South West England's Carp Fishing Paradise: 20 Extraordinary Venues

Redmire Pool, Herefordshire

Redmire Pool, while technically just outside the South West, is a legendary venue that has played a pivotal role in carp fishing history. This small 3-acre pool has produced record-breaking carp and shaped modern carp angling. Despite its size, Redmire continues to hold a mystique for carp anglers, with fish to over 30lbs. The limited access and natural surroundings provide a unique, challenging fishing experience steeped in angling lore.

• 3-acre historic pool with significant carp fishing heritage
• Carp to over 30lbs, with a history of record-breaking catches
• Very limited access, permits through Angling Dreams
• Natural, unspoiled setting with basic facilities

St. John's Lake, Linear Fisheries, Oxfordshire

St. John's Lake, part of the renowned Linear Fisheries complex, is a 26-acre water that offers exceptional carp fishing. Known for its high stock of big carp, the lake regularly produces fish over 30lbs, with specimens exceeding 40lbs. Its varied features, including islands and bars, provide diverse fishing opportunities. The lake's popularity means it can get busy, but the quality and quantity of fish make it a top destination for South West anglers.

• 26-acre lake with a high density of big carp
• Numerous carp over 30lbs, with fish to over 40lbs
• Day tickets and season tickets available
• Excellent facilities including tackle shop and cafe

Chew Valley Lake, Somerset

Chew Valley Lake is a vast 1,200-acre reservoir that's primarily known for its trout fishing, but also offers exceptional carp angling opportunities. The lake holds a good head of carp, with fish regularly caught over 30lbs and some specimens approaching 40lbs. The sheer size of the water and its open nature provide a unique challenge, requiring skill and patience to locate and catch its residents.

• 1,200-acre reservoir with a significant carp population
• Carp to nearly 40lbs, with numerous thirties
• Boat fishing allowed, adding a different dimension to carp angling
• Day tickets available, booking essential

Acorn Fishery, Gloucestershire

Acorn Fishery is a well-established venue offering five lakes for anglers. The specimen lake, known as The Acorn, is the jewel in the crown for carp enthusiasts. Spanning 7 acres, this water holds an impressive stock of carp with several fish over 30lbs and a lake record over 40lbs. The lake's mature setting, with plenty of features including islands and reed-lined margins, provides an ideal environment for targeting big carp.

• Five lakes, with the 7-acre Acorn focused on specimen 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

Durleigh Reservoir, Somerset

Durleigh Reservoir is a 80-acre water that offers challenging carp fishing in a picturesque setting. The reservoir holds a good stock of carp, with fish regularly caught over 30lbs and some specimens exceeding 40lbs. Its size and open water nature provide a different experience from smaller, more intimate venues, requiring anglers to adapt their tactics. The stunning surroundings and quality of fish make it a popular destination for South West carp anglers.

• 80-acre reservoir with a thriving carp population
• Carp to over 40lbs, with numerous thirties
• Day tickets available, night fishing permitted
• Beautiful location with good bankside access

Holme Fen Fishery, Cambridgeshire

While not in the South West, Holme Fen Fishery is worth the journey for serious carp anglers from the region. The Meadow Lake, spanning 26 acres, is renowned for its population of huge carp, including several fish over 50lbs and some exceeding 60lbs. This venue offers a genuine chance of catching a UK record carp, attracting anglers from across the country who are willing to travel for the opportunity to land a true giant.

• 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

Baden Hall Fisheries, Eccleshall

Baden Hall Fisheries, while in Staffordshire, is accessible to many South West anglers and offers exceptional carp fishing. The complex features six lakes, with The Quarry being the main attraction for carp enthusiasts. This 7-acre water holds an impressive stock of carp with several fish over 30lbs and a lake record approaching 40lbs. The venue's professional management and excellent facilities make it a popular destination for anglers seeking quality fishing.

• Six lakes, with The Quarry dedicated to specimen carp
• Carp to nearly 40lbs, with a good head of thirties
• On-site accommodation and excellent facilities
• Day tickets and exclusive bookings available

Cottington Lakes, Kent

Although located in Kent, Cottington Lakes is worth considering for South West anglers willing to travel. The complex offers several lakes, with Lake Pepper being the prime spot for specimen carp. This 8-acre 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 coastal location 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

Walthamstow Reservoirs, London

While not in the South West, Walthamstow Reservoirs is worth the journey for anglers seeking urban carp fishing at its finest. This vast complex of ten reservoirs in East London offers exceptional carp fishing, with the Lower Maynard reservoir being particularly noted for its big carp. Holding specimens over 40lbs, this urban venue provides a unique experience of wilderness fishing within the city limits, attracting anglers from across the country.

• Ten 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
• Excellent facilities including a cafe and tackle shop

Bluebell Lakes, Northamptonshire

Bluebell Lakes, while in the Midlands, is a venue that South West carp anglers should consider. This complex features five diverse lakes, with Kingfisher Lake standing out for specimen hunters. Holding carp to over 50lbs, it offers a real chance of landing a personal best. The venue's professional management, excellent facilities, and consistently good fishing have made it a go-to destination for carp anglers willing to travel for quality fishing.

