Fishery guide · Cumbria
Carleton Hill Fishery
Carleton Hill is a three-pond coarse fishery at Cocklakes, near Carlisle, with mixed fishing, match pegs and a handy spread of facilities. Trees Pond historically took day tickets, but membership-only access is now reported—check before loading the car.
“6.5/10 — Three coarse ponds and a broad fishery-wide species list offer appeal, though current pond-by-pond stocking detail is limited.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Carleton Hill Fishery sits at Cocklakes, near Carlisle, with postcode CA4 0BJ for the journey. The setup is three named coarse waters: Chub Pond, Wires Pond and Trees Pond. It’s a mixed-fishing and match venue rather than simply a place to chase carp lumps. There’s a useful bit of contrast between the ponds, too, from a compact seven-peg water to a 16-peg pond with floodlighting.
- 3 lakes: Chub Pond, Wires Pond, Trees Pond
- Fish: carp
- Find it: Carlisle · CA4 0BJ
Plan your session
Fishery map of Carleton Hill Fishery
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Fishery
Carleton Hill Fishery
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Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Carleton Hill Fishery
Carleton Hill Fishery sits at Cocklakes, near Carlisle, with postcode CA4 0BJ for the journey. The setup is three named coarse waters: Chub Pond, Wires Pond and Trees Pond. It’s a mixed-fishing and match venue rather than simply a place to chase carp lumps. There’s a useful bit of contrast between the ponds, too, from a compact seven-peg water to a 16-peg pond with floodlighting. The important bit before any plans, though, is getting the current access arrangements straight.
Historically, Trees Pond was the day-ticket option, while season tickets covered all three ponds. Those season tickets were available by application, with limited availability. An August 2020 write-up also put visitor day permits at a maximum of six per day. However, a review summary now says day tickets are no longer offered and fishing is membership-based. So don’t treat the old day-ticket details as a green light to turn up. A direct check first could save a proper wasted journey.
Chub Pond is the smallest of the waters with a published size: approximately half an acre, seven pegs and depths of 6–12 feet. Wires Pond is the largest at approximately 1.5 acres, with 12 pegs. Most of that pond is 5–6 feet deep, but there’s also an 11–12-foot channel. That’s a meaningful change in depth, not just a shallow bowl. For anglers who like understanding what’s beneath the float, those measurements give a useful starting picture without promising where the fish will be.
Trees Pond has 16 pegs and sits nearest the car park, making it the obvious pond to ask about if keeping the walk short matters. It’s described as floodlit, with evening matches available by arrangement. Historical club-match bookings catered for up to 16 anglers with at least two weeks’ notice. That gives the place a clear match-fishing angle, but availability and booking terms need checking afresh. Floodlights aren’t a free pass for an overnight session, either: night-fishing permission and charges remain unclear.
The fishery-wide species list is a cracking mixed bag: carp, tench, crucian carp, bream, ide, chub, perch, roach, rudd and gudgeon. That list isn’t broken down pond by pond, so don’t assume every species swims in every water. Trees Pond historically held carp to about 16 lb, according to the August 2020 account. Treat that as an older indication of its carp fishing, not a current ceiling or a promise of a PB.
On the practical side, parking and an on-site tackle and bait shop are documented. Toilets, refreshments and provision for juniors, beginners and disabled anglers were also described in August 2020. That’s a useful set of basics, although current availability and individual access needs deserve a quick check. Current ticket prices, fishing hours and winter access aren’t confirmed. Get those bits bob on before travelling, and you’ll have a much clearer idea of whether Carleton Hill fits your next session.
We're not sure on ticket prices here — we couldn't find reliable, up-to-date prices online, so give the fishery a ring or check their own site before you go.
Straight from anglers online
Short, unedited extracts from public reviews, credited to the person who posted them. Not checked by us and not a Tackle Index view.
We haven’t found any public angler reviews of this venue yet. Fished it? Add yours below.
Carleton Hill Fishery FAQs
Where is Carleton Hill Fishery?
At Cocklakes, near Carlisle in Cumbria, postcode CA4 0BJ.
How much does fishing cost?
There’s no confirmed current tariff. An undated listing mentions £6 without explaining duration, rod allowance or inclusions, so don’t budget around that figure.
What are the opening hours?
Current fishing hours and winter access aren’t confirmed. Check directly rather than relying on older seasonal hours or conflicting business listings.
Is it suitable for beginners and disabled anglers?
