Fishery guide · Glamorgan
Cefn Mably Lakes
Cefn Mably Lakes is a proper multi-lake venue between Cardiff and Newport, with specimen carp options, lodge and cabin stays, and mixed coarse fishing across eight lakes. Lodge Lake and Carp Pond have clear published ticket prices for 2026, with night fishing available through longer bookings.
“7.6/10 — Two specimen carp lakes, carp over 30lb stated at Lodge Lake, and a broad reported coarse-species mix give the venue plenty of pull.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Cefn Mably Lakes sits between Cardiff and Newport, handy for Junction 28 of the M4. There are eight lakes in total, with two described as specimen carp lakes and six linked to lakeside lodges or cabins. So, whether you fancy a focused carp session or a bit more comfort by the water, there’s plenty going on.
- 4 lakes: Lodge Lake, Carp Pond, Spring Pond, The Oxbow
- Fish: carp
- Tickets from: Lodge Lake 24-hour fishing — £38 in the 2026 tariff
- Find it: Cardiff · CF3 6LP
Plan your session
Fishery map of Cefn Mably Lakes
Pick a pin or venue to see live bank-side conditions.
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Photos courtesy of Photo: Cefn Mably Lakes (official website). Catch dates not confirmed.
Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Cefn Mably Lakes
Cefn Mably Lakes sits between Cardiff and Newport, handy for Junction 28 of the M4. There are eight lakes in total, with two described as specimen carp lakes and six linked to lakeside lodges or cabins. So, whether you fancy a focused carp session or a bit more comfort by the water, there’s plenty going on.
Lodge Lake is the headline carp option. It’s just under 5 acres, has 12 fishing swims and five pods, and holds carp including fish over 30lb. The stated lake record is 41lb, so there are some proper lumps in there. The 24-hour ticket is £38 in the 2026 tariff, with longer options running through to 91 hours.
Carp Pond is a smaller, more contained-looking water at about 1.5 acres. Depths range from roughly 2ft to 9ft, and the lake has three large pegs, two double pegs and one single peg. It can also be booked exclusively, which is a cracking shout for a private session or a small group.
Spring Pond has two fishable cabins: Osprey and Kingfisher. Its carp are stated to range from 8lb to 30lb, with many high doubles and 20lb-plus fish. That gives it a clear big-fish angle without being pitched solely around the very biggest residents.
The Oxbow brings a different feel. It has six cabins, each with a private fishing deck, and was formerly a 40-peg match lake before closing in winter 2020. Reported coarse species across the fishery include carp, barbel, tench, bream, ide, roach and perch, so there’s mixed-fishing variety alongside the carp waters.
This is a booking-led venue rather than a turn-up-and-chuck setup. Bookings are now taken through the GoCatch app, and night fishing is available through 24-, 48-, 72- and 91-hour bookings. Friday check-ins on carp lakes have a 48-hour minimum stay, so check the slot properly before getting clipped up.
There are some firm kit and fish-care rules. Main-lake anglers are limited to two rods and must bring a minimum 42-inch landing net plus a walled unhooking mat or cradle. Fixed rigs, nuts, bait boats, unattended rods, floating baits and float fishing are prohibited on the main lakes. Cars stay on the tracks, litter comes home, and dogs are not allowed on Carp and Lodge Lakes.
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.
Cefn Mably Lakes FAQs
How many lakes are at Cefn Mably Lakes?
There are eight lakes in total.
Is night fishing available?
Yes. Night fishing is offered through 24-, 48-, 72- and 91-hour bookings.
What is the contact number?
the fishery.
What coarse species are reported at the fishery?
Carp, barbel, tench, bream, ide, roach and perch are reported.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
There's cardiff angling centre tackle shop 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?
There's on-site shop selling hot and cold drinks, snacks and refreshments listed, but opening times vary, so pack snacks and plenty of water just in case — especially on a long session.
Are there toilets on site?
Yes — the fishery lists shower block.
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?
CF3 6LP.
How much is a ticket?
Lodge Lake 24-hour fishing: £38 in the 2026 tariff; Lodge Lake 48-hour fishing: £70, available Friday to Sunday; Lodge Lake 72-hour fishing: £90; Lodge Lake 91-hour fishing: £115, Monday to Friday; Lodge Lake exclusive fishing: £450 for 24 hours or £850 for 48 hours; Carp Pond 24-hour fishing: £30 in the 2026 tariff; Carp Pond 48-hour fishing: £60, available Friday to Sunday; Carp Pond 72-hour fishing: £90 on Monday; Carp Pond 91-hour fishing: £112, Monday to Friday; Carp Pond exclusive fishing: £160 for 24 hours or £300 for 48 hours; Pods: £30 per pod per night; accommodate up to two people and are compulsory where specified. Prices last checked 2026-10-08 — they can change, so check before you go.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Some lakes need booking ahead. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in there?
Across the lakes you'll find carp. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
Can I bring my dog?
