Henfold Lakes

After coming here a few months ago to fish at the lakes we returned today to our favourite new spot to which we had a very different experience, we brought our daughter to teach her how to fish for the first time so needed a good family sized swim which we did on one of the top lakes. Arriving at 7.30am to set up, we were in a lake where some night fishing bivys where up with snoring people inside (no problem) but one of the guys had his rod all set up on his swim which was a little way but next to ours, we tried waking to see where his line was but nothing still snoring, so my daughter began to start whip fishing of the side and my partner deep bottom fishing but away on his far side ( our swim no interference ) no problem or so I thought, the guy emerged from his bivy (young lad) to then shout ‘oi you’ve cut me off’ to our surprise his line was cast over our swim and to the other side of the lake! We didn’t no and he didn’t wake up, we apologised, he then wheeled his rod in in a huff. So we thought no more of it. Then 15 mins later he cast over our swim again after we had been fly fishing on our swim for awhile. I called the reception number and spoke to a lady who said and stated no one to cast over someone’s swim where they are on and to not hog the lake. The couple over lads came out of there tents and spoke to the guy who they all knew each other to the hurl abuse over and make remarks that my 9 year old shouldn’t be hearing. The lake warden came over and spoke to the lads then us and told the lad he had to cast over his swim and not ours, they agreed then warden drove off for he to leave his rod in the same position and then leave the lake leaving a 10 year old on charge of his rod and the other guys rod for 2 hours. Partner couldn’t fish the bottom as tangles would arise and there was two floats in the water trying not to cross over the line. I knew bank holidays where busy but for the lad to repeatedly say we’ve been here since Friday we aloud to fish where we are ( meaning have the whole lake) it’s a joke. And to try and come for a nice white family day to feel on edge and worried what might start next all day to pay the high price for the day is shambles. If these marshals are ment to marshal the lakes all day to make sure things run smoothly then they should not turn up an hour before we leave to say we had to pay for what we couldn’t fish is laughable. They didn’t even care and made out we was in the wrong.

3 months ago · via Google

Absolutely love this place, so peaceful and beautiful. Nice lakes. Great to see the kids just playing and being creative as there is nothing else but fields and woods. Great fishing. Great pubs scattered around and a lovely high street. Would highly recommend

3 months ago · via Google

What a wonderful venue, basic facilities for living off grid but all well kept. Staff were warm and welcoming and the lady who runs the onsite tackle shop is a star. Knowledgeable, passionate and friendly. Lakes are beautiful and will be back for more fishing when they are not spawning.

2 months ago · via Google

Thevsite is in the middle of renovations to the toilet and shower blocks so I'm taking that into account. The staff are very friendly, but the facilities need that update. It's surprisingly quiet given how big the site is. Walk to Beare for a fantastic cooked breakfast at the local cafe!

3 months ago · via Google