Clawford Lakes

The lakes at Clawford

Clawford Lake

At just over two acres, this is the specimen carp lake – the largest fish is a common called Arnie, weighing in at around 36lb. There are about 90 carp in all, averaging 18lb with a good number over 20lb. The fishing is challenging but high quality with just 10 swims on the lake. Features include bars, plateaus, reed beds and three islands, with a maximum depth of 12ft and a mixture of silty areas and firmer spots. There is also a handful of perch to over 3lb. Good quality boilies and pellets are the best approach for a few bites using traditional carp tactics.

Mallard Lake

Holding 225 carp averaging 12lb with the biggest (a common called Lucky) weighing 31lb 8oz, this is a “runs” water, offering plenty of rod-bending action. With 16 swims and three islands plus numerous bays and overhanging trees for cover, not to mention a silty deeper end plus raised bars and plateaus, there’s plenty to go at. The carp love boilies and pellets but can be caught off the surface too with bread or dog biscuits. There’s also perch to 3lb 8oz.

Woodpecker Lake

With seven swims on one side of the lake and 250 carp to 25lb and averaging 9lb plus tench, roach and perch over 1lb, this is another “runs” water. Search out the area around the three islands or underwater features such as plateaus, silty areas and firm spots to fish on. There are some large beds of Norfolk reed in the margins which the fish gravitate to in spring and summer. Boilies on standard carp set-ups work really well but if you’re after a mixture of species then waggler-fished maggot, worm and pellet can be really effective.

Lodge Lake

The largest lake on the complex at three acres in size and home to the venue’s floating lodges, which have exclusive access to one side with the other open to all, this is a mixed pleasure fishery. Expect recently stocked carp to 25lb, bream to 4lb, tench to 2lb and roach to 1lb 8oz as well as Clawford’s largest perch, weighing in at 5lb 5oz.  Boilies, pellets and sweetcorn will account for the carp – especially towards the islands – using beefed up gear or try a spot of waggler fishing using maggots to get among the silvers. Grass snakes and kingfishers are also regular visitors here.

Sunset Lake

Named for the fantastic views throughout the day but especially in the evenings, Sunset is exclusively for those staying in the Cocoons. This lake offers great mixed fishing for carp to 10lb, crucians and tench, golden tench and perch. Fish a waggler or cast a feeder using maggot, worm or pellet close to the large lily pads to get in on the action, with anglers regularly reporting bags of over 100 fish during their stay. Pole fishing can be especially productive here.

Snake/ Canal Lake

Snake Lake is approximately 15m wide to the island, which makes it great for pole and light feeder work. There is an abundance of carp up to 9lb plus small perch, tench to 1lb and a good head of golden tench, too. Perfect for beginners, families or those just getting started, Canal Lake ensures plenty of bites from small carp, perch, roach and tench. The carp go to about 3lb in size with the perch, roach and tench up to ½lb. Float fishing tactics are best with maggot and sweetcorn on the hook.

Moorhen Lake

With lodges down one side and fishing swims on the opposite and end bank, there are seven swims, each with different views and features to enjoy. In front of the lodges is a bridge across to one of the islands, which has benches for guests to use. There are three islands, one of them a distinctive ‘M’ shape, hence the Moorhen name, plus some large lily pads and reed beds which hold many fish. There are carp to 8lb, crucians to 1lb, barbel and chub to 1lb, rudd to ½lb and some fantastic perch to 3lb 8oz. Float and feeder fished tactics work well here with sweetcorn, pellet and meat hook baits. You can really hide away on this lake if you want a peaceful and secluded day’s fishing.

Jenny Wren Lake

Offering the biggest variety of species at Clawford, expect crucians and rudd to 1lb, roach to 1½lb and bream, perch and tench to 4lb 8oz, along with some chub to 1lb. You may even be surprised by the two resident Koi carp – Carrott and Casper – which have apparently never been caught! Kingfishers often put in appearance here, too. There are two islands, mature lily pads, bull rushes and tree-lined margins – perfect for waggler or feeder fishing with maggot, caster, worm and sweetcorn.

Heron Lake

Pretty much anything goes, bait-wise, on Heron Lake, thanks to carp to 10lb, bream to 2lb, roach to 1lb plus rudd and perch. Whether you opt for pellets, sweetcorn, maggots, worms, meat or paste, pick one of the 15 swims and seek out the margins of the three islands or the reed beds. Pellets, in particular, fished mid-water or on the bottom will ensure plenty of bites. Herons visit this lake on a regular basis but watch out for the noisy one, which is very territorial.

Pod Lakes 1 & 2

Fishing on the ‘Caribbean’ looking waters is for Lake Pod residents only. In Pod Lake 1 there are plenty of carp to 11lb, bream to 2lb and roach, perch and tench to ½lb. This lake has a silty bottom with maximum depths of around 9ft. Float fishing or feeder tactics work well here with pellet hook baits and the carp love a surface-fished piece of bread or biscuit. Pod Lake 2 has carp to 9lb and tench to 1lb. Float and feeder fishing tactics work best here with pellet on the hook. Sit back and relax on the veranda of your pod and enjoy some great fishing from your private deck.

Beginners’ Lake

The perfect place to catch your first fish or learn new techniques and skills under the guidance of Clawford‘s onsite fishing experts, it’s suitable for all ages and abilities and is stuffed with fish to ensure a guaranteed catch. Children and families can make some great memories together, targeting the carp to 6lb, roach, rudd, tench and crucians to 1lb. Head to the platform overhanging the lake and float fish maggot, sweetcorn or pellet for fun fishing.

