With winter now firmly set in 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.
WINTER WEATHER CAN BE DEMANDING, MAKE SURE YOU CHOOSE ONE OF THE BEST BIVVIES TO STAY COMFORTABLE ON THE BANK.
BADEN HALL FISHERY, STAFFORD, STAFFS
The pleasure fishing only, Middle Pool offers 53 pegs with carp averaging around 12lb with the odd larger lumps upto mid 20's. It is a great venue to go if you want to get a bend in the rod as action can be prolific all year round.
Contact: 01785 851495 or www.badenhallfishery.com
LINBROOK CARP FISHERY, RINGWOOD, HANTS
This 6-acre lake is perfect for winter carp fishing, not only is the fishery really tidy and all the swims gravelled, there is also power to each swim should you need it! Carp run to over 40lb with a few other surprises like albino grass carp. The fishing can be tricky but hit it right and you'll have a session to remember.
Contact: 07596 112922 or www.linbrookcarpfishery.co.uk
LADYWOOD LAKES, MIRFIELD, WEST YORKS
There are two well stocked lakes at Ladywood, the Big Lake is around 10-acres and contains 500 fish with at least five carp over 40lb. The Small Lake is around 2 acres and has a stock of 700 carp where multiple bites can be expected right throughout the winter, if you need to get a bite this lake can provide one.
Contact: www.ladywoodlakes.co.uk
THERE ARE LOTS OF BAITS YOU CAN USE DURING THE WINTER, CHECK OUT OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST BAITS FOR CARP FISHING AVAILABLE.
BARSTON LAKES, SOLIHULL, WEST MIDS
Barston Lake is renowned for its lumps with carp 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, it is considered a bit of a 'runs water'.
Contact: 01675 444890 or www.barstonlakes.co.uk
Contact: 01524 792093 or www.wyresidelakes.co.uk
SANDHURST LAKE, YATELEY, HANTS
This relatively shallow lake in the infamous Yateley area has great winter form and big hits can be on the cards if you get your tactics right. The lake boasts an impressive stock with as many as six different 40lb fish at the right time of year and a ridiculous amount of 30lb carp too.
Contact: 07766 416223 or www.sandhurstlake.co.uk
NEW TO CARP FISHING AND AREN'T SURE WHERE TO START? READ OUR HELPFUL BEGINNERS GUIDE HERE.
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 30lb, with lots of 20lb fish to go at. The gravel bars in between the islands are the hotspots.
Contact: 07951 436461 or www.makinsfishery.co.uk
STANWICK LAKES, STANWICK, NORTHANTS
The 3-acre, 25 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 are also known thirties. The adjacent Mallard Lake holds bigger fish, and whilst considered trickier, the rewards are there in winter.
Contact: 07974 300015 or 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. Maggots are great, but bags and light baiting with boilies often scores well with the busier anglers generally catching more.
Contact: 01258 820 384 or www.todbermanor.co.uk
BROADLANDS LAKE, SOUTHAMPTON, HAMPSHIRE
The Main Lake has been fished by some of the best anglers around in the last 30 years, with islands, gravel bars, bays and tree lined margins there is something for everyone. Around 1000 carp are reportedly stocked in the lake to over 40lb, and thanks to the river flowing into the lake, it can be one of the few places that doesn't freeze over.
Contact: 07360 201900 or www.gocatch.fish
YOU NEED THE RIGHT CLOTHING IF YOU'RE FISHING DURING THE COLDER MONTHS, READ OUR BUYER'S GUIDE TO THE BEST WINTER WATERPROOFS.
LINEAR FISHERIES, WITNEY, OXFORD
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 many available day ticket lakes. With carp going up to 50lb this is definitely one to visit this winter. The new Tar Farm complex is full of newly stocked fish that can provide action when the rest of the fishery is slowing down.
Contact: 01865 548199 or www.linear-fisheries.co.uk
HORCOTT LAKES, FAIRFORD, GLOUCS
The Main Lake is a stunning 22-acre gravel pit located in the Cotswold Waterpark, which is well stocked with some incredible looking carp. With around 30 fish over 30lb and lots of 20lb fish, this lake is definitely capable of producing a few bites and with an average depth of 5ft, it responds well to any improvements in the weather.
Contact: www.gocatch.fish
SHEARWATER LAKE, WARMINSTER, WILTSHIRE
A water that needs no introduction for its amazing winter form, the 36-acre lake is teeming with carp up to 20lb and is usually always good for a bite, especially on zigs, whatever the conditions. It is also a really picturesque venue, so whilst you're waiting for the next bite, you can enjoy the surroundings.
Contact: www.gocatch.fish
CARP WILL OFTEN HOLD UP OUT IN THE MIDDLE DURING WINTER, USE THE BEST CARP RODS TO MAKE SURE YOU CAN REACH THEM.
FENLAND FISHERIES, EARITH, HUNTINGDON
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 form and is well worth a visit. Vermuyden Lake is really well stocked so you're always in with a chance of a bite.
Contact: 07596200694 or www.fenlandfisheries.com
ORCHID LAKES, WALLINGFORD, OXFORDSHIRE
Often referred to as "the home of the thirties", Orchid Lakes is a superb winter carp venue that often produces bites when no other water will. The lake also has two swims with huts that are bookable if you aren't overly comfortable fishing in a bivvy when it's freezing!
Contact: www.gocatch.fish
BERNERS HALL FISHERY, ESSEX
There are three lakes to choose from all with a great reputation for producing bites in the winter thanks to its prolific stock. The Reservoir holds big carp to over 50lb, numerous 40lb carp and 150 different 30lb specimens, Berners Hall is well worth a trip when the weather gets cold.
Contact: www.bernershallfishery.com or www.gocatch.fish
EMBRYO ANGLING, NORTON DISNEY, NOTTS
This relatively new Norton Disney complex boasts a total of seven lakes, all of varying sizes and depths, there is certain to be one lake on the complex worth a bite in the winter months. The lakes are really well stocked and there is a tackle shop and an up-to-date Facebook page to keep you informed of what's being caught.
Contact: www.embryoangling.org
SINGLE HOOKBAITS ARE A GREAT TACTIC IN WINTER, CHECK OUT OUR BUYER'S GUIDE FOR THE BEST POP-UPS TO USE FOR THIS METHOD.
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