UPHAM FARM PONDS FARRINGDON   BACK TO PRIVATE LAKES

DESCRIPTION (Telephone 01395 232247) A day ticket water consisting of six ponds surrounded by grass set in open farmland. I have to own up to not liking this fishery, but that’s me. I think Upham is a classic of its type. You know the sort of place - take one enterprising farmer, an unproductive field and a stream. Spend a few bob to create some ponds by building earth dams across the stream. Then stuff the ponds with Carp and Tench. And hey - lets go fishing! In its defence I must record that my sons loved the place when they were pre teenagers, because there is one thing that you can virtually guarantee at Upham, and that is that you will catch LOADS of fish, and sizeable ones at that. Which is what it was designed for, of course. The absence of nearby trees and bushes (except on one side of the bottom pond) means that kids can be taught to cast and fish at very little risk to themselves, others, tackle or wildlife. All six ponds are either well stocked or stuffed. The second, fifth and sixth ponds are probably the best ones for kids. The fourth pond is where the real biggies lurk - pretty obvious really when you see the tents and expensive fishing gear spread around it. Use sweetcorn, luncheon meat, bread, maggots, boilies. Fishing VERY close in to the banks with a chunk of anything edible will usually bring out carp in the 2lb – 5lb range. One of my sons caught a carp of about 6lbs here using a Rowntrees fruit pastille as bait. This is a good location for overnight trips with kids. Local rules apply – minimum line strength etc. See the notice boards at the location. GETTING THERE At the M5 junction 30 (Sandygate) take the A3052 towards Sidmouth and Lyme Regis. Continue past the Westpoint complex, the Cat and Fiddle and the entrance to Crealey Park. Turn left just after you pass the White Horse pub (which is on your right), towards Exeter Airport. The way to the ponds is well sign posted. FACILITIES, etc. Grassed area and free car parking. There is a nice camping site at the same location. Bait (Sweetcorn etc) can be purchased here. Lifebouys at all lakes.