9 Of The Best 50lb Carp Lakes UK (Specimen Carp Lake Guide)

#1. Holme Fen Fishery - Meadow Lake

15 purpose-built swims? A large 26-acre gravel pit with various depths and features? To us, it sounds like carp heaven!

For feature-rich and exciting fishing Holme Fen Fishery, located in the Cambridgeshire countryside, is the place to go!

A former gravel pit, this venue is abundant with everything that makes carp fishing great. Sand bars, deep gulleys and mounds all combine to provide excellent fish-holding features.

You've just got to find them!

You'll have to be clever with your choice of rigs and particular with your bait presentation. This lake is absolutely gin-clear! In total, it boasts over a hundred fish weighing more than 40lb, with 20% suspected to top the +50lb mark.

It is well set up with the ability to park fairly close to each swim, allowing you to get your gear unloaded and set up ready to land a PB!

Some pictures from Holme Fen Fishery

Holme Fen Fishery - Meadow Lake at a glance:

#2. Nash Church Lake

If you are looking for something that is a little smaller and quite exclusive, Nash Lakes are a great choice.

Up until recently, Church Lake was invite-only water. At 4.7 acres, this is an ideal venue for anglers looking to snag themselves a big carp without the uncertainty of wondering whether their bait is even being seen by the fish.

The venue is intimate, accommodating only 6 anglers at a time. The lake's bottom is predominantly silt, allowing for carp to grow to monstrous sizes as they feed on the natural protein-rich bloodworm located on the lake bed. 

The nutrient-rich bottom also has bars and depressions, not to mention weed beds, meaning that you are going to have to choose your methods wisely.

The lake is well equipped with a fully fitted kitchen, shower, and even charging point for your various electronics. Bait is also available to if you book in advance. 

Nash lakes is definitely one of the best exclusive carp lakes in England and indeed the UK.

Some pictures from Church Lake

Church Lake at a glance:

#3. Elphicks Fishery North Lake

If it is a range you are after, Elphicks Fishery can provide. If it is specimens that you seek, then you'll find no better venue than the 6 acres 'North Lake' located within the venue.

The North Lake is the first you will see on entering the fishery. It features a total of 19 marked swims and is one of the UK's premier 50lb carp lakes.

It is easy to transport your gear to your chosen swim with an access road spanning the perimeter. With a 10 angler limit, you'll be able to enjoy the surroundings in relative peace and quiet.

It should be noted that North Lake is adults-only and doesn't permit guests or visitors. Sorry, darling, we'd love to have you along, but…

If you are in the Kent area and looking to bag a big carp, why not swing by our article detailing other great Kent fisheries?

Some pictures from Elphicks North Lake

Elphicks North Lake at a glance:

#4. Linear Fisheries - Oxlease Lake

We love Oxford, it's full of nice things. Including Oxlease lake.

This venue takes stocking to a whole new level. At 26 acres, the size of the lake isn't the only big thing about the venue.

Their website reports that they have in excess of sixty fish in excess of 30lb… And it gets better. The current record is 52lb with more suspected.

The fishery boasts a substantial tackle shop, so if you happen to forget something, then you can get fully kitted out and back to your fishing best.

The venue is also guest friendly, so you can bring your partner, and it also allows dogs. (it's up to you which you want to cuddle up to within your bivvy!).

Check out this great video on a spring session on Oxlease lake...

Linear Fisheries Oxlease Lake at a glance:

#5. Nirvana Lakes - Anglers Paradise

When something is called 'nirvana', you expect it to be good. Fortunately, this venue lives up to its name.

The lake holds some huge fish, with mirrors reaching over 50lbs and commons following closely behind at 40lb+. Night fishing and overnight stays are permitted.

Anglers Paradise is part venue, part holiday park, so if you want to get away for a weekend and fish while you are doing it, it is ideal!

