Fishery guide · Devon
Furzebray Carp Lakes
Furzebray Carp Lakes is a proper North Devon carp venue with three very different waters, from big-fish Island Lake to the more compact, feature-packed Copse Lake. Everything is pre-booked, with day tickets and longer bookings available on Willow and Copse.
“7.6/10 — Three specimen carp lakes include reported fish into the upper thirties and a 51lb Island Lake record.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Furzebray Carp Lakes sits at Furzebray Farm, Georgenympton Road, South Molton, North Devon. The lakes are about two miles from the A361 North Devon Link Road, and the listed postcode is within walking distance of South Molton. Handy enough, then — no epic trek down the sticks.
- 4 lakes: Island Lake, Willow Lake, Copse Lake, Furzebray Carp Lakes complex
- Fish: carp
- Tickets from: Island Lake weekly booking, Saturday 9am to Friday 1pm — £1,900, with a £600 deposit
- Find it: South Molton · EX36 4ER
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Fishery map of Furzebray Carp Lakes
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
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Furzebray Carp Lakes
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Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Furzebray Carp Lakes
Furzebray Carp Lakes sits at Furzebray Farm, Georgenympton Road, South Molton, North Devon. The lakes are about two miles from the A361 North Devon Link Road, and the listed postcode is within walking distance of South Molton. Handy enough, then — no epic trek down the sticks.
There are three waters to choose from: Island Lake, Willow Lake and Copse Lake. It’s a specimen carp setup, holding mirrors and commons, with reported Horseshoe and Orchid Lake crosses, plus English Leney crosses. Copse also includes Liney Dinks, Suttons, Harrows, Dintons and original Leneys from Berryfield.
Island Lake is the big-ticket water. Around 3 acres, it holds approximately 100 carp, with most over 20lb, more than 30 over 30lb, and seven reported over 40lb. The official lake record is listed at 51lb. It’s whole-lake weekly booking only, so this is the one for a proper group campaign and a serious go at a lump.
Willow Lake offers a more flexible option. It has approximately 150 carp, reportedly reaching 36lb or more, and allows three rods. A maximum of four anglers is recommended. There are 24-hour day tickets, plus 48-hour and weekly whole-lake bookings, making it a bob-on choice for a shorter hit or a longer spell.
Copse Lake is the smallest named water at approximately 1.5 acres, but it’s not short on interest. Five islands, connecting bars and channels give you plenty to pick apart from the swim. Around 50 carp are present, reportedly reaching the upper thirties, with eight swims and normal fishing for up to four anglers. Whole-lake bookings can accommodate up to five.
Fishing is advertised from March to November, with winter syndicates from 1 November to 1 March subject to availability. All fishing must be pre-booked and a deposit is required. Willow and Copse bookings can be made through the Catch App or by telephone, while Island Lake availability requires contacting Tony directly.
The accommodation side includes lodges, camping and caravanning facilities, with free Wi-Fi advertised. Island Lake bookings include a kitchen/social room with a fridge-freezer, microwave, kettle, television, tables and chairs. For younger anglers, under-16s need an adult, and children under 13 cannot fish Island or Copse. Worth checking the current arrangements before travelling, especially as the fishing pages don’t give a complete bait, tackle, fish-care or keepnet list.
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.
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Furzebray Carp Lakes FAQs
Where is Furzebray Carp Lakes?
Furzebray Farm, Georgenympton Road, South Molton, North Devon.
How do I book?
Willow and Copse bookings can be made through the Catch App or by telephone. Island Lake availability requires contacting Tony directly.
What happens if I cancel?
Cancellations must be made five weeks before booking for a deposit refund. Full payment is required by bank transfer or cash five weeks before the booking.
Is accommodation available?
Yes. The accommodation site offers lodges, camping and caravanning facilities, with free Wi-Fi advertised.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Furzebray Carp Lakes. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near South Molton.
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?
Not that we've seen listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off. Bring a barrow in case it's a walk.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
EX36 4ER.
How much is a ticket?
Island Lake weekly booking, Saturday 9am to Friday 1pm: £1,900, with a £600 deposit; Island Lake guest fishing with holiday accommodation: £300 per person per week; Willow Lake whole-lake 48-hour booking: £280, with a £140 deposit; Willow Lake whole-lake weekly booking: £840, with a £340 deposit; Willow Lake extra days: £140; Willow Lake 24-hour day ticket: £35, available Sunday noon to Friday noon; Copse Lake 48-hour whole-lake booking: £250, with a £125 deposit; Copse Lake weekly whole-lake booking: £700, with a £300 deposit; Copse Lake extra days: £125; Copse Lake 24-hour day ticket: £30. Prices last checked 2026-10-06 — they can change, so check before you go.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Day tickets are available on Willow Lake, Copse Lake. Busy weekends can fill up, so ring ahead if you've got your heart set on a swim.
