20 Premier Carp Fishing Destinations in East England: Lakes and Fisheries

Holme Fen Fishery, Cambridgeshire

Holme Fen Fishery is a premier carp fishing destination, boasting two lakes set in the picturesque Cambridgeshire countryside. The Meadow Lake, spanning 26 acres, is the jewel in the crown, renowned for its population of large carp, including several fish over 40lbs and some exceeding 50lbs. With its vast expanse and challenging conditions, Holme Fen attracts serious carp anglers from across the UK, offering a true test of angling skills in a stunning natural environment.

• Two lakes, with the 26-acre Meadow Lake focused on specimen carp
• Several carp over 50lbs, with a lake record exceeding 60lbs
• Exclusive bookings only, limited to 12 anglers at a time
• On-site facilities including toilets and shower block

Bluebell Lakes, Northamptonshire

Bluebell Lakes complex is a carp angler's paradise, featuring five diverse lakes set in beautiful Northamptonshire countryside. Each lake offers unique challenges, but Kingfisher Lake stands out for specimen hunters, holding carp to over 50lbs. The venue's professional management, excellent facilities, and consistently good fishing have made it a go-to destination for carp anglers across the East of England and beyond, attracting those in pursuit of personal bests.

• Five lakes, each with its own character and carp population
• Kingfisher Lake record over 50lbs, with several 40lb+ carp
• On-site tackle shop, cafe, and accommodation
• Day tickets and season tickets available

Thorpe Lea Fishery, Norfolk

Thorpe Lea Fishery offers a premium carp fishing experience with its two expertly managed lakes. The Main Lake, covering 12 acres, is the primary draw for carp anglers, boasting a significant number of 30lb+ carp, with some specimens approaching and exceeding 40lbs. The lake's mature setting, with plenty of features and marginal growth, provides an ideal environment for targeting big carp. The fishery's limited membership and booking system ensure a peaceful and exclusive atmosphere.

• Two lakes, with the 12-acre Main Lake dedicated to specimen carp
• Numerous carp over 30lbs, with fish exceeding 40lbs
• Limited membership and booking system for exclusivity
• Well-maintained facilities including shower block and kitchen area

Waveney Valley Lakes, Suffolk

Waveney Valley Lakes is a picturesque complex situated on the Norfolk/Suffolk border, offering six lakes for anglers. The specimen lake, known as Marsh Lake, is the main attraction for carp enthusiasts, holding an impressive stock of carp with several fish over 30lbs and a lake record approaching 40lbs. The venue's beautiful setting, combined with its well-maintained facilities and quality fishing, makes it a popular destination for anglers seeking a blend of scenic beauty and productive carp fishing.

• Six lakes, with Marsh Lake dedicated to specimen carp
• Carp to nearly 40lbs, with a good head of thirties
• On-site accommodation including lodges and glamping pods
• Day tickets and exclusive lake bookings available

Farlows Lake, Buckinghamshire

Farlows Lake is a renowned carp fishing venue spanning 25 acres, offering challenging fishing for specimen carp. The lake has a long-standing reputation for producing big carp, with several fish over 40lbs and a lake record exceeding 50lbs. Its varied features, including islands, bars, and deep holes, provide a challenging environment for anglers. The venue's strict rules and limited access ensure a high-quality fishing experience, making it a favorite among serious carp anglers in the East of England.

• 25-acre lake focused exclusively on specimen carp
• Lake record over 50lbs, with multiple 40lb+ carp
• Varied underwater features providing diverse fishing opportunities
• Strict rules and limited access to maintain fishing quality

Stanwick Lakes, Northamptonshire

Stanwick Lakes is a vast complex of former gravel pits, now a thriving nature reserve and angling venue. The Specimen Lake, spanning 30 acres, is a favorite among carp anglers, offering challenging fishing for carp to over 40lbs. The expansive water and diverse features provide numerous options for anglers, from long-range casting to stalking in the margins. The site's status as a nature reserve adds to the experience, offering stunning scenery and wildlife alongside top-quality carp fishing.

• 30-acre Specimen Lake dedicated to carp fishing
• Carp to over 40lbs, with a substantial stock of thirties
• Beautiful nature reserve setting with excellent facilities
• Day tickets and season tickets available

Elvington Fisheries, Cambridgeshire

Elvington Fisheries is a well-established venue near Cambridge, offering three lakes for carp anglers. The specimen lake, known as The Island Lake, is the jewel in the crown, holding a good stock of carp with several fish over 30lbs and some approaching 40lbs. The lake's mature setting, with plenty of features including islands and reed-lined margins, provides an ideal environment for targeting big carp. Elvington's peaceful location and consistent fishing have made it a popular choice for anglers in the region.

