FISH WITH US

With 14 well stocked and carefully managed lakes on our beautifully scenic site, we are confident we can supply every angler visiting us with a fishing experience they will never forget. 


Whether you are specimen carp angler looking to smash a personal best, a match angler looking for a bumper haul or a pleasure rod who merely enjoys a relaxed days fishing, we know we can cater for you. 


You might even spot the blue flash of one of our resident Kingfishers as they dart along the river course in search of stickleback or minnow for their lunch.

FISH WITH US
Fishing Rules

The rules of Makins Fishery - please read before you arrive.

Match Rules

Please read before you arrive at any event held at Makins Fishery.

Waters

Information about each lake in phases 1, 2 and 3, including our top tips!

Events

See what's on, and what events are lined up at Makins.

Fishing: FAQs

Have a look at the most frequently asked fishing questions.

Round up

What's happened at the events, featuring the best catch and best weight.

FISHING RULES

PLEASE READ BEFORE VISITING

HOOKS AND RODS

  • Barbless hooks only - maximum size 10 or size 6 on lake 1. No micro, pinched barb, or crushed down barbs OF ANY KIND! Any angler found using any type of barbed hook will be told to leave the fishery immediately without refund. 
  • Please note we do not offer refunds on tickets purchased. Anyone breaking the rules will be told to leave and will not receive a refund.
  • No Braided Mainline
  • No Braided hook lengths except on Lake 1
  • No spinning or fly fishing. 
  • Maximum 2 rods per person only (2nd rod allowed subject to additional payment).  
  • No keepnets (except in authorised competitions).

CATCHES AND NETS

  • Fishing from designated pegs only. 
  • Landing nets must be used. 
  • PUT FISH BACK IMMEDIATELY 



General Rules 

  • Buy tickets in the shop prior to fishing
  • Close all gates behind you
  • Be respectful to fishery staff and other anglers
  • No parking on the grass at any time


 

BAITS AND PELLETS

  • No blood-worm/joker/tiger nuts
  • NO FLOATING BAITS
  • No cat or dog meat.
  • Makins own fishery feed pellets to be used on the fishery. 
  • You can use any ground-bait or hook baits. Please ask if unsure. 
  • No bait boats
  • No BREAD between April- October: bread can be used as a hook bait only between November- March.

NOT PERMITTED ON SITE

  • No boats or rubber dinghies.
  • No dogs, cyclists, bikes or motorbikes, open fires,  BBQs, alcohol or drugs. 
  • Please take your litter home with you or use onsite bins. 
  • No paddling or swimming: the water is deep and extremely cold!
  • No unsociable or rowdy behavior (anyone causing a nuisance will be told to leave).

PLEASE REMEMBER...

  • A Current EA licence is required. 
  • Juniors must be accompanied by an adult whilst at Makins. 

 VISITORS

Visitors should report to reception on arrival.

WARNING

Anyone found to be breaking any of these rules will be told to leave the fishery without refund. 


Please report any suspicious behaviour or concerns to our onsite Bailiffs, phone 07951436461 or call the police. 


Grass banks and mud can be slippery so please take care. Beware of DEEP water!


THE MANAGEMENT RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE ADMISSION AND ACCEPT NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY LOSS, DAMAGE OR INJURY WHILST ON OUR SITE.

NO Dogs allowed around the lakes.

Dogs are allowed on the campsite and caravan field.

No dogs are allowed around the lakes during the day!

Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.

MATCH RULES

MAKINS OPEN MATCH FISHING TIMES-11.00AM-5.00PM

ALL OTHER TIMES TO BE AGREED WHEN BOOKING A MATCH


RULES

1. Fishery pellets only (any pellet as hookers). Any ground-bait, sweetcorn etc may be used as feed in reasonable quantities.


2. No marine halibut pellet or trout pellet.


3. BREAD IS NOT ALLOWED ON THE FISHERY FROM APRIL-OCTOBER. MAY BE USED AS A HOOKBAIT ONLY DURING THE WINTER MONTHS.


4. Maximum of 3 tins of meat allowed (no dog or cat food).


5. NO THROWING UNUSED BAIT IN AFTER MATCH HAS ENDED! All litter must be put in the bins provided or taken home.


6. Keep nets must be pegged out, 1 hour before the match starts. Nets to be placed into the water 15 minutes before the start of the match.


7. Minimum of 2 keepnets to be used and must be in the water from the start of the match.


8. Carp and silvers to be separated; carp to 2lbs in with silvers.


9. Maximum of 60lb carp (50lbs silvers) in any net - 60lb to 70lb to count only as 60lb, above 70lb the net is disqualified. All fish that are netted must be transferred into a keepnet via the landing net.


