Hampshire
Willow Park Fishery
Carp Fishing Lakes in Aldershot, Hampshire
Willow Park Fishery: Our Rating
Here’s the Carp Tax rating of Willow Park Fishery. These scores are based on our team’s experience with the lake and facilities. Scores are subjective and are meant solely as a guide to help fellow anglers plan their visit.
Cleanliness
8/10
Facilities
9/10
Peg Spacing
8/10
Ticket Price
9/10
A Quick Look at Willow Park Fishery
Tucked away in Ash, just a couple of miles from Aldershot, Willow Park Fishery is a fantastic complex that’s earned its reputation with local carp anglers. The site covers around 22 acres and holds four lakes but, let’s be honest, it’s Big Lake that really gets the rods out of the shed.
Big Lake spans roughly 10 acres, with depths ranging from 4ft in the shallows to around 8ft in the deeper areas. It’s got plenty of features to fish to, and a proper head of carp moving about all year round.
33lb
lake record
10
acres
28
pegs
6ft
average depth
About Willow Park Fishery
Willow Park’s Big Lake is a water that many anglers get to grips with quite quickly, which is a big part of its appeal. At around 10 acres, it’s big enough to hold a serious stock of carp, but not so vast that you feel lost when you first turn up. The pegs are sensibly laid out, giving you plenty of water to fish without feeling boxed in, and most swims give you options both close in and at range.
There are gravel bars, shelves and subtle changes in depth dotted about, and those little variations are often where the fish like to spend their time. If you’re the sort of angler who enjoys plumbing around and fishing accurately to features, this lake really rewards that effort.
The margins are well worth a look, too. A quiet approach and a well-placed rig down the edge can be deadly, especially when the carp are mooching about close in. It’s not uncommon for fish to get caught right under the rod tips, particularly during warmer spells or in low-pressure conditions.
Stock Levels
Willow Park’s Big Lake holds a healthy stock of around 400 carp, so there’s always a good chance of action if you’re fishing in the right areas. Most of the fish fall into that mid to upper double-figure bracket, which makes for enjoyable, confidence-boosting sessions, especially if you’re after steady runs rather than blanking for days on end.
That said, it’s not just about numbers. The lake also carries a solid head of 20lb+ carp, and with a lake record pushing 33lb, there’s always the chance of slipping the net under something a bit special. Whether you’re looking for consistent bites or hoping to bag a proper lump, Willow Park gives you a realistic mix of both – without needing to travel to a massive, intimidating water.
Day Tickets, Night Fishing & Lake Exclusives
Willow Park keeps things nice and straightforward when it comes to session tickets, with a few flexible options to suit different styles of carp fishing. Whether you’re popping down for an overnighter, planning a longer stay, or bringing someone along for company, there’s usually a ticket that fits the bill.
For Big Lake, the minimum session length is 24 hours, with start times available in the morning or late afternoon. These overnighters are ideal if you fancy a proper crack at the carp through the evening, night, and into the next day. You can fish with two or three rods, depending on how you like to approach your session.
Tickets are available in multiples of 24 hours, and there’s also a 7 day ticket available for anglers planning a longer campaign, which is ideal if you want to get properly dialled into the lake, track the fish, and fish it across different conditions.
For those who really want the place to themselves, Willow Park also offers a lake exclusive booking, giving you full access to Big Lake for a 24 hour period (or multiples thereof). It’s a popular choice for groups, social sessions, or special occasions when you want total peace and quiet.
Finally, non-angling guest passes are available separately, so visitors can still enjoy the site, café, and facilities without needing to wet a line.
Willow Park Fishery Ticket OptionsFishing Rules At Willow Park Fishery
Broadlands Lakes is a brilliant place to fish, but like any good carp water, it’s worth knowing the ground rules before you hit the bank. Following them keeps the fish happy, your session stress-free, and other anglers smiling.
Key rules to keep in mind:
- Bait boats: Allowed on the main lake — with the exception of pegs 6 & 7.
- Banned baits: No peas, beans, or nuts. Tiger nuts bought from the on-site shop can be used. No spod mixes to be brought from home.
- Visitors: Guests must sign in; unregistered visitors aren’t permitted on the bank.
- Dogs: Without exception, no dogs are allowed.