Dragonfly Lake

Situated just below the Meadow Lodges at the far end of the resort, this long, narrow water is mainly a carp lake with fish to 25lb and has just had its stock doubled for 2025, with the average size now around the 10lb mark. Due to its shape, fishing the margins and towards the single island from one of its 12 swims with boilies and pellet are the best approach. If you fancy trying to tempt the 1lb tench or the small rudd and perch then try maggot and worm fished under a waggler.

Buzzard and Kestrel Lakes

Fishing on Buzzard is exclusive for guests staying in the three pods, who can enjoy the view as they fish from the veranda. Well stocked with both mirror and common carp to 7lb, tench to 1½lb and barbel to 1lb plus the odd perch to 2lb, it’s a great way to unwind. Kestrel Lake has carp, tench and barbel to target and, again, sweetcorn, maggots, worm and pellets will keep bites coming, whether on float or feeder tactics. Head to the overflow structure where the lake deepens to around 10ft to try your luck but don’t be surprised to see carp cruising under your rod tip, so keep some floating biscuits handy.

Crawford Lakes Accommodation

Lake Pods

A cosy hideaway for a family, fishing or couples break, these boast plenty of home comforts including a bathroom with shower, TV and comfy beds. Most importantly, these are perched on the water’s edge, with an entire glass wall providing views over the lake. There’s a lockable fishing gate so you can fish straight from your decking, too. Lake Pods sleep two, making them ideal for a fishing trip or a romantic break and include a smart camping-style kitchen.

The Lake Pod Plus enjoys a slightly bigger footprint complete with fully fitted kitchen with standard size oven, microwave, hob and fridge (with freezer compartment.) Both have the option of either one super king bed or two separate twin beds in the main living area.

The Signature Pod sleeping four is great for families. With a studio design, there is a 4ft sofa bed in the main living area and a separate double bedroom. The kitchen is small but perfectly formed with a fridge, oven, two ring hob, kettle and toaster. Well behaved pets are welcome but bear in mind the Lake Pods are quite compact.

Floating Lodges

Neither a boat nor traditional lodge, these deliver all the elements of a traditional holiday combined with the romance of waking up every day to the shimmer of water lapping soothingly around you. Perfect for couples or families (with up to two children), these have a dedicated parking space and are securely moored in a discrete, on-lake setting connected by a pontoon-style walkway to the banks.

Inside, each lodge is fitted out to high standards, with modern facilities and quality soft furnishings. Some also incorporate a mezzanine, offering more space and can accommodate up to four adults. Although compact, these lodges have some cool features including ottoman storage in the double bed and a handy clothes rail in the bedroom. But the ‘piece de resistance’ is surely the giant glass wall that looks out over the lake. Relax on your private decking before a wander through the estate or unlock the gate to fish straight from the deck. The kitchen, dining and living area are all fully open plan, while the bathroom is accessed via the ground floor level. Pets are welcome too.

Luxury Cocoons

Clawford is the only UK destination with the rights to offer this incredible glamping experience. With a striking steel structure, a distinctive canvas profile and a stunning expanse of glass, comfort combines with nature coming right into your home.

Sleeping up to five people, each Cocoon rises from comfortable head height to 4 metres tall, with all the luxury and facilities you need at your fingertips, including a roll top bath, luxurious furnishings and bedding. Ideal for those seeking a blend of outdoor adventure and comfort, the open-plan Cocoons aren’t insulated but there’s cosy bedding and hot and cold air conditioning, so you’ll be fine whatever the season.

The translucent fabric stretches across a curved frame providing an infusion of natural light during the day and emitting a magical warm glow at night – on clear nights you can watch the stars from your Cocoon. In summer, enjoy the alfresco lifestyle and uninterrupted views from a huge private deck, a private fishing swim and even a private fire pit with swing arm BBQ rack.

Fishing Lodges

Nestled in the natural surroundings and overlooking the sparkling fishing lakes or with a window on the wildlife are Orchard and Meadow Lodges.

Orchard Lodges are a short stroll from reception, the Apple and Grape bar and restaurant and the Leisure Lake. Many have a fantastic lakes-edge location and all enjoy great views of the resort.

The Meadow Lodges are tucked further away from the main areas of the resort near Dragonfly Lake. Each Deluxe Lodge is at least 20ft wide with up to three bedrooms, making them ideal for large groups and families while the Luxury Lodges are at least 14ft wide with a stylish, open-plan living space. And can comfortably sleep up to six people. Many are pet-friendly, too.

Holiday Apartments

In addition, Clawford offers newly renovated, stylish holiday apartments, which are light and airy and thoughtfully finished with hand-chosen artworks and all mod cons, including a fully equipped kitchen, modern bathroom and comfortable beds.

Choose a ground floor apartment with terrace area and make it even more luxurious by opting for a hot tub. Alternatively, stay in a first-floor holiday apartment with a south or southwest facing balcony for idyllic views; the perfect spot to watch the sun set over the valley. All apartments have a private terrace or balcony and patio doors and can sleep from two to six people.

Meadows Holiday Homes

These sleep up to four guests in two bedrooms and include a hot tub on the decking – great for a romantic getaway or family break. With a 14ft x 40ft footprint, there’s plenty of room for a spacious lounge, a dining kitchen, two comfortable bedrooms plus two separate shower rooms – one en-suite. Add in views over the lakes, an outdoor hot tub and two private parking spaces with optional use of an EV trickle charger and you’ll see why it’s a cut above the average holiday home. Simply perfect for couples or families with up to two children. There are also a limited number of luxury lodges for sale.