10. Barbless hooks only (max size 8)


11. No feeding with pole pot whilst fishing.

RULES

12.16m pole limit.


13. No braid allowed on any lake (except Lake 1)


14. No wading.


15. No damage to the otter fencing.


16. Basic gardening allowed though no chopping of large branches or ripping out reeds from the root (if in doubt, ask).


17. Mugging (standing) allowed only if the next peg is unoccupied. No standing on box to do so.


18. Anglers can fish to the edge of the next peg if unoccupied or halfway if it's in use.


19. Maximum match duration 6 hours (subject to change during hot and humid weather periods).




WATERS

3 PHASES, 18 LAKES, 510 PEGS

WATERS: PHASE 1

On arrival to Phase 1, you will see the large car park, shop and cafe with Lake 1 directly in front of you. 

Download Phase 1 Map

See all maps here

  • LAKE 1 | 53 pegs

    At just under 5 acres, this is the largest lake on the whole of Makins Fishery complex. Having a total of 53 pegs and heavily stocked with Carp weighing between 10-35lb+ with a good stocking of 20lb+ fish with a few edging into the 30lb mark makes this a great specimen lake for those looking to break a new PB!

    This lake also holds a good head of Bream in the 3-5lb mark which provide some great silver fish sport for those who prefer some old school feeder fishing.

    Depths average around 8ft but deeper to the left of the car park swims at approx 11ft.


    Tips:

    Traditional open end feeder filled with groundbait with worm, maggot or caster hook baits. Boilies are becoming a favourite for the specimen carp native to the lakes.

    Along the river bankside in between the islands casting to the gravel bar produces good results but a rig cast down the inside accounts for some large Carp aswell...

    Sweetcorn and boilies over a bed of pellets is a winner on this lake but also zig rigs fished mid water can account for the bigger specimen.


    Lake Residents:

    Carp 10-35lb plus a few 30lb+ and still growing...

    Bream 3-5lb

    Roach

    Tench

    Barbel

    Perch


  • LAKE 2A | 20 pegs

    Split into 2 lakes, 45 pegs over 3 and a half acres, this is a premiere match lake consistantly producing big match weights but also being very attractive to both pleasure anglers and specimen hunters alike.

    Each peg has an island marker for aim.

    This lake holds a vast stocking of Carp to good weights along with a good variety of silver fish.

    This lake will easily produce match weights of over 200lb.


    Tips:

    Method feeder loaded with soft micro pellets with banded hard pellet on the hook and cast right up to the island, as close as you can.

    Pole fished along the margins for specimen Carp with hard pellet on the hook.

    Pellet Waggler fished shallow works well for some of the bigger carp.

    Corn, meat pellet along with paste in the warmer months.


    Residents:

    Carp

    Bream up to 5lb

    Roach 2lb+

    Perch 3lb+


  • LAKE 2B | 25 pegs

    Split into 2 lakes, 45 pegs over 3 and a half acres, this is a premiere match lake consistantly producing big match weights but also being very attractive to both pleasure anglers and specimen hunters alike. Lake B is slightly deeper at around 8 foot.

    Each peg has an island marker for aim.

    This lake holds a vast stocking of Carp to good weights along with a good variety of silver fish.

    This lake will easily produce match weights of over 200lb.


    Tips:

    Method feeder loaded with soft micro pellets with banded hard pellet on the hook cast right up to the island, as close as you can.

    Pole fished along the margins for specimen Carp with hard pellet on the hook.

    Pellet Waggler fished shallow works well for some of the bigger carp.

    Corn, meat pellet along with paste in the warmer months.


    Residents:

    Carp

    Bream up to 5lb

    Roach 2lb+

    Perch 3lb+

  • LAKE 3 | 20 pegs

    With an average depth of around 6 foot, this lake and its 20 pegs is one of our easiest lakes to catch plenty of decent sized Carp and Silvers all year round.

    Overlooked by our touring field, and previously used as a stocking lake, the Carp have grown on really well and now run to 3-5lb and a good few pushing into the low 12-13lb mark

    The corner pegs seem to do the best as the pegs are only situated on either side of this square shaped, small but perfictly formed 1.5 acre lake.


    Tips:

    There are no best ways or tactics as everything will work well due to the large stocking density.

    Method fished at  around 30yrds and pole fished shallow at around 8 metres is the most popular used.

