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.
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.
Website: www.gocatch.fish
Postcode: BA12 8AE
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: 07923222511
Postcode: CV11 6QJ
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: 01767 601138
Postcode: SG18 9BB
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: 07934 000559
Postcode: TW20 8LH
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: 07949 373131
Postcode: NN6 6DH
Partridge Lakes, Warrington, Cheshire
At four acres, Holbar Lake holds carp pushing 30lb. 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: 01925 767505
Postcode: WA3 4AQ
Linear Fisheries, Witney, Oxfordshire
On its day Brasenose 2 can be 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 fish in 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: 07885 327708
Postcode: OX5 3AY
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: 01805 804360
Postcode: EX19 8PP
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.
Contact: 01204 307197
Postcode: BL2 4JW
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: 07908 433373
Postcode: NN11 6XU
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: 01258 820384
Postcode: DT10 1JB
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: 01409 221559
Postcode: EX21 5XS
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 zigs are by far the most popular.
Contact: 07889 532563
Postcode: NN11 8YY
Barston Lake, Solihull, West Midlands
Hosting many of the country’s biggest carp fishing matches, including the BCAC, 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: 01675 444890
Postcode B92 0LB
NEED SOME TIPS TO HELP YOU CATCH MORE CARP? CHECK OUT THIS GREAT ARTICLE.