Fishery guide · Gloucestershire
Whelford Pools Fishery
Whelford Pools Fishery is a proper Gloucestershire carp venue between Fairford and Lechlade, run under The Carpswolds name. There’s a day-ticket 24-hour option on Top Lake, plus several exclusive-use lakes with their own accommodation and facilities.
“8.0/10 — Top Lake has a strong listed carp profile, including fish to 46lb and recorded 30lb-plus carp, while Bramble Mere adds mixed-species variety.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Whelford Pools sits on Whelford Road, Fairford, between Fairford and Lechlade. Turn at the Shell garage towards Kempsford and Whelford, and you’ll find a venue built around specimen carp fishing, private stays and a good spread of lake options.
- 4 lakes: Top Lake, Willow Pool, Barley Pool, Bramble Mere
- Fish: carp, tench, perch, pike
- Tickets from: Top Lake: adults and anglers aged 12 or over, 24 hours — £30 per 24 hours
- Find it: Fairford · GL7 4DT
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
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Whelford Pools Fishery
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The full rundown on Whelford Pools Fishery
Whelford Pools sits on Whelford Road, Fairford, between Fairford and Lechlade. Turn at the Shell garage towards Kempsford and Whelford, and you’ll find a venue built around specimen carp fishing, private stays and a good spread of lake options.
Top Lake is the day-ticket draw. It’s approximately 3 acres, with 18 secluded swims and two main bodies joined by a narrow channel. Depths run from roughly 3 to 9 feet, with gravel bars, silt channels, three islands and back channels giving you plenty to pick apart from the peg.
There are approximately 250 carp in Top Lake, listed from 10lb to 46lb. The venue lists 35 recorded carp over 30lb and 10 over 35lb, so there’s some serious lump potential in there. It’s a proper water for anglers who fancy working out features rather than just chucking to open water and hoping.
Top Lake costs £30 per 24 hours for adults and anglers aged 12 or over, with a maximum of two rods per angler. Bookings are made online through the fishery booking calendar, and booked anglers arrive from 10am. Non-fishing guests are £10 per 24 hours, which is handy if you’re bringing company along.
For a more private trip, Willow Pool is approximately 4 acres and sits in the gardens of the holiday accommodation. It has carp from approximately 6lb to 40lb, with plateaus, gravel bars, humps, lily pads, reed beds and an island. Willow is exclusive to guests staying at the Willow, Heron and Coach House properties.
Barley Pool is a compact exclusive-use lake with four private swims and space for up to three anglers. It holds approximately 120 carp to 32lb, fishes at roughly 3 to 5 feet and comes with a very handy fishing hut: sofa, table, microwave, Wi-Fi, smart TV, kettle and decking. Bramble Mere is another exclusive-use option, with approximately 250 carp from single figures to over 30lb, plus tench to 10lb, perch to 4lb and pike to 20lb.
The practical bits are well covered, with toilets and showers for visitors and accommodation guests, plus a touring field with eight electric hook-ups and plumbed toilets and showers. Rules are tidy but important: barbless hooks, no leadcore, two rods maximum, carp-care products compulsory, and no retainers or sacks. Check the hookbait restrictions before setting up, then get clipped up and fish the features properly.
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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Whelford Pools Fishery FAQs
Where is Whelford Pools Fishery?
On Whelford Road, Fairford, Gloucestershire, between Fairford and Lechlade. The fishery is reached by turning at the Shell garage towards Kempsford and Whelford.
Is night fishing available?
Yes, through 24-hour or exclusive-use bookings, subject to arrival and gate arrangements.
Are bookings refundable or transferable?
No. Bookings are non-refundable and non-transferable according to the venue pages.
Is there an on-site shop?
Yes, the fishery has an on-site tackle shop.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
There's on-site 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?
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 and showers.
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?
GL7 4DT.
How much is a ticket?
Top Lake: adults and anglers aged 12 or over, 24 hours: £30 per 24 hours; Top Lake: non-fishing guests: £10 per 24 hours; Barley Pool: £120 per night, minimum booking of two nights; Gate opening outside normal hours: £20. 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 Top 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, tench, perch, pike. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
4 — Top Lake (Approximately 3 acres), Willow Pool (Approximately 4 acres), Barley Pool (Not published), Bramble Mere (Not published).
