Carp Fishing Lakes in the UK

There is a fantastic selection of carp fishing lakes in stunning venues across the United Kingdom. Although many of the carp don’t reach the size they can in the rest of Europe there is no doubt that these carp lakes hold some spectacular specimen fish.

Carp lakes in the UK hold species into the 60lb range, although only a few have been caught in this size bracket. Sadly there has been the passing of several of the UK’s biggest and most iconic Carp in recent years such as Two Tone and Benson from Bluebell fishing lakes in Oundle.

The current record for carp from a British fishing lake is 67lb 8 ounces caught by Austin Holness at Conningbrook lake near Ashford, Kent. Other records from UK fishing lakes include:

• The recent caught 122lbs Catfish at Oakwood Park Lake in Thetford.
• 44lb 8ounce Grass Carp caught by Phillip Kingsbury at Horton Church Lake, Berkshire.
• 15lb 3ouce Tench caught by Darren Ward at Sheepwalk big pit fishing lake in Shepperton.

Many of the carp fishing lakes in the UK are plentifully stocked with other coarse fish such as tench, bream, chub and larger predatory specimens such as catfish and pike.

There are guidelines and restrictions at almost all carp fishing venues to ensure suitable tackle is used and no harm is done to the stocked fish. It is imperative to make yourself aware of these regulations before fishing and best to find out in advance so you can come prepared to the venue.

Typical rules surround the type of hook bait and loose feed that you can use, hook sizes and type, and rig types. More recently there has been an increase in landing net dips at venues to control the spread of water carried diseases and bacteria between fishing lakes.

The difficulty and chances of success vary from venue to venue. There are carp lakes more suited to beginner anglers who need the thrill of the catch and aren’t necessary trying to break any records. On the other hand harder carp fishing lakes get the attention of more serious anglers who are hunting particular fish, looking to break records whether it’s personal bests, lake records, or national.