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?
4 — Island Lake (Approximately 3 acres), Willow Lake (Not published), Copse Lake (Approximately 1.5 acres), Furzebray Carp Lakes complex (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
We haven't seen a clear night-fishing rule. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
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?
Bring one either way — most fisheries expect it and the fish deserve it.
Is it suitable for disabled anglers?
We haven't seen disabled access listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
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.
Pre-book only
Island Lake: the big-fish option, with a proper chance of a 40lb-plus mirror or common.
- Size
- Approximately 3 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Island Lake was built in 2006 and is available only for whole-lake weekly bookings according to the current prices page. The booking runs Saturday 9am to Friday 1pm, with a maximum of six anglers using three rods each.
It holds specimen mirror and common carp, including reported Horseshoe and Orchid Lake crosses and English Leney crosses. Island bookings also include use of a kitchen/social room, which is handy for a full-on group campaign.
Approximately 100 carp; most are over 20lb, with more than 30 over 30lb, seven reported over 40lb and a lake record of 51lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Island Lake
Furzebray Carp Lakes
Island Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Island Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers chasing a serious big carp and wanting a full week with the lake to themselves
- Groups of up to six anglers happy to fish three rods each
Maybe not for
- Short-session anglers, as Island Lake is whole-lake weekly booking only
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Island Lake
carp
Light baiting tight to the island margins
Carp patrol the island margins on most venues. A handful of bait right on the edge often beats a heavy bed in open water, especially later in the day.
- Walk the bank first and look for bubbling, swirls or coloured water by the cover.
- Bait two or three spots with a few handfuls of chopped and whole boilies.
- Lower or flick the rig in quietly and back your line off with a back lead.
- Keep the drag set tight-ish — fish hooked by cover need turning quickly.
Island Lake FAQs
How many anglers can fish Island Lake?
A maximum of six anglers, using three rods each.
What is the Island Lake booking period?
Saturday 9am to Friday 1pm.
What's the lake record on Island Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: Approximately 100 carp; most are over 20lb, with more than 30 over 30lb, seven reported over 40lb and a lake record of 51lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Island Lake?
carp. Approximately 100 carp; most are over 20lb, with more than 30 over 30lb, seven reported over 40lb and a lake record of 51lb.
How big is Island Lake and how many swims?
Around Approximately 3 acres acres. The big-fish option, with a proper chance of a 40lb-plus mirror or common..
Which baits work well on Island Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Island Lake 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: with the fish the fishery lists here, a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Island Lake get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Island Lake?
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 Furzebray Carp Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Island Lake?
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 Island Lake on a day ticket?
You'll need to book Island Lake in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on Island Lake?
We haven't seen a clear night-fishing rule for this lake. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Who does Island Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers chasing a serious big carp and wanting a full week with the lake to themselves; Groups of up to six anglers happy to fish three rods each. Less suited to: Short-session anglers, as Island Lake is whole-lake weekly booking only.
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
Day ticket · turn up
Willow Lake: the flexible willow option, with day tickets and longer bookings.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Willow Lake was built in 2012 and is stocked with approximately 150 carp. The carp reportedly reach 36lb or more, giving anglers the chance of a proper North Devon lump without committing to a full week.
Three rods are allowed, with a recommended maximum of four anglers. There are 24-hour day tickets from Sunday noon to Friday noon, as well as 48-hour and weekly whole-lake bookings.
Approximately 150 carp, reportedly reaching 36lb or more.
Lake photographs
A look around Willow Lake
Furzebray Carp Lakes
Willow Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Willow Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers wanting a day ticket or a shorter 48-hour session
- Small groups looking for a flexible carp booking
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting the largest reported carp on the complex
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Willow Lake
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.
Willow Lake FAQs
How many rods are allowed on Willow Lake?
Three rods.
When are Willow Lake day tickets available?
Sunday noon to Friday noon for 24 hours.
What's the lake record on Willow Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: Approximately 150 carp, reportedly reaching 36lb or more. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Willow Lake?
carp. Approximately 150 carp, reportedly reaching 36lb or more.
How big is Willow Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The flexible Willow option, with day tickets and longer bookings..
