Raker Lakes

Raker Lakes presents itself as a dedicated coarse and specimen fishing complex combined with an adult-only touring caravan site, aiming to serve anglers who want reliable sport and simple, peaceful accommodation in one place. The focus here is firmly on the quality of the fishing, with a network of five lakes that have earned a reputation for consistent catches and well-managed stocks, rather than on high-end facilities or entertainment. For anyone searching for a straightforward venue offering day ticket carp fishing, mixed coarse sport and a quiet base for a short angling break, this site has become a regular recommendation among local and visiting anglers alike.

The fishery is set across around 28 acres and is organised into four coarse lakes and a dedicated specimen water, giving visitors a genuine choice between match-style bags of silvers and carp or targeting fewer but much larger fish. Reviews consistently point to dense fish stocks and lively sessions, with many visitors commenting that they rarely leave without plenty of bites and memorable catches. Regulars mention landing numerous doubles and twenties over the course of a summer, figures that reflect how well stocked the complex is rather than the occasional lucky session. This emphasis on prolific fishing is one of the main reasons why Raker Lakes is often shortlisted by anglers planning a focused coarse fishing trip in the area.

Fishing lakes and species

Raker Lakes is arranged around distinct waters, each with its own character and target species, which is valuable for anglers who like to tailor their tactics. Among the key waters is Horseshoe Lake, a three-acre match and pleasure lake with around thirty pegs and depths up to nine feet, where anglers can expect a broad mix of species including carp, bream, roach, rudd, crucians, specimen perch, skimmers, dace, chub and tench. This breadth of species makes Horseshoe Lake particularly attractive for those who enjoy busy sessions and varied catches rather than sitting behind big-fish rigs all day. The current match record here approaches 200 lb, demonstrating how productive the water can be in the right hands.

Other coarse lakes on site, such as Acorn Lake highlighted in independent venue reviews, are frequently praised for their peaceful setting and versatile fishing, with favourite baits including pellet, paste, caster and meat. Pole tactics under nearside bushes, down the track or across to the far bank are often recommended, with waggler and bomb also producing when fish back off from close-in pressure. This makes the venue suitable for anglers who like technical, methodical approaches as well as those who just want to keep things simple and catch steadily throughout the day. The layout and stocking policy support both match-style sessions and relaxed pleasure fishing with equal success.

For those seeking bigger fish, there is a dedicated specimen carp water, Kingfisher Lake, designed to cater for overnight stays and serious carp anglers. This lake operates on a booking system via a specialist platform and is stocked with carp reputed to run to 30 lb and beyond, making it a realistic proposition for anyone targeting larger fish without needing to join an exclusive syndicate. The presence of this water means the site can legitimately appeal to anglers searching for specimen carp fishing while still supporting traditional mixed bags on the other lakes, a balance that not every commercial fishery manages to strike.

Quality of fishing

In terms of the fishing itself, Raker Lakes performs strongly. Anglers regularly report excellent sport, with one detailed review describing catch statistics over several summer months that included dozens of double-figure carp and a large number of twenties, underlining how heavily stocked and productive the complex is. Visitors often mention that they ‘never stop catching’, particularly when using proven baits such as prawns and luncheon meat, which have become go-to options for targeting the carp here. Another regular points out that sessions can be so consistent that they will miss the venue after moving away, a telling sign of the level of attachment some anglers develop to the place.

Google reviews from recent years back up this picture, with many anglers describing the lakes as beautiful, well run and suitable for all abilities, from newcomers looking to build confidence to experienced anglers fine-tuning match tactics or specimen rigs. Several reviewers highlight the fair day ticket pricing, feeling that the quality of the fishing and the amount of action justify the cost, especially when compared to some more commercialised venues. The general consensus is that, as a pure coarse fishing lakes complex, Raker Lakes provides excellent value, particularly for anglers who prioritise the fishing above everything else.

There is also praise for how the site is managed from a fish care and rules perspective. Clear rules, including restrictions such as no radios on certain lakes, are designed to maintain a quiet atmosphere and protect the fish stocks, and most visitors regard these as fair and sensibly enforced. Security is described as very good in independent write-ups, which is reassuring for anyone leaving tackle on the bank during overnight sessions on the specimen water. Combined with well-maintained banks and peg layouts, this creates an environment where anglers can focus on fishing rather than worrying about their gear or the behaviour of others.

Caravan site and facilities

Alongside the fishery, Raker Lakes offers an adult-only touring caravan site, with pitches set in landscaped surroundings overlooking one of the main lakes. This appeals to anglers who want to stay on site for several days, combining carp fishing holidays with simple, peaceful accommodation. Recent visitors in campervans report staying for a week or more, praising the site as a great base with straightforward facilities at a price they considered fair. Having the lakes only a short walk away from the caravan pitches means it is easy to fish early and late without long drives or packing up gear each day.

