Fishery guide · West Midlands
Barston Lakes
A big, 21-acre, 125-peg carp and match lake within the West Midlands Golf Club near Solihull, with a British Carp Angling Championship match-weight record and carp to 37lb.
“7.6/10 — A big, well-known match and carp water.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Barston Lakes' main water, Barston Lake, is a serious size — 21 acres and 125 pegs, used for carp (including night) fishing as well as bookable matches for anywhere from 10 to 100 people, and the lake holds the British Carp Angling Championship (BCAC) record for a match venue, producing 1,296lb of fish in a 48-hour match.
- 3 lakes: Barston Lake, Jake's Lake, Daisy's Lake
- Fish: carp
- Tickets from: Day ticket / match pricing — See official site — not itemised on the public pages we checked
- Find it: Solihull · B92 0JP
Plan your session
Fishery map of Barston Lakes
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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.
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Fishery
Barston Lakes
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Anglers' photos
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Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Barston Lakes
Barston Lakes' main water, Barston Lake, is a serious size — 21 acres and 125 pegs, used for carp (including night) fishing as well as bookable matches for anywhere from 10 to 100 people, and the lake holds the British Carp Angling Championship (BCAC) record for a match venue, producing 1,296lb of fish in a 48-hour match.
The lake's fish have real history: the official site describes original resident carp believed to run over 30lb, topped up with more than 20,000 small carp plus 750 doubles-and-up introduced from a Naseby Reservoir stocking, and two fish brought in from a Manor House pool in Kent in 2014 weighing 30lb and 37lb on introduction.
Alongside the main lake, the complex also has Jake's Lake (10 pegs, specimen carp to 35lb+) and Daisy's Lake (18 pegs, pleasure fishing), both fished first-come-first-served rather than for matches, and anglers can use the golf clubhouse bar and café, with showers and toilets available.
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.
“down the edge (right hand side) with the method peg 124 Best peg in the Midlands”
— Anglingman, 3 Mar 2020 · Maggotdrowning forum
“Was part of the British Carp Angling Championships 2010 semi finals shown on Sky Sports... Nice lake, plenty of fish and a bit wierd because your right underneath a flight path for one of the runways at Birmingham Airport so you get a light show in the night.”
— Gavfish, 22 Jan 2011 · WBM Carp Fishing forum
Barston Lakes FAQs
How big is Barston Lake?
21 acres with 125 pegs, per the official site.
What's the biggest carp in Barston Lake?
The fishery's own history page describes original fish believed to run over 30lb, a rumoured 33lb fish in 2008, and two introductions in 2014 weighing 30lb and 37lb on arrival.
Are there other lakes besides the main one?
Yes — Jake's Lake (10 pegs, specimen carp to 35lb+) and Daisy's Lake (18 pegs, pleasure fishing), both fished first-come-first-served and kept off the match rota.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Barston Lakes. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Solihull.
Do I need to bring food?
There's golf clubhouse bar (from 7am) and food 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 showers and toilets.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
Yes — car parking behind pegs on roughly half the lake. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
B92 0JP. Barston Lakes sits within the West Midlands Golf Club site near Solihull — anglers share the car park and clubhouse with golfers, so park considerately and follow the fishery's own signage down to the lakes rather than the golf clubhouse entrance.
How much is a ticket?
Day ticket / match pricing: See official site — not itemised on the public pages we checked. Prices last checked Official site checked 2026-10-02; a public, itemised price list was not found on the live pages — confirm current prices by phone or on arrival — they can change, so check before you go.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Day tickets are available on Barston Lake, Jake's Lake, Daisy's 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. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
3 — Barston Lake (21), Jake's Lake (unconfirmed), Daisy's Lake (unconfirmed).
Is night fishing allowed?
It depends — Carp Club members can night fish with a night permit, agreeing to the rules and checking for next-morning matches first.
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 — No barbed hooks.
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?
The fishery lists some pegs suitable for wheelchair users. Ring ahead to check which swims suit you.
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
Barston Lake: the 21-acre, 125-peg main lake — a bcac record match venue
The 21-acre, 125-peg main lake — a BCAC record match venue.
- Fishing Quality
- 8/10
- Swims & Banks
- 7/10
- Facilities
- 7/10
- Ease of Access
- 7/10
- Value for Money
- 5/10
Carp introductions to 37lb and a BCAC record 1,296lb match weight.
125 pegs with real variety of depth around the lake.
Golf clubhouse bar, food, showers and toilets shared with golfers.
Half the lake has parking behind pegs; some wheelchair-suitable pegs.
No itemised public price list found — confirm cost before travelling.
