South East England's Carp Treasures: 20 Must-Fish Venues for Anglers

Yateley Complex, Hampshire

The Yateley Complex is a legendary venue in the carp fishing world, comprising several lakes with a rich history. The North Lake, in particular, is famous for its big carp, with specimens over 50lbs. This challenging water has been the setting for many carp fishing milestones and continues to attract anglers from across the country. Its combination of large, wary carp and varied features makes it a true test of angling skills.

• Multiple lakes, with North Lake being most renowned for specimen carp
• Carp to over 50lbs, with a history of record-breaking fish
• Syndicate membership required, with limited availability
• Iconic venue with a significant place in carp fishing history

Linear Fisheries, Oxfordshire

Linear Fisheries is one of the UK's premier carp fishing destinations, offering seven lakes packed with quality carp. St. Johns Lake and Manor Farm Lake are particularly popular, both holding numerous carp over 30lbs with some exceeding 40lbs. The complex's professional management and consistent fishing quality attract anglers year-round. With its range of waters and excellent facilities, Linear caters to all levels of carp angling expertise.

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

Wingham Fisheries, Kent

Wingham Fisheries is a specimen carp angler's dream, featuring two lakes designed for targeting big fish. The Main Lake, spanning 16 acres, is home to some truly enormous carp, with several fish over 50lbs and a lake record approaching 60lbs. This challenging water offers a real chance of catching the fish of a lifetime, set in beautiful Kent countryside. Its strict fishing rules and limited access ensure a high-quality angling experience.

• Two lakes, with the 16-acre Main Lake focused on specimen carp
• Several carp over 50lbs, with a lake record nearing 60lbs
• Booking essential, limited to experienced anglers
• Strict rules to maintain the quality of fishing

Horton Complex, Berkshire

The Horton Complex is another legendary venue in the carp fishing world. Kingsmead 1, in particular, is famous for its huge carp, having produced fish over 50lbs. The complex offers challenging fishing in a picturesque setting, attracting serious anglers from across the UK. The difficult nature of the fishing and the potential for record-breaking catches make it a bucket-list destination for many carp enthusiasts.

• Multiple lakes, with Kingsmead 1 renowned for monster carp
• Carp over 50lbs, with several forties and fifties
• Syndicate membership required, limited availability
• Historic venue with a reputation for producing huge carp

Frimley Pit 3, Surrey

Frimley Pit 3 is a challenging 12-acre gravel pit known for its stock of big, cunning carp. This water holds several carp over 40lbs, with a few approaching and exceeding 50lbs. The lake's clear water and subtle features make for demanding fishing, requiring skill and patience. Its reputation for producing large carp has made it a favorite among serious anglers in the South East, despite (or perhaps because of) its difficult nature.

• 12-acre gravel pit focused on specimen carp
• Carp to over 50lbs, with numerous forties
• Challenging fishing requiring advanced techniques
• Limited access, booking essential

Walthamstow Reservoirs, East London

While technically in London, Walthamstow Reservoirs is easily accessible from much of the South East and offers exceptional urban carp fishing. The complex consists of several reservoirs, with the Lower Maynard being particularly noted for its carp. This water holds specimens over 40lbs and provides a unique experience of wilderness fishing within sight of the city skyline. The venue's size and varied features offer diverse fishing opportunities.

• Multiple reservoirs, with Lower Maynard popular for specimen carp
• Carp to over 40lbs, with a significant stock of twenties and thirties
• Day tickets and season tickets available
• Urban location with good transport links

Monks Pit, Cambridgeshire

Monks Pit is a renowned 30-acre lake on the Cambridgeshire/Bedfordshire border, known for its challenging carp fishing. The water holds a good head of big carp, with several fish over 40lbs and a lake record over 50lbs. Its vast size and varied underwater topography make for exciting and demanding fishing. The lake's reputation for producing large carp attracts anglers from across the South East and beyond.

• 30-acre lake with a significant population of big carp
• Carp to over 50lbs, with numerous forties
• Syndicate water with limited membership
• Challenging fishing requiring skill and patience

Sandhurst Lake, Yateley

Part of the famous Yateley complex, Sandhurst Lake is a 40-acre gravel pit offering challenging carp fishing. 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. Its varied features provide numerous options for different fishing approaches.

• 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

Darenth Big Lake, Kent

Darenth Big Lake is a 20-acre venue that has gained a reputation as one of Kent's premier carp fishing destinations. The lake holds a significant stock of big carp, with several fish over 40lbs and a lake record approaching 50lbs. Its interesting features, including islands and varied depths, provide excellent carp-holding areas. The quality of its fish and professional management make it a popular choice for serious carp anglers in the South East.

• 20-acre lake focused on specimen carp
• Carp to nearly 50lbs, with numerous forties
• Day tickets available, booking recommended
• Well-maintained facilities and good bankside access

Elphicks Fisheries North Lake, Kent

Elphicks Fisheries offers several lakes for carp anglers, but the North Lake stands out for its impressive stock of big carp. This 7-acre water holds numerous carp over 30lbs, with several exceeding 40lbs and a lake record over 50lbs. The lake's relatively small size combined with its large carp makes for exciting fishing. Its reputation for producing multiple big fish catches has made it a favorite among anglers seeking action-packed sessions.

