8 min read
If you're looking for the best day ticket carp lakes in Wiltshire, UK, then you're in luck. The South West region of the UK is known for its stunning carp fishing lakes, and Wiltshire is no exception. From Walton Carp Lake in Sharpham to the Shiplate Carp Fishery near Weston-super-Mare, there are many excellent venues to choose from.
Aspen Lake Fishery (Swindon)
If you're an angler in the Swindon area looking for a place to catch some record-sized carp, then Aspen Lake Fishery in nearby Ashton Keynes is a great option.
Originally a 23-acre former gravel pit, the introduction of a 10-acre island in the center of the lake has reduced the fishable area but added some nice features. Although other species are present in this lake, including bream, the mirror carp record is just ounces away from 40lbs and there are common carp approaching the mid 30lb bracket. The total carp stock is believed to be in excess of 150.
As an added bonus, the lake has an otter fence around the perimeter, and there are toilets on-site, as well as a secure car park. While it's a day-ticket water, you must pay a one-time fee of £25 on your first visit to fish there. This payment covers third-party insurance costs, so you can fish with the peace of mind that comes with knowing this Wiltshire fishery is doing everything correctly and putting necessary policies in place.
Once the one-time fee has been paid, you can get a day ticket for £12 (maximum of 2 rods), or a 24-hour ticket (maximum of 3 rods) for £25. Alternatively, you can pay an annual fee of £300, which covers third-party insurance costs and allows unlimited fishing (including nights) and the use of 3 rods.
Key Points
- Name: Aspen Lake Fishery
- Location: Swindon, SN6 6QW
- Biggest Carp: 39lb+
- Lake Size: 13 acres
- Price: From £12
- Call: 07388 411 472
Blackland Lakes (Calne)
Another option in the Wiltshire area is Blackland Lakes, located in Blackland, around 9 miles from Calne. The Blackland Lakes complex is primarily a campsite that also features two lakes. Stan’s Lake is the smallest and contains a range of coarse fish. The biggest lake is called Heron Lake, and this is where the larger residents live.
Heron Lake may only be 1 acre in size, but it benefits from deeper water levels that vary between 4ft to 12ft. While the carp here might not be breaking records anytime soon, they are of the highest quality as they have been supplied by renowned fish farmer Tony Campbell.
As the lakes are situated next to the campsite, full use of the toilet and shower facilities is extended to anglers. Both the campsite and lakes are monitored by 24-hour CCTV. Day tickets are valid from 8 am to 8 pm and are priced at £10. A 24-hour ticket costs £20 and must be booked in advance. Discounts are available if you decide to bring family or friends with you for a camping break.
Key Points
- Name: Blackland Lakes
- Location: Calne, SN11 0NQ
- Biggest Carp: 25lb+
- Lake Size: 1 acre
- Price: From £10
- Call: 01249 810 943
Islands Carp Fishery (Warminster)
Islands Carp Fishery is a 4.5-acre lake located in Mere, which is approximately 13 miles from Warminster. The lake was excavated in 2010 and has developed into a mature and diverse environment for both anglers and wildlife.
The venue is home to around 400 carp, giving an average of nearly 100 carp per acre of water. Close to 100 of the carp have reportedly crossed the 20lb barrier, with the largest fish in the lake weighing in at over 33lbs. It's only a matter of time before one of these beautiful fish breaks the 40lb barrier.
The 12 pegs on this lake have been strategically placed, providing each angler with a unique area of water to fish. The lake has many features, including lily pads, reeds, and islands, as well as deep holes and gravel bars. Depths reach up to around 8ft.
Day tickets start from £14, with a 24-hour ticket priced at £24. The lake can also be booked exclusively for one, two, three, or four days.
Islands Carp Fishery is known for its picturesque and serene surroundings. The abundance of trees, shrubs, and plants provides plenty of cover for wildlife, making the lake a great place for nature lovers as well as anglers. If you are interested in learning more about the venue, be sure to check out our in-depth review of Islands Carp Fishery.
Key Points
- Name: Islands Carp Fishery
- Location: Warminster, BA12 6AA
- Biggest Carp: 33lb+
- Lake Size: 4.5 acres
- Price: From £14
- Call: 07909 436 285
In summary, Islands Carp Fishery is a beautiful and peaceful lake that offers an exciting and diverse angling experience. With an abundance of carp, stunning natural surroundings, and excellent facilities, this venue is sure to be a hit with anglers of all levels of experience.
Ivy House Lakes (Royal Wootton Bassett)
Located just 2 miles from the charming town of Royal Wootton Bassett, Ivy House Lakes is a hidden gem in the heart of Wiltshire. This fishing complex boasts 6 picturesque lakes, each offering a unique angling experience for all levels of fishermen.
For the avid carp anglers, the complex has two lakes that cater specifically to their needs. Willow Lake, the larger of the two, is a 3.5-acre runs water that guarantees a bend in the rod, with some fish approaching the 20lb mark. Meanwhile, the Specimen Lake, with a size of 1 acre, has 7 pegs and 1 island, and it offers the opportunity to fish for several 30lb+ weight fish.
The lakes are complemented by a well-stocked tackle and bait shop, open every day from 8 am to 5 pm, and a delightful cafe that serves food between 8 am and 10 am (only on match days). The tackle shop stocks various boilie brands and terminal tackle items, providing everything you need for an unforgettable fishing experience.