Provision for juniors, beginners and disabled anglers was described in August 2020. Trees Pond is nearest the car park, but confirm the current arrangements and any specific access needs before travelling.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
There's on-site tackle and bait shop; current hours need checking on site, so you can grab bits on the day. For anything bigger, stock up before you leave home — or order online in advance.
Do I need to bring food?
We haven't seen any food on site, so bring your own grub and drinks. A flask and a stove (where allowed) make a long day much better.
Are there toilets on site?
Yes — the fishery lists toilets documented in august 2020.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
Yes — car park. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
CA4 0BJ.
How much is a ticket?
We haven't got current prices. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Carleton Hill Fishery isn't day-ticket water — Chub Pond, Wires Pond, Trees Pond are members or syndicate only.
What fish are in there?
Across the lakes you'll find carp. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
3 — Chub Pond (Approximately 0.5), Wires Pond (Approximately 1.5), Trees Pond (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
It depends — Overnight fishing is listed elsewhere, but permission, hours and charges are not confirmed. Trees Pond’s floodlighting does not establish overnight access.
Can I bring my dog?
Not covered in the rules we've checked. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Are bait boats allowed?
We haven't seen a bait-boat rule listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Do I need barbless hooks?
Most UK fisheries prefer barbless or micro-barbed hooks — ask on arrival if unsure.
Do I need my own unhooking mat or cradle?
It depends — Historical bookings allowed up to 16 anglers with at least two weeks’ notice. Confirm the current arrangements.
Do I need a rod licence?
Yes — anyone 13 or over fishing in England and Wales needs an Environment Agency rod licence (or Natural Resources Wales in Wales), on top of your fishery ticket.
When's the best time of year to fish here?
Late spring through autumn is prime for most species. Check our live weather edge for this venue before you go — it updates daily.
Anglers' photos
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Syndicate · invite only
Chub Pond: compact water with seven pegs and proper depth
- Size
- Approximately 0.5 acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Chub Pond is approximately half an acre, with seven pegs and depths of 6–12 feet. Small in area, then, but not a shallow little puddle.
Historically, fishing here came through a season ticket rather than a visitor day ticket. Membership-based access is now reported for the fishery; confirm the current arrangement. Despite the name, a pond-specific species breakdown isn’t confirmed.
Lake photographs
A look around Chub Pond
Carleton Hill Fishery
Chub Pond
We’re checking the fishery’s Chub Pond pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers who prefer a compact, seven-peg water
- Those interested in a pond with depths of 6–12 feet
Maybe not for
- Visitors expecting confirmed day-ticket access
- Anglers wanting a large expanse of water
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Chub Pond
carp
Zigs in the warmer months
In clear, deep water carp often sit up in the layers on warm days. A zig is the only way to get a bait in front of them.
- Start at half depth and move up or down a foot at a time until you get bites.
- Black or foam hookbaits work well on bright days.
- Keep it simple — no freebies needed.
carp
Chod or helicopter style over soft weed and silt
Where the bottom drops in and out of holes or there might be soft silt or weed, a pop-up that slides up the leader sits over the muck instead of disappearing into it — no need to find a perfectly clean spot.
- Single pop-up, 2–3in off the bottom.
- Fish it as a single hookbait or with a light scattering of freebies — a big bed defeats the point.
- Cast to likely holes and let the lead settle; don't drag it back.
carp
A bigger bed of bait at range
On wide, open water the fish move about a lot — a decent bed of bait at range holds a passing group long enough to get a bite.
- Find a clean, hard spot with a marker float and clip up so every cast lands on it.
- Spread the bait with a spod or throwing stick — little and often.
- Mix boilies, pellet and particles so there's always something left for the fish to graze.
- Match the hookbait to the freebies.
chub
Bread or worm tight to cover for chub
Chub sit under overhanging trees and snags and are cautious, so a quiet approach and a natural bait near cover catches them.
- Bread flake or lobworm on a size 8 hook with a link leger.
- Keep low and quiet on the bank.
- In summer, try a free-lined slug or floating crust.
Chub Pond FAQs
How big is Chub Pond?
Approximately half an acre, with seven pegs.
Can I fish Chub Pond on a day ticket?
Historically, day tickets covered Trees Pond only, while season tickets covered all ponds. Check current membership arrangements before travelling.
What's the lake record on Chub Pond?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Chub Pond that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in Chub Pond?
carp.
Which baits work well on Chub Pond?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Chub Pond further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Chub Pond get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Chub Pond?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for Carleton Hill Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Chub Pond?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Is night fishing allowed on Chub Pond?
