The 2010/2011 season will see the opening of Furnace Lake for carp fishing. This stunning four acre pool is situated even further into the heart of the Estate and is more isolated and if it is possible, in an even more beautiful location than the Main Lake.

It is the next lake up from our Main Lake on the original chain of five lakes created around three hundred years ago. Over the years, Furnace and the three lakes above it gradually became more and more silted and by the 1970s only about a fifth of Furnace was still open water and the other three lakes had vanished completely. About six years ago, we drained what was left of Furnace, temporarily diverting the stream that connects the whole chain and excavating some of the silt, leaving what we could since it was clearly rich in invertebrates and other carp food.

For the last few years, the pool has been used as a stock pond and it has produced even more impressive growth rates than the Main Lake. There are about 200 fish in the lake at the moment, mostly doubles, with a few twenties. The great majority of the carp in Furnace were spawned in the pond.

We are determined that the same high standards will apply to Furnace as at the Main Lake. All potential members must go through an interview process, and we will be looking to select only sensible, experienced anglers. Please download an application form here. We can supply a wonderful location and stunning fish but we have learnt that the real key to creating a great fishery is having members who respect both their environment and each other. Furnace is at the centre of the area scheduled by Natural England as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. As with all SSSIs , the lake is subject to the full traditional close season, Fishing is therefore only available between the 16th of June and the 14th of March.

There are nine swims in total on the lake; each of the swims has been set out to ensure each member has his own water, eliminating any potential conflict with other anglers.

Furnace is most certainly not the usual modern carp fishery, set as it is against a backdrop of superb mature woodland on the edge of a deer park that was recorded in the Doomsday Book. It is the perfect place for a traditional approach, close range fishing with relatively light tackle; an ideal situation for a light leger set-up, or float fishing. It is a chance to enjoy fishing of similar quality to our Main Lake but at a much lower cost. This is very much a venue for Old School carp fishing, you are not going to break any records, this is about pure, unadulterated pleasure; carp fishing as it really should be.

Fishing will be strictly for members only. A maximum of nine anglers are allowed on the lake at any time. A membership fee of £50 will apply and then fishing is available at a rate of £20 per day. Fishing is allowed during daylight hours only, with a maximum of two rods. Fishing must be booked in advance - please email this address to book once you have gone through the application process Furnace lake bookings. There is good vehicle access to the water, with a private car parking area within fifty yards of the lake. Because of the sensitive nature of the site, we have only been able to offer day fishing for this year. If there are no problems, we hope to be able to offer night fishing in subsequent years.