Upper Farm Fishery

Upper Farm Fishery is a mixed carp and coarse venue that aims to balance relaxed day-ticket angling with a structured, well-managed setting for visitors of all experience levels, from those just getting into carp fishing to seasoned coarse anglers who enjoy targeting a variety of species.

The lake is a private, roughly one-acre water with around twenty swims, which helps to keep angler numbers sensible and prevents the banks from feeling overcrowded even at busier times. This scale appeals to many pleasure anglers who prefer a more intimate water rather than a sprawling complex, and it allows regulars to get to know individual pegs, features and fish behaviour quite well over time. At the same time, its size and layout inevitably limit the number of available spots, so on popular weekends or during peak seasons visitors may find that advance booking is advisable if they have a particular swim in mind.

Stocking is one of the main strengths of Upper Farm Fishery, especially for anglers who like a blend of specimen hunting and consistent sport from smaller fish. The water holds Common, Mirror, Crucian, Leather and Grass Carp, with many fish running into high double figures and some carp reported around the twenty-pound mark, which is a real draw for those who enjoy targeting larger fish on relatively modest-sized venues. Alongside the carp there is an excellent head of silvers including Tench, Chub, Roach, Rudd, Bream and Perch, so anglers fishing lighter gear or using traditional float tactics rarely find themselves short of bites when the fish are feeding. This mixed stocking means the fishery suits people who want to test rigs and tactics for bigger carp as well as those who simply want an active session catching plenty of smaller fish.

Feedback from visiting anglers consistently highlights how prolific the silver fish can be, with reports of dozens of Roach, Rudd and Perch in a single day when fishing maggots or similar baits. Some visitors mention memorable first captures such as Crucian Carp and personal-best Common Carp, which suggests that the lake offers both volume and the chance of standout fish. On the other hand, not every trip produces instant results; a few anglers note blank sessions or slower days, usually putting this down to their lack of familiarity with the water rather than a shortage of fish, which is typical of any natural-style venue where conditions and presentation matter. Overall, the balance between bites and the opportunity for a larger fish suits many recreational anglers who want more than just a heavily stocked runs water.

For those whose main interest is targeting larger carp, the lake offers a credible challenge without being overly daunting, and it is often mentioned by people who have returned multiple weekends in succession due to consistent results. There are accounts of regular visitors banking several carp per session, with weights comfortably into double figures and line-breaking encounters that show there are powerful fish in the lake that can test even experienced anglers and stronger tackle. This gives Upper Farm Fishery a certain appeal as a friendly yet rewarding carp lake where anglers can hone their approach, try out different rigs, or run longer sessions on night or 24-hour tickets. At the same time, it is not a venue marketed as an extreme specimen water, so those whose sole focus is chasing very large carp into the thirties may view it as more of a mid-range water rather than a top-end big-fish destination.

Lower-pressure coarse anglers who enjoy varied catches tend to respond positively to sessions at Upper Farm Fishery, especially when using poles or whips to target the abundant silvers while waiting for the odd bonus carp to pick up a bait. Reports from visitors who had taken a long break from coarse angling describe the venue as a comfortable place to get back into the sport, with modern tackle, methods and bait advice readily available on site. This combination makes the lake well suited to anglers returning to coarse fishing after time away, or to those experimenting with both coarse fishing and carp tactics on the same session. The presence of Crucians, Tench and other classic species adds to its appeal for traditionalists.

The onsite tackle shop is another notable advantage for potential visitors, and it is often highlighted as one of the fishery’s standout facilities. The shop carries a broad selection of bait, end tackle, rods, reels and even camping-oriented equipment, so if an angler forgets a key item or needs to adjust their approach mid-session, most needs can be met on site. Several reviewers emphasise how friendly and knowledgeable the staff are, noting their willingness to help select appropriate rigs or bait for the lake and to offer up-to-date advice on swims and current conditions. One limitation is that, like any small business, the shop does not open around the clock, so anglers arriving at off-peak times may occasionally find it closed and should plan core tackle such as nets and mats accordingly.

Customer service at Upper Farm Fishery is consistently described in warm terms, both in relation to the tackle shop and the fishery management as a whole. Visitors often refer to staff by name and talk about being re-kitted with appropriate gear, receiving guidance on lake features, or getting encouragement when new to carp or coarse fishing. The management clearly invest time in maintaining the water, banks and swims, which appear well cared for in visitor photographs and are frequently described as clean and comfortable. This level of personal interaction can make the difference for newcomers or those lacking confidence, although anglers who prefer a completely hands-off, “do your own thing” environment may find the structured oversight and occasional rig checks a little more formal than on some low-key club waters.

