Brooke Lake, Carthagena

Total Carp Staff  |  Jun 30, 2011

Check out the best open-to-fish carp waters in the UK. There’s something for everyone, wherever you live and whatever size of carp you’re after.


Brooke Lake, Carthagena
Broxbourne, Hertfordshire

At around five acres, this lake has it all – reedy fringes, lily pads, gravel bars and silty channels – it’s a carp angler’s dream! With depths of between eight and 13 feet there are loads of features to find. Standard bottom-bait techniques work well all year round but surface fishing can be good during summer. There are 14 swims (four of them doubles) and each has its own area of water to fish. The lake contains around 200 carp, with the average being 16lb. There are six known thirties and a good head of twenties, so plenty to go at!

Contact: 01992 463656
Stock: 200 plus
Species: Carp, tench and crucian carp
Lake record: 33lb
Rules: Barbless hooks only, no peanuts, no tiger nuts, no wading or swimming
Tactics: Standard bottom-bait tactics work, and the lake still fishes well throughout winter
Tickets: £10 for the day, 7am ’til 7pm; season ticket £200
Website: www.carthagenafishery.co.uk

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