Carp Archives - Casual Carper Blog

Posted on September 6, 2021 by Casual Carper — Leave a comment

Lake Bled Slovenia Carp Fishing Holidays

For me, Lake Bled in Slovenia is one of the ultimate destinations for big carp fishing in Europe. It’s an epic location with some massive carp in the lake. It’s 145 hectares so can be hard water to go at. It is on my list of places to visit for a fishing holiday.

Read on for information on carp fishing at the lake and ideas on where to stay.

Header image cc from faithcarptackle.com

Here is how the lake looks from the mountains above –

The most iconic part of the lake is the island and church in the middle of it. This is an epic backdrop for your catch photos and it can be seen from all around the lake.

Carp fishing at lake bled

You can carp fish all year round at lake Bled although it is busier in the summer with tourists. You may want to find a quieter location during this time. It is believed that Autumn is the best time to fish the lake, mainly September and October. The weather dips in the winter, snow is rare, but you would need to be prepared for the cold. In the spring the weather is changeable and wet!

Lake Bled Carp Fishing Tickets

There are limited tickets to fish on the lake so you will need to book in early. The tickets have set rules and regulations.

Carp fishing is currently €57 for 1 day, you can fish 2 rods for that price. You cannot bait the lake outside of your permit. Children are allowed to fish with you and can have a float rod license. Under 15’s cannot fish for carp on the lake (Due to the size of the carp!) .

You can check availability and book your tickets here. (It’s in English and Slovenian)

Lake Bled Carp Fishing Rules

There are a lot of rules for fishing the lake. A lot of them are about keeping your pegs tidy and not making a mess. The lake is in a Solvenia national park so they expect you to respect the area. You can find the full rules here. (Again in England and Slovenian). You cannot take a cooker, stove or have an open flame for cooking so you will need to take your food with you for the day.

Lake Bled fishing holidays

There are a few local guides where you can book to fish. They will show you the best spots and help you during the trip. They can sort everything from all your bait and equipment down to your food and of course your fishing permits.

Here are some companies that offer this

Where to stay?

With Lake Bled being a popular holiday destination there is a good choice of places to stay, especially if you are hiring all the equipment that you need. The accommodation ranges from lake-side campsites through to luxury hotels. The lake itself is just over an hour from the nearest airport and can be driven to from the UK via the Channel Tunnel – although this is quite a road trip!

Range of accommodation in Bled –

Campsites: Check out Sava camping – an eco campsite on the shore of the lake
Hotels: See booking.com for availability
Villas and houses: There is a lot to choose from on Airbnb from cheap accommodation right through to high-end luxury houses with breathtaking views over the lakes and private swimming pools – stunning!

Hopefully, I’ll get a trip to Lake Bled booked in soon and try and catch some epic carp!

Posted on September 5, 2021September 6, 2021 by Casual Carper — 2 Comments

Luxury Lodges with private fishing pegs + glamping sites

I’m a big fan of Glamping and lodges for a short break with my family so I’ve compiled a list of all the places across the UK where you can stay right on the bank! Some have hot tubs you can chill in after a “hard day’s fishing”.

These are mainly places with private pegs or swims where you can fish straight from your lodge! Some have fishing on site. Full details are on each listing.

Please be aware – I have not visited all these places, unfortunately, the information comes from their own websites. Stock is what they report and not confirmed by me! Any I have visited will be noted in the information.

What Type of Break Are You Looking For?

Use the options to find the right place for you. Select below and then select by region or see my top 5 places in the UK.

Top 5 Fishing Lodges

For my top 5 fishing lodges, I’ve considered the stock and size of the lakes. I’ve tried to find a good option for serious carpers, families, and luxury. I have stayed at Brayton Park Lodges and will be trying to visit more of the top 5 soon.

