Acorn Carp Fishery - Carp Fishing in Somerset

Acorn Lake is a mature, 8-acre gravel pit located in the North Somerset countryside. Excavated in the 1970s for motorway construction, the pit was left to naturalise for decades before being developed into a specialist carp fishery. This lengthy period of maturation has resulted in a rich, diverse aquatic environment, providing the ideal habitat for carp to thrive. The lake bed is a complex tapestry of features, a direct result of its gravel pit origins. Anglers will find a significant variance in depth, ranging from shallow marginal shelves of 3-4 feet to deeper gullies and holes that plunge to over 14 feet. The topography is anything but uniform. Substantial gravel bars, humps, and plateaus are key features throughout the venue, rewarding anglers who invest time with a marker float or leading rod to map out their swim. Between these harder gravel areas lie deep, silty deposits, rich in natural food, which are often productive feeding zones, particularly during colder months. Two prominent islands dominate the central area of the lake, creating natural patrol routes and holding areas for the carp. These islands, along with extensive reed beds and lily pads that flourish in the summer, provide excellent marginal features and require careful, strategic angling. The water is generally clear, allowing for effective stalking tactics in the margins when conditions permit. The ten purpose-built swims are generously spaced around the perimeter, ensuring each angler has ample water to command. Swims are constructed from woodchip and gravel, offering stable and clean areas for setting up. Access to all swims is straightforward via a well-maintained stone track that encircles the lake, making it easy to transport equipment with a barrow. The venue's stock consists of approximately 200 carp, a deliberate low-stocking policy that has allowed the fish to achieve significant weights and develop unique characteristics. These are not freshly stocked, naive fish; they are predominantly old, wise carp that have seen a variety of angling pressure. The average size is impressive, with a significant number of fish exceeding 20lbs and 30lbs. The fishery's prize residents are a select group of carp that have breached the 40lb barrier. Angling at Acorn is a test of watercraft. It is not a runs water where bites are guaranteed. Success demands a thoughtful approach: meticulous feature-finding, precise bait application, and effective rig presentation. Anglers who can adapt to the conditions and the feeding habits of the carp will be the most successful. The lake's challenging nature, combined with the high calibre of its stock, makes it a destination for the dedicated specimen hunter and the intermediate to advanced carp angler seeking a rewarding experience.