- Size
- 21 acres
- Swims
- 125
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Barston Lake is the complex's flagship water: 21 acres, 125 pegs, bookable for matches from 10 to 100 anglers, and the holder of a British Carp Angling Championship record of 1,296lb caught in a single 48-hour match.
Depths vary around the lake from a fairly uniform 4 feet on most banks down to 15 feet under the electricity wires between pegs 61-80, which the fishery's own notes suggest can fish well for carp seeking depth in cold weather.
The fishery states original carp believed to run to over 30lb, supplemented by 20,000+ small carp, 750 doubles-plus from Naseby Reservoir, and two 2014 introductions at 30lb and 37lb on arrival.
Lake photographs
A look around Barston Lake
Barston Lakes
Barston Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Barston Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Carp anglers wanting to bivvy up for a long session
- Match anglers and clubs booking larger events
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting a small, intimate water
Bait, rigs & seasons
- Pegs 61–80 sit over deeper water (7–15ft) under the power lines and can fish well for carp seeking depth in cold conditions, per the official peg-by-peg notes. — Barston Lakes, live site
How we'd fish Barston 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.
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
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.
Barston Lake FAQs
Can I night fish on Barston Lake?
Yes, with a night permit for Carp Club members, and you must check there are no matches booked for the following morning.
What's the lake record on Barston Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: The fishery states original carp believed to run to over 30lb, supplemented by 20,000+ small carp, 750 doubles-plus from Naseby Reservoir, and two 2014 introductions at 30lb and 37lb on arrival. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Barston Lake?
carp. The fishery states original carp believed to run to over 30lb, supplemented by 20,000+ small carp, 750 doubles-plus from Naseby Reservoir, and two 2014 introductions at 30lb and 37lb on arrival.
How big is Barston Lake and how many swims?
Around 21 acres with 125 swims. The 21-acre, 125-peg main lake — a BCAC record match venue.
Which baits work well on Barston Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Barston 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 Barston 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 Barston 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 Barston Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Barston Lake?
We've got 1 tip for Barston Lake in the tips section above. We don't rank pegs — the fish move, and yesterday's hotspot is today's dead water. Watch the water when you arrive.
Can I fish Barston Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Barston Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Day ticket / match pricing See official site — not itemised on the public pages we checked (last checked Official site checked 2026-10-02; a public, itemised price list was not found on the live pages — confirm current prices by phone or on arrival).
Is night fishing allowed on Barston Lake?
It depends — Carp Club members can night fish with a night permit, agreeing to the rules and checking for next-morning matches first.
Who does Barston Lake suit?
Good for: Carp anglers wanting to bivvy up for a long session; Match anglers and clubs booking larger events. Less suited to: Anglers wanting a small, intimate 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
Jake's Lake: a small, first-come-first-served specimen water, carp to 35lb+
A small, first-come-first-served specimen water, carp to 35lb+.
- Fishing Quality
- 7/10
- Swims & Banks
- 6/10
- Facilities
- 7/10
- Ease of Access
- 7/10
- Value for Money
- 5/10
Specimen carp to 35lb-plus on a small, quieter water.
Only 10 pegs.
Shared clubhouse facilities.
Turn-up access, not used for matches.
No itemised public price list found.
- Size
- unconfirmed acres
- Swims
- 10
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Jake's Lake is much smaller than the main lake at just 10 pegs, and is kept off the match rota — it's described as holding specimen carp to 35lb-plus and fished on a turn-up basis.
A third-party directory describes a 10-peg lake known for specimen carp weighing up to 35lb-plus, fished first-come-first-served rather than for matches.
Lake photographs
A look around Jake's Lake
Barston Lakes
Jake's Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Jake's Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Specimen carp anglers wanting a quieter, smaller water than the main lake
Maybe not for
- Match anglers — not used for matches
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Jake's 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.
Jake's Lake FAQs
What's the lake record on Jake's Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: A third-party directory describes a 10-peg lake known for specimen carp weighing up to 35lb-plus, fished first-come-first-served rather than for matches. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Jake's Lake?
carp. A third-party directory describes a 10-peg lake known for specimen carp weighing up to 35lb-plus, fished first-come-first-served rather than for matches.
How big is Jake's Lake and how many swims?
Around unconfirmed acres with 10 swims. A small, first-come-first-served specimen water, carp to 35lb+.
Which baits work well on Jake's Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Jake's 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 Jake's 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 Jake's 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 Barston Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Jake's 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 Jake's Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Jake's Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Day ticket / match pricing See official site — not itemised on the public pages we checked (last checked Official site checked 2026-10-02; a public, itemised price list was not found on the live pages — confirm current prices by phone or on arrival).
