Lonsdale Park will appeal to everyone. The exclusive nature of the estate makes it a must for the dedicated and pleasure angler alike. The excellent fishing is free on five of the seven lakes, all of which are for the exclusive use of residents. All Lonsdale Park accommodation benefit from their own private pegs, most at only a poles' length away. All private pegs have night lighting. The Arches guests are free to fish any peg on the Arches Lake.

Lonsdale Park welcomes anglers with disabilities, we have three cottages designed especially.

Our existing customers already appreciate the level of assistance available to our guests. We are proud to announce our innovative 'FishMobility' transport for both you and your tackle which and are available at a modest cost.

The estate is on level ground and benefits from gravelled pathways allowing easy access to most pegs on each of the lakes for the 'Fishmobility Buggies', trolleys and the angler on foot.

Click on the map avove for a larger image.

LONSDALE LAKE

An idyllic four-and-a-half acre water lined with reeds and lily beds, Lonsdale Lake is an angler's dream.

Brimming with superb quality fish, mirrors and commons to 30lbs, exceptional ghost carp to 25lbs-plus and grass carp to 20lbs, Lonsdale also offers superb tench fishing with specimens averaging 5lbs and many fish going to around the 10lbs mark.

The roach and perch fishing is excellent with perch around the 2lb mark, the biggest being recorded at 4lb 7oz. The roach fishing is recognised as some of the best in the country. Residents match weights approaching 50lb are not unusual, many fish being above the 1lb mark. Lonsdale Lake's fish stocks are managed by large Pike to 25lb.

DEER LAKE

Deer Lake is a water of two parts. The long arm by Lonsdale Lake forms part of the original clay workings and is about six feet deep throughout and surrounded by mature trees. The spur at the far end was dug in 2001 and offers a change in character, providing reeds and lilies and shelter for both fish and wildlife. This section is three feet deep at the far end, dipping gradually to five feet deep where it meets the main lake.

Totalling one-and-a-half acres, this tree-shaded mysterious pool haunted by monster tench and carp as well as quality roach, chub, perch and crucians. A haven for float anglers - but don't be surprised if you encounter the occasional gudgeon!

THE ARCHES

A lovely two-acre lake abounding with features, The Arches offers exceptional carp and tench fishing with a small number of 'Old Warhorse' commons and mirrors and some wilful fighting wild carp, some of which runs to over 20lbs.

In addition there are also some fairly heafty specimen pike to 30lbs plus outstanding roach and perch with some of the perch going to a fine 4lbs.

Now reserved exclusively for residents, a spell on The Arches is highly recommended.

REED MERE

Perfect for the specimen hunter, Reed Mere is a former nature reserve of two-and-a-half acres and features many secluded reedy bays which hold specimen carp to 28lbs, as well as abundant specimen tench, perch, roach and large pike and a catfish. An ideal stalking lake, Reed Mere is a haven for wildlife.

Of particular interest to carp anglers are the eight fish which were bought from a syndicate and which are related to 'Clarissa', the 44lb common carp with which Richard Walker established a new British record in 1952.

THE WILLOWS

Aimed at serious specimen carp anglers,The Willows was originally stocked with about 20 Mark Simmonds carp averaging over 20lbs, fish which are now known to run to well over 30lbs.

The only baits allowed on Willows are Source boilies and natural baits including maggots, worms, bread and the fishery's own carp pellets which are particularly effective because these are what the fish are fed on.

Most anglers fishing Willows opt for modern carp fishing techniques with bite alarms, rod pods and ledger gear although the best way to catch the fish is on float tackle using 8lbs line straight through to a Size 6 or 8 hook baited with bread, worm or side-hooked Source boilies fished in the margins or under a rod length out.

SECRET POOL

Built from scratch about three years ago, Secret Pool was developed with help from George Sharman and, like The Willows, can only be accessed through the second gate which requires a code - obtainable from the cafe.

Once again Secret Lake is usually fished using modern carping techniques but anglers are required to have a large 42-inch specimen landing net, a sling mat, a set of accurate weighing scales and a good camera so that photographs can be taken of both flanks of any fish caught to enable the lake's records to be maintained.

BIRCH POOL

Hidden away amongst the trees at the far side of Lonsdale Lake is the smallest of the Lonsdale Park waters, the three-peg Birch Lake. A small but well stocked pool which is ideal for novices and children, Birch holds abundant carp to 4lb as well as good stocks of tench, roach and gudgeon.

At quarters of an acre in size and only three-feet deep, it holds nothing bigger than 10lb to 15lb and is usually float fished with maggots or casters. Because it has a clay bottom it is usually very coloured, which often makes bright baits more effective.

FLORA AND FAUNA

Because of its remoteness, Lonsdale Park is home to a wide variety of wild life and popular with bird watchers with its resident kingfishers and visiting Ospreys, Buzzards, Red Starts and a wide variety of birds which overwintrer at the site. One regular bird watcher recently counted 45 different species of birds at one sitting.

As a result, Londsale Park thoroughly recommends guests to explore the surroundings quietly in order to share the excitement of previous visitors who have spotted not only rare birds but also deer, foxes and badgers.

Newcommers in 2007 were a family of hedgehogs who took up residence near the cottages and were frequently seen by guests whilst the wetter than usual weather proved a bonus for the wild orchids which flourished better than ever.

Go back to the Lonsdale Park homepage