Top 5 Fishing Lodges

Name	Location	No of Lodges	Lake Size	Carp Fishing?	Couples?	Families?	Bedrooms?	Hot Tub?	Private Pegs?	Luxury?	Photos	Info	Visit
1 – Chichester Lakeside – Best for families	Chichester, Sussex	Lots	5 lakes, various sizes	Carp to 35lb – varies by lake	Yes	Yes	Various up to 4	Selected lodges	Selected lodges	No – Quality park lodges	, https://casualcarper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Chichester-Lakeside-lodges-300×231.jpg, https://casualcarper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Chichester-Lakeside-lodges-e1630936813624.jpg, Chichester Lakeside lodges	Info: A large holiday park with selected lodges around the lake. There are 7 lakes on the site, one for each day if you stay for a week! The carp vary in size in the lakes. Ivy lake and Copse lake have lodges along the bank that you can fish just down from – as long as you have a permit. This looks like a great place to go for a family lodge break holiday with lots of fishing and things to do on site. There’s also a lot to do in Sussex nearby.	https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?gid=288257&mid=1738&awinaffid=926825&linkid=587127&clickref=
2 – Blackthorn Fisheries – Best for serious carpers	Oswestry, Shropshire	5	3.5 Acres	Yes – to 44lb	Yes	No	1	No	Yes	Listed as luxury lodges.	, https://casualcarper.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Specialist-carp-fishing-private-lodge-Shropshire-300×162.png, https://casualcarper.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Specialist-carp-fishing-private-lodge-Shropshire.png, Specialist carp fishing – private lodge -Shropshire	Info: A serious carp lake! No under 12s on site. Slings, cradles, and nets all supplied by the fisheries. One of the best lodges with big carp that you will find! The fish were all stocked by VS fisheries and hand-picked for the lake.	http://blackthornfishery.co.uk/
3 – Brayton Park Lodges – Best for luxury	North Lake District	20+	8 Acres	Yes- Runs water	Yes	Yes	1-3 Bedrooms	Yes	Private peg on 1 lodge only	Yes- Luxury wooden lodges	, https://casualcarper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Lodge-view-from-behind-300×225.jpg, https://casualcarper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Lodge-view-from-behind.jpg, Lodge view from behind	I have personally stayed at Brayton Park and it is a fantastic place. The luxury lodges are superb and some have a lake view as well as views over to the north lakes mountains. All the lodges have hot tubs and a grassed area around them so are perfect for families. (Please check details before booking as new lodges are being built and information is subject to change). All guests can fish the lake for a small daily chare. Only one of the lodges has access to a private decked peg. The carp are an average 6-8lb and are wild old English carp. In 3 half days fishing in April, we caught 16.	https://braytonpark.co.uk/
4 – Woodlakes Park	Norfolk	10+	5 lakes	Carp to 40LB	Yes	Yes	1-3 Bedrooms	No	Yes- Selected lakeside lodges only	Not listed as luxury lodges	, https://casualcarper.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Woodlakes-Park-Norfolk-great-familiy-fishing-holidays-in-log-cabins-300×200.jpg, https://casualcarper.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Woodlakes-Park-Norfolk-great-familiy-fishing-holidays-in-log-cabins.jpg, Woodlakes Park Norfolk – great familiy fishing holidays in log cabins	Woodlakes has a selection of lakeside or parkside lodges. These are a more traditional wooden lodge. Cabin lake has the largest carp in. Selected lodges have a private swim, usually a wooden decked area by the lodge.	https://woodlakespark.co.uk/
5 – Tattershall Lakes – Best for families	Lincon	Large lodge and camping park	Various lakes on site	Carp and mixed coarse fishing	Yes	Yes	1-3 Bedrooms	Selected lodges only	Fishing from the bank by the lodges (selected lodges only)	Not listed as luxury lodges	, https://casualcarper.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Tatershall-Lakes-fishing-with-a-hot-tub-300×200.png, https://casualcarper.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Tatershall-Lakes-fishing-with-a-hot-tub-e1592851720370.png, Tattershall Lakes fishing with a hot tub	A large family holiday park with fishing at various lakes on site. There are lots of activities to do including water skiing and a swimming pool on site. Some lodges are at the water’s edge where you can fish right in front of the lodge. These are not private pegs for fishing.	https://www.awayresorts.co.uk/tattershall-lakes/
6 – Nuddock Wood	Linconshire	5	8.6 Acres	Carp to 45lb	Yes	Yes	1-2 Bedrooms	Yes	Private pegs on all lodges	Yes- Luxury wooden lodges	, https://casualcarper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Nuddock-Wood-lodges-private-swim-300×169.jpeg, https://casualcarper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Nuddock-Wood-lodges-private-swim.jpeg, Nuddock Wood lodges private swim	Nuddock Wood Lake has 5 recently built luxury lodges. All the lodges have a private peg on the 8-acre specimen fishing lake where you will find carp to 45lb. The site is perfect for a peaceful break. All lodges have a hot tub. There is aalso a small tackle shop on site.	https://www.nuddockwoodlake.co.uk/

