Fishery guide · Shropshire
Merrington Carp Fishery
Merrington Carp Fishery is a family-run private carp venue near Shrewsbury, with three purpose-built lakes aimed squarely at anglers after proper lumps. Main Lake and Hayes Lake offer 25–26lb average carp, while Merlin Lake is a smaller, three-swim water with fish to 34lb.
“7.5/10 — Three dedicated carp lakes, strong average weights and multiple known 30lb-plus fish make this a serious specimen venue.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Merrington Carp Fishery sits at The Hayes Farm near Bomere Heath, just outside Shrewsbury. It’s a private, family-run complex with Main Lake, Merlin Lake and Hayes Lake. All three waters are booked in advance, with minimum 24-hour sessions and night fishing available through longer bookings.
- 3 lakes: Main Lake, Merlin Lake, Hayes Lake
- Fish: carp
- Tickets from: Main Lake — 24 hours per angler — £36 per 24 hours per angler
- Find it: Shrewsbury · SY4 3QH
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Fishery map of Merrington Carp Fishery
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Fishery
Merrington Carp Fishery
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Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Merrington Carp Fishery
Merrington Carp Fishery sits at The Hayes Farm near Bomere Heath, just outside Shrewsbury. It’s a private, family-run complex with Main Lake, Merlin Lake and Hayes Lake. All three waters are booked in advance, with minimum 24-hour sessions and night fishing available through longer bookings.
Main Lake is the headline water. At 8 acres and 15 single swims, it holds approximately 275 carp, with around 90% reported to be over 20lb. There are 47 known fish over 30lb and two known over 40lb. The lake records stand at 43lb 8oz for a mirror and 41lb 8oz for a common, with an average fish weight of roughly 25–26lb. Proper target-fish territory.
Hayes Lake is another cracking option for anglers wanting a bigger-water feel. It covers 6 acres and has ten swims in total — four singles and three doubles. The lake contains 185 mirrors and commons, averaging approximately 25–26lb, with multiple fish over 30lb. Clay, silt and hard-gravel areas, plus underwater features, give you plenty to find with a marker or careful plumbing.
Merlin Lake is the smaller, more intimate water at 1.25 acres. Its three swims each control a bay, and the lake holds approximately 80 carp. Three known fish are over 30lb, with a lake record of 34lb. Depths range from 7ft to 11ft, so it looks well suited to a compact, focused session where watercraft matters and every bite feels properly earned.
The booking setup is clear. Standard slots run from 10:15am until 10:00am on departure day, with Main Lake anglers arriving for the watercraft peg draw at 9:30am. Merlin has a 9:30am midweek peg draw, while Hayes swims are pre-booked. Weekend bookings run Friday to Sunday with a 48-hour minimum.
Tackle rules are tight, so have your kit bang on before travelling. Barbless hooks, minimum 15lb mainline and fishery-provided landing and fish-care kit are mandatory, while braid, leadcore, fixed leads, zigs, artificial baits, maggots, worms, particles and nuts are out. Boilies, pellets and corn or maize are permitted. The fishery sells quality pellets on site at £6 per 2.5kg bag.
The gates open at 8:00am and lock at 6:00pm, with arrivals before 8:00am not permitted. Toilets are available, and the office is open Monday to Saturday 9:00am–5:00pm and Sunday 9:00am–12:00pm. Booking is essential by phone, website or Facebook message. The contact number is the fishery.
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.
Merrington Carp Fishery FAQs
What are the standard session times?
Standard booking slots run from 10:15am until 10:00am on departure day. Weekend bookings run Friday to Sunday with a 48-hour minimum.
Can I arrive before 8:00am?
No. Gates open at 8:00am and arrivals before then are not permitted.
What happens if a fish is estimated over 39lb?
It must be reported to management before removal from the net for weighing or photographs.
Can I bring takeaway food to the fishery?
Takeaway deliveries to the fishery are prohibited.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Merrington Carp Fishery. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Shrewsbury.
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 available on site.
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?
SY4 3QH.
How much is a ticket?
