Looking for places to stay and fish for your holiday this year? then you may want to take a look at this handy list of places that you can stay and fish within the midlands.
BARSTON LAKES
Built around the immaculate West Midlands Golf Club, Barston Lakes offers first-class fishing to a variety of anglers. Located conveniently near Coventry, Birmingham, Leamington and Warwick, the four pools on this complex offer specimen carp as well as prolific matchfishing throughout the year.
The 125-peg Barston Lake offers a unique prospect for match and specimen anglers. Containing carp to 37lb, this mighty pool can also be booked for matches for 10-100 people. The luxury of behind the peg parking is available on half of the lake, with wheelchair access also available on certain pegs. Night fishing is permitted, and anglers using bivvies are asked not to obstruct the public footpath that runs around the right hand side of the lake.
Match Pool is a 22-peg lake that can be booked for matches that was designed with polefishing in mind. Carp, F1s and silverfish offer excellent sport throughout the year.
Night fishing is allowed on 10-peg Jake’s Lake, which holds carp to 30lb. Meanwhile, 18-peg Daisy’s Lake offers mixed fishing featuring carp to double-figures.
Not only is the fishing at Barston outstanding, but the catering facilities available are also some of the best in the country. The bar is open from 7am, and food can be taken away or enjoyed in the pristine restaurant. The venue also has disabled access to pegs and ample parking.
Prices: 1 or 2 rods (3 rods is £2 extra) up to 8 hours £8.95; (£6.50 junior or oap); 8-16 hours £13.50; 17-24 hours £18
Contact: 01675444890 or visit www.barstonlakes.co.uk
Rules: No barbed hooks, no surface fishing, no braid outside of November 1 and May 1. No keepnets except in matches. Night fishing available for £15 a year
FLOAT FISH FARM
Containing everything from golden tench to immense catfish, Float Fish Farm caters to all your angling desires. Currently holding eight lakes, and with plans to add a further five or six, this fishery is destined to become one of the largest in the South East of England.
Specimen carp anglers can enjoy Home Lake (no booking required), for fish to 26lb including ghost and ornamental Koi. Sand lake (online booking only) holds carp to 32lb, as well as catfish that have been caught to 64lb. Lapwing (online booking only) is a six-acre water featuring six swims, giving anglers plenty of room to target the water’s three specimen carp to over 40lbs, as well as many fish to 30lbs and over.
Match and pleasure fishing is also available on Two Islands, Horseshoe, and Wagtail lakes, which contain all species including barbel. Kingfisher Lake is a small water geared towards the youngest and oldest anglers, where good bags of carp, crucians and silvers can be taken. Tench Pit ahs three wims and tench to 8lb.
Bait and tackle can also be purchased on-site whether you are fishing or not, where match and coarse baits alongside maggots, casters and worms can be purchased. Food of excellent quality is also served every weekend from 7am to 2pm. There is a food van on site.
ELMHIRS LAKE
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Elmhirst Lakes is a beautiful and peaceful holiday retreat, ideal for anglers and non-anglers seeking a relaxing break within an easy walk of the small market town of Horncastle and its inns and cafés.
On site are three coarse ponds and a specimen lake holding carp to 30lb, roach to 3lb and a host of other species to spice up your session.
The fishing is superb, and you can find the same quality in the accommodation on offer.
A range of static caravans and lodges all offer TV/DVD, fridge and microwave, and some have en-suite facilities to the main bedroom. All are beside the main lake, with superb views over the water, and all accommodation is carefully cleaned prior to your arrival, so you’ll feel at home from the start.
Parking is available next to your accommodation, so long walks are not an issue.
When you’re not relaxing in your comfortable static home you’ll be getting down to some rod-bending action across four idyllic waters. All have mixed stocks and you can catch plenty of big roach, tench, bream and crucians by fishing maggots on the pole or waggler over a little groundbait in the margins.
Alternatively, you can mount a specimen-style attack for the carp with boilies and pellets and simply sit back and relax, taking in the surroundings… at least until your alarm screams off!
