SORRY FOLKS - NO PICTURE IN MY ALBUM OF THIS VENUE

UPTON LAKE, CULLOMPTON     BACK TO PRIVATE LAKES PAGE

DESCRIPTION. A small, stream fed day ticket lake, lying in a rather steep valley to the east of Cullompton. I remember reading somewhere that the water was originally a reservoir. I have only fished the venue twice, so please bear that in mind when reading this review. The lake itself is long and narrow, lined with trees and with a small island, designed to keep the carp cruising. The lake is stocked with carp, tench, bream, perch, roach and rudd. On each of the couple of occasions I fished there, I caught three carp of about 6lbs each - pretty, scrappy things that - when grown up - I'm sure will be a real delight to catch. The fishing is not difficult and doesn't need high levels of skill - my carp all fell to float fished sweetcorn. I quite like this venue - it doesn't feel that artificial, the banks are nicely matured and it has a relaxed 'get away from it all' feel about it. GETTING THERE The easiest route is to take the M5 and exit at junction 28 for Cullompton. Follow the signs for Cullompton and after about 1/2 mile turn left at the T junction towards Cullompton town centre. Follow the road (it is Cullompton High Street) and turn left into Cockpit Hill (the fifth turning on the left) - near to the Cullompton Takeaway (Fish and Chips and Chinese). That road will take you to a bridge back over the motorway. The fishery is signposted after the bridge. About 200 yards after you cross back over the motorway you will come across a steep, unmade, track on the left - just as the road bears right. Take that track and shove your car into first gear. About 50 yards up the track, on the left, are some parking spaces. Enter the field adjoining the car parking spaces and the lake lies down the hill, across to the right. Its a bit of a 'puffy' walk for smokers like me (especially coming back), but none too difficult - although I don't think that anglers with significant physical disabilities would be able to make it across the rather steep field. FACILITIES, etc. Nothing on site except lifebouys. STOP PRESS ! I am indebted to Phil, who has fished this venue very recently - he has sent me this update (April 2003) "No problem with access for smokers now as the parking is right alongside the top lake. (Looks like this lake is new.)"