Fryerning carp lakes

Handley Barns Farm
Little Hyde Lane
Ingatestone
Essex. CM4 0EA

Winding roads, traditional English villages, thatched houses and attractive public houses all pave the way as you head closer to Fryerning fisheries in Ingatestone. A small country track marks the final approach to this 3 lake fishery. You will need to make an appointement to view the lakes and then following an informal interview where if you are accepted as a member you can then pay your money and your in.

The Car Park Lake is the smallest of the 3 and sits next to the carpark! This lake has a maximum depth of nine feet and an average depth of just five feet and so it is ideal for the angler looking for great surface fishing. This lake must be considered the easiest of the three. Next to the Car Park Lake is the Valley Lake, as with the Carp Park this is a nice looking lake with comfortable well kept swims. It has the advantage of having a gravel bar at the N/E end and another two small humps in the margins. Both lakes can get a little busy due to there prolific stocks of fine Carp but there is always space. These lakes contain over 150+ 20lb's along with 10 different 30's up to 37lb+.

The Main Lake is by far the largest of the 3 lakes at 18 acres and sits to the left as you enter the fisheries. Through the center of the lake there is a silt and gravel area which is part of the original ditch that ran through the valley before construction in 1984, approx 14ft wide and 6 to7ft deep with oak tree stumps on the side.

To the left is a large gravel bar, which lies beneath 7ft of water, this can easily be seen through the clear water on bright days, another bar runs to the far N/W behind the island. During the height of summer this lake becomes very weedy and finding holes in the weed is the key. Gravel and hard spots can be found close to the Island on drop off shelves in the N/W and S/W. Hard cratered feeding spots are located throughout the lake.

When I fished this lake I chose to float fish in the margins as most other anglers seem to follow the bolt rig and boilie approach and this does bring Carp but I fished days only and preferred the stalking approach. Float fishing sweetcorn over clear spots in the margins brought me Carp to 28lb, great fun on float tackle. The Main Lake holds the biggest fish on the complex and is heavily stocked with upper 30's, 80 in total, 4 x 40lb+ Mirrors, 1 x 40lb Common.

Do not expect the fishing to be easy as the fish are so large and the stakes are so much higher.

You will have to work harder to catch on this lake but as you can see the rewards are there for the taking. The facilities at Fryerning are very good with toilets available and also an anglers lodge where you will find free tea and coffee and this is where you will be able to catch up with all the latest news. There is a boat and fish finder available for your use and of course life jackets which must be worn. Tackle and bait can be purchased from the lodge and the prices are very competitive.

The whole site is protected by CCTV ensuring you and your equipment are totally safe. While in the lodge you may also obtain phone numbers for local Indians and Chinese's who will deliver your food to the lake! This all adds up to a very attractive proposition if you are looking to join an exclusive syndicate with some truly inspiring Carp. The smaller Lakes offer a great learning ground for the less experienced while the Main Lake gives you another option when you feel confident enough.

Verdict - top carp fishing venue for those living in the south-east.

Visit the Fryerning Website