At Forest Lakes Kent, our aim is to bring together fishing enthusiasts from Ashford and across Kent in a place where they can relax and unwind against the backdrop of the countryside. Members and visitors can enjoy carp fishing in our dedicated carp lake or target catfish in our catfish lake. Both lakes are stocked with a variety of fish sizes and species and feature excellent angling facilities, making them ideal for anglers of all abilities. You can also stay by our fishing lakes for overnight camping with night fishing, relaxing by our lakesides through the day and night.
If you have any questions about our fishing space, please view our FAQs. Or if you would like to see images of our tranquil lakes and fish, then please see our gallery.
Our stocked carp and catfish lakes are well equipped with large swims that have plenty of room for day and night fishing and camping.
Catfish and carp fishing have the following differences when it comes to these below categories:
For carp angling, you need a specialised setup as carp have small mouths and are easily spooked, so anglers should use ‘hair rigs’ where the bait sits in a small hair off the hook rather than on the hook itself.
Catfish require heavy-duty gear as they have large, sandpaper-lined mouths and rely on smell, so anglers visiting our fishing space should use heavy rods, circle hooks, sliding sinker rigs, and braided lines.
When carp fishing with us in Ashford, it is best to use boilies, sweetcorn, nuts and pellets as carp are not usually caught on live bait in fishing lakes.
In our catfish lake, it is best to use live bait, meat and foul-smelling stink baits as catfish are opportunistic predators. This information is important whether you are planning a day visit or overnight camping trip to ensure you have the right bait. But if you have forgotten something, our angling facilities, including our shop stocks everything to support you during your time with us.
In carp angling, these fish are known for their long runs. When they are hooked, a carp will peel line off your reel, testing your drag system.
At our catfish fishery, these fish are known for heavy power fights and will often pin themselves to the bottom of fishing lakes, twisting, rolling and making runs toward cover. Many anglers choose overnight camping so they can continue fishing into the evening and be ready when the catfish become more active.
Below are some of the breeds and species of fish we have in our catfish and carp fishing lakes:
Whether you're planning a day session or a longer stay, our catfish lake and carp lake provide everything you need for an enjoyable angling experience. With quality angling facilities, spacious swims and night fishing and camping, Forest Lakes Kent is the ideal destination for anglers looking to relax and make the most of their time by our peaceful Ashford fishing lakes.
