About

Crabtree Fisheries is a pristine exclusive hire carp lake hidden in a wooded valley near Wenlock Edge in the heart of the Shropshire countryside. Dating back to the 18th century, the lake was purchased in 1987 and underwent a full renovation in 1988 including draining, de-silting and bank redefinition, with the island constructed during this period. A further de-silting took place in 2019, with the lake re-stocked in both 2019 and 2023 with scaly mirrors, unscaled mirrors, zip linears and old English commons to 22lb-plus. Following an intensive feeding programme, the stock has grown into the 30lb-plus range and continues to develop year on year. The 2.5-acre lake offers 7 carefully positioned official swims plus a stalker's walk along the north bank, each swim presenting different challenges and opportunities across depths ranging from 2 to 9 feet. Natural features throughout include weed beds, lily pads, rushes, a stream bed running west to east, silt, gravel, underwater slopes and deep holes. The lake holds approximately 100 pristine carp comprising scaly mirrors, unscaled mirrors, zip linears and old English commons, all of which are growing steadily through the fishery's ongoing feeding and management programme. With no day tickets, no syndicates and a maximum of 4 anglers per exclusive booking, the lake sees minimal pressure and fish that are genuinely challenging to catch. Facilities on site include toilets, fresh water, and a secure gated car park for up to 6 vehicles with full CCTV coverage across the site. The lake has been fully fenced to protect stock from predators. An optional shepherd's hut is available as an additional extra on all bookings, providing comfortable accommodation with sleeping arrangements, heating, power outlets, kitchen, bathroom with shower and stunning lake views — ideal for longer stays or colder month visits. Bookings are available in a range of packages from 2-night sessions through to full week exclusives, with all swims included in every booking.

Tactics & Tips

The lake is full of natural food and bloodworm beds so tactics and watercraft are absolutely key on this water. The stream bed running west to east through the northern swims is a consistent natural feeding area and should be targeted regularly. Fish the margins early morning and evening, then move to the deeper stream bed and open water as the day progresses. Surface fishing is highly productive from spring through summer, particularly from the shallower northern swims. In winter, target the deeper areas in the south-east corner (Finn's Wood) and from Point Break which commands the most water during colder months. The lake is not a commercial fishery — it requires patience, experience and watercraft to succeed.