Main Lake — 24 hours per angler: £36 per 24 hours per angler; Merlin Lake — 24 hours: £31 per 24 hours; Hayes Lake — 24 hours per angler: £36 per 24 hours per angler; Quality carp pellets: £6 per 2.5kg bag. 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 — Main Lake (8 acres), Merlin Lake (1.25 acres), Hayes Lake (6 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?
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?
It depends — Bait boats are allowed only on lake exclusives.
Do I need barbless hooks?
Yes, it's required — Barbless hooks are mandatory on all three lakes.
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.
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Pre-book only
Main Lake: a proper big-fish water with an average around 25–26lb and known carp to 43lb 8oz.
- Size
- 8 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Main Lake is an 8-acre water with 15 single swims and approximately 275 carp. Around 90% are reported to be over 20lb, so this is very much a specimen-focused lake rather than a numbers water.
The known stock includes 47 fish over 30lb and two over 40lb. Records are a 43lb 8oz mirror and a 41lb 8oz common. There’s plenty of scope for a serious lump, but locating the fish from your swim will be key.
Approximately 275 carp; around 90% are over 20lb, with 47 known fish over 30lb and two known fish over 40lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Main Lake
Merrington Carp Fishery
Main Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Main Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers chasing a 30lb-plus carp or a new PB
- Carp anglers happy to spend time finding features and watching water
Maybe not for
- Anyone after a relaxed, mixed-species session or lots of small bites
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Main 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.
Main Lake FAQs
How many rods are allowed on Main Lake?
A maximum of two rods is allowed.
How is the peg allocated?
Anglers can arrive for the watercraft peg draw at 9:30am.
What's the lake record on Main Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: Approximately 275 carp; around 90% are over 20lb, with 47 known fish over 30lb and two known fish over 40lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Main Lake?
carp. Approximately 275 carp; around 90% are over 20lb, with 47 known fish over 30lb and two known fish over 40lb.
How big is Main Lake and how many swims?
Around 8 acres acres. A proper big-fish water with an average around 25–26lb and known carp to 43lb 8oz..
Which baits work well on Main Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Main 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 Main 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 Main 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 Merrington Carp Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Main 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 Main Lake on a day ticket?
You'll need to book Main Lake in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on Main 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 Main Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers chasing a 30lb-plus carp or a new PB; Carp anglers happy to spend time finding features and watching water. Less suited to: Anyone after a relaxed, mixed-species session or lots of small bites.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
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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
Merlin Lake: a compact three-swim lake with bays to control and a record carp of 34lb.
- Size
- 1.25 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Merlin Lake covers 1.25 acres and has three swims, with each one controlling a bay. It holds approximately 80 carp, including three known fish over 30lb, and the lake record is 34lb.
Depths range from 7ft to 11ft. The smaller layout should reward accurate fishing and close attention to margins, features and fish movement rather than simply spreading rods about.
Approximately 80 carp, including three known fish over 30lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Merlin Lake
Merrington Carp Fishery
Merlin Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Merlin Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers who like intimate waters and focused, close-range fishing
- Those targeting a 30lb-plus carp without fishing an 8-acre lake
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting lots of swims or a wide-open big-water challenge
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Merlin Lake
carp
Chod or helicopter style over soft weed and silt
Where the bottom drops in and out of holes or there might be soft silt or weed, a pop-up that slides up the leader sits over the muck instead of disappearing into it — no need to find a perfectly clean spot.
- Single pop-up, 2–3in off the bottom.
- Fish it as a single hookbait or with a light scattering of freebies — a big bed defeats the point.
- Cast to likely holes and let the lead settle; don't drag it back.
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.
Merlin Lake FAQs
How deep is Merlin Lake?
Depths range from 7ft to 11ft.
How many rods can be used?
A maximum of three rods is allowed on Merlin Lake.
What's the lake record on Merlin Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: Approximately 80 carp, including three known fish over 30lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Merlin Lake?
carp. Approximately 80 carp, including three known fish over 30lb.
How big is Merlin Lake and how many swims?
Around 1.25 acres acres. A compact three-swim lake with bays to control and a record carp of 34lb..
Which baits work well on Merlin Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Merlin 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 Merlin 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 Merlin 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 Merrington Carp Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Merlin 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 Merlin Lake on a day ticket?