Can I bring my dog?
No — Dogs are prohibited on Top Lake.
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?
Yes, it's required — Barbless hooks are required.
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.
Day ticket · turn up
Top Lake: a feature-filled day-ticket carp lake with genuine 30lb-plus potential.
- Size
- Approximately 3 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Top Lake has 18 secluded swims across two main bodies linked by a narrow channel. Depths vary from approximately 3 to 9 feet, with gravel bars, silt channels, three islands and back channels to investigate.
It’s the venue’s day-ticket lake, with 24-hour bookings available online through the fishery booking calendar. Arrival for booked anglers is from 10am, and tickets cover a maximum of two rods per angler.
Approximately 250 carp, listed from 10lb to 46lb; 35 recorded carp over 30lb and 10 recorded carp over 35lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Top Lake
Whelford Pools Fishery
Top Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Top Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers who enjoy picking apart bars, channels, islands and margins
- Carp anglers after a 30lb-plus target on a 24-hour booking
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting unrestricted rod numbers or a venue without detailed tackle and fish-care rules
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Top Lake
carp
A bigger bed of bait at range
On a big lake with gravel bars, a good bed of bait on or behind a bar gives roaming fish a reason to stop and feed for longer.
- 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.
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
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.
Top Lake FAQs
How much is Top Lake?
£30 per 24 hours for adults and anglers aged 12 or over.
What is the biggest listed carp size?
The carp are listed from 10lb to 46lb, with 35 recorded over 30lb.
What's the lake record on Top Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: Approximately 250 carp, listed from 10lb to 46lb; 35 recorded carp over 30lb and 10 recorded carp over 35lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Top Lake?
carp. Approximately 250 carp, listed from 10lb to 46lb; 35 recorded carp over 30lb and 10 recorded carp over 35lb.
How big is Top Lake and how many swims?
Around Approximately 3 acres acres. A feature-filled day-ticket carp lake with genuine 30lb-plus potential..
Which baits work well on Top Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Top 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 Top 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 Top 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 Whelford Pools Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Top 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 Top Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Top Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Top Lake: adults and anglers aged 12 or over, 24 hours £30 per 24 hours; Top Lake: non-fishing guests £10 per 24 hours; Barley Pool £120 per night, minimum booking of two nights; Gate opening outside normal hours £20 (last checked 2026-10-06).
Is night fishing allowed on Top 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 Top Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers who enjoy picking apart bars, channels, islands and margins; Carp anglers after a 30lb-plus target on a 24-hour booking. Less suited to: Anglers wanting unrestricted rod numbers or a venue without detailed tackle and fish-care 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
Willow Pool: a private holiday-accommodation lake with plenty of features to fish to.
- Size
- Approximately 4 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Willow Pool is set in the gardens of the holiday accommodation and is exclusive to guests staying at the Willow, Heron and Coach House properties.
The lake varies from approximately 5 to 16 feet and has plateaus, gravel bars, humps, lily pads, reed beds and an island. That gives you plenty of options, from harder spots to cover and edge work.
Mixed-size carp from approximately 6lb to 40lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Willow Pool
Whelford Pools Fishery
Willow Pool
We’re checking the fishery’s Willow Pool pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Guests wanting an exclusive lake alongside their accommodation
- Anglers who like varied depths, cover and obvious features
Maybe not for
- Day-ticket anglers, as Willow Pool is exclusive to named accommodation guests
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Willow Pool
carp
Solid PVA bag over the snaggy bits
With the lily beds and a busy bottom, a solid bag keeps the hook point masked on the drop and sat neatly in a little pile of bait however rough the lakebed is.
- Tie a short, stiff hooklink (4–6in) so it packs into the bag without kinking.
- Fill the bag with a damp crumb mix and pack it tight — loose bags spill on the cast.
- Nick a wafter or small pop-up on the hair so it settles over the mix, not under it.
- Cast a few yards short of the feature, recast every couple of hours with a fresh bag.
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.
