The Folly Lakes
Two prize specimen carp waters in Cambridgeshire with fish to over 50lb for exclusive booking in a secluded, peaceful spot just outside Peterborough.
Ten key facts about The Folly Lakes
Carp fishing history
Both the lakes and the owner – Nick Cesare – are part of carp fishing history. The clay pits at Maxey have been graced by many big-name anglers over the years and Nick’s own journey began when carp fishing was still in its relative infancy, with luminaries such as Kevin Nash, Kevin Maddocks, Tim Pasiley and Les Bamford all helping him along the way by attending Carp Society meetings. Buoyed by all this information and with a thirst for big carp, Nick was finally presented with the opportunity to buy his own lake – the only drawback was that there were no fish in it.Undeterred, he began a quest to stock it and opened to day ticket anglers 38 years ago before turning it into a private syndicate, where it has remained under the radar ever since as the fish have got larger.
Today, the 15-acre site is home to two lakes – the Main Lake and the Small Lake – making the venue perfect for experienced carpers or those keen to brush up on their skills. From next summer it will open its gates to anglers on block bookings – either a four-night week ticket or three-night weekenders. Bookings are being taken now for June 2026 onwards.
With its well-stocked waters, safe and private environment and excellent facilities, this fishery is an opportunity not to be missed for those looking for a truly special fishing adventure. As well as a large safe parking area, toilets and a cabin, the complex is also surrounded by a security fence and locked gates. There’s even transport provided to your swim. With its impressive stock of carp, the challenge of deep-water fishing, and the recent introduction of exclusive four-day ticket bookings, it provides an unparalleled opportunity for anglers to sharpen their skills.
A position of trust
“The Folly” Experience is now an official member of the Angling Trust – the national governing body for angling in England and Wales. This membership is seen as reflecting the management team’s commitment to promoting responsible fishing, protecting our waters and supporting the wider angling community.
By joining the Angling Trust, the team gains access to valuable resources, expert guidance and a strong network of like-minded fisheries and anglers. It also means it is backing national efforts to safeguard the future of angling, including environmental protection, fish welfare and access to waters. For members and visitors, this is great news, ensuring the venue team meets high standards, stays informed on best practices and does its bit to make angling sustainable for generations to come.
“The Folly” Main Lake
The renowned Main Lake – around 12 acres in size – has an enviable reputation for housing some big, named fish, with at least one exceeding 50lb. The lake has been carefully stocked and managed to ensure optimal growth and health of the fish population. This attention to detail not only enhances the angling experience but also contributes to conservation efforts. It offers a total of 14 swims, nicely spread out around the lake, and there’s also an island in the middle, which is a great fish-holding feature.
You’ll encounter a string of named fish, with a couple nudging or just over 50lb, six fish known to be over 40lb, 35+ 30lb specimens along with a good head of 20s. Brushstrokes is the biggest carp and last came out at 49lb but is now thought to be over 50lb, while Moonscale at 48lb is not far behind – both are mirrors from the original stocking of the lake some 38 years ago. Blackspot is said to be a tricky fish to hook and land, The Peach is a real gem while the Italian, nicknamed the Italian stallion, has a fight to match its name. Meanwhile, Martha is another of the lake’s originally stocked residents.
Being an old clay pit dug during construction of a nearby bridge, it is deep – averaging 4m to 5m (12 to 15ft) in depth with a deeper hole where fish shoal up in the winter. It is crystal clear but can be quite weedy although there are also a few clear spots for the smart angler to target.
Bookings will be for a maximum of 10 anglers on an exclusive three/four-night basis (2pm Monday to 9am Friday or 2pm Friday to 9am Monday).
“The Folly” Small Lake
It may only be 3 acres in size but don’t be fooled – the Small Lake packs a powerful punch, thanks to a good head of carp running to 38lb, catfish to over 60lb and good-sized pike, with the biggest caught so far weighing in at 24lb. It offers nine swims and, nestled in a secluded spot beside the Main Lake, it’s a real hidden gem, with a great reputation for good catfishing. It was used as a coarse fishing lake back in the day but has now been transformed over the years, firstly to a private syndicate and now to an easily accessible venue.
