Fishing venues

Thatcher's Island Carp Fishery

Devon· EX22 7LS

AI-enriched — awaiting check

Species: 1 recorded
Day tickets: £25.00 (24 hours)
Night fishing: Available — check water
Waters: 1 water

About the water

Thatcher's Island Carp Fishery is a self-built carp venue at Hockwell Cross, Newton St Petrock, in North Devon. Created by owner Leon Vledder in 2020, the main lake covers 2.2 acres. The website lists 60 carp, including upper doubles, fish in their mid-twenties and three over 30lb, with a stated lake record of a 36lb common. Carp are also reared on site in a dedicated stock pond. There are five swims, including a double swim for two anglers. Single use of the double swim requires prior consent, and a separate ticket allows a single angler to fish it with up to four rods. Standard single-swim tickets cost £25 for two rods or £30 for three rods per 24 hours. Stays can be booked in consecutive 24-hour blocks, and exclusive lake bookings are available. Beginners can book a 24-hour tutorial costing £75, with equipment and personal mentoring supplied. House pellets and flaked maize are available to buy. There is a car park with a disinfectant tank for nets, mats and slings. Fishing is restricted to designated swims, with the outer grass banks and island areas out of bounds. Bait boats and poles are permitted. Anglers must hold an Environment Agency rod licence, keep rods attended and follow the venue's fish-handling and tackle rules. Visitors require prior arrangement, and there is no public access.

What you can catch

Species reported by anglers, owners or the venue’s website. Check current stocks with the venue.

Common Carp

Rules

Keep the entrance gate closed and locked. Visitors require prior arrangement. Hold an Environment Agency rod licence and observe ticket rod limits. Disinfect nets, mats and slings before reaching the lake. No leaders, leadcore, braided mainline or fixed leads; tubing only. Use micro-barbed hooks no larger than size 4, a minimum 42-inch landing net and a carp cradle or large beanie mat. Keep mats wet and return fish promptly, with a maximum retention of 15 minutes and none overnight. Carp-care chemicals and antiseptics are banned. No nuts, seeds or particles except sweetcorn. No dogs, open fires or unattended rods. Fish only from designated swims and keep to paths; outer grass banks and island areas are out of bounds. Bait boats and poles are allowed. Double-swim use requires the appropriate ticket or prior consent.