Ashmansworthy Pools – Carp Fishing

Ashmansworthy Pools – Carp Fishing presents itself as an intimate and thoughtfully managed venue aimed squarely at serious and aspiring carp fishing enthusiasts who want comfort, privacy and a well-run fishery rather than a crowded day-ticket water. The complex consists of three separate lakes, each designed with a specific type of angler and style of carp angling in mind, and all bookings are made on an exclusive basis so that a small group has an entire pool to themselves. This approach, alongside carefully selected fish stocks and an intensive water-management programme, positions the fishery as a premium destination for those who value both their fishing and the surrounding environment.

The owners, Simon and Tini Pomeroy, bring decades of experience in fisheries and bait development, and that background is evident in the way the venue is laid out and maintained, from the construction of the lakes to the feed programme that underpins fish health and growth. Anglers arriving for a session are not left to fend for themselves; they are often given detailed advice on tactics, features and productive spots, and this hands-on support is frequently mentioned in independent feedback. For many visitors, the combination of technical input, comfortable surroundings and well-conditioned fish makes Ashmansworthy Pools stand out from more basic carp lakes where facilities and guidance can be limited.

Lakes and fish stocks

The fishery is built around three separate pools, each with its own personality and target audience within the carp fishery market. Jack’s Pool, at roughly an acre, is geared towards experienced anglers looking for a more challenging water, with varied depths, features and a stock of hand-picked Lana Springs carp that are already into the mid to high thirties. The current venue record is a common of just over the high-thirty mark, and the management’s stated aim is to push fish towards forty pounds and beyond through a structured feeding regime and tight control of water quality, something that appeals to anglers who prioritise specimen fish.

Charlie’s Pool sits at the top of the site and is described as more of a runs water, stocked with around forty to fifty carp, many of them attractive, heavily plated fish into the mid-twenties. This makes it particularly suitable for beginners and intermediate anglers, or for more experienced visitors who prefer steady action over out-and-out specimen hunting. The third pool, often pitched at intermediate anglers, is smaller but heavily stocked for its size, with fish already into the upper twenties and low thirties, supported by the same monitored feed programme that underpins growth in the other lakes. Across the complex, the emphasis is on pristine, hard-fighting fish in excellent condition rather than simply headline weights, and this is reflected in comments from guests who highlight the quality and appearance of the carp they have caught.

Compared with many commercial carp lakes, the decision to limit each pool to a maximum of two anglers (with an option for three by arrangement on Jack’s Pool) is a key distinction. This low density means less pressure on the fish and more room for watercraft, with anglers able to work multiple spots and adjust their approach without competing bankside noise and disturbance. For those used to busier day-ticket venues, this more private style of carp fishing lakes will feel noticeably different, offering time and space to think through rigs, baiting patterns and swim rotation without distraction.

Facilities and comfort

One of the most commented-on aspects of Ashmansworthy Pools is the attention paid to facilities, which goes beyond what many anglers might expect from a rural carp fishery. Each lake benefits from its own anglers’ cabin or shed, equipped with electricity, a fridge and storage space, allowing visitors to keep bait and food fresh, charge phones or power packs and shelter from the weather between runs. For multi-day sessions this level of comfort makes a real difference, turning what might otherwise feel like a basic camping trip into a more relaxed stay where anglers can focus on their fishing rather than improvising around missing amenities.

Shared shower and toilet facilities are located close to Jack’s Pool, and independent anglers consistently describe these as clean and well maintained, which is not always the case on UK carp fishing venues. Access to the swims has also been considered; on at least one of the lakes, parking behind or close to the pegs is possible, easing the load for those bringing substantial gear. There is also mention of efforts to accommodate anglers with mobility challenges within the physical limits of the site, which may appeal to older visitors or those who need easier access without compromising on the quality of the fishing.

A notable extra is the optional food package, which several visitors describe as generous and convenient, with cooked breakfasts delivered to the swim and homemade-style evening meals that remove the need to bring extensive cooking equipment or spend time preparing food. For anglers planning a longer stay, especially in cooler months, this can be a significant benefit, allowing them to stay focused on bite times and watercraft rather than stepping away from the rods to cook. In addition, a complimentary welcome pack of bait and terminal tackle is included with bookings, offering items such as method mix, pellets, rigs and weights tailored to the venue, which can help visiting anglers quickly align their approach with what works locally.

