20 Best Carp Fishing Spots in North East England: Ultimate Angler's Guide

Woodlands Lakes, Thirsk

Nestled in 35 acres of lush woodland, Woodlands Lakes is a picturesque complex featuring five diverse lakes. The tranquil setting provides an ideal backdrop for a rewarding fishing experience, with two specimen lakes, two match lakes, and one pleasure lake catering to various angling preferences. The lakes are well-stocked with mirror and common carp, offering excellent opportunities for both novice and experienced anglers to test their skills and potentially land a prized catch.

• Five lakes: two specimen, two match, one pleasure
• Largest recorded catch: 34lb mirror carp
• On-site facilities: tackle shop, cafe, and accommodation
• Day tickets and season tickets available

Angel of the North Lakes, Gateshead

Situated near the iconic Angel of the North statue, this fishing complex offers three well-stocked lakes that cater to various angling preferences. The proximity to this famous landmark adds a unique element to the fishing experience, combining culture with the thrill of the catch. With two dedicated carp lakes and one mixed coarse lake, anglers have the opportunity to target mirror, common, and ghost carp in a scenic setting that's easily accessible from major routes.

• Three lakes: two carp-specific, one mixed coarse
• Largest recorded catch: 28lb common carp
• Facilities include parking, toilets, and weekend refreshment van
• Day tickets available, night fishing permitted on selected lakes

Carp Vale, Yarm

Carp Vale is a hidden gem for serious carp anglers, offering a secluded 7-acre lake known for its big carp. This intimate venue provides a challenging and rewarding experience for those in pursuit of specimen carp. The limited number of swims ensures a peaceful atmosphere and reduces pressure on the fish, contributing to the development of some impressive specimens. With both mirror and common carp present, Carp Vale has earned a reputation as a must-visit destination for dedicated carp anglers.

• 7-acre specimen carp lake
• Largest recorded catch: 39lb mirror carp
• Limited to 8 swims for a more exclusive experience
• Booking essential, particularly for peak seasons

Raker Lakes, Northallerton

Raker Lakes is a diverse fishing complex comprising four lakes, each offering a unique angling experience. Set in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside, this venue caters to carp enthusiasts with two dedicated carp lakes, complemented by a match lake and a pleasure lake. The carp lakes are home to a healthy population of mirror, common, and grass carp, providing anglers with exciting prospects throughout the year. The well-maintained grounds and excellent facilities make Raker Lakes a popular choice for both day sessions and longer fishing breaks.

• Four lakes: two carp, one match, one pleasure
• Largest recorded catch: 32lb common carp
• On-site cafe, tackle shop, and holiday lodges available
• Disabled access and facilities on selected lakes

Carleton Hill Fishery, Pontefract

Carleton Hill Fishery offers a tranquil 12-acre lake surrounded by picturesque countryside, providing an idyllic setting for carp fishing. The lake boasts a strong population of carp, including some impressive specimens that have made it a favorite among local and visiting anglers alike. The diverse array of features around the lake, including islands, bays, and marginal shelves, offers a variety of challenging fishing scenarios that keep anglers returning time and again.

• 12-acre mixed fishery with a strong carp population
• Largest recorded catch: 36lb mirror carp
• Facilities include car parking, toilets, and on-site bailiff
• Day tickets and night fishing available with prior booking

Simonside Fishery, Northumberland

Nestled in the heart of Northumberland, Simonside Fishery is a scenic 5-acre lake that offers a peaceful carp fishing experience. Surrounded by rolling countryside, this well-maintained venue provides anglers with the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The lake is stocked with a good head of carp, including mirror and common varieties, making it an excellent choice for both pleasure and specimen anglers looking to enjoy the tranquility of the Northumberland landscape.

• 5-acre mixed coarse fishery with good carp stocks
• Largest recorded catch: 25lb common carp
• Small car park and basic toilet facilities available
• Day tickets only, no night fishing permitted

Carp Lake at Higham Grange, Ponteland

The Carp Lake at Higham Grange is a purpose-built 3-acre water body designed with the serious carp angler in mind. This challenging venue offers a mix of open water and feature-rich margins, providing a variety of fishing opportunities. The lake is home to a strong stock of carp, with both mirror and common varieties present, some of which have grown to impressive sizes. The limited number of swims ensures a quiet and focused fishing experience, making it popular among anglers seeking quality over quantity.

