Our Guide To Carp Fishing In South Yorkshire

 

Few outdoor activities can be better matched than pairing up camping with carp fishing. And few counties are better matched with a traditional carp fishing experience than South Yorkshire. Its pleasant countryside – scattered as it is with lakes, ponds and fisheries – holds an abundance of opportunities for anglers of all sorts. So now you’re wondering ‘where can I fish in South Yorkshire?’ Well, pack your tent, rig your rod and grab a peg with our guide to the best South Yorkshire fishing spots.  

Ravenfield Ponds

Ravenfield Ponds are in the Rotherham area, near the historic village of Old Ravenfield, and are known as one of the area's best coarse fisheries. Set in a secluded valley among thriving wildlife, these six scenic fishing lakes make a great spot to while away a peaceful day by a peg. 

You’ll have no difficulty in idling the hours away here, angling for crucian, mirror and common carp or for an array of other species such as bream, ide, roach, rudd, perch and gudgeon. Whatever your level of expertise, there is a full range of fishing options to pick from. 

For the purist and/or match-minded, there is one lake dedicated solely to specimen fishing.  Here, 15-pounder mirrors, crucians and commons are common, with some whoppers reaching in excess of 26lbs. 

Should you require a break from the serene idleness or prize fish-lifting, Ravenfield Park (of which the ponds are a part) has a great network of footpaths for an invigorating bit of exploration through its wooded and grassland areas. 

Hook a site near Ravenfield Park

McCallum’s Bank End Fisheries

Another of South Yorkshire’s finest day-ticket coarse fishing lakes, McCallum’s Bank End Fisheries has ample options for pleasure fishing and specimen fishing alike.

The fishery is made up of three lakes that host a comprehensive mix of species, with the third lake reserved for match carp fishing only. 

East End Lake measures approximately five acres and contains carp of up to 30lbs, along with bream, roach, rudd, perch and tench, whereas the smaller West End Lake teems with smaller F1 and mirror carp (3-4lbs average) – which can make for a satisfyingly consistent day of sport.

As the name insists, Match Lake is for match fishing. Here, waters as deep as 14ft are heavily stocked with F1s and offer the best chances at larger prizes of 15lb plus. Pole and pellet tactics can be quite productive on Match Lake.   

Should you run short on allure, there’s an on-site ‘bait bar’ along with a café for those in need of refreshment.

Get your tent pegs in near McCallum’s

Aston Park Fisheries

For a day out at a coarse fishery on a much larger scale, Aston Park Fisheries has more than 240 pegs to choose from, dotted around the seven lakes that spread across their 25 gentle parkland acres just outside of Sheffield. 

All lakes host a variety of species in addition to F1, common and mirror carp, with Stable Lake,  Split Lake and Lilly Lake reserved for match and specimen angling up to 30lb (current record: an enormous 149lb!). Lanta, Bills and Butts Lakes are great for small to medium-size carp (8lb average) plus all manner of roach, rudd, perch, tench, golden orfe, chub, ide and bream. 

For the uninitiated, Aston Park Fisheries is also an ideal place to get started. A new angling and tackle centre opened in March 2021 has all the bits you need to kit out your new pursuit. And to ensure you’re off on the right peg, take a spot at Eliysia’s Lake, specifically designated for coaching and pleasure angling. 

Food and drink needs are easily met at the Water Edge Café – and should bait supplies also be wanting, you can peruse the offerings at their fully stocked ‘bait bar’.    

Fish for a prize campsite near Sheffield

Barnburgh Lakes

Due west of Doncaster, on the edge of the Dearne Valley, is Barnburgh Lakes, a family-run estate with a pretty trio of ponds for a pleasant day of fishing in Yorkshire. 

Choose from 80 pegs where you can rig up for F1, mirror carp and common carp, supplemented by healthy stocks of roach, tench, bream, ide and barbel. For the more seasoned and determined angler, Lake 3 houses specimen carp only; meanwhile, for competitive sorts, open matches are held on Tuesdays and Fridays. 

Go to the bait bar when you’re low on worms and boilies – and for any hunger and thirst developing after a day’s contemplation at the waterside, the Bulrush Bistro has a range of hot and cold food and drink.  

Land the right site near Doncaster

Whether or not you catch anything, be sure to catch these other top things to do in South Yorkshire, and make stays easy with an inspiring selection of South Yorkshire campsites. And for an ultimate vantage point, don’t forget our Ultimate North East Region Camping Guide