Stub Pond Fisheries

Stub Pond Fisheries presents itself as a dedicated coarse and carp venue with a clear focus on big fish, accessible angling and flexible sessions for different types of visitors. Anglers arrive here looking for hard-fighting carp and powerful catfish rather than a picturesque country estate, and the fishery’s strengths and weaknesses both reflect that priority. Feedback from regulars highlights well-stocked waters, a straightforward ticket system and friendly bailiffs, alongside some concerns about noise, the surrounding industrial activity and certain facilities that could benefit from investment.

Lakes, layout and target species

The venue is built around multiple coarse lakes designed to offer varied sport, from match-style action to specimen hunting. Forge, Plantation and Stubpond lakes form the backbone of the complex, with additional waters catering to both club bookings and pleasure anglers. These lakes hold a mix of carp, bream, tench, perch, chub, rudd, roach and skimmers, creating a setting where anglers can choose between steady bites and the chance of a standout fish.

Stock levels and the head of larger fish are repeatedly praised, especially by those targeting big carp and catfish. Reports mention carp comfortably exceeding 30 lb and ghost carp over 20 lb, giving specimen hunters a realistic shot at a personal best. Catfish are a major draw, with multiple sources describing fish to at least the mid‑30s and promotional material suggesting even larger residents for those prepared to fish longer sessions and heavier tackle. For many visitors this combination of mixed coarse fishing and serious specimen potential is the main reason to choose Stub Pond over more traditional day‑ticket waters.

Match and club anglers are also catered for. Plantation Lake is laid out with numerous purpose‑built pegs around a central island, offering typical commercial‑style match fishing, while Stubpond Lake is known as a forgiving water that suits club events and social days. Depths, margin features and island cover support a range of tactics, which appeals to anglers who like to rotate between pole, waggler, feeder and bomb approaches in the course of a session. In practice this means that someone visiting for the first time can decide whether they want fast action from mixed species or to sit it out for a larger carp or catfish, and pick their water accordingly.

Fishing experience and catch results

Many visitors describe Stub Pond Fisheries as a place where you stand a strong chance of bending a rod, with plenty of fish to go at on most lakes. Comments from coarse and carp anglers alike point to consistently good catch rates when conditions are reasonable, with carp often found tight to the margins and catfish patrolling deeper water or the centre of the lake. On the more forgiving waters, regulars state that they rarely leave without a few fish, which is attractive for newer anglers or families who want to keep children engaged.

For those in search of a genuine specimen, the venue’s reputation rests largely on its catfish and larger carp. Anglers report multiple‑fish days with cats into double figures and beyond, and there are accounts of sizeable carp that test both tackle and nerve. This has helped Stub Pond become known as a place where an angler can reasonably target big fish on a day ticket, rather than having to join a long‑waiting‑list syndicate. It is not unusual for visitors to mention memorable first captures of catfish or personal‑best ghost carp, suggesting that the stock is both substantial and accessible to those with solid watercraft and suitable rigs.

That said, the fishing is not entirely predictable. Some reviewers describe the sport as “hit and miss”, acknowledging that while there is a good stock of fish, conditions and angler approach still play a major role in results. This is typical of many pressured venues and means that while the lakes can be highly productive, they do not guarantee action for every visitor. For inexperienced anglers, this can be either a challenge or a learning opportunity, depending on expectations and how much advice they seek from more seasoned regulars or the on‑site bailiff.

Facilities, access and comfort

Accessibility is one of Stub Pond’s strongest practical advantages. Visitors highlight the ability to park next to many swims, which is particularly valued by older anglers or those bringing substantial gear. The fishery offers different session lengths, including shorter daytime tickets and night fishing, giving flexibility to those fitting their angling around work or family commitments. Certain days include reduced‑rate tickets for older or disabled anglers, and there are pegs and lakes that are better suited to those who need easier access or more stable platforms.

Families find the more open and spacious lakes particularly useful. Accounts mention parking campers near swims and setting up barbecues while younger anglers fish for plentiful smaller carp and other species. Plantation and similar lakes offer enough room for several anglers to fish together without feeling cramped, which suits social trips, parent‑and‑child days and informal coaching sessions. However, at least one of the more focused specimen waters does not permit younger children, which means families need to choose their lake carefully to stay within the site’s rules and keep everyone comfortable.