The facilities around the lake are generally considered good for a venue of this size, contributing to its appeal for full-day or overnight sessions. There is a sizeable car park close to the water, toilets and basic refreshment options such as hot drinks, which many anglers appreciate during longer sessions or in colder weather. The presence of a private gated entrance, with automatic locking and controlled access, adds a sense of security for vehicles and equipment, particularly for night anglers or those fishing extended tickets. However, the strict gate timings and automatic locking system do mean visitors must pay attention to entry and exit times, as there is no routine vehicle access outside the stated hours and this can be inconvenient if someone misjudges their arrival or departure window.

Upper Farm Fishery operates as a membership-based water rather than a syndicate, with day, night and longer tickets available, plus season ticket options for regulars. This structure allows anglers to choose between occasional day visits and more committed membership, and long-stay anglers can book multiple consecutive 12-hour or 24-hour tickets if they wish. Online booking systems and pre-booked permits offer convenience and help to manage the number of anglers on the water, but at the same time, policies around deposits, non-refundable payments and a “three-strike” booking rule for season ticket holders introduce a degree of formality that some casual anglers may find restrictive. Those who prioritise flexible, turn-up-and-fish arrangements might therefore see these rules as less accommodating, even though they exist to keep the fishery running smoothly.

The fishery rules themselves are comprehensive and designed primarily around fish welfare and safety, reflecting a modern approach to managing a busy coarse fishery and carp fishery. Anglers are required to carry suitable landing nets of a minimum size and to use unhooking mats for all types of fishing, which is reassuring for those who care about the condition of the fish they catch. The management reserve the right to check rigs at any time, and certain equipment such as the pontoon boat is strictly off-limits to day-ticket anglers without explicit permission. While a few visitors may find such measures intrusive compared with more relaxed venues, they are in line with standards at many quality modern fishing lakes and help safeguard both the stock and angler safety.

As with any well-used day-ticket water, not all feedback is uncritical, and a balanced view includes some of the less favourable aspects or potential downsides noted by anglers. The popularity of the venue, coupled with its limited acreage and defined number of pegs, means that at peak times it can feel busy, and anglers hoping for a completely secluded session might not always find the degree of solitude they imagine when reading about tranquility. Occasional comments about blank sessions or limited success, particularly from those unfamiliar with the water, underline that it does not guarantee catches and still demands attention to tactics, bait choice and swim selection. A small number of anglers have commented elsewhere online that they felt expectations of catches were not met or that certain rules were stricter than they prefer, although such views appear in the minority compared with generally positive experiences.

Despite these reservations, many regular visitors emphasise how relaxing the overall environment is, mentioning peaceful surroundings, wildlife and even the sound of a steam train passing in the distance as part of the atmosphere. This ambience, combined with the mix of carp and silvers, makes Upper Farm Fishery appealing for longer, slower-paced sessions where anglers can settle into a peg for the day or night and enjoy both the fishing and the setting. Families or mixed-experience groups can also benefit from the lake’s character, as more experienced anglers focus on carp fishing while younger or less experienced companions keep busy with silvers on simpler tackle. For potential visitors, it is worth bearing in mind that the tranquility is relative to a managed day-ticket lake with clear rules and set access times, rather than to an isolated, lightly fished estate water.

For anglers assessing where to spend their time and money, Upper Farm Fishery presents a clear set of pros and cons that will help determine whether it suits their particular style of freshwater angling. On the positive side, it offers a well-stocked mixed lake with carp to good double figures, plenty of silvers, helpful staff, a strong emphasis on fish care and practical facilities including a dedicated tackle shop, parking and toilets. The structured ticketing and gate system, comprehensive rules and membership-style operation contribute to an organised, secure environment that many visitors appreciate. On the less convenient side, the same structure demands careful attention to booking, arrival and departure times, and the rule set can feel strict for those who favour more informal venues, while the size of the lake means busy periods may limit swim choice and the sense of solitude. Taken together, these characteristics position Upper Farm Fishery as a thoughtful option for anglers seeking a friendly, managed fishing lake where both carp fishing and pleasure coarse fishing are well catered for, provided they are comfortable with a rule-driven, organised environment.