No — Dogs are not allowed on either lake.
Are bait boats allowed?
No — These are prohibited on the main lakes.
Do I need barbless hooks?
Yes, it's required — Both are required on the main lakes.
Do I need my own unhooking mat or cradle?
Yes, it's required — Both are required on the main lakes.
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.
Anglers' photos
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Pre-book only
Lodge Lake: a proper specimen carp lake with 12 swims and five pods.
- Size
- Just under 5 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Lodge Lake is the main big-carp draw at Cefn Mably. It’s just under 5 acres, with 12 fishing swims and five pods, giving anglers a choice between a straightforward session and a stay right by the water.
Carp over 30lb are stated to be present, with a published lake record of 41lb. Longer bookings make it suited to settling in and fishing through the night rather than rushing a short day-ticket hit.
Contains carp including fish over 30lb; stated lake record of 41lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Lodge Lake
Cefn Mably Lakes
Lodge Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Lodge Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers after a specimen carp target with multi-hour or overnight options.
- Fishers who want a choice of individual swims, pods and exclusive-booking options.
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting a simple casual drop-in session without pre-booking or fixed venue rules.
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Lodge 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.
Venue rule: Fixed leads are banned here, so use a lead clip set to drop the lead or an inline lead.
Lodge Lake FAQs
How big is Lodge Lake?
It is just under 5 acres.
How many swims does Lodge Lake have?
There are 12 fishing swims.
What's the lake record on Lodge Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: Contains carp including fish over 30lb; stated lake record of 41lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Lodge Lake?
carp. Contains carp including fish over 30lb; stated lake record of 41lb.
Which baits work well on Lodge Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Lodge 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 Lodge 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 Lodge 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 Cefn Mably Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Lodge 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 Lodge Lake on a day ticket?
You'll need to book Lodge Lake in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on Lodge 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 Lodge Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers after a specimen carp target with multi-hour or overnight options.; Fishers who want a choice of individual swims, pods and exclusive-booking options.. Less suited to: Anglers wanting a simple casual drop-in session without pre-booking or fixed venue rules..
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
Carp Pond: a compact carp water with exclusive-booking options.
- Size
- About 1.5 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Carp Pond is about 1.5 acres, with depths ranging from approximately 2ft to 9ft. It has three large pegs, two double pegs and one single peg, so the setup is fairly focused rather than sprawling.
Two pods are available, and the lake can be booked exclusively. That makes it a handy option for a private session, especially when sharing the water with mates or booking a small group.
Lake photographs
A look around Carp Pond
Cefn Mably Lakes
Carp Pond
We’re checking the fishery’s Carp Pond pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers who like a compact water with defined pegs and depths.
- Small groups wanting the option of exclusive fishing.
Maybe not for
- Anglers chasing a large, open-water feel or lots of different swims to roam between.
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Carp 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.
Carp Pond FAQs
How deep is Carp Pond?
The depth ranges from approximately 2ft to 9ft.
Can Carp Pond be booked exclusively?
Yes, exclusive fishing is available.
What's the lake record on Carp Pond?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Carp 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 Carp Pond?
carp.
How big is Carp Pond and how many swims?
Around About 1.5 acres acres. A compact carp water with exclusive-booking options..
Which baits work well on Carp Pond?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Carp 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 Carp 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 Carp 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 Cefn Mably Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Carp 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 Carp Pond on a day ticket?
You'll need to book Carp Pond in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on Carp Pond?
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 Carp Pond suit?
Good for: Anglers who like a compact water with defined pegs and depths.; Small groups wanting the option of exclusive fishing.. Less suited to: Anglers chasing a large, open-water feel or lots of different swims to roam between..
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
Spring Pond: cabin-based carp fishing with a solid spread of doubles and twenties.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Spring Pond has two fishable cabins: Osprey and Kingfisher. It’s aimed at anglers who want the convenience of staying right alongside the fishing.
The stated carp range is 8lb to 30lb, with many high doubles and 20lb-plus fish. That gives the lake a nice balance of approachable carp and proper target fish.
Carp are stated to range from 8lb to 30lb, with many high doubles and 20lb-plus fish.
Lake photographs
A look around Spring Pond
Cefn Mably Lakes
Spring Pond
We’re checking the fishery’s Spring Pond pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers wanting cabin-based carp fishing.
- Those targeting high doubles and 20lb-plus carp.
Maybe not for
- Anglers after a broad mixed-coarse species list rather than a carp-focused stay.
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Spring 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.
Venue rule: Fixed leads are banned here, so use a lead clip set to drop the lead or an inline lead.
Spring Pond FAQs
Which cabins fish Spring Pond?
The two fishable cabins are Osprey and Kingfisher.
What size carp are stated to be in Spring Pond?
Carp are stated to range from 8lb to 30lb, with many high doubles and 20lb-plus fish.
What's the lake record on Spring Pond?
