The UK is packed with top-class commercial that have hosted some of the most prestigious matches in the sport, but that doesn’t mean they’re reserved for the pros. These iconic fisheries are open to everyone, and whether you're chasing a ton of carp, building a net of silvers, or just enjoying a few hours with the float rod, you’ll find plenty to go at.
Venues with great fishing, well-kept facilities, and pegs you’ll want to come back to. Whether they’ve made the news for record weights, high-profile wins, or just their sheer consistency, these fisheries offer some of the best fishing in the UK, and best of all, they’re available for a day’s pleasure fishing.
The Oaks Lakes, Sessay, North Yorkshire
A superb, well-established complex that offers quality fishing for carp and silvers in mature surroundings.
Contact: www.theoakslakes.co.uk
Lindholme Lakes, Epworth, North Lincolnshire
Match anglers travel from far and wide to sample the sport here. Big catches are on the cards, with top-notch facilities.
Contact: www.lindholmelakes.co.uk
Hayfield Lakes, Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Just about every big name in angling has graced the banks of this big-money match venue. The fishing remains excellent.
Contact: www.hayfieldlakesfishery.co.uk
Partridge Lakes, Warrington, Cheshire
Many of the best commercial anglers from the North West cut their teeth at Partridge. Matches are always competitive here!
Contact: www.partridgelakes.co.uk
Westwood Lakes, Boston, Lincolnshire
Home to the Fish O’ final, Westwood is seen as one of the best fisheries in the East, with seven fish-filled lakes.
Contact: 01205 724162 Web: www.westwoodlakes.co.uk
Makins Fishery, Nuneaton, Warwickshire
The country’s first-ever commercial fishery remains as good as ever, with more than 600 pegs across its many lakes offering something for match, pleasure and carp anglers alike.
Contact: 07951 436461 Web: www.makinsfishery.co.uk
Docklow Pools, Herefordshire
Once home to the prestigious Drennan Knockout Cup final, the scenic Docklow Pools holds fond memories for many of the sport’s biggest names.
Contact: www.docklowpools.com
Tunnel Barn Farm, Shrewley, Warwickshire
For those who particularly enjoy pole fishing, a visit to Tunnel Barn Farm is a must. The popular match complex has been in great form of late.
Contact: www.tunnelbarnfarm.co.uk/
Gold Valley Lakes, Aldershot, Hampshire
Opened in the early 1990s by John Raison, father of World Champion Will, Gold Valley has a rich history and holds some very large carp these days but remains a top match venue.
Contact: www.goldvalleylakes.com
Todber Manor, Sturminster Newton, Dorset
No commercial fishery has arguably been in the headlines more over recent years than Todber Manor, which has produced gargantuan match weights to over 1,000lb. There is currently significant management going on to ensure sport that appeals to a wide range of anglers.
Contact: www.todbermanor.co.uk