It depends — Overnight fishing is listed elsewhere, but permission, hours and charges are not confirmed. Trees Pond’s floodlighting does not establish overnight access.
Who does Chub Pond suit?
Good for: Anglers who prefer a compact, seven-peg water; Those interested in a pond with depths of 6–12 feet. Less suited to: Visitors expecting confirmed day-ticket access; Anglers wanting a large expanse of water.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Syndicate · invite only
Wires Pond: the largest pond, with a deeper channel
- Size
- Approximately 1.5 acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Wires Pond is approximately 1.5 acres and has 12 pegs. It’s the largest of Carleton Hill’s three named waters, with most depths running between 5 and 6 feet.
An 11–12-foot channel adds a proper change in depth. Historically, this was season-ticket water; check the current membership terms rather than assuming visitor access. The mixed species list covers the fishery as a whole, not Wires Pond specifically.
Lake photographs
A look around Wires Pond
Carleton Hill Fishery
Wires Pond
We’re checking the fishery’s Wires Pond pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers wanting the largest pond on site
- Those interested in contrasting depths and a deeper channel
Maybe not for
- Visitors relying on walk-up day tickets
- Anglers seeking confirmed pond-specific stocking details
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Wires Pond
carp
Chod or helicopter style over soft weed and silt
Where the bottom drops in and out of holes or there might be soft silt or weed, a pop-up that slides up the leader sits over the muck instead of disappearing into it — no need to find a perfectly clean spot.
- Single pop-up, 2–3in off the bottom.
- Fish it as a single hookbait or with a light scattering of freebies — a big bed defeats the point.
- Cast to likely holes and let the lead settle; don't drag it back.
carp
Zigs in the warmer months
In clear, deep water carp often sit up in the layers on warm days. A zig is the only way to get a bait in front of them.
- Start at half depth and move up or down a foot at a time until you get bites.
- Black or foam hookbaits work well on bright days.
- Keep it simple — no freebies needed.
Wires Pond FAQs
How many pegs does Wires Pond have?
There are 12 pegs on approximately 1.5 acres.
How deep is Wires Pond?
Most depths are 5–6 feet, with an 11–12-foot channel.
What's the lake record on Wires Pond?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Wires Pond that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in Wires Pond?
carp.
How big is Wires Pond and how many swims?
Around Approximately 1.5 acres. The largest pond, with a deeper channel.
Which baits work well on Wires Pond?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Wires Pond further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Wires Pond get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Wires Pond?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for Carleton Hill Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Wires Pond?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Can I fish Wires Pond on a day ticket?
No — Wires Pond is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Wires Pond?
It depends — Overnight fishing is listed elsewhere, but permission, hours and charges are not confirmed. Trees Pond’s floodlighting does not establish overnight access.
Who does Wires Pond suit?
Good for: Anglers wanting the largest pond on site; Those interested in contrasting depths and a deeper channel. Less suited to: Visitors relying on walk-up day tickets; Anglers seeking confirmed pond-specific stocking details.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Syndicate · invite only
Trees Pond: the former day-ticket pond, nearest the parking
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Trees Pond has 16 pegs and is nearest the car park. It’s described as floodlit, with evening matches available by arrangement—a handy distinction from the other named waters.
This was historically the visitor day-ticket pond, and an August 2020 account mentioned carp to about 16 lb. Neither that weight nor the old ticket arrangements should be treated as current guarantees. Membership-only access is now reported, so get permission sorted first.
Lake photographs
A look around Trees Pond
Carleton Hill Fishery
Trees Pond
We’re checking the fishery’s Trees Pond pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers who prefer the pond nearest the car park
- Match organisers enquiring about arranged evening fishing
Maybe not for
- Visitors expecting guaranteed day tickets
- Carp anglers needing confirmed current stock weights
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Trees Pond
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
Trees Pond FAQs
Does Trees Pond still offer day tickets?
It did historically, but a review summary says day tickets are no longer offered. Confirm directly before making the trip.
Can you fish evening matches on Trees Pond?
The pond is described as floodlit, with evening matches available by arrangement. Check current availability and booking terms.
What's the lake record on Trees Pond?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Trees Pond that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in Trees Pond?
carp.
How big is Trees Pond and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The former day-ticket pond, nearest the parking.
Which baits work well on Trees Pond?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Trees Pond further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Trees Pond get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Trees Pond?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for Carleton Hill Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Trees Pond?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Can I fish Trees Pond on a day ticket?
No — Trees Pond is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Trees Pond?
