Back Arun Fishery

Back Arun Fishery offers a straightforward coarse angling experience built around two intimate stillwater lakes that cater to anglers who enjoy variety, accessible venues and a relaxed, no‑nonsense atmosphere.

The venue is laid out around two main waters, commonly referred to as Silver Lake and Carp Lake, giving anglers the choice between a mixed‑species water and a more carp‑orientated match-style lake. Both are relatively narrow, ribbon or snake‑style lakes that lend themselves well to float and feeder work as well as lighter tactics, so it suits anyone who enjoys precise presentation rather than casting long distances. For many visitors this layout makes Back Arun an appealing option for a casual day on the bank rather than a high‑pressure specimen hunt.

As a coarse venue, Back Arun Fishery is known for a broad stock profile, and this is one of its main strengths for visiting anglers. The mixed lake holds a range of species including carp, crucian carp, koi carp, bream, tench, perch, roach and rudd, providing regular bites and the chance to put together busy sessions with different species across the day. Carp in the mixed lake are reported to run to around the mid‑twenties in pounds, which is plenty to interest anglers who like to target better fish while still enjoying frequent action from smaller residents such as roach and bream.

The second water at the site has a stronger commercial match feel, being stocked with large numbers of smaller carp and operating under simple bait rules that focus on meat and sweetcorn. This makes it attractive to anglers who enjoy constant activity and quick bites, especially those using pole gear or light float tackle. Reports from regulars and visiting anglers indicate that it can produce hectic sessions with multiple carp in a short window when conditions are favourable, ideal for practicing techniques or introducing newer anglers to more active coarse fishing.

For many visitors, the main draw at Back Arun is the carp fishing, with both lakes offering different styles of sport. The mixed lake gives an opportunity to target better‑sized mirrors and commons amongst other species, while the carp‑dominant lake focuses squarely on numbers of fish rather than specimen hunting. Anglers have reported productive sessions taking multiple carp in wet and muddy conditions on simple baits such as luncheon meat and sweetcorn, underlining that this is not an overly technical water and that straightforward tactics will usually produce results.

Those looking specifically for a carp fishing day ticket water will find that Back Arun fits that description, but it is perhaps better viewed as a balanced coarse venue rather than a big‑fish specialist site. Carp to around 20–25 lb in the mixed lake provide a meaningful challenge for a standard day ticket water, yet the presence of barbel, tench and silver fish means that the sport rarely feels one‑dimensional. Some anglers treat the lakes as a place to hone skills and test rigs for more demanding waters, while others simply appreciate the chance to bend a rod regularly without worrying about chasing records.

Species variety is another positive aspect frequently highlighted in descriptions of the fishery. Roach, rudd and bream provide consistent sport for those using lighter lines and float tactics, and the presence of crucians and koi adds extra appeal for anglers who enjoy catching more colourful or distinctive fish. Occasional better perch are mentioned by visiting anglers, giving predator enthusiasts something to target with appropriate methods within the standard coarse rules. This breadth of species makes the venue a useful option for anglers who enjoy building mixed bags.

The fishery is often described as visually appealing, with many visitors commenting on the pleasant feel of the ponds and the general atmosphere. The lakes are said to have attractive features such as reeds, margins and variations in depth that help create interesting pegs and obvious fish‑holding areas. Compared with some very commercial venues, Back Arun tends to be viewed as more natural in its presentation, which appeals to anglers who dislike fisheries that feel over‑engineered or heavily industrial.

Ease of access is another practical advantage. The fishery is situated close to the local railway station, which makes it particularly useful for anglers who do not drive or younger anglers travelling with public transport. Car access is straightforward as well, with dedicated parking available close to the water, so carrying tackle to and from pegs is not especially demanding. This combination of public transport access and vehicle parking means the venue can work well for short sessions as well as full days.

The human side of the fishery is often mentioned positively, especially in relation to the bailiff and on‑site management. Anglers frequently note that the bailiff, Malcolm, is approachable, willing to chat and happy to offer advice about pegs, tactics and bait choices to visitors of all experience levels. Several regulars credit this friendly, informal guidance with helping them and their families enjoy successful sessions, which can be reassuring for newer anglers or those visiting with children.

