Tar Farm Lake No. 4

Lake No. 4, also known as the Specimen Carp Lake, is the premier water on the Tar Farm complex at Linear Fisheries. This mature, 3-acre gravel pit is situated in the heart of Oxfordshire near Stanton Harcourt, part of the renowned Linear Fisheries network. The lake is a purpose-designed specimen water, catering to the intermediate and experienced angler seeking to outwit high-quality, hard-fighting carp in a challenging and rewarding environment.

The venue's topography is a classic example of a mature gravel pit, offering a diverse underwater landscape that demands watercraft and a strategic approach. Depths vary significantly, ranging from shallow 3ft marginal shelves to deeper central areas that drop to 12ft. This variation creates a range of feeding zones and holding areas throughout the seasons. The lake bed is a mosaic of features, including clean gravel bars, productive silt pockets, and firm clay patches. Two prominent islands act as natural fish magnets, with their surrounding shelves and deeper channels providing consistent patrol routes for the resident carp. These features, combined with the varied depths, mean that an angler equipped with a marker rod or a Deeper will be at a distinct advantage in pinpointing likely feeding spots.

The lake supports 10 well-spaced, wood-chipped swims, providing each angler with ample water to fish effectively without encroaching on others. Several of these are large enough to be considered double swims, making the venue suitable for social sessions. The margins are a key feature, lined with established reed beds and overhanging trees that provide both cover and natural food larders for the carp. These areas are often neglected but can be highly productive, particularly for those employing a stealthy, stalking approach. During the warmer months, weed beds can become established, presenting an additional challenge but also a significant area of natural food and oxygen that the carp will frequent. Anglers must be prepared with the right tactics and tackle to present a bait effectively in these conditions.

Angling on Lake No. 4 is a strategic pursuit. It is not a runs water where bites are guaranteed. Success requires effort, observation, and a well-thought-out plan. The carp are known to be wary, a testament to the angling pressure they receive. Finding clear, presentable spots on the gravel bars or targeting the deeper silt gullies with minimal disturbance is often the key to success. Bait application needs to be considered; little and often with high-quality boilies or a small spread of particles can be more effective than heavy-handed baiting. The intimate nature of the lake, combined with its clear water, means that line concealment and rig mechanics are critical. This is a venue that will test an angler's skill set but will reward them with the capture of some truly stunning and hard-earned carp.