Fir Tree Fishery

Fir Tree Fishery is a mixed coarse venue that aims to give anglers of all ages and abilities a comfortable, well-managed place to enjoy their sport, with a clear focus on making carp fishing and general coarse angling as accessible as possible for both day-ticket visitors and members. The site combines purpose-built waters, practical facilities and a membership scheme targeting more dedicated anglers, while also offering affordable day sessions that appeal to families, beginners and those simply looking for a relaxed few hours by the water.

The fishery is built around several distinct lakes, each with a different character and target audience, which is a major attraction for anyone interested in coarse fishing beyond a single, uniform pool. Visitors mention an education and access lake, match and pleasure waters, and a specimen water, allowing anglers to choose between targeting numbers of fish or focusing on fewer but larger specimens. This variety is especially appealing to those who enjoy barbel fishing, silver fish sport and specimen catfish fishing alongside traditional commercial carp fishing.

Fish stocks and angling potential

One of the strongest points raised by regulars is the quality and diversity of the stocking, with anglers reporting good sessions on carp, barbel, roach, skimmers, perch and bream across the different waters. Match-style lakes such as Benson’s Creek and Racetrack are described as holding plenty of small carp and barbel along with general silvers, giving consistent bites and making the venue attractive for pleasure sessions and organised matches alike.

For specimen hunters, the members’ water is promoted as holding some of the largest fish in the region, including catfish reportedly to around 70 lb and carp up to the low 30s, with unusual albino catfish adding extra interest for those focused on big-fish specimen fishing. Reports from visiting anglers suggest that while it is not an easy water, there is genuine potential for memorable captures for those with the skills and patience to put in the hours. Coarse anglers visiting in colder months still speak of landing quality perch and a mix of smaller fish, although winter sessions can be challenging and demand a reasonable level of ability and watercraft.

Day-ticket visitors often highlight that they rarely go home without a few fish in the net, whether that is small carp and skimmers from Nookie Hollow or a mix of silvers and the occasional bonus carp from the other coarse lakes. Comments from families and less experienced anglers suggest that the venue is generally forgiving enough for newcomers, while still interesting for those who enjoy fine-tuning rigs, baits and tactics to pick out better fish.

Facilities, comfort and access

Another commonly praised aspect of Fir Tree Fishery is the thought given to on-site facilities, which goes beyond the basics that many anglers expect at a commercial fishery. The presence of toilets, a sink and a separate shower room, along with lighting and heating in certain areas, makes longer sessions more comfortable, especially for those bringing children or staying overnight on the members’ water.

The availability of cabins on the members’ lake is a notable selling point for anglers who prefer not to use a bivvy. These cabins are described as having lighting, electric heating and a kettle, which can turn a standard overnight carp fishing trip into something closer to a short break, though showers and underfloor heating are provided elsewhere rather than inside each cabin. Some visitors specifically mention that pegs feel well spaced and not overcrowded, which is important for anglers who value a bit of personal space when setting up bankside.

Accessibility is a central part of the fishery’s identity, with one lake designed in partnership with the British Disabled Angling Association and regional development agencies to provide safe, level access and a welcoming environment for disabled anglers and young people. This emphasis on inclusive coarse fishing facilities means that families, school groups and community organisations can bring participants who may struggle at less-accessible venues, and still enjoy a full session with realistic chances of catching.

Membership, pricing and value

For regular visitors, the membership scheme is an important part of what the fishery offers, particularly for those interested in targeting the specimen lake. Membership is sold on an annual basis with different tiers, and includes benefits such as discounted 24-hour sessions, priority access to cabins and the option to bring a guest at a reduced rate, which suits anglers who like frequent longer sessions rather than occasional short visits.

Day-ticket pricing, while not quoted here in exact figures, is often described online as reasonable and competitive with other commercial venues in the region, especially considering the range of species and the condition of the site. Anglers commenting on value frequently mention that a standard day’s coarse fishing is affordable enough for families or casual visitors who want to try commercial carp fishing without committing to membership. As with any fishery, potential visitors are advised to check current ticket rates and rules in advance, as prices and conditions can change and different waters may have separate requirements.

Atmosphere and customer service

Many reviews describe the general atmosphere as friendly and relaxed, with owners and staff often singled out for being welcoming, helpful and keen to ensure that visitors have a productive session. Some anglers recall the owner coming round the banks to chat, offer advice and see how people were getting on, which contributes to a community feel that appeals to regular coarse and carp anglers alike.

The fishery regularly hosts or supports coaching sessions, school visits and group events, which suggests a commitment to angling education and to encouraging new participants into the sport. Coaches who have worked with large school groups at the Racetrack lake report that most pupils caught fish such as barbel, ide, roach, bream and smaller carp, which is encouraging for anyone considering the venue for youth projects or introductory coarse fishing days.

However, not all feedback on customer service is positive, and this is an important consideration for potential visitors. Some reviews mention uncomfortable encounters with a bailiff whose manner was perceived as abrupt or overly aggressive, particularly around ticket checks and rule enforcement, with one or two comments raising concerns about language used in front of children. These reports are not universal, but they do show that experiences can vary from day to day, and that the tone of interactions with staff may depend on which member of the team an angler deals with.

Fish welfare, lake maintenance and consistency

On the positive side, several anglers remark that the site is kept tidy, pegs are in good order and the general environment feels well maintained, which reassures visitors about the underlying management of the venue. The lakes are often described as clean, scenic and pleasant to fish, and some reviews highlight the abundance of wildlife as an additional attraction for those who enjoy a quieter, more natural setting for their coarse fishing sessions.

There are also comments about the good condition of many of the fish, particularly on the better-managed waters, with barbel, carp and silvers frequently reported in healthy fighting form. At the same time, a number of online reviews raise concerns about fish welfare on certain days, including reports of fish with damaged mouths and occasional dead or distressed specimens, which detracts from the experience for anglers who prioritise high welfare standards.

These mixed reports suggest that while the fishery invests in stocking and maintenance, the pressure of regular angling and the behaviour of some visitors may impact the condition of individual fish. For anglers who are particularly sensitive to welfare issues, this is worth bearing in mind; it may be sensible to visit personally, speak with staff about current practices and decide whether the venue aligns with their expectations on unhooking, handling and general care.

Who Fir Tree Fishery suits best

For many anglers, Fir Tree Fishery offers a good balance of accessibility, variety and comfort, especially for those who enjoy mixed-species coarse fishing with the option to target specimen carp and catfish through membership. Families, juniors and beginners are likely to appreciate the easier lakes, inclusive design and supportive coaching environment, while more experienced carp anglers may be drawn to the challenge and size of fish available on the members’ water.

At the same time, potential visitors should be aware of the occasional negative reports about customer service and fish condition, and factor these into their decision alongside the many positive accounts of productive sessions and comfortable stays. Those who value affordable day tickets, solid chances of bites, and practical facilities such as toilets, showers and heated cabins are likely to find a lot to like here, especially if they are prepared to adapt their tactics to the conditions and accept that not every session will be easy.

Overall, Fir Tree Fishery presents itself as a versatile, well-established venue that tries to cater for a broad range of anglers, from casual visitors to dedicated specimen hunters, with a mix of strengths and areas that some visitors feel could still be improved. Anyone considering a trip for coarse fishing, family carp fishing or a longer specimen session may find it a worthwhile option, particularly if they value inclusive access and on-site comfort alongside their time on the bank.