Which baits work well on Willow Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Willow Lake 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: with the fish the fishery lists here, a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Willow Lake get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Willow Lake?
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 Furzebray Carp Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Willow Lake?
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 Willow Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Willow Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Island Lake weekly booking, Saturday 9am to Friday 1pm £1,900, with a £600 deposit; Island Lake guest fishing with holiday accommodation £300 per person per week; Willow Lake whole-lake 48-hour booking £280, with a £140 deposit; Willow Lake whole-lake weekly booking £840, with a £340 deposit; Willow Lake extra days £140; Willow Lake 24-hour day ticket £35, available Sunday noon to Friday noon; Copse Lake 48-hour whole-lake booking £250, with a £125 deposit; Copse Lake weekly whole-lake booking £700, with a £300 deposit; Copse Lake extra days £125; Copse Lake 24-hour day ticket £30 (last checked 2026-10-06).
Is night fishing allowed on Willow Lake?
We haven't seen a clear night-fishing rule for this lake. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Who does Willow Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers wanting a day ticket or a shorter 48-hour session; Small groups looking for a flexible carp booking. Less suited to: Anglers wanting the largest reported carp on the complex.
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
Day ticket · turn up
Copse Lake: a compact, feature-packed lake with islands, bars and channels to pick apart.
- Size
- Approximately 1.5 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Copse Lake was added in 2015 and is approximately 1.5 acres. Five islands, connecting bars and channels make it a proper watercraft lake, with plenty of features to investigate from the eight swims.
It contains approximately 50 carp, reportedly reaching the upper thirties. Normal bookings allow up to four anglers, while whole-lake bookings can accommodate up to five. Two-rod bookings are listed for four anglers.
Approximately 50 carp, reportedly reaching the upper thirties.
Lake photographs
A look around Copse Lake
Furzebray Carp Lakes
Copse Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Copse Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers who enjoy fishing to islands, bars, channels and margins
- Short-session anglers after a 24-hour or 48-hour booking
Maybe not for
- Anglers who prefer a wide-open lake with lots of water to spread across
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Copse Lake
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
Light baiting tight to the island margins
Carp patrol the island margins on most venues. A handful of bait right on the edge often beats a heavy bed in open water, especially later in the day.
- Walk the bank first and look for bubbling, swirls or coloured water by the cover.
- Bait two or three spots with a few handfuls of chopped and whole boilies.
- Lower or flick the rig in quietly and back your line off with a back lead.
- Keep the drag set tight-ish — fish hooked by cover need turning quickly.
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.
Copse Lake FAQs
How many swims are on Copse Lake?
Eight swims.
How many anglers can fish a whole-lake Copse booking?
Up to five anglers.
What's the lake record on Copse Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: Approximately 50 carp, reportedly reaching the upper thirties. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Copse Lake?
carp. Approximately 50 carp, reportedly reaching the upper thirties.
How big is Copse Lake and how many swims?
Around Approximately 1.5 acres acres. A compact, feature-packed lake with islands, bars and channels to pick apart..
Which baits work well on Copse Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Copse Lake 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: with the fish the fishery lists here, a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Copse Lake get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Copse Lake?
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 Furzebray Carp Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Copse Lake?
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 Copse Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Copse Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Island Lake weekly booking, Saturday 9am to Friday 1pm £1,900, with a £600 deposit; Island Lake guest fishing with holiday accommodation £300 per person per week; Willow Lake whole-lake 48-hour booking £280, with a £140 deposit; Willow Lake whole-lake weekly booking £840, with a £340 deposit; Willow Lake extra days £140; Willow Lake 24-hour day ticket £35, available Sunday noon to Friday noon; Copse Lake 48-hour whole-lake booking £250, with a £125 deposit; Copse Lake weekly whole-lake booking £700, with a £300 deposit; Copse Lake extra days £125; Copse Lake 24-hour day ticket £30 (last checked 2026-10-06).
Is night fishing allowed on Copse Lake?
We haven't seen a clear night-fishing rule for this lake. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Who does Copse Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers who enjoy fishing to islands, bars, channels and margins; Short-session anglers after a 24-hour or 48-hour booking. Less suited to: Anglers who prefer a wide-open lake with lots of water to spread across.
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
Pre-book only
Furzebray Carp Lakes complex: three pre-booked carp lakes with day-ticket and whole-lake choices.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
The complex contains Island Lake, Willow Lake and Copse Lake, with fishing advertised from March to November. Winter syndicates are advertised from 1 November to 1 March, subject to availability.
