Walnut Farm Fisheries can be found near Attleborough in South Norfolk. The fishery has two lakes, one is called The Canal, and I cannot find out the name of the other, so I will refer to is ‘Back Lake’.
The Canal
The Canal lake is used mostly for match fishing, as it is ideally a ‘pole length’ in width, and there are apparently no ‘monster Carp’ putting lighter pole rigs at risk. I have fished on The Canal a few times now in short evening sessions and it provides great sport on light tackle. I have had numerous Carp of all varieties, and the exotic varieties make for some interesting nettings. There is also a great head of Chub in here, which are suicidal! I would recommend this lake to anyone who wants to get back into fishing, like myself, or want to take a son (or daughter) fishing with them. The swims are quite narrow however, situated between high banks, so choose one of the wider ones if fishing together.
I would estimate the depth at around 3-5 feet and being a mature fishery it has lots of natural vegetation both in the swims and around the banks. It is however close to a moto-cross track, and the buzzing bike noises can be a bit annoying, but the fishing action soon drowns it out.
Back Lake
I have not fished the Back Lake, but have walked around it, and it is not large certainly less than an acre. Again it is an attractive venue and benefits from the mature surroundings. This lake is not used for match fishing, and holds the larger Carp, 20lb+ fish I am told exist, and the many Carp I have seen cruising around, I would say these reports were accurate.
There is an island at one end of the lake, and lilies provide some interest for both the fish and the anglers. Once I have got some more confidence I shall give it a try.
Parking
Parking is good, with some swims on The Canal being right next to your car. The Back Lake requires a short walk, but only a few minutes to even the back swims.
Restrictions
There are a few bait restrictions in place, namely boilies and peanuts, but I have managed fine with pellets and sweetcorn to catch many of the species available.
Conclusion
Being close to where I live, this is an excellent small fishery to spend a few hours catching fish. It is great fun and you won’t find any ‘bivvies’ or serious specimen hunters. I highly recommend this as a super fishery for the pleasure angler.
[...] returned to Walnut Farm Fisheries last night for another short evening session, and despite it being a little cooler, the extra hours [...]
i shall be fishing walnut farm tomorrow with my brother and looking forward to it,as i havent fished it for about 5-6 years ive had good sessions when i did,im sure ill enjoy it as i always do.It is a good venue to fish,not to big not to small.it is suberb for fishing with light tackle whether its in the canel or the back lake (main lake which ever you prefere to call it)
Hi Glynn!
Thanks for leaving your comment, you are officially the first person to do so and it would be great it other people ‘commented’ to.
So how did you get on, was it as good as you remembered?
Cheers, Nigel
What a cracking review of the venue! My wife and I are coming down from Scotland for a couple of weeks holiday, and this has certainly got me ready to go.
I am a very keen leisure angler, and have limited opportunities up here, but it is great to read about a fishery from someone who isn’t a match or ‘bivvie’ angler. I look forward to giving it a try.
Thanks a lot,
Andy Fowler
Hi Andy,
Glad to have been of service! I am hoping to get back on the bank sometime this summer, and I shall be returning to Walnut Tree Farm Fisheries. Do let us know how you get on!
Also have a great holiday!
Cheers, Nigel
After a hiatus of 16 years i went down to walnut farm to see if i still enjoyed fishing, i do! i dont think i ever fished anywhere with so many fish and am fairly certain that the majority of the bites i missed were from fish with large mouths, however i still caught 5 species in a day with the smallest being gudgeon and the biggest the ubiquitous carp to about 2lb. i did hook into something much larger and having seen the fish in front of me before i lost the hook can say it was a certain double if not larger.