Pondwood Fisheries

Pondwood Fisheries (also known as Pondwood Carp Lakes) is the premier fishing facility for anglers of all categories. The owners have dealt with the likes and dislikes of fishermen since the mid 1980s, and whatever type of inland fisherman you are, Pondwood Fisheries can satisfy your demands. The original Pondwood Carp Lakes are around an acre each. The older lake dates back to medieval times and has an island in the middle accessible via a distinctive red bridge. This lake has stocks of carp, tench, roach, chub and catfish. The carp were introduced around the mid 1970s and are an Italian strain. They have been known to spawn 3 times per year and run to 27lb. All the other fish are of unknown origin. The lake also contains crucian carp to 4lb and roach to 2lb. The catfish have seen to the demise of many of the smaller fish. The single chubb that used to reside in this lake unfortunately died and it is doubtful with the number of catfish now residing in the lake that any of the species would now survive for very long. The catfish range from newborn to around 50lb in weight. Pondwood Fisheries has got to be the only UK venue where you are assured to catch a catfish. The second lake, which dates back to at least 1970, has only carp, again introduced around the mid 1970s. For some strange reason, no other fish species have yet been found in this lake. The carp, however, are some of the most amazing fish you will have seen and go to 22lb in size. Our third water is the "Snake River", a still water course dating back to medieval times that was originally a metre wide and held fish into double figure weights. The Snake was opened for day tickets in 2002 after widening and extension and has since been stocked with thousands of fish, all home-grown at Pondwood Fisheries. These include carp to 26lb, roach to 2lb, perch to 4lb, rudd to 0.5lb and tench to 9lb. The Snake is our match venue and has become renowned within the match fraternity. There are toilet facilities and ample car parking available on the complex. The cafe has now been re-staffed and is up and running for weekends and Bank Holidays. Bookings for matches and competitions are a must.

In the past 12 months we have seen a 15lb come out on a pineapple boilie, reeled in for recasting. A few sessions of late have found a boom of 4-5lb jacks, a clump of 6lbers, and also a good head of 8lbers.

John recalls commons in abundance, maily in the 12lb region (the early 80's). Some of these fine looking golden, bronze beauties have been caught of late as 24-28lb, but a good few have sadly passed thier expeced age and departed us to that great lake we all hope to be fishing behind the pearly gates!

Welcome to Holyfield Carp Lakes website. You may choose from 3 lakes (Top Lake, Bottom Lake & match Lake) Holyfield Fishery provides toilets, a cafe and 24 hour CCTV monitoring of the car park. For details of the three lakes see below.

Holyfield Bottom Lake is a specimen carp lake, with carp ranging from around 8lb up to 35.5lb. Including Tench up to 6.5lb, the lake itself is just under four acres with a silty bottom, the lake is well stocked with average sized Carp at around 20lb. Membership for this lake is available or day tickets can be purchased on the bank.

22lb Bottom Lake

RECORD CATCH - TOP LAKE

33lb 4oz

 Holyfield Top Lake restricted to memebers only at weekends and is for over 18's only. The present lake record is 33lb 4oz, with an average size of 15lb. There is also a good stock of Tench up to 4lb, the lake features two islands with mature trees surrounding. The bottom of the lake is clay with some weed and Lilly pads, during the summer months, many of the fish are caught at the surface. Top and bottom lakes are both open 7 days a week.

Holyfield Match Lake recently opened in 2003, is around one acre in size. Consisting of 12 swims, the lake is very well stocked with a range of fish including Roach, Rudd, Bream, Perch, carp and Tench. This lake is open to beginners or experienced fishermen. Children are welcome but must be supervised by an adult.

 The lake is open seven days a week for day tickets or can be booked for private matches. Holyfield Fishery provides toilets, a cafe and 24 hour CCTV monitoring of the car parking area. We also often have some small home bred Carp and Tench available in our fish house.