For potential visitors planning a fishing lakes day out, cost is an important factor, and Back Arun is generally described as a standard, fair‑priced day ticket venue. Different angling resources list adult, junior, senior and disabled prices with supplements for additional rods, positioning the fishery in line with many similar coarse day ticket waters in the region. The structure of day tickets and simple rules makes it easy to budget for a session and understand what to expect on arrival.

In terms of facilities, Back Arun Fishery focuses on the essentials rather than extensive on‑site amenities. There is parking available close to the lakes, and some listings mention a basic tackle provision on site where anglers can obtain simple items and receive brief advice, which can be convenient if something has been forgotten. However, those who expect fully developed fishing venue facilities with cafes, modern toilet blocks and a wide retail offering are likely to find the set‑up more modest than at larger commercial complexes.

One recurring criticism concerns the lack of toilet facilities. Several visitors mention that there are no obvious on‑site toilets available, which can be a significant drawback for families, older anglers or anyone planning a long day at the bank. While some coarse fisheries adopt a similar approach and rely on nearby public facilities, this aspect is worth considering when deciding whether the venue suits your personal needs and comfort.

Opening times and access information have also been a source of frustration for some visitors. Although some anglers clearly set out typical hours and note that the carp lake may be closed for matches on certain days, others report difficulties confirming whether the venue is open or finding accurate information online about availability. In isolated cases, anglers have described arriving to find the gates locked on a day they had expected to be able to fish, which can be particularly disappointing for those travelling by train or from further afield.

Beyond general opening hours, the fishery occasionally closes due to external conditions such as flooding. At least one visitor reports encountering the venue closed for this reason, reminding potential customers that waters located near rivers and low‑lying land can sometimes be affected by adverse weather and high water levels. While such closures are usually outside the control of the fishery, it underlines the importance of checking the latest status where possible before setting out.

Anglers who value structure and clarity in rules may appreciate that the carp lake operates specific match and bait restrictions, although they can limit flexibility on particular days. Carp Lake is generally closed for matches on Sundays and on some Thursdays in the summer, and bait on this water has been described as limited to sweetcorn and meat. For dedicated match or pleasure anglers who fish standard coarse tactics, this is unlikely to be a problem, but those who enjoy more varied approaches might prefer the mixed lake where a wider range of methods and baits tend to be more acceptable.

Feedback on the overall quality of the fishing itself is largely positive, with several anglers describing productive days and enjoyable short sessions. Reports mention good‑sized carp, including fish into the twenties, along with plenty of smaller carp and silver fish that keep the float moving throughout the day. One angler references returning repeatedly with family and building confidence through regular catches, which suggests the fishery is capable of delivering consistent sport for those who adapt to the conditions.

That said, Back Arun is not portrayed as a heavily stocked commercial where every cast produces a fish, and expectations should be realistic. As at any coarse venue, weather, water temperature and angler approach all influence results, and some days will inevitably be slower than others. For anglers who enjoy the challenge of working the swim with different baits and rigs, this adds interest, whereas those wanting guaranteed action every visit may feel less satisfied.

The atmosphere around the lakes tends to be relaxed rather than overly regimented, something many visiting anglers appreciate. With a modest number of pegs and no sense of overcrowding described in typical accounts, the venue suits those who prefer quieter fishing spots without heavy footfall or constant competition for swims. Regulars often talk about chatting with the bailiff and other anglers, and this social side can be a positive part of the overall experience.

For families and newer anglers, Back Arun offers both strengths and weaknesses. On the positive side, the accessible layout, manageable lake sizes and willing carp and silver fish make it a good training ground for younger anglers learning how to fish with pole or rod. However, the limited facilities, particularly the absence of toilets and the potential for inaccurate online information about opening hours, may make it less convenient for those visiting with children who require more predictable amenities.

Anglers weighing up whether to visit Back Arun Fishery will find a venue that combines mixed‑species coarse angling with straightforward access and a friendly bailiff presence, balanced against basic facilities and occasional uncertainty around opening times or closures. It offers the opportunity for enjoyable day ticket fishing with carp, barbel, tench and silver fish in pleasant surroundings, but it is worth taking a moment to confirm current conditions and be prepared for a more stripped‑back set‑up than at larger commercial complexes. For many, especially those who value a simple, relaxed coarse venue with character, these trade‑offs are acceptable; others seeking extensive facilities, guaranteed access and formal infrastructure may prefer alternative fishing lakes in the broader region.