Fishing Lodges by region

North West

Name: Chester Lakes – Great for social trips

Pod/ Lodge: BBQ pods alongside match waters only (not carp waters)

Number: 3

Lake size: Various

Reported Stock: Mixed coarse and carp, nothing big in these specific lakes, specimen carp fishing lakes are also on site.

Website: http://www.chesterlakes.co.uk/

Info: The BBQ pods are located around the pleasure lakes rather than the carp lakes. They sleep 4 on the wooden sides around the outside, camping mat required.

Photos –

North East

Name: Westfield Country Park, Hull

Pod/ Lodge: Scandinavian style log cabins around lake 1

Number: 4

Lake size: 1 acre

Reported stock: Carp to 27lb in lake 1 (unconfirmed)

Website: https://www.westfieldcountrypark.co.uk

Info: The site has 3 lakes in total with Scandi style cabins around the main lake.

Photos –

Midlands

Name: Brookmeadow, Market Harborough

Pod/ Lodge: Log cabins, set back from the lakes

Number: 3

Lake size: 5 acres

Reported stock: Carp to 23lb, tench to 7lb, mixed coarse. On the site, there are some nice looking carp.

Website: brookmeadow.co.uk

Info: This looks to me to be more of a family place with the cabins well set back from the lake. You cannot fish directly from them but it’s not far a all to get the rods in. The stock looks decent and there is also a syndicate on the water which is £195 per year so shows a good level of fish.

Photo

Name: Mill Farm Leisure, Boston – For couples and not families

Pod/ Lodge: Lakeside lodges, with hot tubs!

Number: 5

Lake size: 0.6 Acres

Reported stock: Looks to be mainly coarse and small carp

Website: millfarmleisure.co.uk/lakeside-lodges/

Info: 5 Lakeside lodges all with a private terrace, with hot tub, directly on the lake. Fishing is from a private platform in front of the lodge. They all sleep 2 with a double bed only.

Photos

Name: Stretton Lakes, Oakham

Pod/ Lodge: Lodges/ Log cabins -with hot tubs!

Number: 7 cabins, 4 x 5* & 3 x 4*, some with direct lake access

Lake size: 6 match lakes on a day ticket, lodge guests can book for free (rod license required)

Reported stock: Carp (mainly pasties) plus a range of match fish – looks a good spot for some family fishing rather than serious carping.

Website: www.strettonlakes.co.uk/

Info: Some nice looking lodges with fishing off the decking in front.

Photos –

Name: Eye Kettlby Lakes

Pod/ Lodge: Various lodges, sleeps 2-4

Number: 5+

Lake size: 1 acre – Kingfisher lakes for lodges.

Reported stock: Mixed coarse in the lodge lake. 11 other lakes on-site including a specimen carp lake.

Website: eyekettlebylakes.com/lodges-home/

Info: Larger fisheries with one coarse lake dedicated to lodging guests

Photos –

South East

Name: Wildmoor Waters/ Cherry Lakes

Pod/ Lodge: Luxury lodges on excellent carp fishing lakes (see details for which lakes to book for carp fishing)

Number: 6

Lake size: 5 different lakes to go at

Reported stock: Carp to 44lb in Cherry lake, carp to 32lb and heavier stocking in Cherry Spring and Cherry Mere.

Website: cherrylakes.co.uk

Info: Only a handful of lodges but one of few places where you can stay and still have a chance of catching 30s and 40s.

Photos –

Name: Chigborough Farm

Pod/ Lodge: Various lodges and glamping, including some awesome floating lodges and pods!