• Three lakes, with The Island Lake focused on specimen carp
• Carp to nearly 40lbs, with a healthy population of thirties
• Well-maintained facilities including a tackle shop
• Day tickets and night fishing available

Yateley Complex, Hampshire

The Yateley Complex, while technically just outside the East of England, is a iconic venue that attracts anglers from across the region. The complex features several lakes, with The Match Lake and The Pad being particularly popular among carp anglers. These waters hold a significant stock of big carp, including fish over 40lbs. The complex's history and the challenge of its wary carp make it a bucket-list destination for many serious carp anglers.

• Multiple lakes, with The Match Lake and The Pad famous for big carp
• Carp to over 40lbs, with a history of producing record fish
• Challenging venue requiring skill and patience
• Membership required, with limited availability

Linear Fisheries, Oxfordshire

Linear Fisheries, located on the western edge of the East of England region, is one of the UK's premier carp fishing destinations. The complex features seven lakes, each offering excellent carp fishing opportunities. St. Johns Lake and Manor Farm Lake are particularly renowned for their big carp, with numerous fish over 30lbs and some exceeding 40lbs. The venue's professional management and consistent fishing quality attract anglers from across the country.

• Seven lakes, all offering quality carp fishing
• Multiple carp over 40lbs across the complex
• Excellent facilities including tackle shop and cafe
• Day tickets and season tickets available

Broadlands Lake, Cambridgeshire

Broadlands Lake is a picturesque 11-acre venue situated in the heart of Cambridgeshire, offering challenging carp fishing in beautiful surroundings. Known for its stock of hard-fighting carp, the lake holds several specimens over 30lbs, with a few approaching and exceeding 40lbs. The water's interesting contours and varied features provide a variety of fishing opportunities for anglers. Broadlands' reputation for producing big carp has made it a favorite among serious anglers in the East of England.

• 11-acre lake focused on specimen carp
• Carp to over 40lbs, with numerous 30lb+ fish
• Scenic location with well-maintained bankside facilities
• Limited number of swims, booking recommended

Barford Lakes, Norfolk

Barford Lakes is a well-established fishery complex near Norwich, offering six lakes for anglers. The Pleasure Lake is particularly popular among carp anglers, holding a good stock of carp with fish to over 30lbs. The venue's professional management and regular stocking ensure consistent fishing quality. With its range of waters and excellent on-site facilities, including a cafe and tackle shop, Barford Lakes caters to various angling preferences, making it a popular destination for carp anglers in Norfolk.

• Six lakes, with the Pleasure Lake popular for carp
• Carp to over 30lbs in the Pleasure Lake
• On-site cafe, tackle shop, and accessible facilities
• Day tickets and season tickets available

Willows Lakes, Hertfordshire

Willows Lakes is a picturesque venue located near St. Albans, featuring three well-stocked lakes. The specimen lake, known as Lake One, is the main draw for carp enthusiasts, holding an impressive stock of carp with several fish over 30lbs and a lake record approaching 40lbs. The lake's mature setting, with plenty of features including islands and reed-lined margins, provides an ideal environment for targeting big carp. Its proximity to London makes it a popular choice for urban anglers seeking quality fishing.

• Three lakes, with Lake One focused on specimen carp
• Carp to nearly 40lbs, with a good head of thirties
• Well-maintained facilities including a cafe and tackle shop
• Day tickets and night fishing available

Churchgate Lakes, Essex

Churchgate Lakes, situated near Brentwood, is a diverse fishery offering four lakes for anglers. The Specimen Lake is the jewel in the crown for carp enthusiasts, spanning 7 acres and holding a good stock of carp with fish to over 30lbs. The venue's peaceful setting, combined with its well-maintained facilities and consistent fishing, has made it a favorite among carp anglers in Essex. The lake's varied features provide excellent challenges for experienced carp anglers.

• Four lakes, with a 7-acre Specimen Lake dedicated to carp
• Carp to over 30lbs, with a healthy population of twenties
• Scenic location with well-kept grounds
• Day tickets and night fishing available with prior booking

Bawburgh Lakes, Norfolk

Bawburgh Lakes is a picturesque complex of three lakes set in the beautiful Norfolk countryside. The specimen lake, known as Colney Lake, is the primary attraction for carp anglers, holding a significant stock of carp including some impressive specimens over 30lbs. The lake's vast size of 25 acres and varied features provide a challenging environment for anglers, requiring skill and patience to locate and catch its wary residents. The venue's natural beauty adds to its appeal as a carp fishing destination.