• 3-acre purpose-built carp lake
• Largest recorded catch: 30lb mirror carp
• Limited to 6 swims for a more intimate experience
• Night fishing allowed with prior booking

The Oaks Lakes, Sessay

The Oaks Lakes is a premier fishing complex consisting of seven lakes, catering to a wide range of angling preferences. For carp enthusiasts, two dedicated carp lakes offer excellent prospects, while the additional match and pleasure lakes provide variety for mixed fishing sessions. The venue is renowned for its well-maintained facilities and the quality of its fish stocks, which include mirror, common, and koi carp. The picturesque setting and comprehensive on-site amenities make The Oaks Lakes a popular destination for anglers seeking a comfortable and productive fishing experience.

• Seven lakes: two carp, four match, one pleasure
• Largest recorded catch: 33lb common carp
• On-site tackle shop, cafe, and disabled access available
• Day tickets and season tickets on offer

Carp Lake at Framwellgate Fishery, Durham

Situated close to the historic city of Durham, the Carp Lake at Framwellgate Fishery is a well-maintained 2-acre water that offers urban anglers a convenient escape. Despite its proximity to the city, the lake provides a surprisingly peaceful environment for carp fishing. Stocked with a good head of mirror and common carp, some of which have grown to impressive sizes, this compact venue presents a challenging yet rewarding experience for carp anglers of all skill levels.

• 2-acre dedicated carp lake
• Largest recorded catch: 28lb mirror carp
• Facilities include car parking and portable toilets
• Day tickets available, night fishing by arrangement

Woodland View Fishery, Thirsk

Woodland View Fishery is a tranquil 6-acre lake enveloped by mature woodland, offering anglers a serene and picturesque setting for their carp fishing adventures. The lake boasts a diverse population of carp, including mirror, common, and ghost varieties, providing exciting prospects for anglers throughout the year. The venue's natural beauty, combined with its well-managed fish stocks, makes it a favorite among local anglers and visitors alike, offering a true escape into nature while pursuing the thrill of carp fishing.

• 6-acre mixed coarse fishery with a good head of carp
• Largest recorded catch: 29lb common carp
• Small car park and basic facilities available
• Day tickets only, sunrise to sunset fishing

Woodside Fishery, Crewe

Woodside Fishery is a tranquil venue located in the Cheshire countryside, offering three well-stocked lakes for carp enthusiasts. The specimen lake, known as Woodside Pool, is the main attraction for carp anglers, holding a variety of carp including some impressive specimens over 20lbs. The fishery's peaceful setting, combined with its professionally managed waters and good facilities, provides an excellent environment for both pleasure and specimen carp fishing.

• Three lakes, with Woodside Pool dedicated to specimen carp
• Carp to over 20lbs, with a good stock of double-figure fish
• Beautiful, secluded location in the Cheshire countryside
• Day tickets and night fishing available with prior booking

Rixton Claypits, Warrington

Rixton Claypits is a unique fishing venue, comprising a series of former clay extraction pits that have been transformed into a thriving fishery. This expansive water system, covering over 50 acres, offers diverse fishing opportunities with several areas holding good stocks of carp. The wild and natural setting provides a different experience from commercial fisheries, attracting anglers who enjoy the challenge of fishing less manicured waters. The site's status as a nature reserve adds to its appeal, offering a chance to fish in a rich, biodiverse environment.

• Over 50 acres of interconnected water bodies
• Carp present throughout, with some specimens reaching 20lbs+
• Natural, less-managed environment appealing to adventure-seeking anglers
• Free fishing with Environment Agency rod license

Millbrook Fisheries, Southport

Millbrook Fisheries is a well-established venue offering four diverse lakes for anglers in the Merseyside area. The Specimen Lake is the primary draw for carp anglers, holding a good stock of carp with some fish exceeding 20lbs. The fishery's convenient location near Southport, combined with its well-maintained facilities and consistent fishing quality, makes it a popular choice for both local and visiting anglers seeking productive carp waters in a comfortable setting.

• Four lakes including a dedicated Specimen Lake for carp
• Carp species: Mirror and Common, with specimens over 20lbs
• Well-maintained facilities including parking, toilets, and a small tackle shop
• Day tickets available, night fishing on selected lakes with prior booking

Borwick Fishing, Carnforth

Borwick Fishing offers a picturesque carp fishing experience in the heart of Lancashire's countryside. The venue features two main lakes, with the larger specimen lake being the focus for serious carp anglers. Set against the backdrop of the Lakeland fells, this water holds a healthy stock of carp, including some impressive specimens over 25lbs. The fishery's commitment to maintaining a natural and peaceful environment, combined with its stunning location, makes it a favorite among anglers seeking a serene fishing retreat.

