Fishery guide · Lincolnshire
Old Mill Lakes
The Old Mill Lakes is a 50-acre Lincolnshire carp fishery with three bookable lakes: Birch, Willow and Oak. Proper specimen potential, clear booking rules and decent overnight facilities, with carp reported beyond 60lb in Birch.
“7.5/10 — Reported carp to 62lb+ on Birch and 50lb+ on Oak make this a strong specimen venue.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
The Old Mill Lakes is a 50-acre carp fishery at The Old Mill Cottage, Usselby, near Market Rasen in Lincolnshire. There are three bookable waters here — Birch, Willow and Oak — so you can pick your session around the sort of lake and carp fishing you fancy. It’s a proper specimen setup, with carp reported beyond 60lb in Birch.
- 3 lakes: Birch Lake, Willow Lake, Oak Lake
- Fish: carp
- Tickets from: 24-hour ticket — Birch, Willow or Oak — £40
- Find it: Usselby · LN8 3YJ
Plan your session
Fishery map of Old Mill Lakes
Pick a pin or venue to see live bank-side conditions.
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
Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Fishery
Old Mill Lakes
We haven’t got permission to show venue photos here yet. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Old Mill Lakes
The Old Mill Lakes is a 50-acre carp fishery at The Old Mill Cottage, Usselby, near Market Rasen in Lincolnshire. There are three bookable waters here — Birch, Willow and Oak — so you can pick your session around the sort of lake and carp fishing you fancy. It’s a proper specimen setup, with carp reported beyond 60lb in Birch.
Birch carries the biggest stated upper size on the complex, with carp reported to 62lb+. It’s around 8 acres, has 14 pegs and reaches roughly 3 metres at its deepest. The stated stock is approximately 180 carp, so there’s plenty of scope for a proper lump, but it’s still a lake where location and watercraft will matter. A £200 one-off membership is required, and bait boats are prohibited.
Willow is the smallest water at approximately 3 acres, with six pegs and a maximum depth of around 5.1 metres. It contains approximately 150 carp, with fish reported to 52lb. The limited number of swims could suit anglers who like a smaller, more contained lake, and the whole lake can also be booked for a private session. Handy if you’re planning a proper group trip rather than a cheeky overnight on your own.
Oak is approximately 8 acres, with 14 pegs and depths reaching around 5 metres. Its stated stock is approximately 550 carp, with fish reported to 50lb+. That gives Oak a strong mix of decent upper size and a higher stated stock level than Birch or Willow. Three different waters, three slightly different jobs — bob on for choosing a venue around your preferred style of carp fishing.
The practical side looks well sorted, with toilets, showers, drinking water, secure parking and an on-site bait and tackle shop. Advance booking is required, with payment taken by card over the phone, so get the booking details nailed down before setting off. Only bait bought on site may be used, and the fishery provides the unhooking mats, so there’s less faff with what to pack.
There’s a clear set of rules to check before you clip up. Fishing is only from recognised swims and rods must not be left unattended. Lead-clip rigs are required, with leads up to 3.5oz; helicopter and inline leads are not allowed. Up to three rods can be used, but two Environment Agency rod licences are needed when fishing three. Bring suitable tackle, keep things tidy and ask the fishery about current swim advice, bait options and any lake-specific details before you arrive.
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.
Old Mill Lakes FAQs
How do I book?
Advance booking is required. Payment is taken by card over the phone, and bookings are taken from 8am to 6pm.
Can I view the lakes before booking?
No lake viewings are permitted.
Can I bring visitors?
No visitors are permitted onto the fishery, subject to the stated overnight guest policy.
What line strength is required?
The minimum mainline is 15lb/0.35mm, or 0.40mm on Birch.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
There's on-site bait and 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.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
Yes — secure parking. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
LN8 3YJ.
How much is a ticket?
24-hour ticket — Birch, Willow or Oak: £40; Weekend — Birch, Willow or Oak; no single-night weekend bookings: £80; Full week — Willow or Oak: £265; Whole-lake Willow booking — per night: £240. 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?
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.
How many lakes are there?
3 — Birch Lake (Approximately 8 acres), Willow Lake (Approximately 3 acres), Oak Lake (Approximately 8 acres).
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?
No — No dogs, drones, fires, unsupported barbecues, loud radios or TVs are allowed.
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?
No — All unhooking mats are provided and anglers must not bring their own.
Do I need my own unhooking mat or cradle?
No — All unhooking mats are provided and anglers must not bring their own.
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
Been to Old Mill Lakes? Share a snap
No angler photos yet. Be the first!
Pre-book only
Birch Lake: the biggest reported carp of the three lakes, with 14 pegs and a 3-metre maximum depth.
- Size
- Approximately 8 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Birch is an approximately 8-acre specimen carp lake with 14 pegs. It reaches around 3 metres at maximum depth and contains approximately 180 carp.
Carp are reported to 62lb+, giving this lake the biggest stated upper size on the complex. A £200 one-off membership is required, and bait boats are prohibited.
Approximately 180 carp, with carp reported to 62lb+.
Lake photographs
A look around Birch Lake
Old Mill Lakes
Birch Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Birch Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers chasing a reported 60lb-plus carp.
- Carp anglers happy fishing a larger, relatively lightly stocked lake with up to three rods.
Maybe not for
- Anyone wanting to use a bait boat or avoid the additional one-off membership.
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Birch 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.
Birch Lake FAQs
How many rods can I use on Birch?
A maximum of 3 rods per angler is allowed.
Are bait boats allowed on Birch?
No. Bait boats are prohibited.
What's the lake record on Birch Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: Approximately 180 carp, with carp reported to 62lb+. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Birch Lake?
carp. Approximately 180 carp, with carp reported to 62lb+.
How big is Birch Lake and how many swims?
Around Approximately 8 acres acres. The biggest reported carp of the three lakes, with 14 pegs and a 3-metre maximum depth..
Which baits work well on Birch Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Birch 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 Birch 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 Birch 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 Old Mill Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Birch 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 Birch Lake on a day ticket?
You'll need to book Birch Lake in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on Birch 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 Birch Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers chasing a reported 60lb-plus carp.; Carp anglers happy fishing a larger, relatively lightly stocked lake with up to three rods.. Less suited to: Anyone wanting to use a bait boat or avoid the additional one-off membership..
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 Lake: the smallest lake, with just 6 pegs and whole-lake booking available.
- Size
- Approximately 3 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Willow is an approximately 3-acre carp lake with 6 pegs and a maximum depth of around 5.1 metres. It contains approximately 150 carp.
Carp are reported to 52lb. The lake can also be booked whole for £240 per night, and full-week bookings are listed at £265.
Approximately 150 carp, with carp reported to 52lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Willow Lake
Old Mill 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 who fancy a lower-peg-count water.
- Groups or anglers wanting to look at a whole-lake booking.
Maybe not for
- Anyone specifically targeting 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 pegs are on Willow?
Willow has 6 pegs.
Can Willow be booked as a whole lake?
Yes. The listed whole-lake price is £240 per night.
What's the lake record on Willow Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: Approximately 150 carp, with carp reported to 52lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Willow Lake?
carp. Approximately 150 carp, with carp reported to 52lb.
How big is Willow Lake and how many swims?
Around Approximately 3 acres acres. The smallest lake, with just 6 pegs and whole-lake booking available..
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. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
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 Old Mill 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?
You'll need to book Willow Lake in advance rather than just turning up.
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 who fancy a lower-peg-count water.; Groups or anglers wanting to look at a whole-lake booking.. Less suited to: Anyone specifically targeting 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
Pre-book only
Oak Lake: an 8-acre lake with approximately 550 carp and 14 pegs.
- Size
- Approximately 8 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Oak is approximately 8 acres, with 14 pegs and a maximum depth of around 5 metres. The stated stock is approximately 550 carp.
Carp are reported to 50lb+, giving Oak a strong blend of size and a higher stated stock level than Birch or Willow. Full-week bookings are available.
Approximately 550 carp, with carp reported to 50lb+.
Lake photographs
A look around Oak Lake
Old Mill Lakes
Oak Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Oak Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers after a good chance of finding carp in a higher stated stock level.
- Those wanting an 8-acre lake with 14 pegs and reported fish beyond 50lb.
Maybe not for
- Anglers looking for the lowest peg count or the highest reported carp size.
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Oak 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.
Oak Lake FAQs
How many carp are listed for Oak?
Approximately 550 carp are listed.
What is the biggest reported carp on Oak?
Carp are reported to 50lb+.
What's the lake record on Oak Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: Approximately 550 carp, with carp reported to 50lb+. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Oak Lake?
carp. Approximately 550 carp, with carp reported to 50lb+.
How big is Oak Lake and how many swims?
Around Approximately 8 acres acres. An 8-acre lake with approximately 550 carp and 14 pegs..
Which baits work well on Oak Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Oak 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 Oak 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 Oak 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 Old Mill Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Oak 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 Oak Lake on a day ticket?
You'll need to book Oak Lake in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on Oak 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 Oak Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers after a good chance of finding carp in a higher stated stock level.; Those wanting an 8-acre lake with 14 pegs and reported fish beyond 50lb.. Less suited to: Anglers looking for the lowest peg count or the highest reported carp size..
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 advance booking required?
Advance booking is required, with payment taken by card over the phone.
- Must
Is an Environment Agency rod licence required?
An Environment Agency rod licence is required. Two licences are required when using 3 rods.
- Yes
Can I use three rods?
A maximum of 3 rods may be used per angler.
- No
Can I bring my own bait?
Only bait purchased on site may be used.
- No
Can I bring my own unhooking mat?
All unhooking mats are provided and anglers must not bring their own.
- Must
What rigs and leads are allowed?
Lead-clip rigs are required, with a maximum 3.5oz lead. Helicopter and inline leads are prohibited.
- No
Can rods be left unattended?
Fishing is permitted only from recognised swims and rods must not be left unattended.
- No
Are dogs, drones and fires allowed?
No dogs, drones, fires, unsupported barbecues, loud radios or TVs are allowed.
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.
Birch 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
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.
Oak 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.
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
7.5/10 from Tackle Index: Reported carp to 62lb+ on Birch and 50lb+ on Oak make this a strong specimen venue.
Straight from anglers online
Short, unedited extracts from public reviews, credited to the person who posted them. Not checked by us and not a Tackle Index view.
We haven’t found any public angler reviews of this venue yet. Fished it? Add yours below.
Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “The Old Mill Lakes is a 50-acre Lincolnshire carp fishery with three bookable lakes: Birch, Willow and Oak. Proper specimen potential, clear booking rules and decent overnight facilities, with carp reported beyond 60lb in Birch.”
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 Old Mill Lakes
No angler score yet — nobody's reviewed Old Mill Lakes here. Be the first and get the score started.