A day ticket for Ivy House Lakes costs £10 and is valid for a maximum of 8 hours, while a 24-hour ticket is priced at £22 and is valid from 4 pm on the day of arrival until 4 pm the following day. It is important to note that the complex is limited to 2 rods per angler.
If you're looking for a serene fishing location that offers a plethora of angling opportunities, Ivy House Lakes should be on your bucket list. Markdown this comprehensive guide, and don't hesitate to call 07725 732 624 to make a reservation.
Key Points
- Name: Ivy House Lakes
- Location: Grittenham, Royal Wootton Bassett, SN15 4JU
- Biggest Carp: 30lb+
- Lake Size: 1 acre
- Price: From £10
- Phone: 07725 732 624
Olivemead Lake (Chippenham)
Olivemead Lake, situated in Dauntsey, is a hidden gem that boasts an impressive stock of carp in the south-west region of England. The lake spans across approximately 3 acres of land and features only 5 pegs, making it an ideal place for carp fishing holidays and mini-breaks. The lake is home to over 100 carp over 20lb, 40+ carp over 30lb, and 9 carp over 40lb, making it one of the few lakes in the country with such a fantastic carp stock.
The lake features a range of underwater features including gravel bars, lily pads, reeds, deep holes, and troughs, where some of the larger fish in the lake reside. Olivemead Lake offers three purpose-built lodges out of the 5 pegs, leaving only 2 pegs for anglers who prefer to bivvy up. There may be some noise from the nearby M4 motorway, but this shouldn't stop you from enjoying the fantastic surroundings of the lake.
The lake can be booked for a minimum of 48 hours, with prices starting from £80, and it can be booked exclusively for £1850 per week, up to 6 anglers. This includes a free bait/dip combo.
Key Points
- Name: Olivemead Lake
- Location: Chippenham, SN15 4JF
- Biggest Carp: 40lb+
- Lake Size: 3 acres
- Price: From £80
- Call: 07940 356 737
Rushy Lane Fisheries (Bradford-On-Avon)
Located in Bradford Leigh, approximately 2 miles from Bradford-On-Avon, Rushy Lane Fisheries boasts three beautiful lakes. Lake 3 and Lake 4 are stocked with carp up to 20lb and silver fish, while Lake 5 is the specimen lake and holds the larger carp, including the lake record of 32lb.
Rushy Lane Fisheries has a strict bait policy, where boilies, nuts, and peas are banned, while permitted baits include pellets, luncheon meat, sweetcorn, worms, and maggots. Night fishing is not permitted on any of the lakes, and Lake 3 and Lake 4 restrict anglers to fishing with 2 rods, while Lake 5 allows a maximum of 3 rods. A day ticket costs £14, making it an affordable fishing option for everyone.
Key Points
- Name: Rushy Lane Fisheries
- Location: Bradford-On-Avon, BA15 2RP
- Biggest Carp: 30lb+
- Lake Size: 1 acre
- Price: From £14
- Call: 07780 635 333
Shearwater Lake (Warminster)
Shearwater Lake, situated in Crockerton, just 3 miles from Warminster, is a prime location for carp fishing enthusiasts. Spanning an impressive 36 acres, the lake offers varying depths, ranging from 20ft near the dam to 3-5ft in the shallows, making it an exciting challenge to explore.
Experienced anglers love Shearwater Lake because it can be a runs water, where it is common to catch a carp every hour when conditions are right. However, the lake can also be difficult to navigate, and it's not uncommon for anglers to struggle to land a catch. Many anglers credit this to the lake's size, and some recommend using watercraft skills to find the perfect spot.
While Shearwater Lake is home to many impressive carp, the exact lake record is a matter of debate. Regulars claim that the lake record is in the upper 20lb bracket, but rumors circulate about some low 30lb carp gracing the bank in previous years. Regardless, the lake holds a good head of 20lb+ fish.
In addition to the main Shearwater Lake, Little Shearwater is also a popular spot. Although it's not as prolific as the main lake, Little Shearwater still offers carp over 20lb, including some beautiful ghosties. Both lakes offer day tickets, with prices starting at £12 and 24-hour tickets for £24.
Key Points
- Name: Shearwater Lake
- Location: Crockerton, Warminster, BA12 7DG
- Biggest Carp: 30lb+
- Lake Size: 36 acres
- Price: From £12
- Call: 07593 834 596
Woodside Lakes (Devizes)
Woodside Lakes is a complex situated in Patney, approximately 7 miles from Devizes. The complex offers both match/coarse lake and specimen lake options, with both relatively new lakes being spring-fed. The specimen lake is around 3 acres in size and offers a good stock of carp that are growing well. The lake record is frequently broken and currently stands at more than 25lb.
Fishing enthusiasts can also enjoy night fishing at Woodside Lakes, although prior arrangement with the owner is necessary. Day tickets start from £7.50 (2 rods).
Key Points
- Name: Woodside Lakes
- Location: Patney, Devizes, SN10 3QX
- Biggest Carp: 25lb+
- Lake Size: 3 acres
- Price: From £7.50
- Call: 07557 130 208
Conclusion
Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, the South West region of the UK offers some of the best carp fishing in the country. With a range of lakes to choose from, including those in Wiltshire, there is something for everyone. So why not plan your next fishing trip to one of the top day ticket carp lakes in the area and see what you can catch?