It depends — Overnight fishing is listed elsewhere, but permission, hours and charges are not confirmed. Trees Pond’s floodlighting does not establish overnight access.
Who does Trees Pond suit?
Good for: Anglers who prefer the pond nearest the car park; Match organisers enquiring about arranged evening fishing. Less suited to: Visitors expecting guaranteed day tickets; Carp anglers needing confirmed current stock weights.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Venue Rule Checker
- Only if
Can I turn up and buy a day ticket?
Day tickets historically covered Trees Pond only, but membership-only access is now reported. Confirm directly before travelling.
- Only if
Does membership cover all three ponds?
Season tickets historically covered all ponds and were available by application with limited availability. Current terms need checking.
- Only if
Are visitor permits limited?
The August 2020 account stated a maximum of six visitor day permits daily. This does not confirm that visitor permits remain available.
- Only if
Do club matches need advance booking?
Historical bookings allowed up to 16 anglers with at least two weeks’ notice. Confirm the current arrangements.
- Only if
Is overnight fishing allowed?
Overnight fishing is listed elsewhere, but permission, hours and charges are not confirmed. Trees Pond’s floodlighting does not establish overnight access.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 5 October 2026. Rules change — always check with the fishery before you go.
Tips & guides worth reading
How we'd fish each lake
Our own suggestions, worked out from each lake's features, its main fish and the venue rules. They're tried-and-tested methods, not reports from this venue, so watch the water and ask in the tackle shop on the day.
Chub Pond
carp
Zigs in the warmer months
In clear, deep water carp often sit up in the layers on warm days. A zig is the only way to get a bait in front of them.
- Start at half depth and move up or down a foot at a time until you get bites.
- Black or foam hookbaits work well on bright days.
- Keep it simple — no freebies needed.
carp
Chod or helicopter style over soft weed and silt
Where the bottom drops in and out of holes or there might be soft silt or weed, a pop-up that slides up the leader sits over the muck instead of disappearing into it — no need to find a perfectly clean spot.
- Single pop-up, 2–3in off the bottom.
- Fish it as a single hookbait or with a light scattering of freebies — a big bed defeats the point.
- Cast to likely holes and let the lead settle; don't drag it back.
carp
A bigger bed of bait at range
On wide, open water the fish move about a lot — a decent bed of bait at range holds a passing group long enough to get a bite.
- Find a clean, hard spot with a marker float and clip up so every cast lands on it.
- Spread the bait with a spod or throwing stick — little and often.
- Mix boilies, pellet and particles so there's always something left for the fish to graze.
- Match the hookbait to the freebies.
chub
Bread or worm tight to cover for chub
Chub sit under overhanging trees and snags and are cautious, so a quiet approach and a natural bait near cover catches them.
- Bread flake or lobworm on a size 8 hook with a link leger.
- Keep low and quiet on the bank.
- In summer, try a free-lined slug or floating crust.
Wires Pond
carp
Chod or helicopter style over soft weed and silt
Where the bottom drops in and out of holes or there might be soft silt or weed, a pop-up that slides up the leader sits over the muck instead of disappearing into it — no need to find a perfectly clean spot.
- Single pop-up, 2–3in off the bottom.
- Fish it as a single hookbait or with a light scattering of freebies — a big bed defeats the point.
- Cast to likely holes and let the lead settle; don't drag it back.
carp
Zigs in the warmer months
In clear, deep water carp often sit up in the layers on warm days. A zig is the only way to get a bait in front of them.
- Start at half depth and move up or down a foot at a time until you get bites.
- Black or foam hookbaits work well on bright days.
- Keep it simple — no freebies needed.
Trees Pond
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
Good background reading. Most of it is a few years old, so treat it as a starting point and ask on the day.
Videos linked by the fishery
What anglers reckon
6.5/10 from Tackle Index: Three coarse ponds and a broad fishery-wide species list offer appeal, though current pond-by-pond stocking detail is limited.
Straight from anglers online
Short, unedited extracts from public reviews, credited to the person who posted them. Not checked by us and not a Tackle Index view.
We haven’t found any public angler reviews of this venue yet. Fished it? Add yours below.
Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “Carleton Hill is a three-pond coarse fishery at Cocklakes, near Carlisle, with mixed fishing, match pegs and a handy spread of facilities. Trees Pond historically took day tickets, but membership-only access is now reported—check before loading the car.”
This is our own summary of recurring public feedback and the venue details we checked, not a copied customer review or a promise you’ll catch. Feedback changes, so we keep it separate from the Tackle Index score.
Angler score
What our readers rate Carleton Hill Fishery
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