County Durham is famous for its fly-fishing and sea-fishing opportunities. The location is home to rich marine life and many cheap fisheries that offer beginner and expert anglers a fantastic chance to indulge in their hobby.
Our list will recommend some popular fishing spots. It’s the perfect place to start if you’re looking for a fishery near you in County Durham!
County Durham Carp Fishing Lakes Near Me
1. Eden Grange Fishery
Image Courtesy of Eden Grange Fishery
Eden Grange Fishery, located just off Dale Road in Shildon, is a 12-acre fishery that boasts 4 lakes that are home to a decent variety of fish. Runswater, Hackworth Lake, and Match Pond are its main attractions, as they host multiple pegs and are well-stocked with carp that weigh up to 28 lb.
We recommend you visit during the summer and keep your bait simple. The fishery website offers in-depth information about the lakes, optimal fishing tactics, and the latest news.
Day tickets start at £10 for adults. Night fishing is reserved for members — tickets start at £20. Children under 16 sharing a peg with their guardian can fish for £5. There are also special offers for Blue Badge Holders and concessions.
Eden Grange Fishery At a Glance:
| Name: Eden Grange Fishery | Lake Size: Varies |
| Location: Dale Road, Shildon | Price: Starting at £5 |
| Biggest Carp: 28+ lb | Contact: +44 7523 950088 |
2. Watergate Fishing Lake
Image Courtesy of Watergate Fishing Lake
Watergate Fishing Lake, located on Seaham, close to the old mining village of Murton, is a 3-acre lake that offers day and seasonal carp and coarse fishing opportunities to beginner and advanced anglers alike. There’s a car park a short walk away from the lake. There are also 10 pegs, 4 of which are next to each other.
While there isn’t an official website, all information is available via a Facebook Page. There are also a few YouTube videos showcasing the typical fishing experience at Watergate.
Tickets can only be obtained through FishingTicket. Prices start at £10 for day tickets, while seasonal tickets (Winter/Summer) start at £120.
Watergate Fishing Lake At a Glance:
| Name: Watergate Fishing Lake | Lake Size: 3 acres |
| Location: Murton, County Durham | Price: Starting at £10 |
| Biggest Carp: 8+ lb | Contact: +971 50 452 8201 |
3. Aldin Grange Lakes
Image Courtesy of Aldin Grange Lakes
Aldin Grange Lakes is situated on 20 acres of scenic farmland located on Bearpark, Durham. While five large-sized lakes are home to a wide variety of fish, anglers interested in carp should fish at the two coarse ones. They have 26 pegs and contain an average of 5 types of carp.
Aldin Grange Lakes stand out, thanks to the sense of community among the anglers. Help and guidance are provided to the elderly and beginners, and there’s a junior club for children. The fishery also hosts multiple events and matches.
Catch/release fishing prices start at £15 for 4-hour sessions. Full-day tickets cost £20. However, there are tickets available to those who wish to keep the fish. There also are tickets for coarse and fly seasons, costing £300 and £500 respectively.
Aldin Grange Lakes At a Glance:
| Name: Aldin Grange Lakes | Lake Size: 2+ acres |
| Location: Bearpark, Durham | Price: Starting at £15 |
| Biggest Carp: 19+ lb | Contact: 0191 3846090 |
4. West House Trout Lakes
Image Courtesy of West House Trout Lakes
West House Trout Lakes is a complex of lakes located on Mill Lane, Bishopton. Although most lakes attract trout fishermen, the oldest Lake, West Lake, boasts a good stock of carp. The lake is approximately 1.5 acres and ranges from 1 to 3 metres deep.
The fishery is open from 8 AM to 4 PM. Tickets can be bought from the official website for £18. Note that there are a few rules you must abide by, including possession of an Environment Agency-licensed fishing rod.
You can keep the first fish you catch but must release the rest. Fishing is allowed between 8 AM and 4 PM every day except Monday.
West House Trout Lakes At a Glance:
| Name: West House Trout Lakes (West Lake) | Lake Size: 2+ acres |
| Location: Bearpark, Durham | Price: £18 |
| Biggest Carp: 30+ lb | Contact: 07836 330157 |
5. Finchale Abbey Park
Image Courtesy of Finchale Abbey Park
Finchale Abbey Park is located in Brasside, Durham. This picturesque family-run park hosts multiple facilities and activities for individuals of all hobbies and interests. For anglers, the easily-accessible river Wear is home to a great variety of fish, common carp being one of them.
Day tickets are available from the local shop and come with car parking. Note that there are several rules you must abide by, including owning an Environment Agency-licensed rod.
Day tickets cost £10 and include car parking. Junior tickets only cost £7, and seasonal tickets cost £50. While parking isn’t included with the latter, it comes at a reduced price of £1.5 per day.
Finchale Abbey Park At a Glance:
| Name: Finchale Abbey Park | River Length: 3+ kilometres |
| Location: Brasside, Durham | Price: Starting at £7 |
| Biggest Carp: Not available | Contact: 0191 3866528 |
Conclusion
Durham, similar to other regions in the United Kingdom, appeals to beginner and advanced fishermen alike with its great diversity of fishing spots. From park lakes to family-run fisheries, we guarantee you’ll find a place that’ll satisfy your angling desires.
We recommend you visit Finchale Abbey Park to relax and enjoy its beautiful scenery. If you find a tight-knit community of anglers is more appealing, give Aldin Grange Lakes a try. If you’ve ever fished at any of these spots, tell us about your experience!