Number: Lots

Lake size: 4 different lakes

Reported stock: Unknown, although the site does have a picture of a large catfish

Website: chigboroughfarm.co.uk

Info: See the website for more details, for a specific lodge or lake request it looks like it would be easier to ring them.

Photo – The raft lodge

Name: Olivemead Lakes, Chippenham

Pod/ Lodge: Lodges

Number: 3 with one more opening in 2021

Lake size: 3 arces

Reported stock: Taken from their website – 100 x 20+, 37 30s and 4 know 40s. Described as

Website: olivemeadlake.co.uk/

Info: If you are looking for a specimen carp holiday/ glamping then the main lodge is the one to book. It has a swim directly on the lake, which looks an excellent spot

Photos –

Name: Swanborough Lakes, Near Lewes

Pod/ Lodge: luxury lodges, these look stunning!

Number: 12 lodges, none with private fishing pegs. Fishing is available on site.

Lake size: 3 lakes on site for mixed abilities up to a full specimen lake for serious carpers.

Reported stock: Carp to mid-30s including some large grass carp. This is a day ticket water so other none lodge guests would be fishing with you. You can hire all the equipment and bait you need and get angling tuition on-site.

Website: swanboroughlakes.co.uk/

Info: These are part of the Hoseasons Autograph collection which are the top level of luxury lodges. They have options for 1 bed and 2 bedroom lodges with differing views. They all seem to have hot tubs to relax in while enjoying the views.

South West

Name: Cofton Lakes, South devon

Pod/ Lodge: A choice of lodges, cottages, and a campsite.

Number: Various, although these are not by the lakes.

Lake size: 5 lakes, on-site with good carp and coarse fishing. A permit to fish is required at £40 for the week or £8.40 per day. There are 71 pegs in total.

Reported stock: Carp go to 30lb and the website show quality carp of this size.

Website: coftonholidays.co.uk

Info: This looks like an excellent place for a family holiday in a luxury lodge. It is on a large site which has a lot of facilities on site including games room, swimming pool. There’s entertainment on site for children and a play area.

Photos –

East of England

Name: WoodLakes Park, Norfolk

Pod/ Lodge: Hand crafted wooden lodges by the lake, 2 to 8 people

Number: Various, some with lake side views & fishing, some with woodland views.

Lake size: 5 lakes, various sizes up to 10 acres

Reported stock: Carp to 40 in cabin lake, pike to 26lb, good sizes of carp in some of the other lakes. Cabin lake would be the one to book for more serious carpers.

Website: woodlakespark.co.uk

Info: They describe themselves as “laid back lakes and lodges” which sounds perfect to me! This place looks absolutely perfect for a trip for couples or families. The lodges look excellent and there’s an on site restaurant you can go to, or get a take away from. They server everything from breakfast to pizzas, this is the perfect spot for a relaxing fishing holiday.

Photos –

Name: Homersfield Lake, Norfolk

Pod/ Lodge: 1 lodge on-site with large garden and lake access. This is not close enough to fish directly from the lodge. Lodge sleeps 4 with 2 double bedrooms.

Number: 1 lodge and 1 house

Lake size: 5 lakes, various sizes up to 10 acres

Reported stock: Carp to 60lb, the only way to fish this lake as a none member is via booking the lodge. There is also wels catfish to over 100lb. This is a serious carpers place!

There is also roach to over 4lb.

Website: homersfieldlake.com

Info: This is one of the very few places that have large catfish as well as large carp. The lodge looks excellent as do the surrounding gardens. The lodge can be booked without fishing as it is in a stunning location overlooking the lake.

You can book a day fishing with ADTV presenter and well-known angler Phil Spinks while on-site (you will need to book in advance).

Photos –

North Wales

Name: Anglesea Lake Side Lodges (Coarse fishing not carp)

Pod/ Lodge: Luxury lodges that are part of the Autograph collection at Hoeseasons which is their highest classification. These are all nicely spread out and look to be a high standard of accommodation.

Number: There appears to be 10 lodges in total on a 9 acre including the lake.

Lake size: 2 lakes, approximately half an acre and a third of an acre.

Reported Stock: Mixed coarse fishing for roach and perch.