    Pellet feed. Pellet, corn , meat or paste on the hook. Maggot or soft pellet will give plenty of bites.


    Residents:

    Carp 12lb+

    Roach

    Perch

    Chub 3lb+

  • LAKE 4 | 30 pegs

    Originally known as the NOVICE LAKE, this is no longer the case!

    This is another square shaped lake with a smaller island at one end. With 30 pegs it is one of our deepest lakes with a dividing rope along the middle.

    It is around 11ft deep along the rope and 9ft down the track. It is much shallower closer to the island pegs with as little as 3ft on the high 20 numbered pegs.


    Tips:

    Pegs in the high 20's can be excellent in warmer weather with basking Carp and around the shallow margins.

    Pegs 3/7/11 produce top match weights of well over 200lb.

    Peg 26 is a favourite, casting to the end of the rope.

    Waggler fished at various depths spraying loose pellets account for the bigger specimen but dont be afraid to fish strong pole tactics along the margins with bigger baits like paste or big chunks of meat.


    Residents:

    Carp 15lb +

    Roach

    Bream

    F1's

  • LAKE 5 | 54 pegs

    This is one of our most popular lakes and in our opinion, one of the best all round lakes to be found anywhere in the country!

    This 2 and a half acre lake comes with 54 well spaced pegs with easy access from the main car park and right next to our popular Makins Cafe. This lake is also over looked by our Makins Lodges.

    An average depth of 5 and 6ft , this lake truly suits all types of angler.


    Tips:

    Low number pegs opposite the lodges are popular and in the summer, its the high number pegs.

    Method feeder or waggler.

    Pellet, corn, meat and maggots with pole and paste.


    Residents:

    A good mix of hard fighting Carp 5lb - 15lb.

    Bream

    Tench

    Roach 

    Perch

    Chub


WATERS: PHASE 2

On arrival to phase 2, you will see the 2 largest lakes being Lagoon and Lizard.

Download Phase 2 Map

See all maps here

  • LAGOON | 38 pegs

    Next to Lizard and seperated by a long causeway, this 1 & 1/4 acre lake holding 38 pegs is the first lake you come to as you enter phase 2.

    It has a couple of small islands and fishing here is as good as anywhere.

    The versatility of this lake means its ideal for method, waggler and pole.

    Tips:

    Higher peg numbers narrow down making it ideal for any pole enthusiast. 

    Lower peg numbers have the island to target.

    All baits work with sweetcorn, paste, meat and of course pellet and small boilies being favourite.

    Residents:

    Carp

    Skimmers

    Roach

    Perch to 3lb+

    Chub


  • LIZARD | 40 pegs

    Situated along the large phase 2 car park with 40 pegs and depths from 3ft along the insides to 7ft in the deeper areas, this well stocked lake has something for everyone.

    Tips:

    Pole suits mosts pegs along with method feeder and waggler tactics in the open water and up to the island pegs.

    Favourite pegs are 24-27 fished in the open water or tight to the island and the first few pegs along the causeway 4-7 fishing pole in the margins.

    Loose fed pellet with expanders or hard pellet on the hook. Other hookbaits range from sweetcorn, meat and paste especially in the warmer months.

    Residents:

    Carp 5-8lb

    Bream

    Roach


  • SNAKE | 26 pegs

    As its name suggests, this is a serpantine shaped lake with small islands seperating 26 well placed pegs suitable for any pole angler all year round. Tips:

    Pole fished tight to the islands and down the first shelf land big match weights.

    All baits work well either fished hard on the bottom or shallow depending on the time of year.

    Residents:

    Carp 

    Perch

    Roach

    Tench

    Bream

  • PADDOCK | 26 pegs

    Predominately a silvers lake 

    Set back from Snake and Reptile, we have a 26 peg, 3/4 acre lake which is perfect for all types of angling.

    Tree-lined with a hedgerow along the small stream, you would forget where you are!

    Built with pole angling in mind, it has islands in front of every well spaced peg.

    Tips:

    Pole fished right over to the islands work best along with with margin fishing as close to the nearside bank as possible.

    Pellet, paste, meat and sweetcorn are best on the hook but maggot or bread catch well also.

    Groundbait and pellet loose-fed on a little but often approach attract plenty of fish.

    Residents:

    Tench

    Skimmers

    Bream

    Crucian Carp

    Roach

    Rudd

    Perch

    Some Carp 2-8lb

  • REPTILE | 33 pegs

    Rep and little rep are now one big lake! 


