The Best Carp Fishing Lakes With Lodges: A Total Fishing Tackle Review

Holiday carp fishing has never been more popular and it’s easy to see why. Take a fantastic fishing lake, full of big carp and introduce some accommodation with all the mod cons! We asked our resident angling expert Wayne Box to tell us about three of the best carp fishing lakes with lodges he's visited.

Hey there fellow anglers! Ah yes, holiday carp angling...not everyone’s cup of tea but personally I absolutely love it. The chance to go carp fishing in luxurious comfort (compared to a bivvy) is something I look forward to. Let’s start with my all-time favourite holiday carp venue, Cherry Lakes in the Cotswold Water Park;

1. Cherry Lakes, South Cerney

Cherry Lakes is situated in the Cotswold Water Park in the village of South Cerney and is run by Mike and Judith Kirsch, there are four lakes on site with three of these being exclusive to you when you book. The jewel in the crown is undoubtedly Cherry Lake itself, with only three lodges and a beautiful cottage, there is plenty of room for everyone. I am not sure what the current lake record is but there was a fish caught recently at 48lb! I dread to think how many thirties are in there now, must be well over 60, not bad for 5 acres!

The fishing on the main lake is not easy but with some thought, it should result in a few fish on the bank, the fish get caught from all over too with no areas deemed better than others.

My best from Cherry Lake is a brace of mid 30’s one April, multiple hits are common, and the number of forties is increasing every year!

The other three lakes, Cherry Mere, Cherry Pool and Cherry Spring all contain LOADS of carp, they are certainly best described as runs waters although like any venue they can make life difficult for those who give their fishing little thought.

The accommodation is simply superb, mainly one bed lodges, with a two-bed lodge on Cherry Mere and the cottage that sleeps 6 and has its own private swim just 25 meters from the hot tub! Aside from the fishing and the luxury accommodation, the one thing I love about Cherry Lakes is that once the gate shuts behind you, there is nothing but peace and tranquillity, usually we fish all night and into the morning, before heading off out for a few hours to explore the local area, Cherry Lakes really is a place to unwind but with the chance of catching the fish of a lifetime!

A fantastic opener in my list of the best carp fishing lakes with lodges.

2. Sumners Ponds, West Sussex

Sumners Ponds is home to four lakeside lodges, each with its own character and charm, enjoying an enviable setting with their own private fishing veranda. These superb lodges boast fantastic views over the beautiful Sumners lake and offer a paradise to fishermen and nature lovers alike.

The four, purpose built self-catering holiday lodges stand overlooking the Sumners Lake which is well stocked with Carp to and around 36lb, Perch, Tench, Roach Chub, Bream and Pike, providing excellent course fishing. Fishing from the lodges is included with your stay. However, guests are also welcome to fish the other lakes which are near-by providing they have purchased a fishing Day Ticket. All lodge residents are welcome to use all of the other facilities on site.

Onsite there are 3 other lakes and a match lake, with Betty’s lake being for the specimen carp angler with lots of twenties and thirties to go for.

The two newest lodges Iris and Lily are of contemporary design and offer a bright and airy accommodation, with stunning views across the South-Eastern end of Sumners Lake.

Cosy Moorhen and Grebe lodge are traditional Norwegian log cabins, which are also situated on the South-Western and North-Western end of the Sumners Lake, with lovely views across the water.

Each of the four lodges have their own wooden deck where you can enjoy breakfast at the dining table overlooking the water. All four of the lodges are light and spacious, tastefully furnished, fully equipped to a high standard. Use of electric and gas is inclusive as well as bed linen for all beds. Towels are not provided so guest will need to bring their own as well as washing up liquid, bin bags etc.

Two well behaved dogs are welcome in Moorhen and Grebe lodge at a charge of £20 each per week. Regrettably dogs are not allowed to stay in Iris and Lily Lodge.

Fishing permits are not required to fish from the decking of your lodge. Permits are only required when fishing elsewhere on the campsite. The fishing area allocated to the lodge would generally be adequate for two anglers to share.

Usually, my family and I make use of the campsite and pitch up near one of the lakes, but we have recently booked one of the swanky new lodges! Watch this space…..

A great addition to my list of carp fishing lakes with lodges!

3. Blackthorn Fishery, Oswestry, Shropshire

Last on my list of the best carp fishing lakes with lodges, Blackthorn Fishery is a beautiful 3.5 acre Luxury Lodge carp fishery near Oswestry in the North of Shropshire, on the Welsh border. If you’re looking for unspoilt countryside and a peaceful venue away from the noise of modern-day life, this is the place for you. Blackthorn Fishery is purpose built with the carp angler in mind. It is situated in a truly remote location on private ground without public access. You are guaranteed plenty of space when you fish at Blackthorn. It’s the perfect place to get away from it all and enjoy premium fishing at its best.

The lake is home to some of the best quality British fish you can find. The sovereign strain was supplied by Viv Shears and Simon Scott of VS Fisheries. These carp have bags of character with a wide variety of scale patterns. The first fish were introduced in February 2011 up to 24lb.  In June 2019 a new lake record of 41lb was set, at October 19 we have 16x 30lb+ fish, including 2x 40lb+, with the majority of the remaining fish being 25lb+.

The brand-new Lodges are designed to accommodate couples looking for a luxury self-catering holiday and a relaxing fishing experience in unspoilt, tranquil surroundings. The interiors are simply stunning. Large open-plan living areas decorated in modern, minimalist decor look out onto the lake and the surrounding countryside. They have designed the lodges to the highest standards, to give you a luxury apartment feel right on the water’s edge, your rods are literally a few feet from your patio doors, allowing you to fish day and night from the lodge in comfort.