Website: hoseasons.co.uk/lodges/anglesey-lakeside-lodges/

Info: A relaxing time in a luxury lodge with some light coarse fishing from the bank sounds like a good break to me. We’re regular visitors to Anglesea, although we have never stayed at these lodges – yet. There are lots to do on the island and mainland for young families and Anglesea has some great beaches to visit in the summer- Rhosniger being my favourite of them all.

This is a great place for a relaxing family break and is on our list of places to stay soon.

Photos –

Name: Bron Eifion Fishing Lakes and Lodges

Pod/ Lodge: Log cabins

Number: 9 in total by the lake

Lake size: Approximately 3 acres

Reported Stock: This is predominantly a coarse fishery but they do have carp to 20lb. I would expect to see match fishing going on mainly as it is also a day ticket water.

Website: broneifion.com

Info: This looks like a nice place for a relaxing break with some fishing. The lodges look adequate and there is fishing directly in front of some of them.

This is more for casual fishing and would suit a family as some lodges have 3 bedrooms. If you’re looking for a little extra chill then book the Glaslyn lodge with 2 bedrooms and an outdoor hot tub!

Photos –

South Wales

Name: Cefn Mably lakes, Cardiff

Pod/ Lodge: They have fishing pods on the lakes and log cabins, all cabins are for couples excluding the Pochard which sleeps 4. All log cabins have hot tubs!

Number: 9 pods around the lakes and 9 cabins.

Lake size: 7 lakes in total, lodge lake is the one to book for carp anglers!

Reported stock: Lodge lake has 7 known 30s with a lake record of 37lb, also 60 know 20s

Website: cefnmablylakes.co.uk

Info:

Photos –

One of the lodges

One of the pods

Name: Timber Hill, Pembrokeshire (No private fishing pegs)

Pod/ Lodge: Beautiful looking Canadian cedar lodges, up to 3 beds, some with stunning views.

Number: 44 lodges

Lake size: The lake is a 10-minute walk from the lodges and is around an acre in size.

Reported stock: Listed as excellent for coarse fishing and carp to 30lb. There is little information on the website about fishing to verify this.

Website: timberhill.co.uk/lodges/

Info:

These look like nice lodges for a family break and we’d just about classify them as a fishing holiday. The 10 minutes down to the lake may not be quite what people are looking for and seems more of a bonus than an easy access water.

Photos –

Scotland

Lodges listings coming soon!

Top 5 Glamping sites with fishing

I’ve selected my top 5 based on the carp fishing and the quality and range of glamping options. These vary from standard pods to yurt tents to bell tents.

TOP 5 TABLE

Fishing and Glamping

I’m growing the glamping section of the site, here are a few site I have listed –

Name: Stonebridge Fishing Lakes, Northallerton (Trout fishing)

Pod/ Lodge: Lakeside bell tents with glamping pods coming soon

Number: Unknown

Lake size: Unkown

Reported stock: Trout fishery

Website: stonebridgefishinglakes.co.uk

Info: Trout fishery with bell tents around the lakes

Photo –

East Midlands

Name: Bainside Coarse Fishery, Kirby on Bain

Pod/ Lodge: Basic glamping pods, sleeps 2.

Number: Unsure

Lake size: 1.75 acres

Reported stock: Carp to 20s, bream to 12s, Grass carp to 20s (unverified).

Website: bainside.co.uk/

Info: Glamping pods for 2 with direct lake fishing. Looks like a good place for bagging up on fish rather than specimen carp fishing. Nice for getting back to nature in pleasant surroundings.

Photos –

Name: Springwood Fisheries, Derby

Pod/ Lodge: Pods

Number: Approximately 6 by the lake

Lake size:

Reported stock: Commins, Mirrors, Ghosties and slivers in the top lake.

Website: springwoodfisheries.com/

Info: Lodges are on the top lake that provides mixed coarse and match size carp fishing. The pods sleep 2 adults with 2 children on camp beds. They have a shower room & kitchenlle, campers seem to be on the opposite bank so not one if you are looking for privacy.

Photos –

Name: Henlow Bridge Lakes, Henlow

Pod/ Lodge: They have both glamping pods and lodges on site. None are directly on the main fishing lakes.

