Clay Farm Partnership

The Clay Farm Fishing Pools

The first fishing pool was dug at Clay Farm in 1979 for trout fishing. Two carp pools, and in 1997, a silver fish pool, were added to the fishing experience available at Clay Farm.

There is a year round minimum flow of 35 litres of water per minute from the natural springs found at Clay Farm ensuring that the fish are able to survive the hot summers and remain active even when the ground temperature is below zero. Fishing is relaxed and family orientated. We have rules, which must be adhered to, but you are welcome to bring your family for a picnic. All fishing is from dawn until dusk, with definitely NO night fishing.

THE TROUT POOL

The trout pool is open from October until June. It is stocked each autumn with 100 rainbow and blue trout, of about 1 - 2 lbs in size. Fishing is on a catch and release basis.

THE LARGE CARP POOL

The large carp pool is approximately ¾ of an acre. It is 12 feet deep in the centre and has a shallow western edge. The fish are Common, Mirror, Crucian and Grass carp, ranging from the smallest to a pool record 25lbs carp, caught by a 14 year old boy in 2004. There is plenty of tree cover to get under to protect you from the cold weather, bank edges to fish under, or wide banks to sit on and relax with your family or friends. You can try almost any technique; simple floating bread is often the most successful but remember to be careful with the fish whatever you use.

THE SMALL CARP POOL

The small carp pool is approximately 25 feet across and is ideal for those hoping to catch many smaller carp or roach. It is a fantastic breeding pool for the carp and roach and when we have netted it, we have been able to remove many kilos of fry. Children love this pool as most casts catch something, even if it is just a gudgeon. The carp are up to 8lbs in weight and of various types, including some goldfish.

THE SILVER FISH POOL

The newest pool of the four; it has been open for fishing for 10 years. It is a big open pool and like all of the pools has easy access. Catches here vary from 5lbs Chubb to Bream, Tench, Roach and Rudd. If it is variety of species and size that you fish for, then this is the pool for you. The range of species necessitates a variety of fishing techniques and anglers should be prepared to change from deep pole to shallow edge fishing.

GENERAL DETAILS

Any of the pools can be booked for contests either on a part or whole pool basis. Booking a whole pool for the day will cost £100. Fishing is from dawn until dusk only.

As described earlier, we are a family friendly, fishing establishment, but this does not mean that we do not have strict rules that have to be followed. If you wish to come fishing or to book a contest, please read our fishing rules section and then, if you would like to proceed, please send in a booking e-mail, a link can be found on our Contact Us page.