Fisherwick Lakes

Fisherwick Lakes is a long-established coarse and game fishery that aims to offer something for almost every style of angler, from beginners looking for steady action to dedicated specimen hunters targeting serious fish.

The complex covers several lakes created from former gravel workings, now carefully developed into distinct waters with their own character and stock levels.

Anglers who are interested in targeting big fish will be drawn to the dedicated specimen waters, where carp and catfish reach impressive sizes and provide a genuine test of tackle and watercraft.

At the same time, there are more forgiving pools where regular bites are realistic, making the venue suitable for pleasure anglers and those learning their craft.

Range of lakes and species

One of the main strengths of Fisherwick Lakes is the breadth of waters on offer, covering trout, coarse and specimen fishing in one venue.

The trout lake is stocked with brown and rainbow trout and gives fly anglers the chance to connect with double-figure fish on a stillwater that is not overly intimidating in size.

Coarse anglers benefit from multiple pools holding roach, rudd, bream, tench and carp, so mixed bags are common and there is scope to refine float, feeder or bomb tactics to suit personal preference.

Those who come specifically for carp fishing have access to a specimen pool with known fish over 30 lb and a strong head of twenties, a further specimen carp water (Wadey’s) and a high-stocked runs water where multiple captures in a session are realistic.

The presence of catfish to over 60 lb in the complex adds another dimension for anglers who enjoy powerful, endurance-style battles, although this demands suitably robust tackle and careful fish handling.

Carp and specimen opportunities

Carp anglers will find Fisherwick Lakes geared towards both high-stock action and more selective specimen fishing.

The dedicated specimen pool, with around 17 pegs overlooking the lodge, holds carp to the mid-thirties alongside sizeable catfish, meaning that each take has the potential to be a memorable encounter.

Wadey’s pool offers further specimen carp, including a number of known thirties as well as grass carp to the high twenties, which appeals to anglers who enjoy targeting individual, named fish rather than simply aiming for numbers.

Dave’s Runs Water is widely regarded as the most prolific carp lake on the complex, with several hundred carp up to the mid-twenties and a track record of sessions where well-prepared anglers can land multiple fish in a single day.

Reports of anglers banking strings of double-figure carp, including attractive mirrors and commons, underline the potential of these waters for those who enjoy active fishing with frequent recasting, baiting and swim management.

Alongside the carp, the catfish in the specimen pool, some exceeding 60 lb, provide serious pulling power for anglers willing to fish heavier gear and commit to longer sessions.

Match and pleasure angling

Fisherwick Lakes is not only about specimens; it also caters well for match and pleasure anglers.

The match pool and other coarse lakes are designed to offer steady sport with mixed species, and the fishery operates a structured booking system for matches so that organised events run smoothly.

Rules for matches, such as the use of barbless hooks, limits per keepnet, and separate nets for carp and silver fish, are clearly laid out, helping protect the stocks and ensuring fair competition.

These regulations may feel strict to some casual visitors but they contribute to fish welfare and encourage responsible angling practices across the complex.

On-site facilities and services

The central lodge is a key feature of Fisherwick Lakes and is often mentioned as a positive aspect of the venue.

Anglers value being able to buy breakfast on site, which provides a welcome break during longer sessions and adds a social element to a day’s fishing.

The lodge shop carries essential tackle, bait and accessories at reasonable prices, which can be particularly helpful if an angler forgets a vital item or needs to adapt rigs and bait during a session.

Visitors frequently comment on the cleanliness of the toilet facilities, with some noting that they compare favourably with other fisheries in the wider region, making longer visits more comfortable.

The fishery has invested in an improved car park and lodge overlooking the specimen lake, giving better access and a more organised feel when arriving for a session.

For accessibility, the complex includes level areas and a generally straightforward layout, though individual pegs vary, and some may be easier to reach than others depending on mobility needs.

Fishery rules and fish care

Fisherwick Lakes operates a comprehensive rule set that focuses strongly on fish welfare and responsible behaviour.

On the specimen pool there are clear requirements for minimum mainline strength, bans on fixed leads and certain rig components, and a stipulation that anglers must carry fish antiseptic to treat hook holds or minor damage.

Large, well-padded unhooking mats or carp cradles, along with appropriately sized landing nets, are compulsory on the specimen waters, which helps protect larger carp and catfish when they are on the bank.

Match anglers must use at least two keepnets, separating carp from silver fish, and keepnets must be dry on arrival to reduce the risk of disease transfer between venues.

