Carp Lake

Carp Lake

The Carp Lake was established in 1997 and stocked with Common, Mirror and a few Koi Carp. The current stock is around 300 Carp averaging between 16lb and 19lb with approximately 60-70 20lb+ Carp and, depending on the time of year, around 3-5 30lb+ Carp with our current Lake Record being a Mirror standing at 35lb 1oz.

The Carp in the lake breed very successfully so some smaller Carp are present though the majority of the Carp in the lake are over 15lb. There is also an abundance of Perch and Tench present in the lake but are rarely seen as not many people fish for them. Last year, however, John Patmore targeted the Tench and on one occasion had a bag of over twenty around the 6lb mark and up to 8lb, he was float fishing sweetcorn a rod length or so out.

Classed as an intermediate Carp water and holding approximately 300 Carp with an average stamp of 16-19lb, there are 60-70 known 20lb+ fish up to a current lake record of 35lb 1oz. Tench and Perch are present, although rarely targeted. With 28 swims, the Carp Lake is the most popular lake on the complex and many an angler comes from far and wide to pit their wits against the inhabitants that reside within.

With a single island in the mouth of the western bay and many underwater features to find, time spent with a marker float is never wasted and accurately identifying a clean gravel area amongst the thin layer of silkweed can mean the difference between a good session and a truly great session. Depths vary from swim to swim, averaging 7ft but heading down to 13ft towards the middle of the main southern bowl.

Whilst described as an intermediate challenge, multiple catches are not uncommon and upwards of 15 fish in a session are not uncommon when they’re really having it. Solid PVA bags fished over spodded particle often produce big hits in the warmer months, while short session anglers can make the most of it by staying mobile and moving onto showing carp.

The Mainline High Impact range has always been productive on this lake, with Essential IB being a particular favourite. Heading into winter and early spring, zigs have proved unbeatable with many fish being caught well off the bottom in the colder conditions.