Press Manor Fishing Lakes

Press Manor Fishing Lakes is a dedicated venue for anglers who want a mix of challenging sport and relaxed day-ticket access, with separate waters for trout, specimen carp and coarse species. The fishery is set up to appeal to those who take their time on the bank seriously, with a focus on well-stocked lakes, bank space and practical facilities rather than a purely commercial feel. While it offers a great deal to both experienced and newer anglers, there are also a few drawbacks that regular visitors highlight, particularly around on-site refreshments and access to the lodge.

Trout fishing experience

The trout lake at Press Manor covers around 5.5 acres and is regularly stocked with rainbow, brown, blue and brook trout, with additional natural brown trout present in the water. Average stock size is noted as being over 2 lb, with larger fish into double figures also recorded, which will appeal to anyone searching for a venue where a standard session can include both numbers of fish and the chance of something more substantial. For many game anglers, this makes it a solid choice when looking for a day of dedicated trout fishing on a managed stillwater rather than on a river.

Bank fishing is the main method on the trout lake, but there are also four boats available, adding flexibility for anglers who want to fish drifts, reach different parts of the lake or simply change their approach during the day. Several visitors comment that there are plenty of spots from which to cast comfortably, with good access along the banks and room for a variety of tactics, including floating line work for fish taking dries and nymphs near the surface and lures fished deeper down. This range of options helps the venue suit both traditional fly anglers and those who like to switch patterns and depths frequently.

Instruction and tuition are a noticeable strength at Press Manor, with fly fishing coaching associated with the fishery and feedback online highlighting patient, encouraging teaching for both beginners and more experienced anglers looking to refine their casting or fish presentation. Some testimonials mention enjoyable days that combine guidance, varied fishing and a social element, particularly for visitors coming as small groups or families who wish to improve their skills while still having a relaxed day out. For anyone new to fly fishing who is searching for a friendly venue to start, this emphasis on tuition is an important positive.

Carp and coarse angling

Beyond the game fishing, Press Manor is well known for its carp and coarse lakes, which broaden its appeal beyond fly anglers. The carp lake is around 3.5 acres and holds a range of fish, with carp re-stocked in 2012 and grown on since, with individual fish now reported at over 20 lb and catches to around 30 lb at the venue according to independent fishery guides. This places Press Manor among those waters that attract specimen hunters who want a realistic chance at a decent carp without travelling to very large or heavily pressured venues, and makes the phrase carp fishing highly relevant for anyone considering a visit.

The carp stock includes common, mirror and a smaller number of ghost carp, providing variety in appearance as well as size. The lake layout incorporates islands, bays and overhanging trees, creating patrol routes and natural features that encourage carp to move and feed in different areas, which keeps watercraft and swim choice important rather than purely relying on stock levels. Anglers who enjoy working out patrol lines, margins and feature spots will find that the design of the carp lake rewards those who take time to observe conditions and adjust rigs and baiting patterns.

The coarse lake at Press Manor has a strong reputation, especially in colder months, for bags of bream and roach along with specimen perch that can top 3 lb. In warmer weather, catches frequently include carp, roach, bream and barbel, giving mixed sport and making it a good option for pleasure anglers and those who like a busy float or feeder session. One visitor specifically mentions catching a good-sized bream and plenty of roach on a reasonably priced day ticket, noting the peaceful setting and wildlife activity as part of the appeal. For those searching online for coarse fishing lakes that offer variety, Press Manor stands out as a venue where different species and methods can be tried in a single day.

Facilities and comfort on the bank

Facilities at Press Manor are built around a fishing lodge and associated amenities that support longer sessions. The lodge includes a kitchen area, dining table and seating, and at one end a sofa with a log burner, creating a comfortable place to get warm and dry during poor weather. Outside, there is a raised seating area with tables overlooking the trout lake, which many anglers appreciate for taking a break, chatting between casts or simply watching the water for signs of fish movement. These elements make the lodge an important part of the overall experience, particularly for those planning a full day on the water.

Toilet facilities have been developed with practicality in mind, with separate men’s and ladies’ toilets that include hot water and a unisex accessible toilet attached to the lodge for disabled anglers. Several comments highlight that access and parking are generally good, with level areas and safe paths that help those with limited mobility reach their chosen pegs more easily. This focus on access, combined with the quiet surroundings, makes the fishery appealing to a wider range of visitors, including older anglers and those who prefer shorter walks to the water.

