Furnace Lakes Fishery

Furnace Lakes Fishery is a purpose-built complex for anglers who are serious about targeting big carp and catfish, as well as those who enjoy varied coarse fishing on a well-established venue. The fishery brings together heavily stocked waters, substantial on-site facilities and a set of firm rules which try to balance high catch potential with careful fish care and fishery management.

Fishing focus and target species

This fishery is widely recognised as a dedicated venue for specimen anglers chasing large cats and carp, with records that include catfish reported to over 90lb and estimated significantly higher in recent seasons, alongside carp approaching the 50lb mark. For many visiting anglers, the main draw is the chance of landing a genuine personal best, whether that is a sizeable mirror carp around the mid-twenties or far beyond, or a powerful catfish running into very heavy double figures and beyond. Multiple reviews mention personal bests being broken here, including catfish close to the 100lb mark and carp in the high thirties, reinforcing the venue’s reputation as a specimen fishery that can deliver memorable sessions.

Alongside the headline fish, some of the lakes also offer mixed coarse angling with silver fish such as tench, bream, roach, rudd and perch, plus pike, with summer catches reported in excess of 100lb in a day when conditions line up. This mix makes Furnace Lakes suitable both for anglers who want to sit it out for one or two big fish and those who prefer more regular action, provided they choose the lake that matches their expectations. For searchers looking online, terms like carp fishing, catfish fishing, specimen carp and day ticket fishery are all strongly associated with this venue and reflect how it is positioned towards keen, often experienced anglers.

Lake layout and fishing experience

The complex comprises six lakes set within established woodland, each with its own character and stocking policy. Plantation, Roman, Kiln and other specimen waters are designed for long-stay sessions and are heavily stocked with large carp and catfish, while additional lakes such as Hyes and Furnace Lake cater for easier, more traditional coarse angling with a mixture of species and slightly more forgiving fishing.

Plantation Lake, for example, is around six and a half acres, featuring nine islands, plateaux, deep holes and plenty of marginal cover, all of which create a technical but rewarding challenge for anglers who enjoy feature-finding and careful bait placement. It has been stocked with around 160 English mirror and common carp from high teens up to over 50lb, plus heavy catfish, with 20 woodchip pegs spaced to offer room for bivvies and three-rod set-ups where permitted. Roman Lake is noted for its head of large catfish, with fish from well over 60lb to around the 90lb+ bracket and numerous carp between the low twenties and over 40lb, making it a water where both species can produce standout captures on the same trip.

For anglers more interested in steady action than out-and-out specimens, Furnace Lake and Hyes provide a slightly more relaxed environment with carp to around 30–40lb alongside silver fish, and are often described as easier or intermediate waters. Online descriptions and angler comments frequently highlight that this is not the easiest complex, particularly on the big-fish lakes which see considerable pressure, but there is a general sense that effort, watercraft and flexibility with tactics are rewarded.

Facilities, tackle shop and comfort

One of the main strengths of Furnace Lakes is the level of on-site infrastructure provided for visiting anglers. Independent lake reviews and fishery profiles consistently rate the facilities highly, with scores of 5 out of 5 in some assessments. The venue has invested in a large bait and tackle shop, reported to be around 1,000 square feet, stocking a broad selection of well-known brands such as Mainline, Dynamite, Gardner, Shimano, NGT, Catfish Pro, Catmaster and Big Cat, as well as a range of nets, rods, reels, bivvies and other terminal tackle. Tackle hire is available, which can be especially useful for anglers travelling from further afield or those trying specimen-style carp and catfish angling for the first time.

In addition to tackle, the shop and on-site provisions include drinks, snacks and simple hot food options, reported by anglers to include items like pizzas and microwave meals that can be delivered to pegs so anglers do not need to wind in or leave their gear unattended. Several huts are positioned around the complex, typically equipped with an oven or gas cooker, kettle, running water and toilet facilities, meaning anglers are rarely far from basic amenities and can fish comfortably during longer stays. Woodchip swims, hard tracks around some lakes and organised car parking add to the practicality of the site, and complementary transport to swims using a quad or buggy and trailer is an often-mentioned benefit that reduces the strain of moving heavy gear.

Staff support and customer service

Feedback from anglers frequently praises the fishery staff and bailiffs for being approachable, knowledgeable and proactive in helping visitors get the most from their sessions. At check-in, staff are reported to discuss which lakes are fishing well, how busy each water is and what approaches have been producing bites, and some reviews mention detailed depth charts for every swim which can be extremely helpful in planning rigs and baiting strategies.

