Stones Fishing Lakes

Stones Fishing Lakes presents itself as a dedicated commercial fishery with multiple waters designed to give anglers a realistic chance of regular action alongside opportunities to target larger specimens. Carp fishing is the main draw here, supported by well-stocked lakes, on-site facilities and a family-run approach which focuses on accessibility for both beginners and experienced anglers alike.

The complex offers several lakes with different characters and stocking levels, including waters aimed at match fishing and others geared more towards specimen anglers. Visitors report catching plenty of carp to double figures, with some lakes holding fish to around 30 lb, alongside catfish to higher weights and a good head of bream, tench, sturgeon, pike and silver fish, which helps to keep bites coming through the day.

One of the recurring positives in feedback is how suitable Stones Fishing Lakes is for introducing newcomers to the sport. Parents taking children for their first session frequently mention that the pegs are comfortable and that fish are caught steadily enough to maintain interest, which is especially important when bringing younger anglers who need consistent activity to stay engaged.

The on-site support structure contributes a lot to that beginner-friendly feel. Anglers describe staff and bailiffs as approachable, patient and willing to give practical advice on rigs, baits and how to land and safely return fish. For anyone who is unsure about modern carp tactics or handling larger fish, that presence can make the difference between a frustrating and a productive session.

Facilities are another key strength. There is a tackle shop on site, currently housed in a Portacabin near one of the lakes, offering a good selection of essential terminal tackle, rods, reels, nets and bankware, along with popular baits such as pellets, sweetcorn, flavoured meats, maggots and worms. This allows visiting anglers to travel light or top up on items they may have forgotten without leaving the venue.

Alongside the shop, there is a cafe that visitors regularly mention in their comments, pointing out friendly service and a comfortable place to take a break from the bank. For many day-ticket anglers, being able to get hot food and drinks on site is an important part of the overall experience, especially during longer sessions or in poor weather conditions.

Pricing is typically viewed as reasonable for a commercial carp venue, with day tickets for multiple rods positioned in the middle of what anglers now expect to pay for a fishery with on-site facilities and heavier stocking. While the exact figures can change over time, the general sentiment from regulars is that the cost matches the level of service and the likelihood of consistent action.

In terms of layout, the lakes feature decked swims and platforms spaced to give anglers their own water, which helps both comfort and safety when fishing with children or carrying more equipment. Reviews praise how the pegs have been constructed to make setting up easier, with enough space for modern carp chairs, bait tables and unhooking mats.

Stocking policy is clearly geared towards offering a mix of quantity and quality. Match-style waters are reported to contain higher densities of smaller carp in the low to mid single figures, ideal for busy sessions with plenty of bites, while other waters are stocked with fewer but larger fish aimed at those who prefer to sit it out for a personal best. The presence of different species, including bream and tench, means the complex also suits general coarse anglers rather than just carp specialists.

From a fish welfare perspective, Stones Fishing Lakes publishes a clear set of rules requiring appropriate landing nets, safe fish handling, and the prompt return of captures to the water. There are also provisions for dipping nets and slings before use, which helps reduce the risk of transferring diseases or parasites between venues, and guidance is given on reporting any distressed or injured fish to on-site staff.

The general appearance of the banks and water is often described as tidy and well maintained, with ongoing work to improve infrastructure and develop a more permanent clubhouse facility including a larger tackle shop, catering and social space. Regular visitors appreciate the visible effort that goes into upgrading the venue, seeing it as a sign that the owners are reinvesting in paths, swims and amenities.

However, not all feedback is positive, and potential visitors should consider some of the criticisms raised. One of the more serious concerns reported by an angler relates to health and safety standards around the wider site, particularly in relation to building materials, open works areas and the general organisation of vehicle access and parking. The description includes scattered materials, heavy plant machinery and scaffolding left accessible, with little apparent signage or restriction to stop people straying into riskier zones.

This same visitor also highlighted that paths around parts of the lakes could feel uneven and potentially unsafe, especially for anyone with limited mobility or those pushing barrows loaded with tackle. Car parking has been described by that reviewer as confusing and poorly laid out, which may add stress at the start and end of a session until further improvements are made.

Another strong point of criticism concerns cleanliness in some of the sanitary facilities. One detailed review paints a very negative picture of the toilets, describing them as dirty and unpleasant and suggesting that they had not been properly maintained. That angler chose to use alternative facilities off site, which added an extra cost to their visit and significantly coloured their impression of the fishery.

It is worth noting that these critical comments sit alongside many other reviews that highlight the positive aspects of the same venue, from the friendliness of the team to the quality of the fishing. The contrast suggests that the fishery is undergoing ongoing development work and that standards may vary between different parts of the site or at different times, depending on how far building projects and clean-up operations have progressed.

For anyone specifically interested in commercial carp lakes, Stones Fishing Lakes offers several features that will appeal. The ability to buy day, half-day, overnight or full 24-hour tickets allows anglers to plan short pleasure sessions, longer weekend campaigns or night fishing trips targeting the bigger carp and catfish, which is a flexibility not every venue provides.

Match anglers can make use of purpose-built waters with multiple pegs, and there is provision for club bookings and competitions, making the venue suitable for organised events as well as casual visits. The development of a clubhouse and function space is expected to improve this further by giving groups a natural meeting point before and after matches.

Families and newer anglers will likely appreciate that there is a lake designed with easier access and safer platforms which encourages children to learn basic skills such as casting, striking and playing fish in a more controlled environment. Reports of youngsters quickly learning to bait hooks, cast and land fish with guidance from both relatives and staff indicate that the venue can work well as a first introduction to angling.

On the other hand, those who value peace and quiet above everything else should be aware that the presence of a nearby holiday park has been mentioned as a source of background noise. One reviewer found the loudspeaker system from the adjacent site intrusive to the point of spoiling the otherwise pleasant setting, so expectations around tranquillity should be adjusted accordingly.

Experienced anglers used to more natural, low-key waters might also find the visible construction work and commercial feel less appealing, particularly while the site is in transition with building projects and landscaping still under way. For some, the trade-off between improved facilities and a more developed environment will be acceptable; for others, the same features may detract from the experience.

Where Stones Fishing Lakes appears to perform strongly is in providing reliable sport for those who want a realistic chance of catching throughout the day, supported by an on-site fishing tackle shop, cafe and bailiff presence. The focus on well-stocked day ticket carp lakes and clear rules around fish care makes it a practical option for individuals, families and clubs who value convenience and structure.

At the same time, attention to site-wide safety, signage, housekeeping and toilet cleanliness will be important areas for continued improvement if the venue is to match its strong angling potential with consistently high standards off the bank. Prospective visitors may wish to consider both the enthusiastic praise and the sharper criticism when deciding whether Stones Fishing Lakes aligns with their expectations for a carp fishery and family-friendly fishing destination.