You'll need to book Merlin Lake in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on Merlin 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 Merlin Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers who like intimate waters and focused, close-range fishing; Those targeting a 30lb-plus carp without fishing an 8-acre lake. Less suited to: Anglers wanting lots of swims or a wide-open big-water challenge.
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
Hayes Lake: a feature-filled 6-acre carp lake with singles, doubles and multiple 30lb-plus fish.
- Size
- 6 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Hayes Lake covers 6 acres and has ten swims in total: four single swims and three double swims. It contains 185 mirrors and commons, with an average fish weight of approximately 25–26lb.
The lake has clay, silt and hard-gravel areas, along with underwater features. That gives anglers plenty to investigate, with careful plumbing and accurate baiting likely to matter. Multiple fish over 30lb add a proper target-fish angle.
Contains 185 mirrors and commons, with an average fish weight of approximately 25–26lb and multiple fish over 30lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Hayes Lake
Merrington Carp Fishery
Hayes Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Hayes Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers wanting a choice of single or double swims
- Carp anglers who enjoy working out bottom features and targeting 30lb-plus fish
Maybe not for
- Anyone wanting a very small, intimate water or a mixed fishery
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Hayes 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.
Hayes Lake FAQs
How are Hayes Lake swims allocated?
Hayes Lake swims are pre-booked.
How many rods are allowed?
A maximum of two rods is allowed.
What's the lake record on Hayes Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: Contains 185 mirrors and commons, with an average fish weight of approximately 25–26lb and multiple fish over 30lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Hayes Lake?
carp. Contains 185 mirrors and commons, with an average fish weight of approximately 25–26lb and multiple fish over 30lb.
How big is Hayes Lake and how many swims?
Around 6 acres acres. A feature-filled 6-acre carp lake with singles, doubles and multiple 30lb-plus fish..
Which baits work well on Hayes Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Hayes 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 Hayes 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 Hayes 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 Merrington Carp Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Hayes 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 Hayes Lake on a day ticket?
You'll need to book Hayes Lake in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on Hayes 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 Hayes Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers wanting a choice of single or double swims; Carp anglers who enjoy working out bottom features and targeting 30lb-plus fish. Less suited to: Anyone wanting a very small, intimate water or a mixed fishery.
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 mandatory on all three lakes.
- No
Are braid and leadcore allowed?
Braided mainline and leadcore are prohibited. Minimum mainline strength is 15lb.
- No
Are fixed leads allowed?
Fixed leads are prohibited. Rigs must release the lead after a line break.
- Only if
What bait is permitted?
Boilies, pellets and corn or maize are permitted. Zigs, plastic or artificial baits, maggots, worms, particles and nuts are prohibited.
- Only if
Are bait boats allowed?
Bait boats are allowed only on lake exclusives.
- Must
Is fishery equipment compulsory?
Only fishery-provided nets, unhooking mats, slings and water buckets may be used. Carp-care antiseptic or propolis is required.
- Only if
Are children and guests allowed?
No children under 10 are allowed. Under-16s require an experienced adult. Only wives, husbands and partners are permitted as guests.
- Must
Is booking essential?
Booking is essential by phone, website or Facebook message. Full payment is required to secure online bookings.
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.
Main 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.
Merlin Lake
carp
Chod or helicopter style over soft weed and silt
Where the bottom drops in and out of holes or there might be soft silt or weed, a pop-up that slides up the leader sits over the muck instead of disappearing into it — no need to find a perfectly clean spot.
- Single pop-up, 2–3in off the bottom.
- Fish it as a single hookbait or with a light scattering of freebies — a big bed defeats the point.
- Cast to likely holes and let the lead settle; don't drag it back.
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.
Hayes 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.
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: Three dedicated carp lakes, strong average weights and multiple known 30lb-plus fish make this a serious 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 — “Merrington Carp Fishery is a family-run private carp venue near Shrewsbury, with three purpose-built lakes aimed squarely at anglers after proper lumps. Main Lake and Hayes Lake offer 25–26lb average carp, while Merlin Lake is a smaller, three-swim water with fish to 34lb.”
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 Merrington Carp Fishery
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