Several first-hand accounts emphasise small touches that stand out, such as staff offering bankside advice on rigs and bait, delivering essentials like painkillers to pegs when requested and making sure anglers are comfortable during their stay. Some anglers travelling with children have noted that, even when age limits prevented the youngsters from fishing certain lakes, staff in the tackle shop took time to set them up with suitable gear and recommended alternative nearby waters where juniors could enjoy their first experiences. This combination of fishery rules and flexibility, when possible, suggests an operation that tries to balance safety, fish welfare and customer satisfaction.

Fish stocks, condition and catch rates

Independent reviews rate the quality of fishing and fish stocks at Furnace Lakes highly, often around 4 out of 5, noting that the lakes are well stocked and that fish are generally in good condition and known for strong fighting qualities. Anglers report repeated success in landing multiple carp and large catfish over the course of weekend or multi-day sessions, with some describing catches totalling several hundred pounds of catfish across multiple fish, alongside individual carp and cats that set new personal bests.

At the same time, several sources emphasise that the venue should not be seen as an easy water, especially on the more pressured big-fish lakes where angling pressure is high and fish are cautious. This means that while catch rates can be impressive, particularly for switched-on anglers who adapt to conditions, there is no guarantee of quick results, and some visitors may find the fishing more challenging than expected if they are new to specimen-style carp and catfish angling. For many, this balance between challenge and opportunity is part of the appeal, especially for those searching specifically for a big carp lake or a dedicated catfish lake with realistic chances of a special fish.

Rules, age limits and fish care

The fishery operates a detailed set of rules aimed at protecting the large fish and maintaining order across the complex. Common requirements include the use of suitably large landing nets, generous unhooking mats, barbless hooks and safe rigs, with explicit prohibitions on unsafe set-ups and practices. Some lakes, particularly Roman, Kiln, Specimen and Plantation, have stricter conditions such as minimum 24-hour stays and clear restrictions on juniors and non-fishing visitors, including limits on children under a certain age.

For some potential visitors, these rules and age limits are a positive sign that the venue takes fish welfare seriously and aims to keep disturbance to a minimum on its flagship waters. Others may find the regulations and minimum stay lengths restrictive, particularly families hoping to introduce younger children to carp or coarse fishing on the main lakes, or casual anglers who would prefer shorter day sessions with fewer conditions. Prospective visitors are therefore advised to read the fishery rules in detail and select the lake that best matches their party, experience level and expectations.

Pricing, booking and value for money

Furnace Lakes is generally positioned at the higher end of the day-ticket price range, particularly on the specimen lakes where 24- and 48-hour tickets are the norm, with three-rod options available in line with current rod licence limits. Several independent reviewers comment that prices are a little expensive compared with some other day-ticket venues, and the on-site tackle shop, while very well stocked, can also feel pricey for certain items.

However, many anglers balance this against the quality of the fishing, the size of the fish present, the standard of facilities and the level of service, often concluding that the overall package offers fair value for those specifically targeting large carp and catfish. Complimentary transport to and from swims, access to huts with cooking and washing facilities, well-maintained swims and the convenience of a fully stocked shop on site all contribute to the sense that this is a purpose-built complex where serious anglers can justify paying a premium for improved comfort and realistic chances of a significant capture.

Atmosphere, crowding and mixed opinions

As with many popular specimen venues, views on the atmosphere at Furnace Lakes are mixed and can vary depending on when and where anglers fish. Some long-term visitors recall periods when certain lakes felt crowded or drew what they describe as less considerate anglers, particularly at times when the venue was extremely busy or when particular lakes held a large proportion of the specimen fish. On the other hand, more recent accounts emphasise improvements under the current management, including better enforcement of rules, ongoing site upgrades and a generally helpful presence from full-time staff and bailiffs.

What seems consistent is that this is a sizeable complex with multiple lakes and a strong reputation, so keen anglers should expect other people on site, especially over weekends and during peak seasons. For those who prefer quieter banks, planning midweek sessions or exploring the less pressured lakes may offer a more relaxed experience. Overall, Furnace Lakes appears to be a modern, intensively managed fishery that aims to cater to dedicated specimen carp and catfish anglers while still providing more accessible waters for those after mixed coarse fishing or first steps into bigger venues.

Who this fishery suits best

Furnace Lakes Fishery is particularly suited to anglers who are comfortable with structured rules, prepared to invest in longer sessions and looking for a realistic shot at large carp or catfish in the UK. For this type of angler, the combination of heavily stocked specimen lakes, on-site carp tackle and bait, extensive facilities and staff support can make it an appealing choice for multi-day trips and carefully planned campaigns.

At the same time, there is space in the complex for anglers who simply want a well-run fishing lake with good amenities and a chance of mixed-species action, provided they select one of the more forgiving waters and check the age and rule requirements beforehand. Those seeking a quiet, minimalist venue with very low ticket prices and minimal rules may find that Furnace Lakes does not match their ideal, but for many anglers who prioritise big-fish potential, comfort and on-site support, it remains a noteworthy option in the region.