Main Lake - 22-Acre Specimen Carp Water in Gloucestershire

The Main Lake at Horcott Lakes stands as the jewel in the crown of the Cotswolds' premier carp fishing destination, representing everything that makes classic English gravel pit fishing so captivating and rewarding for serious specimen hunters and campaign anglers alike. This magnificent 22-acre gin-clear Cotswold gravel pit epitomizes the perfect combination of natural beauty, challenging fishing conditions, and exceptional stock quality that has made the Cotswolds region synonymous with the finest traditions of English carp angling.

The lake's extraordinary stock of over 800 carp with an impressive average weight of 20 pounds creates a fishing environment where every cast carries genuine specimen potential, making it one of the most consistently productive big fish waters available on day ticket terms. The stock composition reveals the exceptional quality that defines this water, with over 50 different thirty-pound fish providing regular specimen opportunities and an elite group of 4 fish exceeding the magical forty-pound barrier.

The underwater topography showcases classic Cotswold gravel pit characteristics with well-defined gravel bars, deep gullies, and complex weed bed systems that create the structural diversity essential for supporting such an impressive carp population. The lake's relatively shallow average depth of 5-6 feet, combined with the gin-clear water clarity, creates unique fishing challenges that reward stealth, accurate casting, and careful bait presentation.

The Main Lake provides 35 strategically positioned swims around its perimeter, each carefully designed to provide access to different areas and features while maintaining the natural character and challenge that defines this exceptional venue. The crystal-clear water conditions and relatively shallow depths make this a venue where traditional rig mechanics and bait presentation become critically important.

The venue operates under strict fish care protocols that reflect the value and rarity of the resident stock, with comprehensive rules covering handling procedures, photography guidelines, and tackle specifications designed to ensure the continued health and welfare of these magnificent specimens. The clear water conditions make this an ideal venue for developing advanced angling skills, as the visibility allows anglers to observe fish behavior and understand the subtle factors that separate success from failure.