The facilities provided are described as basic but functional. Toilets and bins are available on site, and some reviews mention showers, but there is no fully stocked tackle shop or convenience store on the complex itself. One independent review scores the facilities at three out of five, noting that visitors should plan ahead and bring everything they need, as the nearest shop is some distance away. For some anglers, this minimalist setup is part of the appeal – fewer distractions, a quieter atmosphere and a focus on the fishing – but those expecting clubhouse-style amenities or extensive on-site retail options may find the offering limited.

The overall cleanliness of the site, particularly the sanitation facilities, is often mentioned positively. Caravan and campervan users comment that the amenities are kept to a decent standard and that the pitches themselves are tidy and well presented. However, because the site is fairly compact and close to a local road, some overnight visitors have remarked on noise from passing motorbikes affecting the tranquillity near certain caravan pitches. This is not a universal complaint, but it is something for light sleepers to consider when choosing where to pitch up.

Staff, atmosphere and accessibility

Feedback about the team behind Raker Lakes is broadly very positive. Anglers frequently describe the owner and bailiff as friendly, approachable and keen to help, whether that means offering bait advice, clarifying rules or simply having a chat on the bank. Several reviewers mention that the owner tends to leave people to get on with their fishing as long as they respect the venue and keep their pegs tidy, which many seasoned anglers appreciate. This low-key, relaxed style of management contributes to an atmosphere that feels welcoming without being intrusive.

The general mood around the lakes is often described as calm and laid-back, with a strong emphasis on respect for the venue and other anglers. Adult-only caravan pitches, rules on noise and simple expectations around litter help maintain this ambience. On the downside, some independent commentary notes that the site could be better equipped for anglers with limited mobility, particularly in relation to purpose-built disabled pegs. While there is level access in many areas and the entrance is known to be wheelchair accessible, reviews have suggested that additional investment in designated accessible swims would make the fishery more inclusive.

Another aspect to note is the straightforward approach to booking and payment. For most of the coarse lakes, anglers can simply arrive, complete a ticket and pay in cash using the envelopes provided, which keeps things uncomplicated for day visitors. The specimen lake uses an online booking system to manage demand and ensure fair access to popular sessions. This hybrid approach suits both spontaneous trips and planned specimen carp stays, though anglers who prefer cashless or app-based payments for all tickets might see the reliance on cash for the coarse lakes as a minor drawback.

Strengths and weaknesses for potential visitors

For potential customers weighing up whether Raker Lakes is the right choice, the strengths are clear. The complex offers genuinely productive commercial carp fishery style sport, with a strong head of carp and mixed species across several lakes, backed by a proven track record of big bags and regular double-figure fish. Both pleasure and match anglers will find waters suited to their style, and serious carp anglers have access to a specimen lake with overnight options and the chance of fish to 30 lb or more. The adult-only touring caravan site integrates neatly with the fishery, creating a simple base for extended angling breaks without the bustle of family holiday parks.

Customer service and atmosphere are also consistent positives. Friendly staff, sensible rules and a focus on maintaining a tidy, secure environment encourage anglers to return year after year. Reviews regularly mention intentions to come back, with some visitors already planning return trips in future seasons, reflecting a high level of satisfaction with both the fishing and the overall experience. For those searching online for fishing lakes with caravans or adult-only touring sites that put angling first, Raker Lakes will often stand out as a strong candidate.

However, the venue is not without its limitations, and these matter depending on what an individual angler expects from a fishery. The most common criticism in independent write-ups is that facilities are fairly limited: there is no on-site tackle shop beyond basic items, and no general shop or café, so visitors must bring bait, food and other essentials with them. Disabled access to swims could be better, with one review explicitly mentioning that disabled anglers may find certain areas less accommodating than they would like. Road noise from motorbikes near some caravan pitches is another recurring negative comment for those seeking complete quiet during overnight stays.

Pricing is generally seen as fair rather than cheap or expensive, and while this is a positive, it does mean that anglers who focus purely on cost might be able to find lower-priced venues if they are willing to compromise on fish stocks or facilities. Likewise, those who want a fishery attached to a full-service holiday park, with bars, restaurants and entertainment, will not find that here. Raker Lakes is best suited to anglers who value strong catch rates, straightforward rules and a calm, adult-focused environment more than extra amenities. For that audience, the balance of strengths versus weaknesses leans clearly in favour of a visit.

Overall, Raker Lakes offers a solid package for coarse and carp anglers considering a day trip or short break. The combination of heavily stocked waters, a choice between match-style and specimen fishing, adult-only touring pitches and friendly, low-key management makes it an attractive proposition for many. At the same time, the relatively basic facilities, limited disabled-specific infrastructure and occasional road noise mean it is important for potential visitors to be clear about their priorities before booking. Anglers who see a fishery primarily as a place to enjoy consistent sport and relaxed carp fishing sessions, rather than a fully featured holiday complex, are likely to find that Raker Lakes delivers what they are looking for.