However, there are some drawbacks mentioned around the lodge and catering. While some earlier visitors recall times when hot drinks and bacon rolls were available, more recent feedback notes that the lodge has sometimes been locked, with no tea or coffee service accessible during a session. For anglers who value a hot drink or a simple bite to eat on site, this can be disappointing and may require bringing their own stove, flask or packed meal. This inconsistency is worth keeping in mind, particularly for anyone booking a full day or evening session and expecting café-style facilities as part of their trip.

Atmosphere, management and value

One of Press Manor’s recurring positives is its calm, unhurried atmosphere. Visitors frequently describe the venue as quiet and tranquil, with plenty of wildlife such as ducks and coot adding to the sense of being away from busier commercial waters. Anglers commenting on their sessions often mention that even when multiple pegs are occupied, there is still enough room between swims to fish in comfort, which can be important for those who prefer a more relaxed day rather than a crowded match-style environment. This makes it an attractive option for anyone searching for a more peaceful fishing lake rather than a heavily stocked, high-pressure complex.

Management is typically described as friendly and approachable, with a welcoming greeting on arrival and a straightforward attitude to issuing day tickets and explaining any rules. Some visitors specifically mention being greeted by staff and their dog, which adds a personal touch and sets a positive tone at the start of the day. The emphasis on tuition, guidance and maintaining good fish quality suggests a team that prioritises the angling experience rather than operating purely as a commercial ticket outlet.

In terms of value, several anglers comment that day-ticket prices are reasonable for the quality of the fishing and the surroundings, especially on the coarse lake where a modest ticket price can provide access to good bags of coarse species and the chance of specimen fish. The option for night fishing on the carp lake, which needs to be booked in advance rather than arranged on the bank, is a notable feature for those who like longer sessions targeting bigger carp. This pre-booking requirement is sensible from a management point of view, but potential visitors should plan ahead rather than arriving spontaneously expecting to arrange overnight fishing on arrival.

Practical considerations and potential downsides

Although Press Manor Fishing Lakes has many strengths, potential visitors should also be aware of some limitations before deciding whether it is the right venue for their next session. As mentioned, the availability of on-site refreshments is inconsistent; some recent anglers find that there is no access to hot drinks or snacks in the lodge during their visit. For those planning extended days, bringing sufficient food and drink is advisable. Likewise, if the lodge is locked, the social and comfort aspects of the seating and log burner are not available, which may reduce the appeal during colder months.

Another consideration is that the fishery’s focus on serious angling means it may not have all the family-focused extras some holiday-based venues offer, such as children’s play areas or non-angling entertainment. Instead, it is oriented towards people who come specifically to fish, whether for trout, carp or coarse species. For anglers this is often an advantage, as it keeps banks quieter and the water less disturbed, but those looking for a broader family day out may find other destinations better suited to mixed interests.

As with any specialist fishery, conditions and catch rates can vary depending on weather, water temperature and angler approach. Some visitors note sessions where the fishing becomes more challenging once the weather turns wet and windy, even if the facilities help make it easier to ride out the conditions. Anglers new to this type of water may benefit from seeking advice on flies, rigs and tactics, particularly when targeting larger trout or carp, and should not assume that high stocking automatically guarantees easy bags of fish. This is part of the appeal for more experienced visitors but is worth considering for those used to highly stocked commercial pools.

Who Press Manor will suit

Press Manor Fishing Lakes is likely to appeal strongly to anglers who want a dedicated fishing venue with separate waters for trout, specimen carp and mixed coarse species, where the focus is on quality fish, peaceful surroundings and practical facilities rather than on-site restaurant service or broader leisure attractions. Fly anglers will appreciate the stocked trout lake, bank and boat options, and availability of instruction, while carp anglers have a realistic opportunity to target fish into the twenties and beyond on a characterful carp lake. Pleasure and coarse anglers can enjoy bags of roach, bream, perch and barbel, making it a solid choice for those who enjoy a full keepnet or a variety of species.

Those who value peace and quiet, friendly management and a straightforward day-ticket set-up are likely to find Press Manor a rewarding place to spend time. On the other hand, anglers who prioritise full café facilities, guaranteed lodge access throughout the day or a broader set of non-angling activities may feel that some aspects fall short of expectations. Taken as a whole, the fishery offers an honest, angler-focused experience with genuine strengths in stocking, atmosphere and water design, balanced by a few practical limitations that can usually be managed with a bit of advance planning and realistic expectations about what the venue is set up to provide.