Lakeside Fishery

Lakeside Fishery in Baumber is a small, independently run coarse venue that combines a compact holiday site with focused specimen angling, making it an option for visitors who want both a quiet stay and serious time on the bank.

The fishery centres around a main water created in an old quarry, with depths reported at around 20 feet in places, which gives this lake a different character to many shallow commercial pools and appeals to anglers looking for more challenging conditions. Carp stocks are a particular draw, with reports of fish to well over 30lb and a notable proportion of the stock exceeding that benchmark, placing the venue firmly in the category of carp fishing destinations rather than just a casual pleasure pond. With an estimated 150 fish in roughly two acres, anglers are targeting a relatively dense stock of sizeable carp, but weight of numbers does not necessarily translate into easy sessions.

Feedback from visiting anglers repeatedly highlights that the carp here can be hard work, especially for those expecting instant action common at heavily stocked commercials; several guests mention slow-starting sessions where the fish only switch on later in the stay. Anglers who persevere with appropriate tactics such as method feeder approaches, surface baits like dog biscuits, and careful observation of fish movement tend to be rewarded with powerful runs and the chance of double-figure fish, but this is a venue where effort and watercraft make a noticeable difference. For some visitors this level of challenge is a positive, giving Lakeside more of a traditional coarse fishing lake feel rather than a numbers-driven “fish race”.

The on-site setup is deliberately simple, centred on touring pitches, a static caravan and a lakeside cabin, giving anglers the option to stay within a very short walk of the pegs. Guests staying for several nights note that the caravan and cabin accommodation is kept in good condition and presented clean on arrival, with many describing the environment as peaceful and relaxing, which suits anglers who enjoy long stays by the water. The pitches for caravans and motorhomes are reported as spacious and level, which is practical for those bringing a larger unit alongside their full fishing tackle.

Facilities are deliberately kept to what anglers actually need rather than extensive leisure features, which may be viewed as a strength or a limitation depending on expectations. Visitors typically find the toilets and showers clean and functional, with hot water and a layout that makes it straightforward to freshen up after long hours on the bank. For some, this stripped-back approach creates a straightforward fishing holidays environment, while those looking for playgrounds, bars or organised entertainment may find the site too minimal.

Ownership and management receive consistently positive comments, with many guests singling out the team as approachable, chatty and genuinely interested in how visitors are getting on with their fishing. Regulars describe a warm, informal welcome, help with pitching up if needed and a willingness to provide advice on pegs, methods and bait choices for the carp lakes. There are also mentions of small touches such as the option of hot drinks or snacks brought to the bank for a modest charge at times, reinforcing the impression of a hands-on, angler-focused operation rather than a distant, corporate park.

Several reviewers highlight the cleanliness of the entire site, from neatly cut grass to tidy swims and well-kept communal areas, which adds confidence for visitors who value order and care in a fishing campsite. Litter around the banks appears to be minimal, suggesting that both the management and regular anglers take pride in the venue and are prepared to keep it looked after. For those travelling with non-anglers, this attention to presentation helps the whole party feel comfortable, even if they are not spending every hour with a rod in hand.

In terms of the actual angling, Lakeside Fishery is not typically described as an out-and-out bagging water; instead it offers a relatively intimate carp lake with a specimen bias, where each bite feels earned. Depths average around 7–8 feet with much deeper holes from the quarry origins, and this variation allows different methods to come into play, from short-range margin work to more technical casting and feature finding. The carp themselves are often described as powerful and hard fighting, an attribute anglers tend to associate with low-pressure waters where fish are allowed to grow on naturally rather than being constantly disturbed.

Beyond carp, there are indications that other coarse species such as perch and pike are present, with anglers mentioning encounters with predators that follow hooked fish or patrol the margins. While Lakeside is primarily promoted as a carp fishery, the presence of predators and mixed coarse stocks adds some variety and may interest anglers who enjoy targeting different species across a stay. However, information on exact stocking levels of non-carp species is less comprehensive than the detail available on the specimen carp side, so those specifically seeking silver fish or predator sessions may wish to ask on arrival for up-to-date guidance.

Accommodation options, including a static caravan and a lakeside cabin, attract praise from guests who appreciate having everything on hand without needing to travel between separate park and water. These set-ups suit anglers keen to combine a short break with intensive carp fishing holidays, enabling early starts, flexible mealtimes and the ability to rest between sessions while still keeping an eye on the water. The quiet nature of the site, with no late-night entertainment or bar noise, generally supports a good night’s sleep, though this same quality can feel too subdued for families wanting more varied activities.

Another frequently mentioned aspect is the way electric hook-up is billed, with Lakeside choosing a “pay for what you use” structure rather than bundling a flat-rate charge into nightly pitch fees. Light power users report that this approach saves money over a stay, making the site cost-effective for those who are careful with heating and appliance use. For visitors with high-demand setups, such as larger motorhomes or those running multiple devices continuously, actual costs can end up closer to other sites, so it is worth bearing this in mind when planning a budget trip focused on fishing lakes.

Accessibility is a clear consideration at the venue, with level ground around key areas and a generally flat layout that helps those with reduced mobility move between accommodation, facilities and swims. The entrance has step-free access, and many pegs can be reached without negotiating steep banks, which is reassuring for older anglers or anyone who finds uneven terrain difficult during a long fishing break. Nonetheless, the nature of a quarry-based water means some areas will always be more challenging underfoot, so prospective visitors with specific mobility needs may want to confirm the most suitable pegs in advance.

When considering Lakeside Fishery for a visit, potential guests should weigh the strengths of a small, friendly carp fishery against some limitations that come with its scale and focus. On the positive side, the site offers a quiet environment, sizeable carp, clean facilities, flexible electric charging and owners who are present and engaged, which collectively appeal to anglers seeking a relaxed but purposeful fishing holiday. On the negative side, the fishing can be demanding, non-angling entertainment is minimal, information on lesser species is relatively sparse, and a compact footprint means that choice of swims may be constrained at busier times.

For experienced carp anglers, the mix of depth, quarry features and the possibility of fish into the 30lb bracket makes Lakeside a venue with genuine potential, particularly for those prepared to adapt tactics over the course of a session and stay mobile within the available pegs. For newcomers or casual visitors, the fishery still offers a welcoming environment, but managing expectations around catch rates and being ready for quieter spells will help avoid disappointment. Overall, Lakeside Fishery presents itself as a modest-sized but serious carp fishing lake with attached camping and simple on-site accommodation, geared more towards anglers who value tranquillity, good fish growth and personal service than those looking for high-intensity action or full-scale holiday park facilities.