About

Raker Lakes is a well-established mixed fishery situated just south of the historic city of York, set within 28 acres of landscaped countryside near the village of Wheldrake. The complex comprises four coarse lakes and one dedicated specimen carp lake, catering for match, pleasure, and specimen anglers of all abilities. A small adult-only touring caravan site completes the offering, making Raker Lakes a practical base for both fishing sessions and wider exploration of the region. The coarse lakes — Acorn Lake, Heron Pond, Highbank Lake, and Horseshoe Lake — hold a broad range of species including carp, bream, tench, crucians, roach, rudd, skimmers, perch, chub, and dace. Kingfisher Lake is a 6.5-acre specimen water stocked with 220 Simmo fish in 2000, with approximately 70 now between 20 and 30lb and a lake record of 33lb 4oz. Match records across the coarse lakes range from 191lb on Horseshoe Lake up to 316lb on Acorn Lake, demonstrating consistently strong weights across the complex. Facilities on site include toilet and shower facilities, electric hookups at the caravan pitches, and ample parking. The coarse lakes operate on a walk-up basis with cash tickets posted in envelopes provided on site, while pegs on Kingfisher Lake can be booked in advance via lakebookings.com. The complex is managed by Steven Thompson, and the surrounding villages of Wheldrake and Elvington provide local amenities, with York city centre just 20 minutes away.

Tactics & Tips

On Kingfisher Lake, quality boilies or pellets fished anywhere — tight to islands or back into open water — account for most carp. The lake features bars, shelves around islands, gullies and holes averaging five feet in depth. On the coarse lakes, pole fishing inside lines and at 8–10 metres is productive for most species, with pellet, paste, caster and meat the favoured baits. Bomb fished to open water or across to islands also picks up well. On Horseshoe, caster down the middle takes good mixed bags alongside waggler and bomb. Highbank suits pole, waggler and tip tactics with pellet, caster and chopped worm performing consistently.