Commercial fisheries are not all about intricate snake lakes, there are a vast array of open water fishing venues where the possibilities and tactics you can employ are endless! The UK boasts a wealth of commercial fisheries that offer prime fishing for anglers of all abilities, so whatever you want to catch there will be a venue to suit you. Here are our pick of the best open water commercials...
Larford Lakes, Stourport, Worcs
Target Species: Carp and Skimmers/bream
Recommended Tactics: Feeder, pellet waggler, margin tactics
Note: This venue offers a diverse range of fishing options, with both large carp and skimmers available. The Match Lake is perfect for anglers who want a good days fishing and plenty of bites, while the Specimen Lake is full of carp over 20lbs, many of which are caught on the pole.
All tactics score well, and if you want a bumper days bream fishing, there aren't many better venues to go, with 100lb bags very commonplace.
Contact: 01299 829373 or larfordlakes.co.uk
METHOD FEEDER IS DEADLY ON OPEN WATER VENUES, THE BEST CARP FEEDER RODS WILL ENHANCE YOUR METHOD FEEDER FISHING.
Gold Valley Lakes, Ash Vale, Hampshire
Target Species: Carp, F1's
Recommended Tactics: Pole, feeder, two-rod carping
Note: This venue caters to both pole anglers and two-rod carp anglers, providing ample opportunities for big fish. With a variety of lakes on site, there will be one to suit you, there is also an on-site tackle shop for all the gear advice and bait you will need.
Contact: 01252 336333 or www.goldvalleylakes.com
Moorlands Farm, Hartlebury, Worcs
Target Species: Carp, F1's
Recommended Tactics: Pole, waggler
Note: Our Commercial Fishery of the year winner in the 2023 National Angling Awards, shows the pedigree of this venue. Meadow Lake is ideal for larger carp, while High Meadow is suitable for more leisurely F1 fishing. Bites are never hard to come by so if you enjoy a prolific days fishing, head to Moorlands Farm.
Contact: 01299 250427 or www.moorlandsfarmfishery.co.uk
Decoy Lakes, Eastrea, Cambridgeshire
Target Species: Carp, Barbel, F1's
Recommended Tactics: Float fishing, pole, feeder
Note: Decoy Lakes are renowned for their large carp, and anglers should be prepared for a tiring days fishing. Decoy is also one of the few venues that holds a good stock of large barbel, so if you are yet to catch one of these fantastic fish, it may well be worth a trip to try and tame one for yourself.
Contact: 01733 202230 or www.decoylakes.co.uk
SITTING COMFORTABLY IS ESSENTIAL TO A PRODUCTIVE DAY ON THE BANK, CHECK OUT OUR BUYERS GUIDE TO THE BEST SEATBOXES.
Albans Lakes, St Albans, Herts
Target Species: Bream, Carp, Catfish
Recommended Tactics: Feeder
Note: While primarily a specimen-fishing venue, Willows Lake also offers opportunities for match anglers. If you want a tussle with a large catfish head to Farm Lake where they have been caught to over 100lbs in weight. For anglers who prefer to target carp, Willow Lake is a runs water and can be superb for bites all year round.
Contact: 07544 933149 or albanslakesofficial.co.uk
Old Hough Fishery, Sandbach, Cheshire
Target Species: Carp, F1s, silverfish
Recommended Tactics: Feeder, pellet waggler, pole shallow
Note: Offering both open water and margin fishing opportunities, Old Hough is great for anglers who like to mix up their tactics while on the bank. It is also a great venue for fishing the waggler to the island and will account for a lot of fish during the year.
Contact: 07765 000857 or www.oldhough.co.uk
Maver/Dynamite Baits Hayfield Lakes, Doncaster, South Yorks
Target Species: Carp
Recommended Tactics: Pole shallow, pellet waggler, bomb and pellet, margins
Note: Home of the Maver Match This Final, this venue offers a variety of fishing tactics, depending on the specific circumstances. With unusually deep water for a commercial fishery, lots of tactics score well and the surroundings are simply stunning, so if you enjoy a clean, picturesque environment when you are out fishing, definitely check this venue out.
Contact: 01302 864555 or www.hayfieldlakesfishery.co.uk
PELLET WAGGLER IS HIGHLY EFFECTIVE ON OPEN WATER VENUES, SEE OUT GUIDE TO THE BEST PELLET WAGGLER RODS FOR ALL BUDGETS
Meadowlands Fishery, Ryton-upon-Dunsmore, Warwickshire
Target Species: Carp and bream
Recommended Tactics: Pole, feeder, pellet waggler
Note: This venue has become a firm favourite of many anglers over the past few years and is a somewhat hybrid-venue between a commercial fishery and a natural water. Early pegs on Lambsdown Lake are particularly productive due to the shallower water but the whole venue fishes great, if you like catching bream and carp there aren't many better venues to target them.
Contact: 07805 038645
Monk Lakes, Marden, Kent
Target Species: Carp
Recommended Tactics: Pole, margin fishing
Note: Lake 3 is recommended for its consistent bites on simple pole tactics. Baits like paste will score well in the summer months.
Contact: 01622 833332 or www.monklakes.co.uk
Guru Makins Fishery, Wolvey, Warwickshire
Target Species: Carp, skimmers, silverfish
Recommended Tactics: Pole and feeder
Note: If you enjoy not knowing what your next bite will be, head over to Phase One as it features larger lakes with a variety of fish species. Both the pole and feeder work particularly well, with baits like maggots working all year round.
Contact: 07923 222511 or www.makinsfishery.co.uk
THE POLE CAN BE THE BEST OPTION TO ATTACK AN OPEN WATER VENUE, SEE OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST FISHING POLES.