• 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

Bitterwell Lake, Bristol

Bitterwell Lake is a picturesque 5-acre venue located just outside Bristol, offering excellent carp fishing opportunities. The lake holds a good head of carp with fish to over 30lbs, making it popular among local anglers. Its relatively small size combined with its stock of quality carp makes for exciting sessions. The well-maintained facilities and easy access make it an ideal spot for both day sessions and overnight fishing.

• 5-acre lake with a focus on carp fishing
• Carp to over 30lbs, with a healthy population of twenties
• Day tickets and night fishing available
• Good facilities including a cafe and tackle shop

Viaduct Fishery, Somerset

Viaduct Fishery is a well-established complex offering several lakes for anglers. The specimen lake, known as Cary Lake, is the main draw for carp enthusiasts. Spanning 12 acres, this water holds an impressive stock of carp with several fish over 30lbs and a lake record over 40lbs. The venue's professional management and regular stocking ensure consistent fishing quality, making it a favorite among Somerset anglers.

• Multiple lakes, with 12-acre Cary Lake focused on specimen carp
• Carp to over 40lbs, with numerous thirties
• Day tickets and season tickets available
• Excellent facilities including a tackle shop and cafe

Todber Manor Fisheries, Dorset

Todber Manor Fisheries is a diverse complex offering eight lakes for anglers. For carp enthusiasts, the Big Hayes 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, Todber Manor caters to various angling preferences, making it a popular destination for carp anglers in Dorset and beyond.

• Eight lakes, with Big Hayes Lake popular for specimen carp
• Carp to over 30lbs in Big Hayes Lake
• Day tickets and night fishing available
• On-site tackle shop and accommodation

Horton Complex, Berkshire

While not in the South West, the Horton Complex is worth considering for dedicated anglers from the region. This legendary venue features several lakes, with Kingsmead 1 being particularly famous for its huge carp. This water has produced carp over 50lbs and attracts anglers from across the country. The challenging nature of the fishing and the potential for record-breaking catches make it a bucket-list venue 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
• Iconic venue with a rich carp fishing history

Orchid Lakes, Oxfordshire

Orchid Lakes, while in Oxfordshire, is within reach for dedicated South West anglers seeking top-quality carp fishing. The venue consists of two lakes, with the specimen lake being the main attraction. Holding carp to over 40lbs, this 10-acre water offers challenging fishing in beautiful surroundings. The lake's stock of big carp and its reputation for producing specimens make it worth the journey for serious carp anglers.

• Two lakes, with a 10-acre specimen lake
• Carp to over 40lbs, with several thirties
• Booking essential, popular among specimen hunters
• Excellent facilities including lakeside accommodation

Yateley Complex, Hampshire

The Yateley Complex, while not in the South West, is a legendary venue that attracts anglers from across the country. 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

Bernithan Court, Herefordshire

Bernithan Court, while just outside the South West, offers a unique carp fishing experience in a historic setting. This 7-acre lake is set within a medieval estate and holds a good stock of carp, with fish to over 30lbs. The lake's interesting features, including islands and varied depths, provide excellent holding areas for carp. The venue's peaceful atmosphere and the quality of its fish make it popular among anglers seeking a more secluded fishing experience.

• 7-acre lake in a historic estate setting
• Carp to over 30lbs, with a healthy population of twenties
• Limited access, booking essential
• Beautiful, secluded location with basic facilities

Etang 5, France

While not in England, Etang 5 in France is a popular destination for South West anglers looking for an overseas carp fishing adventure. This 35-acre lake is renowned for its stock of huge carp, with numerous fish over 50lbs and a lake record over 70lbs. The lake's size, coupled with its incredible stock of big carp, provides a genuine opportunity to catch the fish of a lifetime. Many UK anglers make the journey for the chance to land truly enormous carp.

• 35-acre lake with a reputation for producing giant carp
• Numerous carp over 50lbs, with a lake record over 70lbs
• Week-long bookings available, including accommodation
• Professional management and good facilities

Fryerning Fisheries, Essex

Fryerning Fisheries, while in Essex, is a venue that serious South West carp anglers might consider traveling to. The complex offers three lakes, with Valley Lake being the crown jewel for specimen hunters. This 10-acre water holds a stock of truly enormous carp, with several fish over 50lbs and a lake record over 60lbs. The challenging nature of the fishing and the potential for landing a personal best make it an attractive proposition for dedicated anglers.

• Three lakes, with 10-acre Valley Lake focused on specimen carp
• Several carp over 50lbs, with a lake record over 60lbs
• Syndicate membership required, limited availability
• Strict rules to maintain the quality of fishing

Castle Lakes Fishery, Wiltshire

Castle Lakes Fishery in Wiltshire offers three well-stocked lakes for carp anglers. The specimen lake, known as The Island Lake, is the main attraction, holding carp to over 30lbs. Spanning 5 acres, this water provides challenging fishing with its varied features including islands and deep margins. The venue's peaceful setting and quality stock make it popular among local anglers and those from neighboring counties seeking productive carp fishing.

• Three lakes, with 5-acre Island Lake focused on specimen carp
• Carp to over 30lbs, with a good head of twenties
• Day tickets and night fishing available
• Well-maintained facilities in a picturesque setting