Venue rule: Leadcore is banned here, so run it on a mono or tubing leader with the top bead set to release — never fixed.
carp
Light baiting tight to the lily beds
Carp patrol the lily beds 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 Pool FAQs
Who can fish Willow Pool?
Guests staying at the Willow, Heron and Coach House properties.
What size are the carp?
Mixed-size carp from approximately 6lb to 40lb.
What's the lake record on Willow Pool?
Going by what the fishery says: Mixed-size carp from approximately 6lb to 40lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Willow Pool?
carp. Mixed-size carp from approximately 6lb to 40lb.
How big is Willow Pool and how many swims?
Around Approximately 4 acres acres. A private holiday-accommodation lake with plenty of features to fish to..
Which baits work well on Willow Pool?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Willow Pool 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 Pool get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Willow Pool?
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 Whelford Pools Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Willow Pool?
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 Pool on a day ticket?
You'll need to book Willow Pool in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on Willow Pool?
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 Pool suit?
Good for: Guests wanting an exclusive lake alongside their accommodation; Anglers who like varied depths, cover and obvious features. Less suited to: Day-ticket anglers, as Willow Pool is exclusive to named accommodation guests.
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
Barley Pool: a small exclusive-use lake with a cracking fishing hut.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Barley Pool is exclusive-use, with four private swims and capacity for up to three anglers. The lake is approximately 3 to 5 feet deep and contains around 120 carp to 32lb.
The fishing hut is a real bonus, with a sofa, table, microwave, Wi-Fi, smart TV, kettle and decking. Bookings cost £120 per night, with a minimum stay of two nights.
Approximately 120 carp to 32lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Barley Pool
Whelford Pools Fishery
Barley Pool
We’re checking the fishery’s Barley Pool pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Small groups wanting a private lake and comfortable base
- Anglers after a simple exclusive-use setup
Maybe not for
- Solo anglers looking for a one-night booking
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Barley Pool
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.
Venue rule: Leadcore is banned here, so run it on a mono or tubing leader with the top bead set to release — never fixed.
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.
Barley Pool FAQs
How many anglers can Barley Pool accommodate?
Up to three anglers.
What is the minimum booking?
Two nights.
What's the lake record on Barley Pool?
Going by what the fishery says: Approximately 120 carp to 32lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Barley Pool?
carp. Approximately 120 carp to 32lb.
How big is Barley Pool and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A small exclusive-use lake with a cracking fishing hut..
Which baits work well on Barley Pool?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Barley Pool 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 Barley Pool get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Barley Pool?
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 Whelford Pools Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Barley Pool?
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 Barley Pool on a day ticket?
You'll need to book Barley Pool in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on Barley Pool?
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 Barley Pool suit?
Good for: Small groups wanting a private lake and comfortable base; Anglers after a simple exclusive-use setup. Less suited to: Solo anglers looking for a one-night booking.
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
Bramble Mere: an exclusive-use mixed-species lake with carp, tench, perch and pike.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, tench, perch, pike
Bramble Mere is an exclusive-use lake with approximately 250 carp, ranging from single figures to over 30lb. It also contains tench to 10lb, perch to 4lb and pike to 20lb.
That mix gives the lake a broader angle than a straight carp-only water. Night fishing is available through 24-hour or exclusive-use bookings, subject to arrival and gate arrangements.
Approximately 250 carp from single figures to over 30lb; tench to 10lb, perch to 4lb and pike to 20lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Bramble Mere
Whelford Pools Fishery
Bramble Mere
We’re checking the fishery’s Bramble Mere pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Groups wanting exclusive use and more than one target species
- Anglers happy to fish a mixed stock water
Maybe not for
- Anglers specifically chasing only the largest carp in a dedicated specimen lake
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Bramble Mere
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.
tench
Method or maggot feeder for tench
Tench love margins and weedy patches. A feeder puts a small, tight patch of bait right by the hookbait.
- Fish 10–20 yards out, or tight to the cover where it's safe to land fish.
- Recast every 10–15 minutes early on to build the swim.
- Short hooklink with a dead red maggot, corn or a 8mm wafter.
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.
pike
Lure fishing for the pike
Lures let you cover water and find active pike fast.