Angler experience and atmosphere

Feedback from those who have fished Ashmansworthy Pools is strikingly consistent in emphasising the hospitality and personal attention offered by the owners and fishery staff. Anglers often mention being shown around the lakes on arrival, with specific advice on features, depths, productive areas and suitable rigs or baits, something that can be particularly valuable for first-time visitors trying to make the most of a short session. For less experienced anglers, this kind of guided input can shorten the learning curve of fishing new carp waters, while more seasoned visitors tend to appreciate the depth of knowledge behind the suggestions, even if they ultimately adapt them to their own style.

Several independent reviews refer to the venue as a special or even “secret” place, with some anglers candidly admitting they were reluctant to talk about it publicly because they wanted to keep bookings easier to obtain. While such comments are subjective, they point to a sense of exclusivity and satisfaction that many visitors feel when they fish there, which is supported by repeated praise for the scenic, quiet setting and the feeling of being immersed in nature. Reports of multiple personal bests achieved over short stays suggest that, when approached correctly, the lakes can be very rewarding, though the more challenging pools clearly demand thought and perseverance rather than simply casting out and waiting.

At the same time, the venue’s all-inclusive feel, with provided nets, slings and unhooking mats in each hut, shows a strong focus on fish care and consistency of equipment. For potential visitors this means less bulky kit to transport and reassurance that the fishery takes carp welfare seriously, which aligns with the expectations of many modern specimen carp fishing anglers. The presence of wildlife, clear night skies and fire pits around certain areas adds to the atmosphere for those who see a session not just as time behind rods but as a short break from everyday routines.

Strengths for potential visitors

• Exclusive-lake bookings ensure privacy and low angling pressure, a significant attraction for those used to crowded carp fishing lakes.
• Well-thought-out facilities, including individual cabins with power, fridges and storage, plus clean showers and toilets, help create a comfortable base for longer sessions.
• Carefully selected stocks of Lana Springs carp, backed by a structured feed programme and water-quality management, provide a realistic chance of both attractive fish and growing average weights over time.
• The three-lake layout caters to different abilities, from runs-style fishing for newer anglers to more demanding carp waters for experienced specimen hunters.
• Hands-on support and tactical advice from owners and staff, including rig, bait and swim guidance, can boost catch rates, especially for first-time visitors.
• Optional meal packages and a bait welcome pack reduce the need to bring extensive supplies and can simplify planning for multi-day trips.

Possible drawbacks and points to consider

Despite its many strengths, Ashmansworthy Pools may not suit every type of angler, and it is worth weighing up certain factors before booking. First, the exclusive-lake model means that pricing is structured per lake rather than per angler, which can appear relatively costly for solo visitors compared to more typical day-ticket carp fishing venues. For pairs or small groups this may feel good value given the privacy and facilities on offer, but those who like dropping in for a few hours on their own might find the format less flexible.

The nature of the pools also means that, while the runs water offers good chances of regular bites, the more challenging lakes are unlikely to produce easy results for anyone who is not prepared to adapt and work at their fishing. Anglers who prefer high-stock, heavily fed commercial fisheries where action is almost guaranteed may find the tougher pools demanding, particularly in difficult conditions. The rural, secluded setting, though attractive to many, also means that access to shops or non-angling entertainment requires travel, so this is best viewed as a dedicated carp fishing trip rather than part of a broader family holiday unless non-angling guests are happy with a very quiet environment.

Another consideration is that the fishery enforces structured rules and expectations around fish care and rig safety, as might be expected from a venue emphasising high-quality stocks and welfare. For some, this level of control is reassuring; for others who prefer a more casual approach, it may feel restrictive, although such measures are increasingly standard among quality carp fisheries. Finally, because the fishery has developed a strong reputation, availability can be limited at peak times, and anglers who plan at short notice may struggle to secure preferred dates.

Who Ashmansworthy Pools suits best

Ashmansworthy Pools is particularly well suited to small groups of carp anglers who value privacy, comfort and the chance to fish for well-kept carp in a carefully managed environment rather than a high-footfall commercial complex. Those looking to target their first twenty or thirty, or to improve personal bests in relaxed surroundings, are likely to appreciate the mix of stock, facilities and on-site expertise. It also lends itself to anglers who enjoy multi-day sessions with time to fine-tune rigs, baiting strategies and swim management, instead of short, pressured trips.

For newer anglers or those returning to the sport, the combination of a more forgiving runs water, venue-specific bait packs and detailed guidance can provide a confidence-building introduction to modern carp fishing setups and methods. More experienced anglers, on the other hand, may be drawn to the challenge of the specimen pool and the prospect of watching a relatively young venue mature, with fish expected to grow significantly over the coming years. The balance of strengths and potential drawbacks means that while Ashmansworthy Pools will not be the ideal choice for every budget or style of fishing, it presents a clear, well-defined offering for those who prioritise quality over sheer numbers of anglers on the bank.