Number: Numerous

Lake size: 2 lakes, the largest (Jordan’s) is 4.5 acres

Reported stock: Carp to 25lb to 30lb (not verified with photos)

Website: henlowbridgelakes.co.uk

Info: A camping and glamping site with 2 day ticket fishing lakes and a small stretch of the River Hiz.

Photos –

Name: Lakeland Fisheries, Chelmsford

Pod/ Lodge: Luxury Yurts, some with hot tubs

Number: 3

Lake size: Three lakes, two pleasure lakes and one carp lake.

Reported stock: Looks a good mix of pleasure fishing from all lakes with the 5 acre Swan lake holding the larger carp, to 34lb. (No pictures seen to confirm)

Website: lakeland-yurts.co.uk

Info: Looks an idilic setting with 36 acres of country side and three lakes nestled in. The Yurts scream luxury and look a step up from the standard yurt glamping experience.

Photos –

South West

Name: Folly Foot fisheries, Sommerset

Pod/ Lodge: More a carp hut for 2 than actual glamping here.

Number: 6

Lake size: Aprrox 2.2 acres

Reported stock: Carp fishing only, sizes unknown

Website: follyfootfishery.co.uk

Info: The website is rather basic and the fishing photos section does not work. This is just a basic empty hut to replace a bivvy, with a wooden jetty in front to fish from.

Photos –

Name: Rum Bridge, Sudbury

Pod/ Lodge: Pods & bell tents

Number: Various

Lake size: 3 lakes on-site, back lake looking the best for an experienced carper

Reported Stock: Back lake record is a 42lb carp, the road lake is 32lb & the moat lake has tench to 8lb and crucians to 3lb.

Website: rumbridgefisheries.co.uk

Info: This looks to be one of the best places on the list! Although the back lake looks a real challenge, I’d describe it as a serious carpers lake. Its base stock starts at 22lb so if you do hit one you can be sure it is a decent fish. The glamping pods are mixed from basic pods with just 2 beds and bell tents.

Photos – the current lake record

The pods

North Wales

Name: Lake of tranquillity, Mold

Pod/ Lodge: BBQ pods with sleeping area – very cool!

Number: Unsure, call to book

Lake size: 3 acre

Reported stock: Mixed carp and coarse fishing

Website: lakeoftranquility.com

Info: A BBQ pod, a little basic/ rustic.

Photos – None available.

Posted on August 11, 2021August 11, 2021 by Casual Carper — Leave a comment

Brayton Park Review: Wild carp fishing

I have recently stayed at Brayton Park Lodges and we had a great time there (me, my wife, and our children ages 6 and 9). The setting is absolutely stunning with breathtaking views of the hills of the north lakes in a beautiful park-like setting.

Disclaimer: I booked a week’s stay in the Easter holidays and paid in full, my review is based on my opinions on my stay, and have not been paid for this!

What you will find on this review

Carp fishing at Brayton Park

We mainly booked these lodges as we were looking for a luxury lodge with a hot tub in the North Lakes for a holiday, the carp fishing was just a bonus extra. I struggled to find out much information on the lakes and the fish before we went other than the carp we around 10lb and there was a couple of bigger ones.

During the week we (me and my children) fished the lake for 4 half day sessions around what else we were doing during the trip. Here is one of 4 double takes we had!

There is one lodge that is right on the lake with it’s own private peg. This was not the lodge we had booked so you have to take your gear to the bottom end of the lake as fishing is only from the tree-covered bank of the lake. This was a bit of a pain and we have now booked to go to the lakeside lodge with the private peg on our next trip to Brayton Park.

Here is the peg from the lakeside lodge –

Whilst there I got chatting to 2 of the 3 members that fish the lake and found out a lot of information. I put it in bullet points here for easy reading!

