If you're tired of overly manicured carp fisheries then it might be worth heading out to one of the venues on this list. All beautiful, tranquil, mixed stock venues where you'll be sure to get plenty of bites and the best bit, you never really know what that next bite might be, perfect!
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ROCKLANDS MERE, ATTLEBOROUGH, NORFOLK
One of two lakes at this rural venue, the 80-year-old Old Mere is an idyllic tree-lined water dotted with rushes and lilypads and a haven for wildlife. The resident species include true crucian carp, tench, perch, roach and rudd, all of which run to specimen proportions. Refreshingly, not a carp in sight!
More info: 07900 004953, www.rocklandsmere.co.uk
CLAYDON PARK FISHERY, LECHLADE, GLOUCESTERSHIRE
There are some big surprises lurking in this six-acre lake in the heart of the Cotswolds, including tench to 9lb, bream to double figures and huge pike to over 30lb. There are some very large roach and perch in here too, as well as just 10 big scaly carp.If you want plenty of bites in beautiful surroundings, it’s time head to these 10 lovely lakes.
More info: 01367 252689, www.claydonparkfishery.co.uk
NARNIA LAKE, BARLOW COUNTRY CLUB, DERBYSHIRE
Located in a quiet valley just north of Chesterfield, there are four coarse lakes on this complex, but head to Narnia Lake for a colourful mixed bag. Alongside the chunky roach and perch, there are more unusual species such as golden tench, crucians and chub. A few pints of maggots are all you need to fill your net over the day.
More info: 01142 891946, www.barlowcountryclub.co.uk
FURNACE BROOK, HAILSHAM, EAST SUSSEX
A mature, stream-fed five-acre lake in tranquil surroundings. Although it holds mirror and common carp to more than 20lb, its stocks are mixed, with roach, tench, perch, bream, rudd and crucians also present. Bustling with wildlife, thanks to the owners’ focus on developing the diversity and ecosystem of the lake.
More info: 01435 830835, www.furnacebrook.co.uk
THE TRAP POOL, BUCKLEY, FLINTSHIRE
Run by Buckley AA, this well-established mixed fishery offers great sport on simple tactics. You’ll find a range of depths, not to mention some cracking silverfish action from big roach, perch and bream.
More info: 01352 754411, www.buckleyaa.com
WHINWHISTLE COARSE FISHERY, ROMSEY, HAMPSHIRE
This fishery in a mature Hampshire setting offers four lakes, each of which is filled with features, including lily beds and lush overhanging trees. Try Rail Lake, which is stocked with crucians, tench, gudgeon, perch, roach, rudd, bream and carp. There’s also a stretch of the River Blackwater included in the price of a day ticket.
More info: 01794 324485, www.whinwhistlecoarsefishery.co.uk
THE PARK FISHERY, MARKET RASEN, NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE
This peaceful and attractive family-run fishery has 20 well-spaced swims and is home to all the main silverfish species, plus a few surprises in the shape of ornamental carp and stillwater chub. Price: £6 a day (only one rod permitted) More info: 01673 828332, www.theparkfishery.co.uk
ABBROOK POND, KINGSTEIGNTON, DEVON
A beautiful stream-fed former clay pit dating back to the 1930s that’s packed with lily pads, reeds and gravel bars. There’s a huge variety of species present, including roach, rudd, tench, dace, perch, pike, eels, carp, bream and even brook trout! You’ll struggle to find a more pleasant day to spend the day.
More info: 01884 839273 (Culm Valley Angling), www.exeteranglingassociation.co.uk
MOAT LAKE, WOLD FARM, NORTHANTS
A mature 1.5-acre lake with three islands that’s stocked with just about everything... except carp! Mixed 100lb bags of roach, tench, skimmers, chub, golden tench and crucians are all a distinct possibility.
More info: 07974 000230, www.woldfarmfishing.co.uk
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