🎣 Linear Fisheries – Tar Farm Carp Fishing

Tar Farm Lake No 5

Linear Fisheries · Oxfordshire · OX29 5AL

ABOUT TAR FARM LAKE NO 5

Tar Farm Lake No 5 is one of the five lakes that make up the Tar Farm complex operated by Linear Fisheries in Oxfordshire.

The Tar Farm lakes are booking-only waters, with anglers able to book individual pegs or, depending on availability, the whole lake through the GoCatch booking platform and app.

Lake No 5 has become an established carp water and has produced carp well into the 30lb bracket. Linear’s current lake record is a 36lb 12oz mirror, making this an interesting water for anglers looking for a realistic chance of a good-sized carp while still having plenty of smaller fish to keep the rods moving.

The Tar Farm complex has been carefully landscaped, with planted banks, tracks and dedicated parking areas around the lakes. It is set in the Oxfordshire countryside and offers a different style of fishing from some of Linear’s older waters.

FISH STOCK

Linear Fisheries currently lists the following lake records for Tar Farm Lake No 5:

• Mirror carp – 36lb 12oz
• Common carp – 26lb 4oz
• Ghost carp – 23lb 12oz
• Pike – 9lb 6oz
• Tench – 6lb
• Perch – 2lb 4oz

When the Tar Farm complex was initially stocked, Lakes 4, 5 and 7 each received around 450 carp. The initial stocking included fish from around 6lb through to fish over 14lb, including selected twenties and fish over 30lb.

Linear currently states that detailed stock information will be updated in due course, so anglers should treat individual stock figures as subject to change.

TACTICS & METHODS

Like any carp water, finding the fish should come before deciding on the tactic. Spend time watching the lake, particularly around the quieter periods of the day, looking for showing fish, bubbling, liners or other signs of feeding activity.

PVA bags and singles can be a very useful approach on Tar Farm Lake No 5. A recent Linear catch report from May 2026 described three carp being caught during a short five-hour session by casting PVA bags to showing fish.

This is a good reminder that you don’t necessarily need to put a huge amount of bait into the lake. If carp are showing in a particular area, a small, accurate presentation can be worth trying first.

Linear also advises that good-quality boilies, particle baits and surface or zig fishing can all produce fish across its complex when used correctly. Always check the current Tar Farm rules before deciding on your bait and rig approach.

LAKE RECORDS & KEY STATS

SEASONAL GUIDE

Spring

As the water starts to warm, look for carp beginning to show themselves in the upper layers and around shallower areas. A mobile approach can be useful at this time of year, especially when the fish are not yet settled into a regular feeding pattern.

Summer

Summer provides plenty of opportunities to watch for carp showing and feeding. Surface fishing or zig fishing may be worth considering during warmer conditions, while PVA bags and singles can provide a neat presentation when fish are visible.

Autumn

As temperatures begin to fall, carp often continue feeding well before winter arrives. This can be a good time to build confidence in a chosen bait while still remaining alert to where the fish are moving.

Winter

Tar Farm Lake No 5 can be fished throughout the year, as Linear operates its waters without a close season. In colder conditions, finding the carp becomes even more important, and a low-bait approach with an accurate hookbait can be worth considering.

FACILITIES & RULES

Tar Farm Lake No 5 is a booking-only water. The Tar Farm complex has its own access tracks and car parking, with toilets available on the Linear waters.

Linear also operates an on-site tackle and convenience shop where anglers can purchase bait, tackle, food and drinks.

Important information

• Tar Farm Lakes must be booked in advance.
• Bookings are made through the GoCatch platform and app.
• Fishing is available day and night.
• There is no close season on Linear waters.
• Follow all current Linear Fisheries rules regarding rigs, hooks, bait and fish care.
• Fish must be handled carefully and returned to the water as quickly as possible.
• Always use suitable unhooking and landing equipment.
• Keep the swim and surrounding area clean.

BOOKING & PRICES

Tar Farm Lake No 5 is one of Linear Fisheries‘ online-bookable waters. Current prices listed by Linear for the Tar Farm Lakes are:

• 2 rods – 10-hour day ticket: £20
• 3 rods – 10-hour day ticket: £23
• 2 rods – 24 hours: £36
• 3 rods – 24 hours: £42

Online booking fees apply. Prices can change, so always check the current GoCatch booking price before making your journey.

TAR FARM LAKE NO 5 FAQ

Where is Tar Farm Lake No 5?

Tar Farm Lake No 5 is part of the Tar Farm complex near Witney in Oxfordshire. The postcode for the Tar Farm complex is OX29 5AL.

How big is the biggest carp?

The current lake record listed by Linear Fisheries is a 36lb 12oz mirror carp.

Can you night fish Tar Farm Lake No 5?

Yes. The Tar Farm Lakes can be fished day and night, with 24-hour tickets available through the online booking system.

Do I need to book Tar Farm Lake No 5?

Yes. Tar Farm Lake No 5 is a booking-only water and bookings are made through the GoCatch platform and app.

What other fish are in Tar Farm Lake No 5?

As well as carp, Linear lists pike, tench and perch in the lake. The current records are pike to 9lb 6oz, tench to 6lb and perch to 2lb 4oz.

What bait works on Tar Farm Lake No 5?

There are several approaches worth considering, but recent Linear catch reports show PVA bags and singles being successfully used to showing carp. Always check the current fishery rules before using particles, nuts or other bait types.

VENUE INFORMATION

Fishery: Linear Fisheries

Lake: Tar Farm Lake No 5

Location: Tar Farm Complex, Oxfordshire

Postcode: OX29 5AL

Booking: GoCatch online booking platform and app

Fishing: Day and night

Official Website:

Linear Fisheries Official Website

Tar Farm Lake No 5 Information:

Tar Farm Lake No 5 – Linear Fisheries

Tar Farm Lake No 5 information has been compiled to help anglers find and research the venue. CarpAngling.net is independent of Linear Fisheries. Always follow the fishery’s current rules and instructions while fishing.