The lake is 7 acres and was dug out by monks at a monetary around the 14th-16 century. At the first peg you get to, slightly to the right there are still steps in the water from that time (You can’t see them but can feel them with a lead).
The carp are on average 6-8lb, they are all wild commons that have bred in the lake. There is a couple in the 13lb – 14lb range.
There is a big lily bed that comes up in the summer making the first peg almost unfishable. I went in the spring and you could see it starting to come up.
The lake is very shallow in parts and some areas, even out in the middle, are around 2-3 feet deep. On the warm spring days, we could see the carp basking in these shallow areas and caught well from them.
The only fish in the lake are common carp and crucians, apart from an occasional natural hybrid there are no other fish or coarse fish at all.
In our best session, we had 11 carp in just under 3 hours from 2 rods. That morning they were going for it on one of the shallow spots!

What you need to take

Here’s a guide to what I took and would take again

Bank sticks or a pod are fine. (If you are in the lakeside lodge then you’ll need a pod as it’s a decked peg).
Solid bags with 14mm wafters worked well for me, another visitor was doing well on corn and a method feeder.
I just used bags and no extra freebies as I was fishing at 12ish wraps with no spod. If you are there when it’s warmer I think boilies and a throwing stick would work well for bating up. (You can see my throwing stick tips here)
Shorter rods if you have them. I fished with 12-foot carp rods, with all the trees a 9 foot or 10-foot rod or swing tip would be better.
A decent side padded unhooking mat, I’m not sure if the fish are caught that often as even after letting them tire before landing they were still feisty on the mat!
Usual tackle for that size fish.

Lodge Review

Our trip to Brayton Park was the first time we’ve been on a lodge break and we absolutely loved it! We had a 3-bed lodge with an outside hot tub that overlooked the lake, this was just down to luck to get that lodge. The other lodges around us were shielded by large mounds of grass and we had a large grassed area by the lodge to run around and play in too.

Here is the lodge we had –

since staying there we have stayed at 2 other lodge parks and Brayton Park is still our favourite. It is the most luxurious lodge we have stayed in and the best setting. The lodge was big compared to other sites and had everything you needed. The site was immaculate and had everything you needed. There are some shops in the local village including a Spar.

There is a really nice relaxed vibe about the place. At the time we stayed you could have food from the restaurant delivered to your lodge, which we did 4 times in the week. the food was excellent and the desserts are well worth trying. At the time of our stay, some restrictions were still in place so we did not visit any other local restaurants or pubs.

The north lakes is a stunning area and we visited a few places nearby. The holiday was so chilled that we didn’t feel we needed to go anywhere and we were all happy to relax around the lodge and use the hot tub.

We would all recommend the North Lakes lodges for a luxury relaxing break even if you don’t like fishing! We booked to go back before we’d left!

Want to see more lodges? See my full UK guide here!

Posted on May 20, 2021July 5, 2021 by Casual Carper — Leave a comment

France : The Ultimate Guide to Carp Fishing Holidays in France

Here is my guide to carp fishing holidays in France. I’ve tried to find the best places to go to suit every requirement. Use the buttons below to find the content you are looking for –

Family Carp Fishing Holidays In France

I cannot think of a better family holiday than heading to France for some carp fishing in some nice accommodation. There are a number of family-friendly places to stay and I’ve tried to find some of the best for you here.

40lb+ Carp

11 carp over 40lb, 30 over 30lb. Good mixed coarse fishing also.
Small Gite with a upstairs bedrooms and downstairs sofa bed
Fishing rod hire available - just bring your terminal tackle

Family

More details

Accommodation Type: Small Gite.Lake: 3 AcresCarp stock: Know fish over 30 and 40lb, current lake record was listed as 44lb. This looks like a good place to catch some larger fish whilst enjoying a relaxing holiday.

On-site facilities:

Swimming pool: Yes (Splash pool, see photos below)Hot tub: NoBBQ: YesInfo: The lake sites in a 16-acre plot and can be explored during your stay. The Gite and the lake are exclusively yours to use. There is an additional annexe on the property that can be booked alongside this for larger parties. If it isn’t booked it may have other guests who would share the pool with you along with the owners.Fishing can be done 100m from the accommodation.

50lb+ Carp

Good head of carp to 50lb+ including commons and mirrors. Also stocked with Sturgeon and mixed coarse fish.
Beautiful and rustic converted old barn with 3 bedrooms. It has a swimming pool and is just a few meters from the lake.
Unhooking mats and weigh scales are provided at the lake.

full house

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Accommodation Type: Villa/ Converted old barn., Quaint and rustic.