The fishery also restricts certain baits, insisting on fishery-supplied feed pellets and prohibiting nuts and some surface methods in defined lakes, reflecting a consistent approach to controlling water quality and fish health.

Rules against unattended rods, bait boats, and non-fishing visitors after dark are designed both to protect the fish and to maintain order around the lakes, particularly during busy periods.

Membership, tickets and access

Fisherwick Lakes offers both day tickets and membership options, giving anglers flexibility in how they use the venue.

Day tickets are available on key carp waters such as the specimen lake and Dave’s Runs Water, with specific arrangements for Wadey’s and other pools depending on the type of fishing and session length.

Membership provides reduced ticket costs and additional privileges, such as greater access to night fishing on particular waters, which appeals to regular visitors who want to commit to longer sessions and chase the venue’s larger fish.

Recent changes mean that non-member day-ticket anglers have more limited access to the specimen lake at weekends, as priority is given to members during the busiest times.

Although these restrictions might frustrate occasional visitors, they can result in more space and less angling pressure for committed members, which may benefit both fish and catch rates in the long term.

Gates are locked in the evening, with day anglers required to leave by a time specified by staff, and there is an emergency contact process in place for anyone who becomes inadvertently locked in.

Strengths highlighted by visitors

Recent visitor impressions present a generally positive picture of Fisherwick Lakes, particularly regarding the atmosphere and staff.

Several anglers describe the staff and bailiffs as genuine, friendly and helpful, creating a welcoming environment for both new and returning guests.

Many report that the runs water and specimen lakes can produce consistent action when conditions and presentation are right, with some anglers returning repeatedly over many months without feeling let down.

The standard of maintenance on much of the complex, including paths, swims and general cleanliness, often receives praise, with particular emphasis on how tidy the facilities are kept compared with some other fisheries.

The availability of food, hot drinks and essential tackle in the lodge is also regularly mentioned as a practical advantage, particularly for longer day sessions or short overnighters where leaving site is inconvenient.

For anglers focused on varied sport, the combination of trout, coarse and specimen options in one place is a notable positive, allowing different styles of fishing without the need to travel between venues.

Concerns and criticisms

Balanced feedback also reveals some recurring criticisms that potential visitors should consider.

A number of anglers have commented on periods of slower fishing, particularly on trout-oriented waters, where visible fish activity does not always translate into takes, leading some to question whether stocking levels or angling pressure affect catch rates.

Others have noted pegs that appear overgrown or less maintained than expected, making them hard or impossible to fish comfortably without additional work, which can be disappointing if a particular area was planned for the session.

There are also remarks that the lodge building and some aspects of the site presentation no longer match older promotional photographs, with suggestions that a fresh tidy-up and ongoing cosmetic improvements would enhance first impressions.

Quiet sessions, especially for species such as pike or trout, are reported from time to time; while this is part of fishing, anglers who expect guaranteed action may need to adjust expectations and approach.

Finally, as with many popular waters, the rule set and access restrictions—such as limits on when non-members can fish the specimen lake—may not suit everyone, particularly casual anglers who prefer maximum flexibility.

Who Fisherwick Lakes will suit

Fisherwick Lakes is well-suited to anglers who appreciate a structured venue with clear rules, varied waters and realistic chances of quality fish rather than those looking for unregulated, casual fishing.

Carp anglers seeking a mix of high-stock action on a runs water and the challenge of bigger, more wary fish on specimen pools will find the complex particularly appealing, provided they are comfortable with the venue’s fish-care requirements and booking arrangements.

Pleasure and match anglers who enjoy mixed bags and organised events will value the dedicated match pools and the emphasis on maintaining healthy silver-fish and carp stocks through well-defined match rules.

Fly anglers have the option of a trout lake that offers a chance at double-figure fish in a manageable setting, although, as always, success will depend on conditions, fly choice and presentation on the day.

Anglers who prioritise comfortable facilities, including clean toilets, on-site food and a stocked tackle shop, will see these as strong points in favour of Fisherwick Lakes compared with more basic venues.

Those who prefer a completely informal environment with minimal rules, or who are unwilling to adapt to venue-specific tackle and bait requirements, may find the fishery’s structure more restrictive than they would like.

Key carp-fishing search terms

For anglers searching online, Fisherwick Lakes is often associated with popular carp-related phrases such as carp fishing lakes, day ticket carp lake, specimen carp fishery, runs water carp, catfish fishing UK, trout and coarse fishery, carp fishing Staffordshire, pike fishing venue and match fishing lake.

These terms reflect the broad appeal of the complex and the range of angling styles it supports, from short pleasure trips to focused sessions targeting larger fish.