come and escape. Because of its rural setting it is a perfect place for people to reflect and be themselves.” In support of the project, Cath and Nick received support from the Angling Trust’s Angling Improvement Fund and the Environment Agency. Part of this has included the supply of bankside plants to further improve the vegetation around the lake and soften the landscape. As a result Pegs 1 to 11 have been planted giving anglers cover from the fish and each other.
As part of the project the bankside is being developed by Cathy and Nick into three separate areas to provide anglers with different views of the lake. The overgrown peninsula at the far end is being cleared of brambles whilst around the lake low hanging tree branches are being cut back to allow more light through the canopy and stimulate plant growth. It is even hoped that clearings which are set well back from the bank can be used for families to pitch a day shelter, use a gas stove or simply relax. The fishery is open every day from 7.00am until 7.00pm in summer and from dawn until dusk in winter. Day ticket money is collected on the bank by the bailiff.
Big Pool at Shrewley Pools Farm

Big Pool – a delightful setting
Located in a delightfully remote setting yet within easy driving distance of Coventry, Solihull and Warwick, Shrewley Pools Farm is one of those hidden gems of a fishery where anglers can not only unwind and relax but stand a good chance of catching their personal best carp.
Although there are obviously smaller fish in the lake, the average size of the commons and mirrors must be between 6lbs and 8lbs with several which run up to a verified 21lbs 8oz. Although not huge by carp syndicate and big fish venue sizes, these fish give a good account of themselves – so much so that a few are even named fish. Indeed, when our team visited the site for an afternoon session they caught throughout their stay and landed nothing under 6lbs. The pool also has decent heads of bream to over 4lbs, roach and perch to about 1lb and gudgeon for the kids! It is also believed that the pool holds some tench.

Terry with a typical common carp from big pool.
Pegs 1, 2, 3, 4, 28 and 29 down the left hand bank as you look at the fishery will have mobility access and during dry weather anglers can park behind most of the pegs on this side. There is also a good path around the lake.
Finding the depth is quite straightforward as the pool has a gradually sloping bottom which runs down to about seven feet in the centre. When it comes to fishing, one of the nice things is that all techniques work well with good results being achievable on the pole, waggler and ledger, the latter particularly effective when use in conjunction with a Method Feeder.
There is no need for fancy rigs if going after the carp. Whether float fishing or ledgering, luncheon meat, sweetcorn, maggots, casters or worm fished over a bed of hemp do well both in the margins and in open water although anglers should be aware that floating baits are not allowed because of the wildfowl on the lake.
Bed and Breakfast Accommodation

The Farmhouse accommodation at Shrewley Pools Farm
Dating back to at least the 1600s, the farmhouse accommodation at Shrewley Pools Farm is classed as Grade II Star, meaning it is considered as a particularly important building of more than special interest. Indeed, step inside and you will see why. With half timber beamed ceilings and oak floors, the farmhouse is a labyrinth of rooms both downstairs and upstairs and oozes character.
Capable of accommodating up to six people, guests have the choice of three bedrooms – a Kingside double with en-suite; a twin bedroom again with en-suite; and a double bedroom with bathroom down the corridor.
With ample free parking, guests have free rein to use the hallway, sittingroom, dining room and extensive and interesting gardens which would be equally at home in a National Trust property with winding pathways between different areas and an orchard. Whether inside or out, its the sort of place where children would love exploring so keep your eyes on them if they are with you! Anglers staying in the farmhouse accommodation receive discounted fishing and a full English breakfast.
Its location means that the accommodation makes an ideal base for visiting attractions such as nearby Warwick and Kenilworth castles; Leamington Spa and Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon and the cities of Coventry and Birmingham.
Prices
Shrewley Pools Farm is open every day from 7.00am until 7.00pm and dawn until dusk in winter. Day tickets are available from the bailiff on the bank.
Day tickets |
Adults | OAPs/Disabled/Under 16s | One rod |
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£10.00
£8.00
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One rod | £10.00 | £8.00 | Additional rods |
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£5.00
£5.00
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Additional rods | £5.00 | £5.00 |
Rules and conditions
Barbless hooks only – maximum Size 10
Keepnets only in matches
Suitable carp mats to be used if weighing fish
Landing nets should be 50cm minimum
No floating baits, cat or dog meat
No night fishing
No bite alarms or radios
Do not leave rods unattended
No fires, BBQs or litter
No dogs (except guide dogs)
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