Even better, there is a heated swimming pool, spa and sauna/jacuzzi area, perfect for offloading the kids while dad goes for a fish! The venue also includes a large tackle shop selling bait, rigs and equipment.

To protect the venue, there are quite a few rules to follow. In particular, avoid barbed hooks, bait boats and particle baits.

Also, no sacking, which is a good thing considering the size of the fish.

Some pictures from Kracking Carp Lake

Anglers Paradise Nirvana Lake at a glance:

#6. Willows Lake

Had you wanted to fish here 10 years ago, you wouldn't have been able to unless you were a member.

Nowadays, it is a day ticket water with a thriving population of numerous carp, some of which have grown huge.

With over 450 fish and a record fish of 59lb with many more suspected, this could be one of the best 50lb carp lakes the UK has to offer.

The lake has a total of 20 swims, offering an acre per peg. With 16 anglers at a time permitted, you'll always have the choice to move if your swim isn't coming up with the goods.

At certain times of the year, the water can get quite weedy. This won't stop the fishing, however, and boats are made available to land those big specimen carp.

Some pictures from Willows Lake

Willows Lake at a glance:

#7. RH Fisheries Monument 1

Monument 1 lake is very well stocked. Within its 8 acre boundaries, you'll find over 85 carp, all pushing well above the 30lb mark.

The venue features two named fish 'Richie' and 'Big Male', both of whom are now expected to have put on weight and be surpassing the 50lb+ mark.

Because of the venue's relatively small size, you have got a good chance of seeing a specimen.

This venue has pegs designed for disabled anglers. This also extends to the toilets and the lodge. It also features a well-stocked fishery shop along with boilies and hook baits.

The venue also features a power shower if you plan a session for a couple of days and want to stay fresh. Maximum sessions are limited to 36 hours at a time. 

The layout of Monument 1

A video of Monument 1 netting

Willows Lake at a glance:

#8. Old Mill Lakes

Pay a visit to Old Mill Lakes, located in the Lincolnshire countryside, and you are in for a treat. The venue has a total of four lakes, but if you are looking for 50lb carp lakes, UK anglers should make a beeline for 'Birch'.

With over 80 fish ranging between 10 and 30lb, there is definitely carp that will test your curve.
Birch lake is formed in a 'U' shape, with the deepest spots being on the easterly arm and quite close to the bank.

Fish can be caught in the margins, and it is well worth casting between islands as carp patrol these regularly.

The lakes are fairly shallow at 10 feet as a maximum, and you'll be casting onto a mixture of clay, chalk and sand, so plenty of scope to try out different techniques.

Membership is available at this venue, but with so many large fish, you could consider it a really worthwhile investment.

Day tickets will set you back around £35 per day.

Old Mill Lakes Layout

Aerial footage of Old Mill Lakes

Old Mill Lakes at a glance:

#9. Bluebell Lakes

Based near Peterborough, Bluebell Lakes features 6 different venues that all offer a great deal of specimen catching promise.

While all will produce carp above 30lb, the standout for the money is Kingfisher lake. This housed a former record-holding monster carp of 64lb!

You'll need to be selective about the method you use, the water is crystal clear, and when it comes to catching 50lb+ carp, you don't get second chances.

Swan Lake is another notable spot, the current resident called 'Dave' last tipped the scales at 58lb, but even if you don't spot him, there are plenty of 40 pounders to have a crack at! 

If you are looking to bag a beauty, the best techniques include particle baits and zig rigs.

There is catering available on site. The Café 'Bensons' is named after their record-breaking fish! You'll also be able to bring your bivvy.

The venue also features a well-stocked tackle shop. There are toilets and showers available for use on the premises.

The minimum ticket price is for 24 hours. They are serious about their fishing and don't want anglers disturbed by frequent coming and going.

54lb 11oz fish from Bluebell Lakes

Virtual Tour Of Bluebell Lakes

Bluebell Lakes at a glance:

If you need any fishing tackle please consider visiting one of our recommended online fishing tackle shops.