- Spinners, jerkbaits and 4–6in soft shads on a 20–30g rod.
- Always use a wire trace — pike bite through mono and fluoro.
- Move every 10–15 casts till you find them; work drop-offs and edges.
Bramble Mere FAQs
What species are in Bramble Mere?
Carp, tench, perch and pike.
Are drones allowed?
No. Drones are prohibited at Bramble Mere.
What's the lake record on Bramble Mere?
Going by what the fishery says: Approximately 250 carp from single figures to over 30lb; tench to 10lb, perch to 4lb and pike to 20lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Bramble Mere?
carp, tench, perch, pike. Approximately 250 carp from single figures to over 30lb; tench to 10lb, perch to 4lb and pike to 20lb.
How big is Bramble Mere and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. An exclusive-use mixed-species lake with carp, tench, perch and pike..
Which baits work well on Bramble Mere?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Bramble Mere 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 Bramble Mere get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Bramble Mere?
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 Whelford Pools Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Bramble Mere?
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 Bramble Mere on a day ticket?
You'll need to book Bramble Mere in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on Bramble Mere?
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 Bramble Mere suit?
Good for: Groups wanting exclusive use and more than one target species; Anglers happy to fish a mixed stock water. Less suited to: Anglers specifically chasing only the largest carp in a dedicated specimen lake.
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
Are barbless hooks required?
Barbless hooks are required.
- No
Is leadcore allowed?
Leadcore is prohibited.
- Must
How many rods can be used?
A maximum of two rods is permitted.
- Must
Are carp-care products required?
Carp-care products must be used.
- No
Can retainers or sacks be used?
Retainers and sacks are prohibited.
- No
Can nuts, peas and beans be loose-fed?
Nuts, peas and beans must not be loose-fed; venue-specific hookbait restrictions also apply.
- No
Are fires allowed on Top Lake?
Fires are prohibited on Top Lake.
- No
Are dogs allowed on Top Lake?
Dogs are prohibited on Top Lake.
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.
Top Lake
carp
A bigger bed of bait at range
On a big lake with gravel bars, a good bed of bait on or behind a bar gives roaming fish a reason to stop and feed for longer.
- 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.
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
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 Pool
carp
Solid PVA bag over the snaggy bits
With the lily beds and a busy bottom, a solid bag keeps the hook point masked on the drop and sat neatly in a little pile of bait however rough the lakebed is.
- Tie a short, stiff hooklink (4–6in) so it packs into the bag without kinking.
- Fill the bag with a damp crumb mix and pack it tight — loose bags spill on the cast.
- Nick a wafter or small pop-up on the hair so it settles over the mix, not under it.
- Cast a few yards short of the feature, recast every couple of hours with a fresh bag.
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.
Venue rule: Leadcore is banned here, so run it on a mono or tubing leader with the top bead set to release — never fixed.
carp
Light baiting tight to the lily beds
Carp patrol the lily beds 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.
Barley Pool
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.
Venue rule: Leadcore is banned here, so run it on a mono or tubing leader with the top bead set to release — never fixed.
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.
Bramble Mere
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.
tench
Method or maggot feeder for tench
Tench love margins and weedy patches. A feeder puts a small, tight patch of bait right by the hookbait.
- Fish 10–20 yards out, or tight to the cover where it's safe to land fish.
- Recast every 10–15 minutes early on to build the swim.
- Short hooklink with a dead red maggot, corn or a 8mm wafter.
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.
pike
Lure fishing for the pike
Lures let you cover water and find active pike fast.
- Spinners, jerkbaits and 4–6in soft shads on a 20–30g rod.
- Always use a wire trace — pike bite through mono and fluoro.
- Move every 10–15 casts till you find them; work drop-offs and edges.
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
8.0/10 from Tackle Index: Top Lake has a strong listed carp profile, including fish to 46lb and recorded 30lb-plus carp, while Bramble Mere adds mixed-species variety.
Straight from anglers online
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Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “Whelford Pools Fishery is a proper Gloucestershire carp venue between Fairford and Lechlade, run under The Carpswolds name. There’s a day-ticket 24-hour option on Top Lake, plus several exclusive-use lakes with their own accommodation and facilities.”
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.
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