Furnace Mill Fishery & Air Gun Range

Furnace Mill Fishery & Air Gun Range is a long‑established coarse fishing and shooting venue that combines traditional angling with modern facilities on a sizeable woodland site. Anglers find four separate pools stocked with a broad mix of species, while shooters use a dedicated air gun range with multiple courses and a covered plinking area. The result is a mixed leisure venue that appeals both to specialist anglers and to visitors who want a relaxed day out with easy access, on‑site food and a small tackle shop.

For many regulars, the biggest attraction is the quality and variety of the fishing on offer. The pools are known for well‑conditioned carp, including mirrors and commons approaching the upper double to low thirty bracket, alongside species such as roach, rudd, tench, perch, bream, chub and barbel. This species spread makes Furnace Mill suitable for pleasure anglers, short‑session visitors and those looking to target bigger carp on longer stays.

The fishery’s match history reinforces its reputation as a prolific venue, with match records reported at well over two hundred pounds in a single session. High‑weight matches are usually associated with carp‑dominated catches taken on pellet and maggot from carefully managed pegs. At the same time, management now limits events so that some pools remain available for pleasure fishing, which helps balance organised competitions with casual use.

Facilities around the lakes are often highlighted by visitors as a strong point. There is a small but well‑stocked tackle and bait shop where anglers can pick up end tackle, terminal bits and fresh bait for their session, reducing the need to arrive fully prepared. Many guests comment that they can turn up with basic gear and still put together an effective set‑up thanks to what is available on site. For anyone travelling from further afield or fitting fishing around work, this level of support can make a noticeable difference to the day.

The on‑site café is another feature that shapes how people experience the venue. Hot drinks, breakfasts and simple cooked items are popular, with several visitors specifically mentioning cooked sandwiches and warm meals as part of their day. For some, this turns a standard session into more of a social visit, particularly for groups or family members who may be less focused on fishing itself. Reviews commonly mention friendly staff in the café and a relaxed atmosphere rather than a strictly functional service counter.

Cleanliness and basic comforts are repeatedly emphasised in feedback. Anglers note that toilets are kept tidy, that there are separate male and female facilities, and that car parking is spacious with a sense of security for vehicles. Net dips at the entrance to the fishery are maintained and filled, signalling active attention to fish welfare and biosecurity. The banks and pegs are described as well maintained without being over‑manicured, avoiding the feel of a concrete bowl while still giving solid, fishable platforms.

The wider setting is another clear positive for many visitors. The fishery sits within a wooded landscape, with pools that feel sheltered and separate rather than a single large expanse of water. Anglers often mention peaceful surroundings, wildlife and the sense of being away from day‑to‑day noise, even when other people are on the banks. For some guests staying in the on‑site lodge, this has made Furnace Mill feel more like a short holiday than a simple day ticket water.

Accommodation is available in a Scandinavian‑style lodge overlooking one of the pools, and this element has become increasingly important to how the business operates. Guests describe the lodge as clean, well kept and comfortable, with modern standards of upkeep that appeal to couples, families and small groups of anglers. Several reviews talk about multi‑night stays that combine intensive fishing with quiet time in the lodge, reinforcing the perception that Furnace Mill has moved beyond being just a daytime venue.

Alongside the fishing, the air gun range is a distinctive part of the offer. There is a covered plinking and zeroing area with paper and reactive targets at varied distances, plus a 30‑target course and additional layouts used for practice and competitions. Regular shooters value the ability to continue using the range in poor weather thanks to the covered firing points, and the terrain gives scope for more technical target placement than a flat field.

Staff are consistently mentioned by name in feedback, with many visitors singling out the owners and team for being welcoming, approachable and helpful. Anglers note that rules are kept straightforward and emphasise basic respect for fish and other people on site rather than long lists of restrictions. For regulars who return often, this creates a club‑like atmosphere without the formal membership structure of a closed syndicate.

Pricing for day tickets and extended sessions is typically seen as good value when weighed against the facilities and fish stocks. Costs are in line with other well‑run commercial venues that provide maintained pegs, a café, secure parking and on‑site staff presence. For families or those introducing new anglers to the sport, the combination of accessible fishing, easy parking and food on site contributes to an overall sense of convenience.

However, the same features that many people appreciate can feel like drawbacks to others, especially more traditional or sport‑focused anglers. One recurring criticism is that the venue has, in the eyes of some, drifted towards being a holiday‑style complex rather than a dedicated fishery. The addition of accommodation, an expanded café and the shooting range leads a minority of visitors to feel that pure angling has become less central than it once was.

There are also opinions that the fishing may be too easy for those seeking a challenging session. Some reviewers comment that fish stocks, particularly carp and F1s, are dense enough to produce very high catch rates with relatively straightforward methods, which is ideal for beginners or social anglers but less appealing to those who want to work hard for fewer, more selective fish. For anglers who value low‑stocked waters and more pressured specimens, this commercial style of venue may not align with their expectations.

A small number of reviewers feel that the atmosphere can lean towards groups of older, regular visitors who prioritise comfort, food and conversation as much as time with a rod in the water. While many see this as part of the fishery’s charm and community feel, others who prefer a quieter, more solitary experience interpret it as a sign that the focus is not entirely on serious fishing. These are subjective reactions, but they highlight how the same setting can be experienced very differently depending on what someone wants from a session.

It is also worth noting that the combination of an air gun range and multiple pools means the site can be busy at peak times. Visitors who go during popular weekends or when competitions are running may find that peace and quiet around certain areas is reduced, even if other parts of the complex remain calm. For those who prefer quieter banks, choosing off‑peak days or checking for event dates in advance can make a difference.

Despite these criticisms, the majority of feedback portrays Furnace Mill as a well‑run, friendly and reliable place for coarse fishing and air gun shooting. Many visitors describe it as their favourite venue, citing the consistent condition of the fish, the cleanliness of facilities and the down‑to‑earth approach of the owners. The ability to combine a session with a hot meal, pick up bait on site and, if desired, stay in a lodge overlooking the water makes it attractive for repeat visits and short breaks.

For potential visitors thinking about where to spend a day ticket or a few nights away, Furnace Mill is best suited to those who value reliable action, good facilities and a social, welcoming atmosphere. Anglers who prefer sparsely stocked, highly pressured waters may find it lacks the degree of difficulty they enjoy, while those seeking a more pure shooting or fishing environment might see the multi‑activity setup as a distraction. For many coarse anglers, casual carp fishing enthusiasts and families, however, it represents a convenient, comfortable and productive choice within the commercial fishing lakes scene.

When looking at Furnace Mill as part of the wider network of UK coarse fisheries, its appeal lies in the balance between accessibility and quality. The presence of multiple well‑stocked pools, a focus on fish health, and a blend of angling and shooting facilities gives it a distinct identity among coarse fishing venues. For those prioritising a full day out with reliable bites, food, parking and a comfortable setting, it is an option that often meets or exceeds expectations, while still leaving room for visitors to decide whether its holiday‑style elements match their personal taste.