Five Oaks Fishery

Five Oaks Fishery presents itself as a well-established coarse venue that aims to balance relaxed, pleasure-focused angling with a setting that appeals to more dedicated carp enthusiasts and families alike. With two main lakes of around three acres each and a long-running history dating back to the late 1990s, it offers a fairly compact but thoughtfully designed layout where anglers can target a variety of species without feeling overwhelmed by size or distance. The emphasis is on straightforward, accessible fishing rather than an ultra-hard specimen water, which will appeal to newcomers, casual visitors and experienced anglers who simply want a consistent day’s sport.

As a coarse venue, the stocking is one of its strongest points, and this is reflected in how many regulars talk about the quality and condition of the fish. The lakes carry a broad mix of carp, including common, mirror, ghost and grass strains, with reported averages that make the water attractive to those who enjoy steady action with the chance of something more memorable. The bottom lake is associated with carp to around the 30 lb mark, while the middle lake has a more modest but still satisfying upper range, which suits those who want regular bites rather than a long wait for a single fish. Alongside the carp, there are crucians, F1s, perch, tench, bream, roach, rudd and even eels, creating a genuine mixed-fishery feel. This variety means that traditional float fishing, coarse fishing approaches with light tackle, and more modern carp fishing tactics all have a place here, depending on the angler’s preference.

From a practical standpoint, Five Oaks Fishery is structured to be approachable for day-ticket visitors who want minimal fuss. Anglers can pay bankside, and there is provision for both day and night sessions, giving flexibility for those who prefer short trips or longer, more involved stays. Online booking is supported for day and night fishing, which can be a real benefit to anyone travelling from further afield who wants to secure a swim before setting off. The fishery also encourages match bookings and even whole-lake reservations by prior arrangement, which indicates that it caters not just for individuals but also for clubs and organised groups looking for a reliable venue.

Facilities are generally well regarded and are a key part of the overall experience. There is on-site parking close to the water, with capacity reported for several dozen cars, which is helpful when multiple anglers or a club booking are present. Toilets are available on site and are mentioned positively in both official descriptions and independent accounts, with some visitors noting that they are kept clean and conveniently positioned near the lakes. For those staying overnight in the shepherd’s hut accommodation, there is a short walk to a dedicated toilet and shower block, for which guests receive a private key, adding a layer of privacy and comfort compared with very basic camping arrangements at some other waters. These facilities help make the venue suitable for family trips and shared sessions, rather than solely solitary, hardcore angling.

The presence of glamping-style shepherd’s huts is a distinctive feature that sets Five Oaks Fishery apart from many smaller coarse venues. One of these huts, affectionately nicknamed and set up for up to two guests, comes equipped with a small kitchen area, fridge, running water, a two-ring electric hob and outdoor barbecue space, as well as indoor and outdoor seating. Visitors highlight the quiet atmosphere after dark and the very low light pollution, with torches provided for moving around safely at night. While the huts are not luxury lodges, the combination of self-catering facilities, close proximity to the lakes and secure amenities offers a practical alternative for anglers who want more comfort than a bivvy but still wish to stay right by the water.

On the bank, feedback often centres on the generally peaceful atmosphere, particularly during weekdays, and the sense that sessions can be both productive and relaxing. Anglers report enjoyable catch rates over relatively short stints, including trips where double-figure carp, good-sized tench and mixed silvers have kept the rods active and made the experience engaging for both adults and children. Several visitors specifically mention enjoying time with family members, using the fishery for relaxed “father and son” or couple sessions where the priority is time together and steady action, rather than chasing a single huge specimen at all costs. This aligns well with the fishery’s mixed stocking and layout, and supports its appeal as a place where fishing lakes are seen as social spaces as much as venues for serious sport.

For carp-focused anglers, Five Oaks Fishery can still be attractive, thanks to the presence of fish into the mid-twenties and beyond, with some reports of mirrors and commons in that bracket coming from overnight sessions. Night fishing is available by arrangement, and some anglers note productive sessions on modern rigs and flavoured pop-ups, which suggests that the fish respond well to contemporary carp bait and presentation. However, this is not a water dominated entirely by bivvy lines and high-pressure methods; traditional approaches with float or feeder gear are also effective, especially where the stock of smaller carp, F1s and silver fish is concerned. In this sense, it occupies a middle ground between a pure pleasure venue and a full-blown specimen water, which will suit many everyday anglers who want a realistic chance of a better fish within a backdrop of regular bites.