Prices: Accommodation from £440-£520 a week, fishing for residents only
Contact: 01507 527533 or visit www. elmhirstlakes.co.uk
Location: Elmhirst Lakes, Elmhirst Lane, Horncastle, Lincolnshire, LN9 5LU
Rules: Barbless hooks only, all fish to be landed via a net – no swinging in, no littering, no dogs, no fires, no keepnets
Facilities: Parking, modern caravans and lodges – toilets, shower and cooking facilities, entertainment
WESTWOOD LAKES
Just outside Boston is this fantastic seven-lake complex. Whatever your level of ability, Westwood Lakes will supply your angling fix!
For a mixed bag on simple pole or waggler tactics head to Skylark, Hawk, Swallow, Osprey or Falcon – all boast brilliant stocks of carp, barbel, bream, tench and silvers.
Best areas to target are the islands, or the nearside margin. For baits you can keep it traditional with maggot, worm, corn and caster, or go for the modern approach of pellet and paste. However, any tactic fished well will leave you with a sore arm!
For hectic line-stripping action with larger carp or big stillwater barbel, a session on Kestrel or Kingfisher will do you proud – both species run to over 10lb. The average stamp is sublime, at around 7lb and you can’t beat pellet and paste down the edge.
For match anglers, winners of several open contests qualify for a £5,000 final, while the three-day Autumn Classic Festival will give 108 anglers the chance of competing for £10,000 in prize money. There are no fewer than seven festivals planned for next year, from April to November, and you can book in now.
The complex isn’t just for anglers, mind. Twenty-six luxury lodges and a restaurant make it ideal for the whole family, not to mention the entertaining surroundings.
Fishery owner Alan Coupland says: “We encourage people to come and stay in our beautiful surroundings – you need not be a fisherman to enjoy our Westwood Lakes.
“You can simply relax and unwind or use our great location to explore the very interesting buildings, towns, markets and seaside resorts our county has to offer.”
Location: Five House Lane, Boston, Lincolnshire PE21 7JA
Contact: 01205 724 162
Prices: Day ticket £7
Rules: Barbless only, no surface fishing, running rigs only, no meat, fishery pellets only, all nets to be dipped
Facilities: Tackle shop, accommodation, restaurant, Mallard bar lounge, toilets
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BAKE LAKES
Described by the fishery as “a jewel in Cornwall’s angling crown”, Bake Lakes lives up to everything said about the complex.
You will find nine lakes, each one offering first-class coarse or carp fishing regardless of your angling style or ability – but which lake should you fish for your angling fix?
For specimen carp, a session on Caesar’s Palace or Luxor, both five acres, will see stunning scaly carp to 25lb-plus caught. Spend some time locating the fish, then present a simple bottom rig towards them with boilie hookbaits and pellet loosefeed.
Those after a mixed bag of carp, tench, bream and silvers could do a lot worse than pay a visit to Flamingo, Treasure Island or Dunes.
Here, simple pole or waggler tactics with corn, caster, maggot, worm or pellet will see your float bury on a regular basis!
Juniors are also well catered for here, and they will be more than happy catching a fish a chuck on ‘wag and mag’ tactics.
For any traditionalists that wish for an escape from carp, the intimate Snag Alley offers the perfect opportunity. This water is only stocked with tench and silver fish – use light gear on here and enjoy some fantastic fun!
Finally, for those carp fanatics that crave the excitement of tempting a fish from the surface, a trip to The Canal will see your breadcrust or mixer hookbait regularly engulfed by fighting-fit fish.
Location: Bake Lakes Fishing, Trerulefoot, Saltash, PL12 5BW
Contact: 07798 585836
Prices: These are lake-specific. Day tickets start from £8, or £20 for 24 hours
Rules: Specimen Lakes: No fixed leads, barbless or micro barbed hooks only, no leadcore, large mats and nets essential. Coarse Lake: Barbless hooks only, no fixed rigs
Facilities: Toilets, café
Website: www.bakelakes.co.uk
LAVENDER HALL
Whether you want to bag up on match-size carp, floatfish for a net of silvers or wait patiently in peaceful surroundings for a larger specimen, Lavender Hall has something for you.
Situated in Berkswell, Coventry, it has been a popular venue since it first opened in 1998.