Is night fishing allowed on Jake's Lake?
It depends — Carp Club members can night fish with a night permit, agreeing to the rules and checking for next-morning matches first.
Who does Jake's Lake suit?
Good for: Specimen carp anglers wanting a quieter, smaller water than the main lake. Less suited to: Match anglers — not used for matches.
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
Daisy's Lake: an 18-peg pleasure lake away from the match traffic
An 18-peg pleasure lake away from the match traffic.
- Fishing Quality
- 6/10
- Swims & Banks
- 6/10
- Facilities
- 7/10
- Ease of Access
- 7/10
- Value for Money
- 5/10
Pleasure fishing, not aimed at big-fish specialists.
18 pegs.
Shared clubhouse facilities.
Turn-up access, not used for matches.
No itemised public price list found.
- Size
- unconfirmed acres
- Swims
- 18
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Daisy's Lake is pitched as a pleasure water rather than a specimen or match venue — 18 pegs, turn-up access, and a calmer alternative to the busy main lake.
A third-party directory describes an 18-peg pleasure-fishing lake, also fished first-come-first-served and not used for matches.
Lake photographs
A look around Daisy's Lake
Barston Lakes
Daisy's Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Daisy's Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Pleasure anglers wanting a relaxed session away from matches
Maybe not for
- Specimen hunters chasing the biggest fish on site
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Daisy's Lake
carp
A bigger bed of bait at range
On wide, open water the fish move about a lot — a decent bed of bait at range holds a passing group long enough to get a bite.
- 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.
Daisy's Lake FAQs
What's the lake record on Daisy's Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: A third-party directory describes an 18-peg pleasure-fishing lake, also fished first-come-first-served and not used for matches. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Daisy's Lake?
carp. A third-party directory describes an 18-peg pleasure-fishing lake, also fished first-come-first-served and not used for matches.
How big is Daisy's Lake and how many swims?
Around unconfirmed acres with 18 swims. An 18-peg pleasure lake away from the match traffic.
Which baits work well on Daisy's Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Daisy's 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 Daisy's 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 Daisy's 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 Barston Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Daisy's 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 Daisy's Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Daisy's Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Day ticket / match pricing See official site — not itemised on the public pages we checked (last checked Official site checked 2026-10-02; a public, itemised price list was not found on the live pages — confirm current prices by phone or on arrival).
Is night fishing allowed on Daisy's Lake?
It depends — Carp Club members can night fish with a night permit, agreeing to the rules and checking for next-morning matches first.
Who does Daisy's Lake suit?
Good for: Pleasure anglers wanting a relaxed session away from matches. Less suited to: Specimen hunters chasing the biggest fish on site.
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
- No
Barbed hooks?
No barbed hooks.
- No
Surface fishing?
No surface fishing.
- Seasonal
Braided mainline?
No braid mainline, except it is allowed 1st November to 1st May.
- No
Keepnets?
No keepnets unless fishing a match, where one net for silvers and one for carp is required.
- No
Can I take fish away?
All fish must be returned; the fishery states it will report anyone taking fish to the police, and fish are microchipped for tag checks.
- Only if
Night fishing?
Carp Club members can night fish with a night permit, agreeing to the rules and checking for next-morning matches first.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 2 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.
Barston 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.
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
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.
Jake's 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.
Daisy's Lake
carp
A bigger bed of bait at range
On wide, open water the fish move about a lot — a decent bed of bait at range holds a passing group long enough to get a bite.
- 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.
Good background reading. Most of it is a few years old, so treat it as a starting point and ask on the day.
- Barston Lakes | Fishing in Solihull — PlaySport directory, undated listing
- Barston Lakes thread — Maggotdrowning forum, 2020-03-03
Videos linked by the fishery
What anglers reckon
7.6/10 from Tackle Index: A big, well-known match and carp water.
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.
“down the edge (right hand side) with the method peg 124 Best peg in the Midlands”
— Anglingman, 3 Mar 2020 · Maggotdrowning forum
“Was part of the British Carp Angling Championships 2010 semi finals shown on Sky Sports... Nice lake, plenty of fish and a bit wierd because your right underneath a flight path for one of the runways at Birmingham Airport so you get a light show in the night.”
— Gavfish, 22 Jan 2011 · WBM Carp Fishing forum
Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “A big, 21-acre, 125-peg carp and match lake within the West Midlands Golf Club near Solihull, with a British Carp Angling Championship match-weight record and carp to 37lb.”
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 Barston Lakes
No angler score yet — nobody's reviewed Barston Lakes here. Be the first and get the score started.