The New Celtic Lakes

The New Celtic Lakes presents itself as a purpose-built destination for dedicated anglers who value challenging fishing, robust fish stocks and practical facilities over frills. Set around still waters dedicated to specimen coarse fishing, the venue is known for sizeable carp, powerful catfish and heavyweight sturgeon, making it a serious proposition for anyone looking to test their skills on large fish rather than simply passing a quiet afternoon by the bank.

From an angling perspective, the fishery’s main draw is the combination of variety and size. Reports mention carp running into the upper twenties and beyond, with regular captures over 20 lb that appeal strongly to experienced carp anglers. Alongside these, the presence of substantial catfish and very large sturgeon adds a different dimension, attracting those who enjoy powerful, lengthy battles and the possibility of personal bests on multiple species. This focus on sizeable fish positions The New Celtic Lakes firmly within the specimen scene rather than as a casual day ticket water.

Anglers seeking a dedicated carp fishing lake will find that the venue offers a strong head of common, mirror and grass carp, with plenty of mid- to upper-double fish and a realistic chance of larger specimens. Catch reports highlight productive sessions with high numbers of carp in 24-hour stints, suggesting that, when conditions line up, visiting anglers can experience consistent action rather than the odd solitary run. For those targeting carp specifically, the venue’s emphasis on fish care and pegging adds confidence that the stock is looked after and allowed to grow on.

Equally important is the reputation of The New Celtic Lakes as a serious destination for catfish and sturgeon. Reviews and regional reports note cats approaching 50 lb, and fisheries information references even bigger fish recorded at the site, making it a recognised location in Wales for anglers chasing heavyweight predators. The presence of sturgeon reportedly exceeding the 100 lb mark elevates the fishery into a relatively rare category in the UK, where such fish are not widely available, and this appeals to anglers looking for something beyond traditional carp-only venues.

For visiting coarse anglers who want more than one target, the venue also supports a mix of general coarse species such as bream, roach, rudd, perch and tench, allowing more flexible approaches when carp or cats are not feeding strongly. This breadth of species makes it suitable for those who enjoy tailoring their tactics to conditions, and for groups where some prefer specimen hunting and others are content with mixed bags of coarse fish.

Facilities on site are a notable strength and are frequently mentioned by visitors. Anglers appreciate the ability to park close to their peg to unload their gear, which is especially valuable for those carrying substantial tackle or with reduced mobility. The fishery provides toilets and showers that are generally described as clean and well maintained, a detail that can make a considerable difference to the comfort of longer sessions or multi-day stays. Combined with the standard of the grounds, which are repeatedly described as tidy and well kept, this contributes to an overall impression of a venue that is carefully managed.

The on-site tackle and bait shop is another central feature for visiting anglers. It stocks a range of branded carp and catfish products, including frozen baits, pellets, pop-ups and glugs from well-known names such as Sticky Baits, CC Moore, Mainline and others, which means anglers arriving with limited bait can still equip themselves with appropriate options for the water. Limited provisions such as snacks and soft drinks, plus the ability to buy essentials like toilet roll, add small but useful touches that contribute to a more convenient stay.

Accommodation in the form of lakeside lodges and a larger log cabin offers an added layer of appeal for those planning longer sessions or social trips. Anglers comment positively on the lodges overlooking the water, noting that they enhance the overall experience by combining bankside access with more comfortable overnight arrangements. For some, this transforms a fishing trip into a short holiday, while still keeping the focus firmly on serious angling rather than holiday-park entertainment.

The fishery’s management style is a defining characteristic and contributes both to its strengths and to some of the limitations potential visitors should bear in mind. Anglers repeatedly describe the owners as friendly, knowledgeable and willing to share detailed advice on productive pegs, bait choices and effective rigs, which can be invaluable on a venue with pressured, wary fish. This hands-on guidance is especially appreciated by those visiting for the first time or targeting new species such as big catfish or sturgeon.

At the same time, the rules are enforced in a clear, sometimes strict manner, with particular emphasis on fish care and behaviour on the bank. Reviews highlight that this is not a water geared towards social drinking sessions; instead, it caters to anglers who respect the fish and other visitors, and who are prepared to follow guidelines closely. For serious specimen anglers, this approach is often welcomed because it protects the stock and maintains a focused atmosphere, but it may feel restrictive to those looking for a more laid-back or party-style weekend.

Fish welfare is a recurring theme. Visitors note that measures are in place to safeguard the health of large carp, catfish and sturgeon, and that the owners are more concerned about the condition of their stock than simply maximising turnover. This includes rules on nets, unhooking mats, handling and possibly bait types, and while such requirements may add a layer of preparation for newcomers, they contribute to the quality of the fish and the sustainability of the fishery over time.

In terms of accessibility, many pegs are reported to be suitable for disabled anglers, and the ability to drive close to your swim before returning the vehicle to the car park helps those who might struggle with long walks carrying heavy tackle. This makes The New Celtic Lakes a practical option for a broad range of anglers, from younger visitors to those who need easier access to the bank, without compromising the natural setting of the lakes.

Despite the many positives, there are a few recurring criticisms that prospective visitors should weigh. One practical issue raised is the expectation that guests take all their rubbish home with them, which can be inconvenient for those staying multiple nights who then face a long drive with full bags of waste in the car. Some anglers would strongly prefer centralised waste disposal on site; however, the policy is consistent with the owners’ emphasis on keeping the grounds spotless and reducing litter and vermin issues.

Another point occasionally mentioned concerns personal interactions and differing opinions. While most feedback emphasises how helpful and welcoming the owners are, at least one angler notes an early conversation that felt a little uncomfortable due to comments made about another prominent angling personality. That same visitor later stresses that subsequent conversations were positive and that the owner came across as genuine and supportive, but the anecdote illustrates that the direct style of communication may not suit everyone equally.

From a fishing results perspective, not every visit produces non-stop action. At least one review reports relatively slow fishing during a stay, although this is attributed to the natural variability of the sport rather than any issue with stock levels. Given the presence of large, often wary fish and fluctuating weather conditions, this is to be expected, and forms part of the challenge that attracts anglers to specimen venues rather than heavily stocked commercial pools.

The emphasis on serious angling also means that The New Celtic Lakes is not particularly oriented towards beginners seeking a gentle introduction with guaranteed easy bites, especially if their main interest is casual leisure rather than improving technique. While the owners are willing to advise and many catches show that determined anglers can enjoy very productive sessions, the rules, the calibre of the fish and the tone of the site mean that newcomers should arrive prepared to treat it as a committed fishing trip.

For those specifically searching online for a specimen carp fishery or a dedicated catfish fishery in Wales, The New Celtic Lakes stands out because it combines large carp, substantial catfish and impressive sturgeon in one carefully managed stillwater environment. Add in convenient on-site bait supplies, clean facilities, accessible pegs and the option of staying in bankside accommodation, and it becomes a strong candidate for anglers planning an intensive session or a short angling-focused break rather than a day out with non-fishing family members.

Anglers considering a visit should therefore see The New Celtic Lakes as a focused venue that offers high reward potential in terms of fish size and variety, balanced by firm rules and a culture that prioritises fish welfare and sensible behaviour. Those who value well-run coarse fishing lakes with established stocks of large fish, and who are willing to adhere to clear guidelines, are likely to find the venue highly satisfying, even if small practical issues like rubbish disposal or occasional slower sessions are part of the overall experience.