Where facilities are concerned, opinions are more mixed. Some visitors feel the venue would benefit from a modern toilet block and general upgrades to certain pegs, suggesting that, while functional, parts of the infrastructure are dated. There are references to swims that would be improved with fresh platforms or bank work, particularly for those with limited mobility or heavier tackle. These comments do not prevent people from returning, but they do indicate that Stub Pond prioritises fish stocks and access over presentation and higher‑end comforts.

Surroundings, atmosphere and noise

Stub Pond Fisheries is frequently described as a practical, fish‑focused venue rather than a scenic retreat. Some reviewers characterise the surroundings as somewhat industrial, with references to rubble yards, machinery and nearby caravan units in the wider area. At times, lorries carrying aggregate and stone‑crushing equipment operating nearby can produce noise and dust, which detracts from the tranquil atmosphere many anglers associate with rural fishing. Aircraft noise is also mentioned, and while it may not bother every visitor, those seeking complete quiet may find it noticeable.

The on‑bank atmosphere tends to be friendlier than the backdrop might suggest. Many anglers remark that staff are approachable when present, and that the bailiff is particularly helpful in offering advice and sharing information about tactics or recent form. An honesty‑box system has been noted by some regulars, alongside occasional concession arrangements, which gives the venue a somewhat traditional, trust‑based feel despite its busier surroundings. For anglers who prioritise catching big fish and having accessible swims over landscaped gardens, the trade‑off between environment and fishery performance may be acceptable, but it is an important point for first‑time visitors to understand.

Rules, safety and fish welfare

The fishery applies a range of rules aimed at protecting its stock of carp and catfish and maintaining order on the bank. Standard day‑ticket expectations apply, including the use of appropriate unhooking equipment, sensible landing nets and careful handling, particularly for larger specimens. Certain lakes set age limits or restrict younger anglers, especially on waters that hold heavier catfish or require more experienced handling techniques. Visitors appreciate clear guidance on what is expected, as it helps ensure both fish welfare and the safety of anglers who may be dealing with very strong fish for the first time.

There are also positive comments about the way disabled and elderly anglers are considered in pricing and access, including designated times or ticket options that make regular visits more affordable. The presence of a bailiff who is visible around the lakes and ready to offer advice or assistance further supports the sense that standards are monitored and that any issues can be addressed on the bank. That said, not every angler will find staff immediately available at all times, and one of the criticisms raised is the difficulty in contacting the fishery by phone on certain occasions.

Customer service, access and reliability

Opinions on customer service at Stub Pond Fisheries range from very positive to frustrated. Many regulars praise the bailiff and describe the team as welcoming, informative and relaxed, particularly towards anglers who are new to the venue or to specimen fishing. Others have been impressed by the flexibility of session options and the overall value for money, especially given the size and quality of the fish available on a standard day ticket.

However, there are also reports from anglers who have experienced problems when trying to gain access early in the day. At least one visitor described waiting at the gate for an extended period, making numerous calls to the published mobile number without success, and eventually leaving for another fishery after finding that the advertised opening time was not met. For someone who has taken time off work or travelled specifically to fish, this can be a significant disappointment. Prospective visitors may therefore wish to allow a margin of time around arrival and, where possible, check recent feedback to see whether access arrangements are running smoothly.

Who Stub Pond Fisheries suits best

Stub Pond Fisheries is particularly attractive to anglers who put catching powerfully fighting fish ahead of landscaped surroundings. The combination of multiple lakes, regular stocking and a proven track record for sizeable carp and catfish makes it appealing for those seeking serious sport without joining a private syndicate. Anglers who enjoy experimenting with different tactics, from pole fishing for smaller species to targeting larger fish on heavier carp gear, will find plenty of options.

Families and mixed‑ability groups can also find suitable water here, especially on lakes that allow younger anglers and offer space for social setups around the swim. Easy parking by many pegs, along with options tailored to older or disabled visitors, make it practical for those who cannot or do not wish to carry gear long distances. In contrast, anglers whose priority is a quiet, scenic environment or meticulously manicured banks may feel that the industrial surroundings and occasional noise do not match their expectations.

Ultimately, the venue sits firmly in the category of working coarse and carp fishery: focused on delivering strong catches of big fish, flexible access and a range of lakes, while accepting that its setting and some facilities may not please everyone. For many visitors, the chance of landing a heavy catfish or a new personal‑best carp, supported by straightforward access and friendly bank staff, is enough to make Stub Pond Fisheries a regular destination, provided they arrive with realistic expectations about the environment and the level of comfort.