    33 pegs of fishing heaven in calm and peaceful surroundings make this 3/4 acre lake top choice for matches and pleasure fishing.

    There are islands in front of every peg which gives you a perfect feature for any style of fishing.

    Tips:

    Any style of fishing

    Target the Carp which run on average at 6lb.

    Pellet, paste, meat and sweetcorn.

    Residents:

    Carp

    Skimmers

    Roach

    Bream

    Tench


WATERS: PHASE 3

On arrival to Phase 3 you will see Lake Severn on your right. Phase 3 are all serpentine lakes.

Download Phase 3 Map

See all maps here

  • SEVERN | 18 pegs

    Situated at the start of phase 3 with 30 pegs and over an acre in size, this really is a picturesque and quiet lake hense it's namesake.

    Various islands create a serpentine feel and with its well spaced pegs make this a perfect venue for both the pleasure angler and the serious match angler.


    Tips:

    Pole across to the islands and close in the margins.

    The more open corner and end pegs are suited to feeder or float fished over to the far banks and nearby features.

    Pellets loose-fed with banded hard hook pellets or meat, corn and paste.


    Residents:

    Carp

    Roach

    Chub

    Perch

  • AVON | 20 pegs

    Another match style serpentine lake at 1.5 acres making this lake the biggest on phase 3.


    Tips:

    Fishing tight to the island or down the inside margins and the deeper first shelf on pole or float.

    Big weights are found anywhere along the straights.

    Pellets loose-fed with banded hard hook pellets or meat, corn and paste.


    Residents:

    Carp to double figures

    Skimmers

    Bream

    Tench

    Roach

    Perch


  • THAMES | 20 pegs

    A 20 peg lake with an island at a distance of 12metres, this is a comfortable pole lake. The reed fringed island tends to hold the Carp close as well as down the first far shelf and inside shelf of around 3 to 4 metres.


    Tips:

    Fishing really close in down to the next platform works for Carp but dont be afraid to go for the vast other specimens.

    Feeding micros or 4mm pellet with hard 6 or 8mm pellet on the hook is favourite along with bigger hookbaits like cubes of meat, corn and paste for the specimens.


    Residents:

    Carp

    Skimmers

    Bream

    Tench

    Chub

    Roach

    Perch

  • Derwent A & B | 26 pegs

    A 26 peg lake consistent of two banks-  A and B both fish very similarly with depths averaging between 4-5 foot. 


    TIPS: 

    Feeding in the margins works wonders for the resident carp or across to the far bank, but dont be afraid to fish in the middle for our vast other specimens. 

    Feeding micros or 4mm pellet with hard 6 or 8mm pellet on the hook is favourite along with bigger hookbaits like cubes of meat, corn and paste for the specimens. Maggots catch all year round


    RESIDENTS:

    Carp


    Skimmers


    Bream


    Tench


    Chub


    Roach


    Perch


    Barbel



CALENDAR

Click on date to see more information. Unless otherwise stated, Pleasure Fishing is on every day. Read about past events and matches in the Weekly Round Up.
Weekly Round Up

