Furzebray Carp Lakes: Island Lake
A North Devon gem
Built and designed by the fishery owner, Tony Kingdon in 2006 Furzebray Island Lake is a specimen water of three-acres set in the heart of the tranquil Devonshire countryside. Bringing a wealth of coarse and carp fishing experience, Tony’s philosophy was to offer the day ticket carp angler one of the best carp fishing venues in the southwest of England. This ethos certainly shines through as you look around the matured Island Lake.
In recent years the number of pegs has been reduced to provide a better layout of swims and increased water coverage for each angler to explore. What’s more, the fish stock has also been carefully managed to maintain the superb growth rate of the carp. Island Lake is home to some of the UK’s finest strains of carp, which include Horseshoe and Orchid Lake cross and English Leney-Dink cross fish that were handpicked by Tony prior to his stocking of the lake. The lake currently holds some 140 carp ranging in size from mid-doubles to a lake record 39lb mirror, with approximately sixty of these fish over twenty-pounds.
The lake has a variety of features to challenge the angler, with overhanging trees, shallow bars, marginal features such as the reeds all-around the lake and of course there is the island, forming a complete fishing experience and a haven for carp and wildlife.
The lake varies in depth from the shallow water of Swim 1 (The Secret Swim) situated in the northeast corner of the lake and the 12ft of water that can be found in Swim 10 (The Lifebuoy) at the deepest end of the lake.
Other facilities include, angler’s toilet and shower room, which is regularly cleaned, as well as secure, on-site parking. A traditional barn conversion and luxury lodges also provide self-catering accommodation that will appeal to the holiday angler. A full set of fishery rules are included within a comprehensive website and the Furzebray Facebook page is regularly updated with fishery news and reports. All in all, a well run day ticket venue with a lovely stock of fish that’s definitely worth a visit.
The vital information you need...
Biggest residents: Angie’s Common 30lb and Charlotte 39lb.
Average fish size: Low-twenty.
Rough fish stock: 140 carp.
Going bait: Sticky Bait boilies and Furzebray boilies.
Takeaways: Fred’s Charcoal Grill on 01769 574444.
Local tackle shop: Summerlands Tackle (0844 8099 388) and Exeter Angling Centre (01392 436404).
Rod limit: Three rods.
Location: South Molton, Devon, EX36 4ER.
Contact: Furzebray Lakes on 01769 572653.
Website: furzebraylakes.co.uk
Prices: £25 for 24hrs; £45 for 48hrs; £60 for 72hrs and £15 per night there after.
Facilities: Toilets, shower and self-catering accommodation.
Best spring areas/swims: All swims produce in the spring.
Tony's top tip: “The Furzebray carp love coming into the edge, so don’t neglect the margins.”