All fishing must be pre-booked. A deposit is required for all bookings, and the current fishing page does not state a separate night-fishing policy.
Lake photographs
A look around Furzebray Carp Lakes complex
Furzebray Carp Lakes
Furzebray Carp Lakes complex
We’re checking the fishery’s Furzebray Carp Lakes complex pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers comparing different booking styles across one complex
- Carp anglers after mirrors, commons and reported named strains
Maybe not for
- Anyone wanting to turn up and fish without arranging a booking first
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Furzebray Carp Lakes complex
carp
Light baiting tight to the island margins
Carp patrol the island margins on most venues. A handful of bait right on the edge often beats a heavy bed in open water, especially later in the day.
- Walk the bank first and look for bubbling, swirls or coloured water by the cover.
- Bait two or three spots with a few handfuls of chopped and whole boilies.
- Lower or flick the rig in quietly and back your line off with a back lead.
- Keep the drag set tight-ish — fish hooked by cover need turning quickly.
Furzebray Carp Lakes complex FAQs
Can anglers turn up without booking?
No. All fishing must be pre-booked.
Is night fishing allowed?
The current official fishing page does not state a separate night-fishing policy.
What's the lake record on Furzebray Carp Lakes complex?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Furzebray Carp Lakes complex 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 Furzebray Carp Lakes complex?
carp.
How big is Furzebray Carp Lakes complex and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. Three pre-booked carp lakes with day-ticket and whole-lake choices..
Which baits work well on Furzebray Carp Lakes complex?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Furzebray Carp Lakes complex 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 Furzebray Carp Lakes complex get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Furzebray Carp Lakes complex?
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 Furzebray Carp Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Furzebray Carp Lakes complex?
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 Furzebray Carp Lakes complex on a day ticket?
You'll need to book Furzebray Carp Lakes complex in advance rather than just turning up.
Who does Furzebray Carp Lakes complex suit?
Good for: Anglers comparing different booking styles across one complex; Carp anglers after mirrors, commons and reported named strains. Less suited to: Anyone wanting to turn up and fish without arranging a booking first.
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
- Must
Must fishing be pre-booked?
All fishing must be pre-booked.
- Must
Is a deposit required?
A deposit is required for all bookings.
- No
Can under-16s fish alone?
Anglers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
- No
Can children under 13 fish Island Lake or Copse Lake?
Children under 13 cannot fish Island Lake or Copse Lake.
- Seasonal
Are winter syndicates available?
Winter syndicates are advertised from 1 November to 1 March, subject to availability.
- No
Is there a complete published bait, tackle, fish-care and keepnet list?
The current official fishing pages do not provide a complete list.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 6 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.
Island Lake
carp
Light baiting tight to the island margins
Carp patrol the island margins on most venues. A handful of bait right on the edge often beats a heavy bed in open water, especially later in the day.
- Walk the bank first and look for bubbling, swirls or coloured water by the cover.
- Bait two or three spots with a few handfuls of chopped and whole boilies.
- Lower or flick the rig in quietly and back your line off with a back lead.
- Keep the drag set tight-ish — fish hooked by cover need turning quickly.
Willow Lake
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.
Copse Lake
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
Light baiting tight to the island margins
Carp patrol the island margins on most venues. A handful of bait right on the edge often beats a heavy bed in open water, especially later in the day.
- Walk the bank first and look for bubbling, swirls or coloured water by the cover.
- Bait two or three spots with a few handfuls of chopped and whole boilies.
- Lower or flick the rig in quietly and back your line off with a back lead.
- Keep the drag set tight-ish — fish hooked by cover need turning quickly.
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.
Furzebray Carp Lakes complex
carp
Light baiting tight to the island margins
Carp patrol the island margins on most venues. A handful of bait right on the edge often beats a heavy bed in open water, especially later in the day.
- Walk the bank first and look for bubbling, swirls or coloured water by the cover.
- Bait two or three spots with a few handfuls of chopped and whole boilies.
- Lower or flick the rig in quietly and back your line off with a back lead.
- Keep the drag set tight-ish — fish hooked by cover need turning quickly.
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
7.6/10 from Tackle Index: Three specimen carp lakes include reported fish into the upper thirties and a 51lb Island Lake record.
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.
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Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “Furzebray Carp Lakes is a proper North Devon carp venue with three very different waters, from big-fish Island Lake to the more compact, feature-packed Copse Lake. Everything is pre-booked, with day tickets and longer bookings available on Willow and Copse.”
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 Furzebray Carp Lakes
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