July 2026

Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun

29

30

1

Makins Open - Lake 2

2

Coalville Over 60s -Lake 2

Makins Thursday open - Snake & Reptile & Avon

3

Grant Jones - Snake + Reptile

4

Grant Jones - Lagoon + Lake 4

Witherley AC - Lizard

lake 2- sunshine ac

Nelson Juniors - Reptile

Show all

5

lada- lake 2

Long Eaton Victoria - Lizard

RoTas - Lake 4

Pike & Eel- Derwent

SUNDAY OPEN - Snake, Reptile Thames

John - Lake 5 peg 1-15

Grant Jones - Severn + Avon

Show all

6

Andys tournament - lake 2 A & Lake 4

7

andys tournament - snake and reptile

8

Andys tournament - Derwent Thames

Makins Open - Lake 2

9

Rugby pensioners - Severn

Andys tournament - lake 4 & Lake 2 A

Makins Thursday open - Snake & Reptile & Avon

Show all

10

Reptile Eve match 1300

Avon - Kev

Phil - Severn pegs 12-18

Show all

11

ceva - Avon & Severn

Pairs Carp Champ - Lake 1

HASSRA National - Lake 2 & Lake 4

Andy Edge - Reptile

Michael F - lizard

Show all

12

Woodford ac - Severn

Coronation AC- Lake 2

SUNDAY OPEN - Snake, Reptile & Lizard

James way- Avon

Stute ac- lake 4

Show all

13

14

15

Makins Open - Lake 2

16

Makins Thursday open - Avon & Reptile

17

Gaz Wood 2 Dayer - Lizard & Avon

18

Lake 5 Pegs 49&50 - coaching

Gaz Wood 2 Dayer - Lizard & Avon

fishing 4 fun - reptile

Show all

19

WNT AC - Paddock

SUNDAY OPEN - Snake, Reptile Severn Derwent

Fleckley - Avon

Shardlow Marina - Lagoon

Belgrave AC - Lake 2 A bank

Red Lion AC - Lake 4

Limetree - Thames

Show all

20

21

22

Army Group 4 - Lake 4

Makins Open - Lake 2

23

Makins Thursday open - Reptile & Severn

24

25

WAAC - Lake 2

Newbridge- Lake 4

Charnwood Hookers - Derwent

Green Farm AC-Snake

Nelsons AC - Reptile

M&D Fishing Club - Avon

Edge - Severn

Show all

26

Tony Edmonds- Severn

Lake 4- oadby legion

Westend Club - Derwent

Nelson Academy Juniors Q5 - Snake & Reptile

Shaft Ac- Lake 2

Sunday Open - Avon Thames Lizard Lagoon

Show all

27

28

29

Lake 1 - Closed for survey

Makins Open - Lake 2

30

Preston UK Junior Championships - Lake 2 & 4

Makins Thursday open - Avon & Reptile

31

Reptile - pegs 27 , 28 , 3 , 1 Phil AA

1

Adroit AC - Lizard

elephant and castle seven and avon

22AC - Lake 4

Currie and Warner AC - Derwent

East Cheysmore AC - Snake & Reptile

Thames- cotgrave AC

CEVA - LAKE 2

Show all

2

Vipers AC - Severn

Stute AC - Lake 5

Punch Bowl - Derwent

Limetree - Lagoon 12-25

Potters Green AC - Thames

JD - Lake 2

Crow Pie - Lizard

LADA - Lake 4

Pike & Eel - Avon

SUNDAY OPEN - Snake, Reptile

Show all

COMMON FISHING QUESTIONS

See some common questions and answers below, or get in contact to ask something else!

  • Can I bring my own food?

    You can bring your own food but all packaging must be taken home with you, or disposed of responsibly. 


    Why not try our on-site cafe? It's situated in phase 1 car park. Food can be eaten inside or you can take to your peg. 

  • Ordering food

    Our on-site cafe is situated on phase 1 car park. 

    To order food please call 07508 318803. Please note - peg deliveries will only be possible if the cafe is not busy. 


  • Where do I purchase my ticket?

    Tickets can be purchased from our bait shop loctated on Phase 1. Alternatively you can set up on your peg and our fishing bailiffs will come round to collect payment.

  • How do I book a lodge or touring pitch?

    If you would like to stay with us then please call 07951436461 and we will be more than happy to help or book direct on our website. 

  • Can I buy a yearly ticket?

    Yes, please see our prices section for more details

  • Is there on-site parking?

    Yes there is plenty of parking around the site. Click here to see our maps.

  • Can I fish overnight?

    Yes, we offer 24 hour fishing on Lake 1 for £28.

    £5 guest fee for anyone staying over night with you but not fishing (per 24hr)

     

    https://www.gocatch.fish/profile/8fc9933d-f2ab-43c4-86ee-523eb832e673 


  • Do you have a bait shop?

    We have a well stocked on site bait shop for all your fishing requirements. You will find this in reception, down the stairs. We also stock live bait (maggots) subject to stock. 

  • Do I need an EA Rod Licence?

    Yes, all anglers must have a valid EA rod licence and checks will be carried out on the banks throughout the day.

  • Can I bring my dog?

    No, sorry, pets are not allowed around the lakes; but dogs are permitted on the campsite and touring park.

  • Can I pay by card?

    Yes, we have a contactless machine or we accept cash. 

  • How can I contact you?

    You can contact us via our email address at the bottom of this page or you can call us on 07951436461.

WEEKLY ROUNDUP

WHAT'S THE SCORES

By matt • March 31, 2026
Over 60's Fishing Festival

By matt • March 31, 2026
Brand new to Makins Fishery this year! Our first ever Carp Pairs Championship! This will take place on Lake 1 , our specimen lake and is the first of its kind. Pairs will compete to catch the highest weight of fish over 24 hours, with the 2 highest weights qualifying for the final in September. Enter now, while there are still places left... Entry: £150 per pair

IMPORTANT NOTICE

July 29, 2023
KHV