• 7-acre lake with a high concentration of big carp
• Carp to over 50lbs, with many forties and thirties
• Day tickets and exclusive bookings available
• Well-maintained swims and good facilities

Churchwood Fisheries, East Sussex

Churchwood Fisheries offers a range of lakes for carp anglers, with the specimen lake being the jewel in the crown. This 5-acre water holds an impressive stock of carp, with fish to over 40lbs. The lake's intimate size combined with its big fish potential makes for exciting sessions. Set in beautiful Sussex countryside, Churchwood provides a perfect blend of challenging fishing and scenic surroundings, attracting anglers from across the South East.

• Multiple lakes, with a 5-acre specimen lake focused on big carp
• Carp to over 40lbs, with a good head of thirties
• Day tickets and night fishing available
• Well-maintained facilities including a tackle shop and cafe

Willow Park Fishery, Hertfordshire

Willow Park Fishery is a well-established venue offering several lakes for carp anglers. The Big Lake, spanning 26 acres, is particularly noted for its carp fishing potential, holding a substantial stock of fish with specimens over 40lbs. The lake's vast size and varied features provide diverse fishing opportunities, from long-range work to margin fishing. Its proximity to London makes it popular among anglers seeking quality fishing within easy reach of the capital.

• Multiple lakes, with the 26-acre Big Lake best for carp
• Carp to over 40lbs, with numerous thirties
• Day tickets and season tickets available
• Good facilities and easily accessible location

Broadlands Lake, Hampshire

Broadlands Lake is a picturesque 30-acre venue situated in the Test Valley, 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 Hampshire and beyond.

• 30-acre lake focused on specimen carp
• Carp to over 40lbs, with numerous 30lb+ fish
• Day tickets available, booking recommended
• Scenic location with good bankside facilities

Wase Waters, Kent

Wase Waters is a relatively new but quickly established carp fishing venue in Kent. The Main Lake, spanning 7 acres, has been carefully stocked with a range of carp, including several fish over 30lbs and some approaching 40lbs. The lake's modern design, incorporating various features and marginal shelves, provides an ideal environment for targeting big carp. Its growing reputation and consistent results are making it increasingly popular among South East anglers.

• 7-acre Main Lake focused on specimen carp
• Carp to nearly 40lbs, with potential for larger specimens
• Day tickets and night fishing available, booking essential
• Modern facilities and well-designed swims

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 South East.

• 25-acre lake focused exclusively on specimen carp
• Lake record over 50lbs, with multiple 40lb+ carp
• Day tickets available, booking recommended
• Excellent facilities including a tackle shop and cafe

Strawberry Fields Fishery, Kent

Strawberry Fields Fishery offers a range of lakes for carp anglers, with the specimen lake being particularly noteworthy. This 10-acre water holds a good head of carp with fish to over 40lbs. The lake's interesting features, including islands and varied depths, provide excellent holding areas for carp. Set in beautiful Kent countryside, Strawberry Fields offers a perfect blend of challenging fishing and picturesque surroundings, attracting anglers from across the South East.

• Multiple lakes, with a 10-acre specimen lake
• Carp to over 40lbs, with a good stock of thirties
• Day tickets and night fishing available
• Well-maintained facilities and scenic setting

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 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

Cottington Lakes, Kent

Cottington Lakes is a diverse fishery complex offering several lakes for carp anglers. The specimen lake, known as Lake Pepper, is the main draw for those targeting big carp. Spanning 8 acres, this water holds a good stock of carp with fish to over 40lbs. The lake's varied features and well-maintained swims provide excellent opportunities for anglers of all levels. Its location near the coast adds an interesting dimension to the fishing experience.

• Multiple lakes, with 8-acre Lake Pepper focused on specimen carp
• Carp to over 40lbs, with a healthy population of thirties
• Day tickets and night fishing available
• On-site accommodation and good facilities

Furnace Brook Fishery, East Sussex

Furnace Brook Fishery is a picturesque venue offering several lakes for carp anglers. The specimen lake, spanning 5 acres, is the main attraction for those targeting big carp. This water holds a good head of carp with fish to over 30lbs and some approaching 40lbs. Set in beautiful Sussex woodland, Furnace Brook provides a tranquil setting for challenging carp fishing. Its intimate size and stock of quality carp make it popular among anglers seeking a more secluded fishing experience.

• Multiple lakes, with a 5-acre specimen lake
• Carp to nearly 40lbs, with a good stock of twenties and thirties
• Day tickets and night fishing available
• Scenic woodland setting with well-maintained facilities

Farnham Angling Society Waters, Surrey

Farnham Angling Society offers several waters for carp anglers, with Badshot Lea Big Pond being particularly noteworthy. This 10-acre lake holds a good stock of carp with fish to over 30lbs. The venue's varied features and peaceful setting provide an excellent escape for anglers looking to fish quality waters. The society's commitment to maintaining high standards ensures consistent fishing quality across its waters.

• Multiple waters, with 10-acre Badshot Lea Big Pond popular for carp
• Carp to over 30lbs, with a good head of twenties
• Day tickets available for non-members on certain waters
• Well-maintained facilities and good access