Scenic UK carp lake at dawn

Fishery guide · Staffordshire

Cudmore Fisheries

Cudmore’s day-fishing lakes are closed for 2026, so don’t turn up expecting a cheeky day ticket. The current booking list offers pre-booked nights on Avoca and Tara, with carp, catfish and three islands on each water.

“6.9/10 — Both bookable waters offer island features and substantial advertised carp and catfish, though day fishing is closed.”

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The lowdown

First things first: Cudmore Fisheries has closed all its day-fishing lakes for 2026. That’s the big one to get straight before loading the car. This venue on Pleck Lane, Whitmore, near Newcastle-under-Lyme, is currently listing night fishing on Avoca and Tara instead. So, while Cudmore has a mixed-coarse offering, the available bookings put carp and catfish firmly in the spotlight.

  • 3 lakes: Avoca, Tara, Swan Lake
  • Fish: carp, catfish
  • Tickets from: Avoca night fishing — £35 per angler per night
  • Find it: Newcastle-under-Lyme · ST5 5HW

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Cudmore Fisheries

Newcastle-under-Lyme · ST5 5HW

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The full rundown on Cudmore Fisheries

First things first: Cudmore Fisheries has closed all its day-fishing lakes for 2026. That’s the big one to get straight before loading the car. This venue on Pleck Lane, Whitmore, near Newcastle-under-Lyme, is currently listing night fishing on Avoca and Tara instead. So, while Cudmore has a mixed-coarse offering, the available bookings put carp and catfish firmly in the spotlight. Think planned overnight session, not an on-the-whim afternoon on a day-ticket peg.

Avoca gives you 3.5 acres, three islands and depths listed at 4–8 feet. There are 10 swims, including two doubles, with room stated for 10 anglers. The fishery describes carp to 30lb and catfish to 82lb — proper lumps on paper. Those islands give the lake clear features, but there’s no need to dress that up as a guaranteed catching spot. Pick your approach around the water in front of your drawn peg rather than arriving with a fixed plan.

Tara is another 3.5-acre water with three islands, this time with depths of 3–8 feet. Its description lists approximately 110 carp, carp to 32.8lb and catfish to 72lb. There are 11 swims, including three doubles, although the stated capacity is still 10 anglers. That distinction matters when planning a session with a mate: a double swim doesn’t override the ticket requirements, and every person attending needs their own booked ticket.

Booking takes a little forward planning, but the arrangements are straightforward enough. Spaces open up to 28 days ahead, pre-booking is required and walk-ins aren’t accepted. Book online, or telephone for card payment if you can’t access the online booking system. Night anglers may arrive from 15:00, the peg draw takes place by 15:30, and you must leave your peg by 13:00 on departure day. The FAQ advertises night fishing throughout the year.

There is one bit of booking faff worth sorting before paying. The current headers advertise £35 per angler per night and 23 hours, while the lake descriptions still include conflicting £25 and 24-hours-plus wording. Confirm the duration rather than assuming you’ve bought a full 24 hours. On the practical side, there’s a bait shop in the Lodge, on-site toilets and the Cake Shack café beside reception, with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking Swan Lake. Check its seasonal updates before banking on a brew.

Pack for the rules, not just the fish. Night sessions allow up to two rods and require at least 15lb line, a minimum 42-inch landing net, a padded mat or cradle and fish-care equipment. Report to reception and dip your landing net before fishing. Barbed hooks and Magic Twig devices are banned, and fish must go back promptly. It’s a clear overnight proposition for anglers happy to book ahead and bring the right kit — not a casual spectator outing.

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Cudmore Fisheries FAQs

Where is Cudmore Fisheries?

Pleck Lane, Whitmore, near Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 5HW. The Geograph location identifies the fishery, not a verified entrance.

Do the published opening hours cover night sessions?

No. Monday–Sunday, 08:00–16:00 are the website footer hours, separate from overnight sessions. The FAQ advertises night fishing throughout the year. Confirm session duration because the booking headers and lake descriptions conflict.

How do booking and cancellation work?

Book online, or call the fishery for card payment if you cannot access online booking. Cancellation refunds require more than 48 hours’ notice by email, not by telephone or the booking app.

Is there somewhere to get food and bait?

There’s a bait shop in the Lodge and the Cake Shack café beside reception. Café hours are listed as 09:30–17:00 in the FAQ, but check Facebook for seasonal updates.

Where's the nearest tackle shop?

There's bait shop in the lodge on site, so you can grab bits on the day. For anything bigger, stock up before you leave home — or order online in advance.

Do I need to bring food?

There's cake shack café beside reception 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 on-site toilets.

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?

ST5 5HW.

How much is a ticket?

Avoca night fishing: £35 per angler per night; Tara night fishing: £35 per angler per night. Prices last checked 2026-10-05 — 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, catfish. See each lake tab for which fish live where.

How many lakes are there?

3 — Avoca (3.5), Tara (3.5), Swan Lake (Not published).

Is night fishing allowed?

Yes, it's required — Bring a minimum 42-inch landing net, padded mat or cradle, fish-care equipment and minimum 15lb line. Up to two rods are permitted.

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?

No — Both are prohibited.

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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