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Fishing Near Me | Best UK carp runs waters right now
If you are looking for plenty of runs, head to one of these venues!
by James Furness |
Updated on20th February 2026 at 11.21am
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Those targeting big carp may be more used to long periods of inaction than fans of other fishing disciplines, but every now and then it’s good to go to a venue where multiple bites are almost guaranteed.
So, if you fancy working your swim hard for double and even triple takes, then these well-stocked, tailor-made ‘runs waters’ are the places to head for.
Drayton Reservoir, Daventry, Northants
Drayton has been the birthplace of many methods, thanks to its huge stocks of carp. Almost completely surrounded by a wooden walkway and jetty-style pegs, it spans some 25 acres and holds fish to over 35lb. The average is between 14lb and 18lb. They can be caught on a variety of methods, but using zigs and solid bags are by far the most popular.
Linear Fisheries, Witney, Oxfordshire
On their day, any lake at linear can produce some big hits of fish, but for consistency Oxlease and the Brasenose lakes are a good bet. Brasenose 2 is widely regarded as one of the country’s best runs waters and now boasts some truly massive fish.
The lake record for both commons and mirrors is over 40lb, and anglers can expect multiple 20lb-plus fishin a session in good conditions. The point area is a known hotspot, but don’t rule out the narrow end when the weather gets really warm. Three rods fished on a tightly spodded area will produce loads of takes, and don’t be afraid to give them some sweetcorn – they love the stuff!
Contact: www.linear-fisheries.co.uk
Shearwater Lake, Warminster, Wiltshire
At the 36-acre Shearwater Lake on the Longleat Estate the action can be truly non-stop. Catches of over 30 carp to 20lb-plus are possible in a day, and spodding over zigs, using floaters and PVA bag fishing are three popular tactics.
Contact: www.gocatch.fish
YOU WILL NEED A SET OF RELIABLE BITE ALARMS WITH ALL THE ACTION YOU WILL GET AT THESE VENUES!
Shearwater is a stunning place to fish and packed with carp | Credit: Rob Hughes
Makins Fishery, Nuneaton, Warwickshire
Lakes 1 and 2 on Phase 1 at this Midlands fishing Mecca are the spots carp anglers should head for. Both are heavily stocked, with Lake One holding fish to over 30lb and a good back-up head of twenties. Zigs will get bites all year, as will small boilies fished over beds of pellets. Don’t ignore your own margins or those of the island.
Contact: www.makinsfishery.co.uk
Manor Farm Lakes, Biggleswade, Beds
Several lakes at this mega complex could qualify as runs waters, but our favourite has to be the Carp Lake, established in 1997. At four acres, it holds lots of carp to over 30lb. Multiple takes can be expected, and solid PVA bag tactics are a winner here.
Contact: www.manorfarmlakes.com
THESE TIPS WILL HELP YOU CATCH CARP ON ANY LAKE YOU VISIT!
Thorpe Lea Fishery, Egham, Surrey
With 2,000-plus carp stocked in 18 acres, Thorpe Lea is arguably the best place in the country to bag your first ‘twenty’ and plenty of back-up fish too. Adjacent to the M25, the lake boasts over 50 different thirties. Pegs that reach the central gravel bar are best, where a spod mix of small baits and a bright pop-up hookbait offer guaranteed action.
Contact: www.thorpeleafishery.co.uk
Naseby Reservoir, Naseby, Northants
One of the Canal & River Trust’s largest waters at 93 acres when full, Naseby is stuffed with carp approaching nearly 40lb. Fish of over 20lb are to be expected, and they all love their bait. Introduce a decent bed of pellets and chopped boilies soaked in oils and attractors, then fish bags over the top. It won’t take long for the rods to start melting off.
Contact: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk
UTILISING ONE OF THE BEST BAIT BOATS WILL HELP YOU FISH ACCURATELY AND GET MORE BITES!
Barston Lake, Solihull, West Midlands
Hosting many of the country’s biggest carp fishing matches the 125-peg Barston Lake is a great venue for bites. The stock run to over 30lb, but it’s the numbers of fish that encourage anglers to pay a visit. Spodding over zigs can be a superb tactic on the right day, as can PVA bag fishing.
Contact: www.barstonlakes.co.uk
Partridge Lakes, Warrington, Cheshire
At four acres, Holbar Lake holds carp over 20lb+. Steady feeding with pellets will ensure those alarms don’t stay silent for long. Over the bridge to the island and in between the many other islands are all hotspots worth trying.
Contact: www.partridgelakes.co.uk
Bradshaw Hall Fisheries, Bolton, Lancashire
Lake 2 is stocked with lots of carp to nearly 30lb, and night fishing is allowed for up to 10 anglers at a time. Multiple takes can be expected, particularly when the sun is out. Keep it simple, fish accurately and the bites will come in no time at all, even for novices and youngsters. Lake 11 is opening May 2026 and has been stocked with over 200 carp so will be well worth a look!
Contact: www.bradshawhallfisheries.co.uk
Stafford Moor, Dolton, Devon
Both Beatties and Lodge can produce phenomenal hits of big carp on their day. Lodge holds an impressive head of 20lb-plus fish which frequent pegs 1-6. Don’t ignore the swims round the back of the spit in warmer weather either. Bait boats are permitted, so small patches of bait presented tight to the features can work incredibly well. On Beatties, boilies and pellets fished in bags are a decent shout, especially laced with a helping of Goo! Target the ‘triangle’ area for consistent action.
Contact: www.charteroak.co.uk
YOU DON'T HAVE TO SPEND A FORTUNE ON CARP RODS, HERE ARE THE BEST FOR UNDER £100...
Boddington Reservoir, Byfield, Northants
One of several Canal & River Trust managed reservoirs, at 65 acres it holds carp averaging double figures but running well into the twenties. Pretty much any method will work here if you’re on them.
Contact: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk
Todber Manor, Sturminster Newton, Dorset
Wadmill is up there with the best runs waters in the country and will provide anglers of all abilities with truly hectic fishing. There are 31 wood-chipped bookable swims on the 4.5-acre water, which boasts a massive stock of carp from 9lb-24lb. Small mesh bags of pellets to the islands, zigs and floaters will all get plenty of bites.
Contact: www.todbermanor.co.uk
Anglers Paradise, Halwill Junction, Devon
You won’t get much rest during a session on Carp and Catfish Lakes 1 & 2 on the Anglers Eldorado
day-ticket lakes. Both hold amazing stocks of carp to nearly 30lb. They love floaters on both lakes, so stalking with one rod can be a really enjoyable experience.
Contact: www.anglers-paradise.co.uk
Some of the huge carp on offer at AP
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