Rules at the fishery are fairly standard for a modern coarse venue but are enforced clearly, primarily to safeguard fish welfare and ensure that everyone can enjoy their time on the bank. Barbless hooks are required, landing nets and unhooking mats must be used at all times, and no fish may be taken away, introduced or held in sacks, with keepnets reserved for authorised matches only. An Environment Agency rod licence is mandatory, and anglers are reminded not to leave rods unattended with baited hooks in the water, a rule that helps reduce the risk of deep-hooked or damaged fish. Noise restrictions are also emphasised, with guidance on keeping bite alarms and general conversation at a considerate level, and all visitors are expected to leave swims clean and free of litter. These expectations may feel strict to some, but they are typical of well-run fishing lakes where long-term stock health and a calm setting are priorities.

From a customer-experience perspective, many anglers comment positively on the way the grounds are maintained and the general attitude of the management. The banks, paths and pegs are described as being kept in good order, with attention paid to vegetation and access so that swims feel tidy without losing their natural character. Some anglers mention a friendly welcome and a sense that the owners take pride in the venue, walking the banks, offering advice and checking tickets without being overbearing. This type of presence can be reassuring, especially for those bringing children or fishing alone, as it suggests the site is actively looked after rather than left unattended.

There are, however, a few aspects that prospective visitors may want to weigh up before deciding whether Five Oaks Fishery matches their preferences. First, while toilet facilities are in place and generally well regarded, there is acknowledgement in official information that there are no on-site showers for regular anglers, with shower access limited to specific accommodation arrangements such as the shepherd’s hut. For those planning multi-day sessions in a bivvy, particularly in warmer months, this absence may be a drawback, whereas single-day visitors are unlikely to be affected. Second, at busier times such as weekends, a number of anglers mention that the banks can feel noticeably more crowded, with increased activity around the lakes and the potential for disturbance from headtorches or general movement after dark. This is not unusual for accessible day-ticket waters but is worth bearing in mind for those who prefer very quiet or secluded fishing.

Another point to consider is that, although the fishery aims for an inclusive atmosphere, there is a clear expectation that visitors understand and follow coarse angling etiquette and safety rules. Under-16s must be accompanied by an experienced angling parent or guardian unless explicitly authorised, which is designed to ensure that younger visitors are supervised and that fish-handling standards are maintained. Some newcomers to fishing venues may find the list of rules somewhat detailed at first glance, but in practice most are common sense and align with typical best practice for coarse fishing in the UK. For anglers who already own appropriate nets, mats and tackle, these requirements should pose no difficulty, and they help preserve the stock that makes the venue attractive in the first place.

Accessibility is another practical factor in Five Oaks Fishery’s favour. Situated just off a main road between Horsham and Billingshurst, it is reachable without negotiating long, narrow farm tracks, which will be appreciated by drivers of standard cars or those towing small trailers. There is a request that visitors discuss with management if they hope to drive directly to their peg, and this is assessed according to ground conditions, which is a sensible approach to protecting the grass and paths from rutting during wet periods. This mix of car park access and conditional drive-to-peg options provides a workable compromise between convenience and protecting the site for long-term use.

While pricing and specific ticket structures can vary over time and are best checked directly with the fishery, independent listings point to an approach that aims to remain competitive within the regional market for day ticket carp fishing and mixed coarse angling. The presence of both single-rod and multiple-rod options, along with night tickets and match arrangements, indicates that the venue tries to accommodate different styles of angling and budgets without overcomplicating the system. For many visitors, the perceived value comes from the combination of reasonable costs, healthy fish stocks, clean facilities and a generally relaxed environment that promotes stress-free fishing trips.

For potential customers considering whether Five Oaks Fishery suits their needs, the overall picture is of a mixed coarse and carp fishing venue that prioritises steady, enjoyable sport, accessible facilities and a friendly yet structured environment. Families, casual anglers and those relatively new to coarse angling are likely to appreciate the manageable size of the lakes, the reliable stocking, easy parking and the option to add a more comfortable stay through shepherd’s hut accommodation. More experienced specimen hunters may find that the water offers respectable but not extreme upper weights, making it better suited to those who value consistent action over record-chasing. As with any fishery, the occasional busy weekend, lack of general shower facilities and need to follow a fairly detailed rule set may not appeal to everyone, but for many anglers these are small trade-offs for a well-kept site with healthy fish and a straightforward fishing lakes experience in a clearly managed setting.