The Small Lake is a real testament to the owners, whose dedication has ensured it continues to maintain a rich aquatic ecosystem. Over the years, a focused management strategy has ensured the health and sustainability of its fish population. Careful monitoring of water quality, habitat enhancement and strategic feeding regimes have all contributed to the thriving ecosystem.
The lake’s management team prioritises conservation while allowing anglers to benefit from exceptional fishing opportunities. Originally kept completely off the radar, it is now being added to the block booking option for up to six anglers on the same weekly or weekend basis as its bigger brother, making it an exclusive destination for those seeking an intriguing angling challenge or simply wanting to relax and take in time in nature. Like its larger sibling, the Small Lake is crystal clear but quite weedy in places and the bottom drops off quite steeply just 6 feet out to anywhere between 12 and 14 feet deep.
Tips and techniques
Standard carp tactics are the order of the day but ensure you go with decent kit and strong rods and reels as these fish are big and put up a strong fight. You can set up three rods per swim, unless it’s marked as a double, but do ensure you are using manufactured barbless hooks only, no braid or carp sacks and that you have a minimum 42in landing net and an unhooking mat or cradle.
Boilies and large pellets will get you bites but the trick here is to find the fish-holding areas, especially as the lakes are quite deep, clear and weedy. Search out the weed-free patches to present your offerings.
On the Main Lake, the island is real draw for the fish while, in winter, the deeper hole in the middle is an obvious place to try. Be aware that both lakes ban the use of maggots. Particles will work well but any nut and seed baits must be properly pre-soaked and cooked.
On the Small Lake, both halibut pellets and halibut boilies will account for the catfish – again, don’t fish light as these are good-sized fish with attitude. Alternatively, try putting out a deadbait for the pike; just don’t be surprised if a catfish makes an appearance too!
Prices
Each session spans four weeknights or three weekend nights, providing ample time for anglers to immerse themselves in The Folly’s tranquil environment while pursuing their passion. This format caters both to seasoned anglers and those new to the sport, permitting ample opportunity to hone skills and tactics in a serene setting. The lakes are now open for bookings starting from 1st June 2026, guaranteeing the perfect setting for a relaxing and rewarding fishing experience. The variety of swims offers scenic views and excellent fishing opportunities. Each booked session will run from 2pm Monday to 9am Friday or 2pm Friday to 9am Monday. Please note – the below prices are exclusive hire for the entire lake, not per person.
Exclusive bookings |
Main Lake (Up to 10 anglers) | Small Lake (Up to 6 anglers) | Four-night weekday stay |
|---|---|---|
|
|
||
|
£695
£495
|
||
| Four-night weekday stay | £695 | £495 | Three night weekend stay |
|
|
||
|
£695
£495
|
||
| Three night weekend stay | £695 | £495 |
Rules and conditions
No maggots are to be used by any carp angler on either lake.
Anglers are to use manufactured hooks only and are expected to be in possession of their own 42in landing net and unhooking mat / cradle.
Braided main line and keep sacks are banned, too while all visiting anglers must use the disinfectant dip tank for their mats, cradles and nets.
If you’re not going down the boilie or pellet route, then nuts and seed baits must be properly pre-soaked and cooked.
Fishing is only allowed from the swims provided.
All rods must be kept in your own swim and there is to be no doubling up of swims with a three rods per swim limit, unless the swim states that it is a double.
Proof of ID may be required on arrival or at any time during the booked session.
No drones are permitted without express permission, no generators are allowed, all rubbish must be removed from the swim by the angler using it, swimming is banned and the management reserves the right to refuse entry or evict anglers or guests without prior notice. There will be no refunds.
Naturally, rule changes may be subject to amendment or addition during the course of the season.
Comments