• Two lakes, with the specimen lake holding carp to over 25lbs
• Beautiful location with views of the Lakeland fells
• Well-maintained swims and lakeside facilities
• Day tickets and exclusive lake hire available

White Acres Fishery, Penrith

White Acres Fishery, situated in the scenic Eden Valley, is a hidden gem for carp anglers in the North West. This intimate venue consists of two spring-fed lakes, with the larger one dedicated to carp fishing. The carp lake holds a good stock of fish, with some specimens reaching weights over 20lbs. The fishery's peaceful setting and well-managed waters provide an excellent environment for anglers seeking quality carp fishing in a tranquil, rural setting away from the busier commercial venues.

• Two spring-fed lakes, one dedicated to carp fishing
• Carp to over 20lbs, with a healthy population of doubles
• Scenic location in the Eden Valley, Cumbria
• Day tickets available, night fishing by prior arrangement

Heskin Old Hall Farm Fishery, Chorley

Heskin Old Hall Farm Fishery is a charming venue located in the Lancashire countryside, offering three well-stocked lakes for anglers. The specimen lake, known locally as "The Crater," is the main attraction for carp enthusiasts, holding a variety of carp including some impressive 20lb+ specimens. The fishery's rustic charm, combined with its well-maintained waters and good facilities, provides an excellent environment for both pleasure and specimen carp fishing in a quintessentially English rural setting.

• Three lakes, with "The Crater" focused on specimen carp
• Carp to over 20lbs, with a good head of double-figure fish
• Picturesque farm setting with well-kept grounds
• Day tickets and night fishing available

Whitmore Fisheries, Newcastle-under-Lyme

Whitmore Fisheries is a diverse angling complex situated on the Staffordshire-Cheshire border, offering multiple lakes for various fishing styles. The venue's specimen lake, Poolside, is particularly popular among carp anglers, holding a good stock of carp with some fish exceeding 25lbs. The fishery's professional management and regular stocking ensure consistent fishing quality, while its range of on-site facilities caters to the needs of modern anglers, making it a favored destination for carp fishing enthusiasts in the region.

• Multiple lakes including the specimen carp lake, Poolside
• Carp species: Mirror and Common, with specimens over 25lbs
• Excellent on-site facilities including a cafe and tackle shop
• Day tickets and night fishing available on selected lakes

Rosemary Wood Fishery, Warrington

Rosemary Wood Fishery is a beautifully landscaped venue offering four diverse lakes set within mature woodland. The specimen lake, Bluebell Pool, is the jewel in the crown for carp anglers, holding a variety of carp including some impressive 20lb+ fish. The fishery's commitment to creating a natural and peaceful environment, combined with its well-maintained facilities and convenient location near Warrington, has made it a popular choice for carp anglers seeking a quality fishing experience in attractive surroundings.

• Four lakes, with Bluebell Pool dedicated to specimen carp
• Carp to over 20lbs, with a good stock of double-figure fish
• Beautiful woodland setting with landscaped grounds
• Day tickets available, night fishing on selected lakes

Oak Tree Fishery, Whitchurch

Oak Tree Fishery is a picturesque venue located on the Shropshire-Cheshire border, offering two well-stocked lakes for carp anglers. The larger lake, spanning 2.5 acres, is the main draw for carp enthusiasts, holding a good head of carp including some specimens over 20lbs. The fishery's peaceful rural setting, combined with its well-managed waters and good bankside facilities, provides an excellent environment for both pleasure and specimen carp fishing, attracting anglers from across the North West.

• Two lakes, with the 2.5-acre main lake focused on carp
• Carp to over 20lbs, with a healthy population of doubles
• Scenic location on the Shropshire-Cheshire border
• Day tickets and limited night fishing available

Tilery Pool, Macclesfield

Tilery Pool is a historic 8-acre reservoir nestled in the foothills of the Peak District, offering a unique carp fishing experience. This mature water has been an angling venue for over a century and has developed a reputation for its challenging but rewarding carp fishing. The lake holds a good head of carp, including some wily old specimens that can test even the most skilled anglers. The pool's natural beauty and rich history add to its appeal as a carp fishing destination, attracting anglers who appreciate fishing in waters with character and heritage.

• 8-acre mature reservoir with a long angling history
• Carp species: Mirror and Common, with some specimens over 20lbs
• Picturesque location in the foothills of the Peak District
• Day tickets available, limited night fishing by special arrangement