Lake

Venue information

Wicksteed Carp Lake is a mature and weedy water around 4 acres in size, with depths ranging from 3ft-8ft. It was originally dug in the 1960's to provide flood relief for the boating lake when the banks burst after heavy rain. Today the Lake is a beautiful reed lined fishery, enjoyed by anglers and bird watchers alike.

Tranquillity amidst suburbia

The Fish

Before the introduction of Carp into the Lake, it was renowned as a top Tench & Pike water. Both species are still present though not in there former numbers. Instead today, members can pit there wits against our wily Carp which have grown on to 25lb's+ after being stocked in Spring 2022.  

We have at least 10 fish over the 20lb mark, and countless doubles coming up behind them. Keep an eye out for our 'Ghosties' too, who are piling on the weight now as they compete with the new fish for the feed. All in, we have around 70 Carp for you to target, all of which are gaining in size month on month.

Matty Harrison with 'Emma' at 22lb 2oz caught in April 2022

Pegs

We currently have 8 pegs, all ranging in size. Each commands its own area of water. The deeper water is found around 2-3 rod lengths out from 'Debbies' at around 8ft. The bottom is a bit of an egg box to say the least, but as a rule the depths gradually decline as you work from left to right as below:

Only 8 pegs but all with plenty of water

The shallower areas of the lake are the hot-spots during the Spring/early Summer months, whilst the deeper water around the 'Drain' & 'Debbie's' tends to be where the fish hold up in the colder months.

The lake bed can be very weedy in places, so it is no surprise that solid bags and 'choddies' are the tactic of choice with our successful anglers.

The view from the 'Steps' swim - dawn in early Spring

How to find us

Wicksteed Carp Lake is situated at the southernmost point of Wicksteed Park, Kettering, NN15 6NJ.  Access is via the main entrance on Barton Road; after which you simply follow the signs to the camp site and park up behind the lake near the 'authorised vehicles only' sign.

There is a full video showing you how to get to the lake here.