There are five lakes on site. Dragon Lake, Bens Lake and Oak Lake are match waters stocked with plenty of carp, roach, rudd, tench and big perch. You can expect match weights averaging 60lb-80lb. The waggler or pole with casters, maggots or pellets will produce regular bites.
Brook Pool is an out-and-out pleasure water with a good head of double-figure carp and some big tench. If you’re targeting the tench and silver fish in this pool the waggler with corn or meat is the method. Carp anglers are successful when fishing boilies or pellets in the margins.
If you are a specimen hunter, then Station Lake is a real haven, with some stunning fish to target. The lake is full of features, with three islands, varying depths, gravel and clay spots. Only eight anglers are allowed on the 11 swims on this two-acre water, which gives everyone ample space.
The carp average 16lb-18lb but there are many larger specimens present with 30-35 fish over 20lb and a lake record of 31lb. The bigger fish tend to fall to boilies, but a zig or surface bait is worth trying in warmer weather. This is a very good margin water too.
The site offers many facilities to make your stay more enjoyable. The tackle shop is fully stocked with all major brands and is open 8am-5pm daily. The Lavender Café will keep you well fed with breakfast, chips and sandwiches at affordable prices.
Prices: General Pools £9 full day ticket, £7 concessions
Specimen Lake £25 for 24 hours
Contact: 01676 530299 or visit www.lavenderhallfishery.co.uk
Location: Lavender Hall Lane, Coventry, CV7 7BN
Rules: Barbless hooks only, no braided mainline, no surface fishing on match lakes, no trout pellets, anglers aged under 16 must be accompanied by an adult on specimen lake.
Facilities: Café, tackle shop, toilets, disabled facilities, parking
SWAN LAKE
Set in beautiful rural Lincolnshire near Skegness, Swan Lake Fishing and Caravan Park is a friendly, family-run complex offering you a superb, relaxed holiday.
Amid the 13 acres of park lie two fishing lakes.The main lake, Swan, is two acres and was established over 100 years ago. A variety of fish in this lake includes carp, tench, barbel, crucians, roach, rudd and perch. Pole fishing close to the margins on this lake can be really productive, with regular bags of 100lb taken. Other tactics such as the Method feeder with corn or pellets never seem to fail to catch carp. The larger double-figure carp will often get caught off the surface during the summer.
Leaver Lake is a relatively new addition and is stocked with similar species to Swan Lake. The pole or waggler with pellet, meat, corn or maggot will produce bags of fish, with 50lb nets common. Fishing to the islands on this lake tends to produce the better examples.
The park’s country setting is ideal for scenic walks and bike rides. Adjacent to the park there is a small pub, and the historic village of Wainfleet is just over a mile away.
Wainfleet is home to a number of restaurants, shops and the world-famous Bateman’s Brewery, offering an interesting day out.
For accommodation the park offers a small hire fleet of holiday homes, ie caravans. Each of them has a lock-up storage unit. They are ideal for couples looking for a lovely and peaceful break. Sorry, no male partied or dogs allowed.
Swan Lake is maintained to a very high standard to ensure your stay is a memorable experience.
So why not visit and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Lincolnshire countryside?
MAKINS FISHERY
One of the first commercial fisheries, Makins offers action-packed angling. Each of its phases is different, and the pick of the bunch on Phase One has to be Lake Five.
The feeder dominates, with the best pegs those reaching the island. Groundbait with corn and pellet will take carp to 20lb, or big tench and bream if the carp fail to feed.
Phase Two offers a host of bays and islands. The Crater Pool has some of the biggest stillwater barbel in the country – fish to 12lb come out on worm to a pole approach down the edge on peg 15. On Phase Three carp, barbel, roach, skimmers, and perch to 2lb are taken throughout the year.
There are plenty of other facilities on site. Two luxury three-bedroom lodges with hot tubs overlook lake 5. Each has its own private parking and a secure store for tackle or bicycles.
If you don’t wish to stay in these there is also a 35-pitch touring and caravan site with shower and toilet block. For a place to eat you can visit the on-site café or there are two pubs serving food less than a five-minute drive away. The cathedral city of Coventry is just 15 minutes away by car with places to visit including the interesting motor museum.