Lake: 4 Acres

Carp stock: Carp to over 50lb including a large fully scaled mirror as well as some grass carp. They have a small stock of sturgeon in the lake too. As well as that there is mixed coarse fishing with pike and perch also present (No spinning allowed).

On-site facilities:

Swimming pool: Yes (Raised pool with sun longers, May to September, weather permitting)

Hot tub: No

BBQ: Not known.

Info: This looks a fantastic place to stay. The carp stock is very impressive and the Villa looks very rustic and traditionally French. You can fish for carp just meters from the accommodation and the lake is a stunning setting.

There are many historical buildings and towns for you to explore within a 30-minute drive of the property. These include the spectacular Chateau de Craon, which is just 10 minutes away.

Exclusive fishing lake bookings

Want to make sure you have the whole lake to yourself or for your group? Here’s a selection of waters that can be exclusively booked for a number of anglers.

55lb+ Carp

Carp to 56lb, looks like it has a good head of carp in the lake. 50 new carp added 3/2021 (sizes unknown)
5 pegs but a maximum of 4 anglers. Cabin with kitchenette, shower, toilet & BBQ area
Just over 2 hours from Calais, exclusive bookings only

full lake

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Accommodation Type: Bivvys all the way!

Lake: 5.75 Acres

Carp stock: Carp to 56lb, from the photo gallery it looks like they have a good stock of 30s and 40s too. There is no catfish or sturgeon in this lake. The carp are a mix of commons and mirrors supplied by a reputable French fish farm.

On-site facilities:

Cabin: By peg 2, large cabin with shower and toilet. A small number of cooking facilities and a BBQ area. Decking out over the water, a great place to meet up for a BBQ and a beer later in the day (After reeling your rods in of course).

Info: Just a couple of hours from Calais and you’ll always find the whole lake to yourself, they only do full lake bookings. This is the perfect drive and survive type holiday with just a cabin to use for cooking and showering.

There is a boat on-site that you can use subject to the package you book. This can be upgraded to have a fish finder on the boat too allowing you to boat out and find the clear spots.

Carp fishing at lake bled

Lake Bled Carp Fishing Tickets

Lake Bled Carp Fishing Rules

Lake Bled fishing holidays

Where to stay?

Top 5 Fishing Lodges

Top 5 Fishing Lodges

1 – Chichester Lakeside – Best for families

2 – Blackthorn Fisheries – Best for serious carpers

3 – Brayton Park Lodges – Best for luxury

4 – Woodlakes Park

5 – Tattershall Lakes – Best for families

6 – Nuddock Wood

Fishing Lodges by region

North West

Name: Chester Lakes – Great for social trips

North East

Name: Westfield Country Park, Hull

Midlands

Name: Brookmeadow, Market Harborough

Name: Mill Farm Leisure, Boston – For couples and not families

Name: Stretton Lakes, Oakham

Name: Eye Kettlby Lakes

South East

Name: Wildmoor Waters/ Cherry Lakes

Name: Chigborough Farm

Name: Olivemead Lakes, Chippenham

Name: Swanborough Lakes, Near Lewes

South West

Name: Cofton Lakes, South devon

East of England

Name: WoodLakes Park, Norfolk

Name: Homersfield Lake, Norfolk

North Wales

South Wales

Scotland

Top 5 Glamping sites with fishing

Fishing and Glamping

Name: Stonebridge Fishing Lakes, Northallerton (Trout fishing)

East Midlands

Name: Bainside Coarse Fishery, Kirby on Bain

Name: Springwood Fisheries, Derby

Name: Henlow Bridge Lakes, Henlow

Name: Lakeland Fisheries, Chelmsford

South West

Name: Rum Bridge, Sudbury

North Wales

What you will find on this review

Carp fishing at Brayton Park

What you need to take

Lodge Review

Family Carp Fishing Holidays In France

Beltiere

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On-site facilities:

Etang Hirondelle

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On-site facilities:

Exclusive fishing lake bookings

Lac Bernard

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On-site facilities: