Fishery guide · North Yorkshire
Brafferton Fisheries
Four landscaped lakes, day-ticket fishing and a proper mix of carp and coarse fish make Brafferton a handy shout near Boroughbridge. Island Lake has advertised carp to 24 lb, while F1 Lake brings the match-fishing angle.
“6.5/10 — Four waters, a broad venue-wide species mix and advertised Island Lake carp to 24 lb give anglers several worthwhile options.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Brafferton Fisheries, also listed as Brafferton Carp Fishery, gives you four landscaped fishing lakes near Boroughbridge in North Yorkshire. The published address is Boroughbridge Road, Brafferton, York, YO61 2QB. It’s a day-ticket venue with both carp and mixed coarse fishing in the picture, rather than just one lake with one sort of session on offer.
- 4 lakes: Island Lake, F1 Lake, Ghost Lake, Spring Lake
- Fish: carp, chub, perch, barbel
- Find it: Boroughbridge · YO61 2QB
Plan your session
Fishery map of Brafferton Fisheries
Pick a pin or venue to see live bank-side conditions.
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How busy was it?
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No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Fishery
Brafferton Fisheries
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 Brafferton Fisheries
Brafferton Fisheries, also listed as Brafferton Carp Fishery, gives you four landscaped fishing lakes near Boroughbridge in North Yorkshire. The published address is Boroughbridge Road, Brafferton, York, YO61 2QB. It’s a day-ticket venue with both carp and mixed coarse fishing in the picture, rather than just one lake with one sort of session on offer. That’s a handy starting point when you’re deciding whether to pack the carp gear or think more about a mixed bag.
Island Lake is described as the smallest of the four, but it’s not short on interest. The fishery-branded website advertises carp to 24 lb and also lists chub, perch and barbel in this lake. Those are worth keeping in mind if you fancy more than a straight carp session. The acreage isn’t published, though, so don’t read ‘smallest’ as a promise of tiny casts or easy access to every feature.
F1 Lake is the match-fishing option, with a 24-peg zone advertised for the 18 July 2026 Fish North qualifier. That’s an event allocation, not a confirmed total peg count for the lake. Ghost Lake is particularly associated with ghost carp, while Spring Lake is named in an angler review on the fishery-branded website. There’s less detail available for Spring, so a quick call beats guessing which lake will suit your plans.
Across the fishery, the listed carp varieties are common, mirror, ghost and leather. Tench, bream, roach and rudd also feature in the venue-wide species list. That gives Brafferton a cracking spread on paper, but it doesn’t tell you that every species lives in every lake. Pick your water around the fish you actually want to target, and ask about the current lake choice before getting all your gear settled on a peg.
The practical side looks useful, too. Parking is available adjacent to the lakes, and Open Country’s 2025 directory describes most hard-standing pegs as suitable for wheelchair users. Toilets and a café are reported in a review on the fishery-branded website, although café hours aren’t confirmed. If a brew or a particular accessible peg is essential to your day, check ahead rather than banking on everything being available when you roll up.
Before you go, give the fishery a ring for current prices, lake availability and seasonal closing times. Fishing is described as available throughout the year, but the published rules say to leave 30 minutes before dusk. Bring barbless hooks, and don’t assume keepnets are a given: the website allows carp-safe nets with limits, while a visitor report mentions no-keepnet signs. Getting that cleared up first saves a proper faff on the bank.
We're not sure on ticket prices here — we couldn't find reliable, up-to-date prices online, so give the fishery a ring or check their own site before you go.
Straight from anglers online
Short, unedited extracts from public reviews, credited to the person who posted them. Not checked by us and not a Tackle Index view.
We haven’t found any public angler reviews of this venue yet. Fished it? Add yours below.
Brafferton Fisheries FAQs
Where is Brafferton Fisheries?
The published address is Boroughbridge Road, Brafferton, York, YO61 2QB. It is also listed as Brafferton Carp Fishery.
How much is a day ticket, and do I need to book?
Day tickets are available, but no current tariff is confirmed. An undated listing quotes £6 without explaining duration, rods or lakes covered, so don’t budget on that. A visitor describes choosing a peg and paying the owner on the bank, but that isn’t a booking guarantee. Call the fishery.
When can I fish?
The fishery is described as open throughout the year. A third-party listing gives daily hours of 06:30–20:30, but the fishery’s published rules require departure 30 minutes before dusk. Check the seasonal closing time before travelling.
Is it suitable for wheelchair users, and are there toilets?
Open Country’s 2025 directory describes most hard-standing pegs as suitable for wheelchair users, with parking adjacent to the lakes. Toilets and a café are reported in a review, but accessible toilet provision and café hours aren’t confirmed.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Brafferton Fisheries. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Boroughbridge.
Do I need to bring food?
There's café reported; opening hours unconfirmed 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 toilets reported in a visitor review.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
Yes — parking adjacent to the lakes. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
YO61 2QB.
How much is a ticket?
We haven't got current prices. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Day tickets are available on Island Lake, F1 Lake, Ghost Lake, Spring 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, chub, perch, barbel. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
4 — Island Lake (Not published), F1 Lake (Not published), Ghost Lake (Not published), Spring Lake (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
It depends — No overnight ticket is confirmed, and night fishing appears incompatible with the published leave-before-dusk rule.
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?
Yes, it's required — The published rules require barbless hooks.
Do I need my own unhooking mat or cradle?
Bring one either way — most fisheries expect it and the fish deserve it.
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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Day ticket · turn up
Island Lake: the smallest lake, with advertised carp to 24 lb
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, chub, perch, barbel
Island Lake is described as Brafferton’s smallest water. The fishery-branded website advertises carp to 24 lb, giving carp anglers a clear reason to take a closer look without pretending every bite will be a lump.
Chub, perch and barbel are also listed for this lake. That’s an interesting mix, though depths, swim features and acreage aren’t published here, so ask about the current fishing before settling on your approach.
The fishery-branded website advertises Island Lake carp to 24 lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Island Lake
Brafferton Fisheries
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
- Carp anglers interested in the advertised 24 lb fish
- Anglers keen on a lake listing chub, perch and barbel too
Maybe not for
- Anyone wanting confirmed depths and acreage before choosing a water
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.
chub
Bread or worm tight to cover for chub
Chub sit under overhanging trees and snags and are cautious, so a quiet approach and a natural bait near cover catches them.
- Bread flake or lobworm on a size 8 hook with a link leger.
- Keep low and quiet on the bank.
- In summer, try a free-lined slug or floating crust.
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.
barbel
Pellet and boilie for the lake barbel
Lake barbel feed hard and fight harder. Use a strong rod and line, and rest them properly in the net before release.
- Halibut pellet or small boilie over a bed of pellet.
- Strong hooklink and a size 10–12 hook.
- Never hold barbel out of water long — keep them in the net until they've recovered.
Island Lake FAQs
How big are the carp in Island Lake?
The fishery-branded website advertises carp to 24 lb. That’s the venue’s claim, not a promise of what you’ll catch.
Is Island Lake carp-only?
No. The same website also lists chub, perch and barbel.
What's the lake record on Island Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: The fishery-branded website advertises Island Lake carp to 24 lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Island Lake?
carp, chub, perch, barbel. The fishery-branded website advertises Island Lake carp to 24 lb.
How big is Island Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The smallest lake, with advertised carp to 24 lb.
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. 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 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 Brafferton Fisheries 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?
Yes — Island Lake is on the day ticket. Check current prices before you go.
Is night fishing allowed on Island Lake?
It depends — No overnight ticket is confirmed, and night fishing appears incompatible with the published leave-before-dusk rule.
Who does Island Lake suit?
Good for: Carp anglers interested in the advertised 24 lb fish; Anglers keen on a lake listing chub, perch and barbel too. Less suited to: Anyone wanting confirmed depths and acreage before choosing a water.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Day ticket · turn up
F1 Lake: brafferton’s named match-fishing water
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
F1 Lake is used for match fishing, making it the obvious water to ask about if you fancy the competitive side of Brafferton. A 24-peg zone was advertised for the 18 July 2026 Fish North qualifier.
That allocation doesn’t establish the lake’s total peg count, and the name alone isn’t enough to pin down its stocking. Check match bookings and pleasure-fishing availability before planning your session.
Lake photographs
A look around F1 Lake
Brafferton Fisheries
F1 Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s F1 Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Match anglers
- Anglers looking into the advertised qualifier
Maybe not for
- Anyone needing guaranteed pleasure-fishing availability without checking
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish F1 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.
F1 Lake FAQs
Is F1 Lake used for matches?
Yes. Fish North describes match use and advertised a 24-peg zone for its 18 July 2026 qualifier.
Does F1 Lake have exactly 24 pegs?
The confirmed detail is a 24-peg event zone, not a total lake peg count.
What's the lake record on F1 Lake?
The fishery hasn't published a record for F1 Lake 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 F1 Lake?
carp.
How big is F1 Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. Brafferton’s named match-fishing water.
Which baits work well on F1 Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for F1 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: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does F1 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 F1 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 Brafferton Fisheries before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on F1 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 F1 Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — F1 Lake is on the day ticket. Check current prices before you go.
Is night fishing allowed on F1 Lake?
It depends — No overnight ticket is confirmed, and night fishing appears incompatible with the published leave-before-dusk rule.
Who does F1 Lake suit?
Good for: Match anglers; Anglers looking into the advertised qualifier. Less suited to: Anyone needing guaranteed pleasure-fishing availability without checking.
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
Ghost Lake: the lake associated with ghost carp
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Ghost Lake is particularly associated with ghost carp. If those are the fish that get you reaching for the landing net, this is the water to ask about first.
There’s no confirmed acreage or lake-specific weight claim here. Keep expectations sensible and check current availability rather than borrowing Island Lake’s advertised carp size.
Lake photographs
A look around Ghost Lake
Brafferton Fisheries
Ghost Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Ghost Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers interested in ghost carp
- Carp anglers choosing between Brafferton’s waters
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting a published lake-specific target weight
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Ghost 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.
Ghost Lake FAQs
What is Ghost Lake known for?
It is particularly associated with ghost carp.
How large is Ghost Lake?
Its acreage isn’t published in the supplied information.
What's the lake record on Ghost Lake?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Ghost Lake 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 Ghost Lake?
carp.
How big is Ghost Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The lake associated with ghost carp.
Which baits work well on Ghost Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Ghost 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: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Ghost 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 Ghost 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 Brafferton Fisheries before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Ghost 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 Ghost Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Ghost Lake is on the day ticket. Check current prices before you go.
Is night fishing allowed on Ghost Lake?
It depends — No overnight ticket is confirmed, and night fishing appears incompatible with the published leave-before-dusk rule.
Who does Ghost Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers interested in ghost carp; Carp anglers choosing between Brafferton’s waters. Less suited to: Anglers wanting a published lake-specific target weight.
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
Spring Lake: a named water worth asking about before you unpack
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Spring Lake is named in an angler review on the fishery-branded website. Beyond that, the available detail is thin, so there’s no sensible lake-specific stock or size claim to make.
Brafferton offers day-ticket fishing, but check Spring Lake’s current access and intended use directly. A quick chat should help you decide whether it fits your session without guessing from the venue-wide species list.
Lake photographs
A look around Spring Lake
Brafferton Fisheries
Spring Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Spring Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Visitors happy to ask about lake choice on arrival
- Anglers keeping their plans flexible
Maybe not for
- Anyone needing a confirmed lake-specific species list
- Anglers choosing solely on published lake dimensions
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Spring 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.
Spring Lake FAQs
Is Spring Lake named at Brafferton?
Yes. It appears in an angler review on the fishery-branded website.
What fish are in Spring Lake?
A lake-specific species list isn’t confirmed. Ask the fishery rather than assuming all the venue’s listed species are present.
What's the lake record on Spring Lake?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Spring Lake that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
How big is Spring Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A named water worth asking about before you unpack.
Which baits work well on Spring Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Spring 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: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Spring 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 Spring 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 Brafferton Fisheries before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Spring 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 Spring Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Spring Lake is on the day ticket. Check current prices before you go.
Is night fishing allowed on Spring Lake?
It depends — No overnight ticket is confirmed, and night fishing appears incompatible with the published leave-before-dusk rule.
Who does Spring Lake suit?
Good for: Visitors happy to ask about lake choice on arrival; Anglers keeping their plans flexible. Less suited to: Anyone needing a confirmed lake-specific species list; Anglers choosing solely on published lake dimensions.
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 hooks be barbless?
The published rules require barbless hooks.
- No
Can fish be taken away?
Removing fish from the fishery is prohibited.
- Only if
Can I use a keepnet?
Website rules specify carp-safe keepnets and a maximum of 50 lb per net, but a visitor report mentions no-keepnet signs. Confirm the current on-site policy first.
- Must
Must keepnets be emptied before closing?
Where keepnets are permitted, the published website rules require them to be emptied one hour before dusk.
- Must
Must I leave before dusk?
Visitors must leave 30 minutes before dusk. Confirm seasonal closing times rather than relying on the third-party 20:30 listing.
- Only if
Is overnight fishing available?
No overnight ticket is confirmed, and night fishing appears incompatible with the published leave-before-dusk rule.
- Must
Must litter go in the bins?
The published rules require litter to go in the provided bins.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 5 October 2026. Rules change — always check with the fishery before you go.
Tips & guides worth reading
How we'd fish each lake
Our own suggestions, worked out from each lake's features, its main fish and the venue rules. They're tried-and-tested methods, not reports from this venue, so watch the water and ask in the tackle shop on the day.
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.
chub
Bread or worm tight to cover for chub
Chub sit under overhanging trees and snags and are cautious, so a quiet approach and a natural bait near cover catches them.
- Bread flake or lobworm on a size 8 hook with a link leger.
- Keep low and quiet on the bank.
- In summer, try a free-lined slug or floating crust.
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.
barbel
Pellet and boilie for the lake barbel
Lake barbel feed hard and fight harder. Use a strong rod and line, and rest them properly in the net before release.
- Halibut pellet or small boilie over a bed of pellet.
- Strong hooklink and a size 10–12 hook.
- Never hold barbel out of water long — keep them in the net until they've recovered.
F1 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.
Ghost 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.
Spring 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
6.5/10 from Tackle Index: Four waters, a broad venue-wide species mix and advertised Island Lake carp to 24 lb give anglers several worthwhile options.
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 — “Four landscaped lakes, day-ticket fishing and a proper mix of carp and coarse fish make Brafferton a handy shout near Boroughbridge. Island Lake has advertised carp to 24 lb, while F1 Lake brings the match-fishing angle.”
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 Brafferton Fisheries
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