• Three lakes, with the 25-acre Colney Lake focused on specimen carp
• Carp to over 30lbs, with potential for larger uncaught specimens
• Beautiful natural setting with diverse wildlife
• Day tickets available, booking recommended

Carthagena Fishery, Cambridgeshire

Carthagena Fishery is a well-regarded venue near Huntingdon, offering two lakes for carp anglers. The specimen lake, spanning 8 acres, is known for its stock of big carp, with several fish over 30lbs and a lake record exceeding 40lbs. The water's character, with its islands, bars, and varied depths, offers a challenging environment for carp anglers. The limited number of swims and booking policy ensure a peaceful and focused fishing experience, making it a favorite among serious carp anglers in Cambridgeshire.

• Two lakes, with an 8-acre specimen lake dedicated to carp
• Lake record over 40lbs, with multiple 30lb+ carp
• Limited to 8 swims for a more exclusive experience
• Advance booking required, popular among dedicated carp anglers

Sandhurst Lake, Yateley

Sandhurst Lake, part of the famous Yateley complex, is a 40-acre gravel pit offering challenging carp fishing. While technically just outside the East of England, its proximity and reputation make it a popular choice for anglers in the region. The lake is known for its stock of big carp, with numerous fish over 30lbs and some exceeding 40lbs. The vast size and the lake's history of producing record carp make it an attractive venue for experienced anglers looking to test their skills.

• 40-acre gravel pit with a history of producing big carp
• Carp to over 40lbs, with a substantial stock of thirties
• Challenging venue requiring advanced angling skills
• Membership required, with limited availability

Embryo Angling Bedfordshire, Bedfordshire

Embryo Angling Bedfordshire is a relatively new but quickly established carp fishing venue near Bedford. The complex features several purpose-built lakes, with the Main Lake being the focal point for carp anglers. This water has been carefully stocked with a range of carp, including several fish over 30lbs, with the potential for further growth. The lake's modern design, incorporating various features and marginal shelves, provides an ideal environment for targeting big carp.

• Multiple lakes, with the Main Lake focused on specimen carp
• Carp to over 30lbs, with potential for larger specimens
• Purpose-built swims and modern facilities
• Day tickets available, booking recommended

Horseshoe Lake, Gloucestershire

Horseshoe Lake, while on the western edge of the East of England region, is a renowned big carp water that attracts anglers from across the area. This 62-acre lake is famous for its stock of large carp, with numerous fish over 30lbs and some exceeding 40lbs. The lake's vast size and varied features provide a true test of angling skills, making it a bucket-list destination for many serious carp anglers. Its natural beauty and diverse wildlife add to the appeal of fishing this historic venue.

• 62-acre lake with a significant population of big carp
• Multiple carp over 40lbs, with a history of producing record fish
• Challenging fishing requiring skill and patience
• Syndicate membership required, with limited availability

Cleverley Fisheries, Essex

Cleverley Fisheries is a diverse angling complex situated in Essex, offering multiple lakes for various fishing styles. For carp enthusiasts, the specimen lake stands out, known for its stock of big carp including fish over 30lbs. The venue's professional management and regular stocking ensure consistent fishing quality. With its range of waters and good facilities, Cleverley Fisheries caters to various angling preferences, making it a popular destination for carp anglers in Essex and surrounding areas.

• Multiple lakes, with a dedicated specimen carp lake
• Carp to over 30lbs in the specimen lake
• On-site tackle shop and refreshment facilities
• Day tickets and night fishing permits available

Northey Park, Cambridgeshire

Northey Park is a picturesque fishery located near Peterborough, offering three well-stocked lakes for anglers. The specimen lake, known as the Island Lake, is the main attraction for carp enthusiasts, holding a good head of carp with fish to over 30lbs. Set in beautiful Cambridgeshire countryside, this venue provides a tranquil setting for anglers seeking quality fishing. The lake's varied features, including its namesake island and marginal shelves, offer excellent challenges for experienced carp anglers.

• Three lakes, with the Island Lake dedicated to specimen carp
• Carp to over 30lbs, with a healthy population of twenties
• Scenic rural location with well-maintained facilities
• Day tickets and night fishing available with prior booking