🎣 Specimen Carp Fishery

Cromwell Lake

Newark · Nottinghamshire

📋 About the Fishery

Cromwell Lake has developed into one of the most respected big carp fisheries in the Midlands and is widely regarded as one of the top day-ticket style specimen lakes in the UK. Located just outside Newark in Nottinghamshire close to the A1, the fishery combines impressive carp stocks with excellent facilities and a peaceful mature setting that attracts anglers from across the country.

The lake itself covers approximately 18 acres and is spring-fed, creating clear water conditions and a healthy natural environment for fish growth. Originally transformed into a dedicated specimen carp venue in 2004, Cromwell has undergone continuous stocking and development over the years. The management team has invested heavily in fish quality, introducing carefully selected carp from some of the UK’s most respected fish farms including AJS, VS Fisheries, Chilston, and Mark Simmonds stock.

The venue features gravel bars, silty channels, deep margins, plateaus, weed growth, and dramatic drop-offs ranging from 3ft down to nearly 18ft. This variety of underwater features gives anglers multiple tactical options throughout the seasons. Mature willow, pine, cherry, and beech trees surround the venue, creating an atmosphere more similar to a private syndicate water than a commercial fishery.

Cromwell Lake has become particularly famous for producing large numbers of thirty-pound carp alongside several genuine forty-pound specimens. Anglers regularly describe the venue as one of the cleanest and best-managed fisheries in England thanks to its secure gated access, immaculate grounds, spacious swims, and modern anglers lodge facilities.

🐟 Fish Stock

The lake currently holds an estimated 250+ carp including a huge number of fish over 30lb and multiple carp exceeding the magical 40lb barrier. Several members of the famous “A Team” stock now weigh well over 45lb, while captures approaching 50lb have helped cement Cromwell’s reputation as a serious big fish venue.

Alongside the carp, the fishery also contains pike, perch, bream, and silver fish which contribute to the lake’s healthy ecosystem. Fish condition is exceptional throughout the venue due to the natural food supply and careful fishery management.

🎯 Tactics & Methods

Successful anglers on Cromwell Lake often focus heavily on watercraft and accurate bait placement. The lake rewards anglers who locate fish rather than remaining static for long periods. Popular tactics include fishing balanced boilie presentations to gravel spots, solid PVA bags near drop-offs, and subtle bottom bait approaches in silty areas.

During warmer months, showing fish around weed beds and marginal features can produce exceptional results, while colder weather generally sees carp holding in deeper water areas. Zig rigs and singles can also prove highly effective during periods of changing pressure and clear water conditions.

🏆 Lake Records

ℹ️ Facilities & Notes

Cromwell Lake provides some of the best on-site facilities found at any UK carp fishery. The venue includes secure CCTV parking, spacious swims, free barrows, charging points, WiFi, hot showers, toilets, kitchen facilities, and a fully equipped anglers lodge that remains open 24 hours a day. Landing nets, slings, and unhooking mats are also provided on site to maintain fish safety standards.

Booking in advance is strongly recommended due to the popularity of the venue and limited number of pegs available.

📞 Contact & Booking

🌐 www.cromwelllake.com

📍 Great North Road, Cromwell, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG23 6JE