Emperor Lakes

Emperor Lakes is a small, specialist coarse fishery that has built a reputation among dedicated anglers for relaxed, well-managed fishing lakes with a friendly, knowledgeable presence on the bank. The focus here is firmly on offering quality coarse fishing rather than a large commercial complex, which appeals to those who prefer a quieter day targeting fish in carefully maintained water rather than a crowded venue. Feedback over many years highlights the calm surroundings, enjoyable sessions and the sense that this is a place where both newcomers and experienced anglers can enjoy their time on the bank without pressure.

Anglers who visit Emperor Lakes are typically looking for well-run fishing lakes with a chance of memorable catches rather than purely numbers. Visitors describe the venue as fantastic and well kept, with banks and swims that make it easy to settle in for the day. The fishery has historically offered a mix of species suited to coarse fishing, including carp, tench and other stillwater favourites, and customers regularly mention the satisfaction of watching younger anglers land their first fish here. This blend of maintained water, thoughtful swim layout and mixed species makes it a realistic option for those wanting relaxed day ticket fishing rather than an intense specimen-only water.

One of the consistent strengths mentioned by anglers is the atmosphere created by the people behind the fishery. Comments about a "great crew" and "great people" appear repeatedly, suggesting that the team on site are approachable, supportive and willing to share advice. For newcomers to coarse fishing, having someone on hand who "knows his stuff" can make a significant difference to confidence, whether it is guidance on bait choice, rigs, or where to position a float or feeder on a given day. This approachable attitude also encourages returning visits, with several anglers saying they "can't wait to go back," which is a strong indicator of customer satisfaction.

From a practical angling point of view, Emperor Lakes suits those who value simple access to the water and a straightforward setup. Anglers coming for a session will typically bring standard carp fishing or coarse fishing tackle – such as medium test-curve rods, reliable reels, bite alarms and comfortable chairs – and find all they need in terms of pegs and space to organise their gear. The venue does not operate as a fully stocked fishing tackle shop, so visiting anglers are expected to arrive with their own fishing rods, reels, tackle box and bait. For many, this is part of the appeal: the emphasis is on time spent fishing in a peaceful setting rather than browsing retail displays.

Families and mixed-experience groups are another area where Emperor Lakes has positive feedback. One review recalls a daughter catching her first tench on the pole, an experience that many coarse fishing enthusiasts will recognise as a milestone. The relatively intimate scale of the water means that supervising children is more manageable than at very large complexes, and the calmer pace of the venue helps keep younger anglers focused on the float or tip rather than being distracted by heavy footfall. For parents or grandparents wanting to introduce children to fishing for beginners, this environment can be more encouraging than busier venues.

The management’s knowledge of fish and watercraft is another point in Emperor Lakes’ favour. Anglers mention that the person running the fishery "knows his stuff", indicating a solid understanding of stock management, water quality and practical angling. This is important for those who care about fish welfare and long-term sustainability, as well-managed fishing lakes tend to produce healthier fish, better condition carp and more consistent sport over time. Regular visitors often look for signs of good practice such as clear rules on unhooking mats, barbless hooks and fish-care products, and the reputation of Emperor Lakes suggests that these aspects are taken seriously.

However, Emperor Lakes is not without limitations, and these are important for potential visitors to consider. Public information indicates that the fishery currently operates with restricted opening, typically limited to one weekday and closed on most other days. For anglers used to commercial venues that open every day, this can be a significant drawback, particularly for those travelling from further afield or trying to plan weekend fishing trips. The narrow window of access means that spontaneous sessions are harder to arrange, and spaces may need to be booked or confirmed in advance to avoid wasted journeys.

Another aspect to bear in mind is that Emperor Lakes does not operate as a tackle retailer. Anglers looking for a full-service fishing shop with aisles of fishing bait, hooks, line, lures and clothing will not find that here, as the core offer is the water itself rather than retail. This is not necessarily a negative for those who already have their coarse fishing tackle sorted, but it does mean that last-minute purchases of terminal tackle or specialist carp rigs are unlikely to be available on site. Many anglers will therefore plan ahead by visiting a dedicated tackle shop in a nearby town before arriving at the lake.

Questions from visitors also highlight uncertainty around facilities such as camping. At least one recent comment simply asks whether camping is allowed, which suggests that information about overnight stays, bivvy sessions or extended carp fishing trips is not always clearly communicated. For anglers who enjoy multi-day sessions with bivvies, sleeping systems and longer-term baiting campaigns, this lack of clarity can be a disadvantage compared with venues that openly advertise their rules on night fishing and associated facilities. Those considering extended trips would be wise to confirm what is and is not permitted before planning a stay.

The relatively small number of public reviews is another point that potential visitors might weigh. While the feedback that does exist is strongly positive, with multiple five-star impressions, the sample size over several years is limited. This can make it harder for new customers to build a detailed picture of how the fishery behaves across different seasons, stocking policies, or how busy it becomes during peak fishing season. Larger commercial fisheries often accumulate hundreds of reviews that cover a wide variety of scenarios; by contrast, Emperor Lakes requires anglers to rely more on a handful of testimonials and their own judgement.

For anglers focused on the core experience of sitting by the water with the right fishing tackle, Emperor Lakes has distinct appeal. The tranquil setting, positive comments about the team and memorable catches, especially for younger anglers, all point to a fishery that values quality time on the bank. The water lends itself well to classic coarse fishing approaches, from float fishing for tench with light tackle to more deliberate carp fishing tactics using bottom baits or method feeders. Those who come prepared with their own rods, reels, landing net, unhooking mat and a selection of baits are likely to find the venue rewarding.

At the same time, anyone considering a visit should factor in the limited days of operation, absence of a full on-site tackle shop and the need to clarify rules around extended sessions or camping. Emperor Lakes is better suited to anglers who appreciate a focused, no-frills fishing lake rather than a multi-purpose leisure complex. By understanding both the strengths and the limitations – from friendly, knowledgeable management and calm surroundings to restricted opening and modest facilities – potential visitors can decide whether this Devon fishery matches the type of coarse fishing experience they are seeking.