Match anglers should check out the King of Makins contest, sponsored by Dynamite Baits. Test your skill on each of the three phases to find the best all-round angler.
Different styles of fishing, large lakes, small lakes and canals will test your skills. Big cash prizes are on offer, as well as Dynamite Baits packages. The first of three matches takes place on June 30.
Prices: £7.50, £5.50 concessions
Contact: 01455 220877 or visit http://makinsfishery.co.uk
Location: Makins Fishery, Bazzard Road, Bramcote, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV11 6QJ
Rules: Barbless hooks only, maximum size 10, no bloodworm or joker, no floating baits, Dynamite Baits Green Swim Stim or on-site shop pellets only. See website for full list
Facilities: Toilets, disabled access, café, tackle and bait shop, accommodation
KING RICHARD III
Located on the historic hunting grounds of King Richard III, this venue will provide an interesting and unforgettable angling getaway in its exclusive three-berth log cabin. With fishing available on the lake for guests only, you can enjoy catching the stock of big carp in complete privacy.
While staying in the two-floor cabin you can awake each morning surrounded by countryside and wildlife. Your visit will be made hassle-free and comfortable, with the fully furnished cabin having everything you will need, including wifi to stay connected.
Tackle storage will also not be a problem with plenty of space outside the accommodation. You can even use a 4x4 to save lugging your gear or luggage around the site.
Moving offsite to the area around Henley-in-Arden, you will be able to stock up on all the bits of tackle and bait you will need for your stay, with the tackle shop not being far away. For those not wanting to cook there is a huge variety of restaurants locally.
Prices: £350 for three-night stay, £750 for a week for three people
Contact: 07753 634440 or email revitrevit@hotmail.co.uk
Location: Hill Barn Farm, Henley in Arden, B95 5SA
Rules: Barbless hooks only, no littering, please use suitable nets and unhooking mats
Facilities: Two-floor log cabin, wifi, disabled access , tackle shop nearby
SYCAMORE FARM
A beautiful and peaceful place, hidden in the Lincolnshire countryside. The 14-acre site has two lakes where you can enjoy dawn till dusk fishing for the stock of carp, barbel, roach, rudd and tench.
Sycamore Farm Park is popular with people fishing the float on either rod or pole. Sweetcorn fished over pellet in the margins should get bites from the venue’s many carp – some of which run to 30lb.
For accommodation there are static caravans across the park. The touring field has a range of pitches all with electric hook-ups plus a toilet and shower block, pot-wash area and launderette. There are also two country cottages and two new luxury apartments.
The touring field has been fully over-hauled and now has new electricity hook-ups fitted, as well as a toilet and shower block.
For supplies, the onsite shop has everything you will need for your visit – including tackle and a selection of the Dynamite Baits range.
If you need a rest from the hard-fighting fish, the popular seaside resort of Skegness is only a few miles away. Here you can take a walk along vast stretches of sandy beaches or visit other local attractions.
Prices: Park guests -£5 a day, Non-residents - £6 per day
Contact: 01754 810833. www.countryandcoastalholidays.co.uk
Location: Sycamore Farm Park, Chalk Lane, Burgh Le Marsh, Skegness, PE24 5HN
Rules: No keep nets, no ground bait, barbless hooks only, no bloodworm, no hemp
Facilities: Accommodation, shop, toilet and shower block
WOODLAND WATERS
Within a beautiful wooded valley covering 72 acres lies the luxury accommodation and five fishing lakes at Woodland Waters.
The fine selection of lakes on site provide a variety of environments and species of fish for the visiting angler. The 14-acre Specimen Lake is predominantly a big carp water with fish reaching upper twenties. This tree-lined lake also has other species to fish for including bream, rudd, perch and some large pike.
The seven-acre Match Lake is a prolific bagging water. Incredible nets of 500lb featuring bream, roach, rudd, perch and carp have been caught by visitors. The lake is known however for its large head of quality tench up to 11lb 8oz.
If the large specimens in the other lakes are not on the feed, there are also three other lakes. The Small Carp Lake, Birch Lake and Roach Pool are popular pleasure fishing waters ideal for juniors or beginners. All are stocked with mix of coarse species.