Going by what the fishery says: Carp are stated to range from 8lb to 30lb, with many high doubles and 20lb-plus fish. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Spring Pond?
carp. Carp are stated to range from 8lb to 30lb, with many high doubles and 20lb-plus fish.
How big is Spring Pond and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. Cabin-based carp fishing with a solid spread of doubles and twenties..
Which baits work well on Spring Pond?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Spring 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: with the fish the fishery lists here, a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Spring 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 Spring 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 Cefn Mably Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Spring 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 Spring Pond on a day ticket?
You'll need to book Spring Pond in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on Spring Pond?
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 Spring Pond suit?
Good for: Anglers wanting cabin-based carp fishing.; Those targeting high doubles and 20lb-plus carp.. Less suited to: Anglers after a broad mixed-coarse species list rather than a carp-focused stay..
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
The Oxbow: cabin fishing from private decks on a former match lake.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
The Oxbow has six cabins, each with a private fishing deck. That gives the lake a very different setup from a standard bank-fishing venue, with the accommodation and fishing built into the same stay.
It was formerly a 40-peg match lake and closed in winter 2020. Reported coarse species at the fishery include carp, barbel, tench, bream, ide, roach and perch, although the checked details do not assign each species specifically to The Oxbow.
Lake photographs
A look around The Oxbow
Cefn Mably Lakes
The Oxbow
We’re checking the fishery’s The Oxbow pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers after cabin accommodation with a private fishing deck.
- Fishers who like the feel of a former match-style water.
Maybe not for
- Anyone looking for a clearly published current swim count or lake size for planning a session.
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish The Oxbow
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.
Venue rule: Fixed leads are banned here, so use a lead clip set to drop the lead or an inline lead.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
tench
Lift method float for tench
Tench feed with their heads down and tip baits up — the lift method shows that bite as the float rising and lying flat.
- Fish the margin at dawn with a straight waggler, locked by a single big shot 2–3in from the hook.
- Rake or lightly bait the swim with hemp, corn and maggot.
- Strike when the float lifts or lies flat. Bread, corn or worm on a size 12–14.
bream
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
The Oxbow FAQs
How many cabins does The Oxbow have?
It has six cabins.
What is notable about the cabins?
Each cabin has a private fishing deck.
What's the lake record on The Oxbow?
The fishery hasn't published a record for The Oxbow 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 The Oxbow?
carp.
How big is The Oxbow and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. Cabin fishing from private decks on a former match lake..
Which baits work well on The Oxbow?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for The Oxbow 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 The Oxbow get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on The Oxbow?
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 Cefn Mably Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on The Oxbow?
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 The Oxbow on a day ticket?
You'll need to book The Oxbow in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on The Oxbow?
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 The Oxbow suit?
Good for: Anglers after cabin accommodation with a private fishing deck.; Fishers who like the feel of a former match-style water.. Less suited to: Anyone looking for a clearly published current swim count or lake size for planning a session..
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
Is pre-booking required?
Bookings are now taken through the GoCatch app.
- Yes
Are two rods the maximum on the main lakes?
A maximum of two rods is allowed, with no exceptions stated for Lodge Lake and Carp Pond.
- Must
Do anglers need a 42-inch landing net and walled unhooking mat or cradle?
Both are required on the main lakes.
- No
Are fixed rigs, nuts, bait boats, unattended rods, floating baits and float fishing allowed?
These are prohibited on the main lakes.
- No
Can fish be carried by hand?
Fish must be returned to the water or transported in a sling or collapsed net.
- No
Are dogs allowed on Carp and Lodge Lakes?
Dogs are not allowed on either lake.
- No
Are refunds offered for adverse weather or frozen-lake closures?
A credit valid for 12 months is issued instead.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 8 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.
Lodge 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.
Venue rule: Fixed leads are banned here, so use a lead clip set to drop the lead or an inline lead.
Carp 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.
Spring 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.
Venue rule: Fixed leads are banned here, so use a lead clip set to drop the lead or an inline lead.
The Oxbow
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.
Venue rule: Fixed leads are banned here, so use a lead clip set to drop the lead or an inline lead.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
tench
Lift method float for tench
Tench feed with their heads down and tip baits up — the lift method shows that bite as the float rising and lying flat.
- Fish the margin at dawn with a straight waggler, locked by a single big shot 2–3in from the hook.
- Rake or lightly bait the swim with hemp, corn and maggot.
- Strike when the float lifts or lies flat. Bread, corn or worm on a size 12–14.
bream
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
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: Two specimen carp lakes, carp over 30lb stated at Lodge Lake, and a broad reported coarse-species mix give the venue plenty of pull.
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 — “Cefn Mably Lakes is a proper multi-lake venue between Cardiff and Newport, with specimen carp options, lodge and cabin stays, and mixed coarse fishing across eight lakes. Lodge Lake and Carp Pond have clear published ticket prices for 2026, with night fishing available through longer bookings.”
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
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