- Rod limits: Max three rods per angler unless stated otherwise.
- Fish care: Use unhooking mats or cradles and a minimum 42″ landing net; all fish to go straight back — no sacking/retaining.
- Fires: No fires allowed. Failure to comply will result in an immediate ban.
Stick to these, enjoy the bank, and you’re set for a proper fishing session. The bailiffs are friendly but vigilant, so it pays to be prepared — follow the rules, respect the water, and the carp will do the rest.
Pegs, Access & Facilities
Willow Park’s Big Lake is set up with a good spread of pegs around the water, so you’re not stacked on top of the next angler. Most swims give you a decent bit of room to fish properly, whether you prefer flicking rigs into the margins or pushing them out towards the features. The banks are well maintained, with bark-chipped pegs and solid footing, so you’re not slipping about when you’re netting a fish or sorting your rods out in the dark.
Access is nice and straightforward too. There’s on-site parking close to the lakes, which makes getting your barrow down to the swims a lot less of a mission. The paths are firm underfoot, so even with a full carp setup, you can get around without too much hassle.
When it comes to creature comforts, Willow Park has you covered. There are clean toilet and shower facilities on site, including male, female and disabled access, which is ideal if you’re staying over or fishing for a few days. The on-site café does a solid breakfast, burgers, pizzas and hot drinks, so you don’t have to rely on boilies and flapjacks to keep you going.
There’s also a tackle shop on the complex, stocking bait and gear from the usual big brands. Handy if you’ve forgotten something, run out of pellets, or just fancy topping up on bait before getting the rods out.
Who Is Willow Park Fishery Suitable For?
Willow Park is a great shout for anglers who enjoy steady, enjoyable carp fishing without the pressure of massive, windswept waters. The lake’s manageable size and healthy stock mean you’re never far away from fish, which makes it ideal for anyone who likes to keep things simple, fish neatly, and build confidence through regular bites.
It suits anglers who are happy to watch the water, fish the features, and work the margins, rather than just chucking it as far as possible and hoping for the best. A bit of watercraft goes a long way here, and anglers who take the time to find the fish usually get rewarded.
That said, Willow Park is also friendly enough for newer carp anglers or those getting back into the sport. You don’t need a complicated setup to catch here – just solid rigs, tidy baiting, and a calm approach. If you enjoy relaxed sessions, decent fish, and a venue where effort is often rewarded with action, Willow Park is the kind of place you’ll happily keep returning to.
Nearby Carp Lakes In Hampshire
All Hampshire Carp LakesIf you are fishing in the Aldershot area and looking to explore alternative venues, there are several well-established carp lakes nearby that may also be worth considering. The following fisheries are located within 1 hour of Willow Park Fishery and offer different lake sizes, stock profiles, and angling experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Willow Park Fishery
How big is Big Lake at Willow Park Fishery?
Big Lake at Willow Park is around 10 acres in size. It’s big enough to hold a healthy stock of carp and plenty of features, but still small enough to keep track of where the fish are during your session.
What size carp can you expect to catch at Willow Park Fishery?
Most carp at Willow Park’s Big Lake weigh in the mid to upper doubles, with plenty of 20lb+ fish also in the mix. The lake record is just over 33lb, so there’s always a chance of landing something special as well as enjoying regular action.
How deep is Big Lake at Willow Park Fishery?
Big Lake ranges from around 4ft in the shallower areas to about 8ft in the deeper sections, with shelves and gravel features in between that often hold fish.
Does Willow Park Fishery have islands or key features to fish to?
Yes – Big Lake has gravel bars, shelves, and subtle depth changes that the carp often use. While it doesn’t have large islands like some venues, these features act as natural holding spots, and fishing accurately to them can make all the difference in getting bites.
How many pegs are there on the Big Lake?
Big Lake has 28 well-spaced pegs, giving anglers plenty of room to fish without feeling crowded. Most swims allow you to target both the margins and the features, so you can set up comfortably and work the water properly.
Is Willow Park Fishery suitable for day sessions as well as longer stays?
Yes – Willow Park works well for quick day sessions, overnighters, or longer campaigns. The lake’s manageable size, solid stock, and comfortable pegs make it easy to enjoy a few hours or settle in for a proper multi-day session.