The Lakeview and Woodview lodges offer the perfect setting for a relaxing holiday and overlook some of the stunning mature lakes. If the lodges aren’t for you the site also has excellent camping and caravan facilities close to the specimen lake. After a day’s fishing you can relax, unwind and feast in Woody’s Bar and Lakeview Restaurant which offer locally sourced food and a range of ales or wines.
Prices: £6 for one rod or £8 for two. Concessions £4.50 for one rod or £6.50 for two
Carp Fishing - £20 for 24 hours. Concessions £15 for 24 hours.
Contact: 01400 230888 or visit woodlandwaters.co.uk
Location: Willoughby Rd, Ancaster, Grantham, Lincs NG32 3RT
Rules: Barbless hooks only, 10lb minimum line for carp fishing, no tiger nuts, no bloodworm or joker, no keepnets or groundbait in small lakes, under 14s to be accompanied by an adult
TASWOOD LAKES
Nestled in the Tas Valley in the heart of the Norfolk countryside is Taswood Lakes, a picturesque and tranquil fishery.
There is something for all anglers here. For the dedicated carp angler there are four main carp lakes – Spring, Grove, Heron and Broadwing – all available to fish on a day ticket.
The hard-fighting English carp in these lakes have reached weights topping 42lb 5oz in the past, with some immaculate specimen commons and mirrors on offer.
The coarse lakes – Lapwing, Osprey and Grebe – are well stocked and contain a variety of species. Tench lakes, mixed pleasure lakes, match-style carp lakes, whatever technique you wish to use or species you wish to target, this fishery will accommodate you.
Nets in excess of 100lb are recorded every season, comprising specimen tench, roach, chub and bream.
The complex has comfortable swims with excellent access for disabled users, along with toilets, shower facilities and ample car parking. There is a tackle, bait and general convenience shop on site which also sells food. Use of a microwave is available.
When on holiday at Taswood you can choose to stay in one of the four stunning holiday cottages which overlook Osprey Lake. Each has its own private swim for some real exclusive and intimate fishing.
Prices: £10 a day 7am to 6pm on Spring (£12 Heron, Broadwing & Grove), £10 6pm to 7am Spring (£12 Heron, Broadwing & Grove),
Contact: 01508 470919 or visit www.taswoodlakes.co.uk
Location: Taswood Lakes, Mill Road, Flordon, Norwich, Norfolk, NR15 1LX
Rules: See website for full list
Facilities: Disabled access, toilets, shower facilities, parking, tackle shop
WATERLOO FARM
This picturesque family-run resort on the Northants/Leicestershire border is the perfect spot for a fishing holiday.
Whether enjoying the luxury of the two Norwegian log cabins or pitching up at one of the four caravan sites, the peaceful location will provide an enjoyable stay.
The three lakes on site each serve a different purpose. The oldest, Waterloo Lake, consists of 37 well-spaced pegs and a variety of coarse species to target. For the pleasure or match angler there are crucians, chub, tench and barbel. For specialists or those after bigger fish the carp run to over 25lb.
Caravan residents can enjoy exclusive fishing with pitches directly next to the water’s edge on Wellington Lake, a purpose-built match pool where 100lb-plus bags are possible.
For those looking to start fishing or introduce the younger generation to the sport there is a purpose-built 12-peg Junior Lake. It provides the perfect environment to learn the basics. Expert angling tuition is available on this lake, and can be booked during your stay.
If the quality fishing and peaceful surroundings are not enough you can also enjoy breakfast and lunch daily in the classically decorated on-site tea room. Shoppers can check out Carols Emporium for a range of beautifully crafted items and handy items you will need for your stay, including bait and tackle.
Prices: £7 per day, concessions £5, under 14s £5, afternoons £5
Contact: 01858 434098 or visit waterloofarmleisure.co.uk/
Location: Harborough Road, Great Oxendon, Market Harborough, Leics, LE16 8NB
Rules: One rod only, barbless only, no floating baits, no large boilies, no cat or dogfood, no dogs on Waterloo Lake, anglers 12-14 to be accompanied by experienced angler, anglers under 12 must use Junior Lake and be accompanied at all times