Private Wild Fishing Lodges in Lancashire
for anglers who like a challengeStay beside Cleveleymere’s private 24-acre natural lake: low-pressure, no public day tickets, fishing included for lodge guests, and selected lodges where serious anglers can fish from their own waterside base.
A private wild-water break, not a busy commercial fishery
quiet, natural and unapologetically challengingCleveleymere is a private 34-acre lakeside retreat near Scorton, with just eight lodges set around a peaceful 24-acre natural lake.
Fishing here stays deliberately quiet. We do not offer public day-ticket fishing. As a result, the lake keeps its calm atmosphere, pressure stays low, and lodge guests enjoy a more private, natural fishing experience.
This is not a high-stocked runs water, and we do not pretend it is. Instead, Cleveleymere suits experienced anglers who enjoy reading the water, adapting to conditions and earning their captures. Expect shallow areas, weed, birdlife, snags, natural obstacles and fish that are not used to heavy pressure. Therefore, if you want guaranteed action every hour, we may not be the right fit. However, if you want a private, wild-feeling lake with real character, that is exactly the point.
Quick facts
This lake is not for everyone — and that is the appeal
wild water, real patience, real rewardCleveleymere suits anglers who want privacy, scenery and a natural challenge more than an easy commercial catch rate.
Best for experienced anglers
You will get the most from the lake if you are comfortable with watercraft, careful casting, quiet observation, weed, changing depths and adapting your approach.
Expect natural challenges
The lake has shallow water, weed, ducks, swans, natural obstacles, snags and overhead-cable safety zones. Because of that, it asks for sensible, patient angling.
Not everyone fishing?
This also works well for mixed stays. Non-anglers can enjoy the lodge, boats, hot tubs, firepits, peaceful views and slow lakeside time while the angler gets on with the water.
Fifteen years as a fly-only water changed the lake
fish that never learnt the scriptUntil mid-2024, Cleveleymere operated exclusively as a fly fishery for around 15 years. No carp tactics, no boilie campaigns, no repeated pressure from coarse anglers.
That history is a big part of why the lake fishes the way it does now. The carp and other coarse fish have lived around natural food — bloodworm, mealworms, invertebrates and the lake’s own ecosystem — rather than being trained to modern baiting patterns. They are immaculate, dark-scaled, clean fish, helped by clear water, low pressure and a natural food chain.
Read more about why the fish are elusive
The carp were not introduced as named, catalogued stock in the way many commercial waters operate. Some are believed to have arrived through historic flooding from neighbouring waters, then grown on quietly in the lake. Because the water was fly-only for so long, these fish have had years to live, feed and reproduce without being targeted by conventional carp tactics.
They are not trained to boilies, and they do not behave like fish from a heavily pressured runs water. We are seeing signs of natural recruitment too, with fish that were once in the 5–7lb bracket now appearing nearer 10–15lb. That makes Cleveleymere exciting, but it also means captures are earned.
Which fishing lodge is right for you?
Choose your perfect stayChoose what matters most: direct fishing access, hot tub, dog-friendly stay, couple’s break or space for family and friends. If fishing is the main reason for your stay, start with the direct-access lodges.
Best hot tub fishing lodges
Choose Lighthouse Harbour for an electric hot tub and direct fishing access, or Huntsman’s Harbour for a dog-friendly couples’ break with a log burner hot tub available as an add-on. Boat House also has a hot tub but uses shared fishing pegs.
Dog-friendly fishing lodges
Huntsman’s, Heron’s and Badgers are dog-friendly lodges with direct fishing access. Boat House and Fins Log Cabin are also dog friendly, but guests use shared pegs around the lake.
Best romantic fishing break
Huntsman’s Harbour is the strongest choice for a couple who want dog-friendly direct fishing access and the option of a log burner hot tub. Boat House is also a strong couples’ choice, but fishing is via shared pegs rather than a private peg directly outside.
Best for family or friends
For more space, look at Otters, Badgers, Lighthouse Harbour, Tree House and Heron’s Harbour. Fins Log Cabin sleeps the most, but uses shared fishing pegs rather than a private peg directly outside.
Lodges with direct fishing access
These are the six best options if you want to fish directly from your lodge or private peg area.
Lodges with direct fishing access
Right on the waterFor the strongest fishing setup, choose one of the six lodges below with direct access from the lodge or private peg area.
These are the best options if your stay is built around the water.
Lighthouse Harbour
A refined lakeside lodge with direct fishing access, electric hot tub and peaceful lake views.
Tree House
A distinctive lodge with direct fishing access and a large private garden area beside the lake.
Huntsman’s Harbour
A strong choice for couples who want a peaceful dog-friendly fishing break with a hot tub option.
Heron’s Harbour
A dog-friendly lakeside lodge with direct fishing access and a spacious decked platform.
Otters Harbour
A larger lodge for families or groups wanting direct fishing access and more space.
Badgers Harbour
A spacious dog-friendly fishing lodge for families or groups looking for direct lake access.
Shared fishing peg access
Still close to the lakeThese lodges are still a good choice for guests who want to enjoy fishing during their stay, but they do not have private fishing pegs directly outside the lodge.
Guests staying in Boat House or Fins Log Cabin can use shared fishing pegs around the lake. They are not far away, but if you are bringing heavier fishing gear, we recommend driving to the far end of the lake rather than carrying everything by hand.
Boat House
A cosy dog-friendly lodge with hot tub access. Fishing is available using shared pegs around the lake.
Fins Log Cabin
The largest lodge option, ideal for groups or families. Fishing is available using shared pegs around the lake.
Fishing is included for lodge guests
Simple and peacefulLodge-staying holiday guests can currently fish at Cleveleymere at no additional cost. Also, you do not need to pre-book fishing before arrival.
Cleveleymere Private Fishing Syndicate
A small, quiet syndicate for suitable anglers who understand natural water, fish care, wildlife and the fact this is first and foremost a peaceful lodge setting.
The syndicate is currently full, with renewals due at the end of July. However, you can register interest if you would like us to consider you when a suitable space becomes available. Submitting interest does not guarantee membership.
A challenging but rewarding natural water
For patient anglersCleveleymere is best suited to experienced anglers who enjoy observation, patience and watercraft rather than easy, predictable fishing.
Not a runs water
The lake is natural, lightly pressured and not stocked like a commercial runs water. The fish are not named, tracked or repeatedly caught. In short, you are fishing a real private lake, not a managed runs venue.
Unpressured fishing
Because we do not offer public day tickets and only run a small syndicate, fishing pressure stays low. The reward is privacy and atmosphere. The trade-off is that the fish are not trained to queue up.
Known catches
Known reported catches include carp up to 27lb, perch up to 3lb and bream up to 11lb. Other coarse fish are present in the lake too.
Catch photos from the lake
a glimpse of the waterA wider look at guest and syndicate catches from Cleveleymere. No invented weights and no overblown claims — just fish from a private natural water that rewards patience.
Swipe or use the arrows to browse more catch photos from the private lake.
Fishing lodge questions
Good to knowCan I fish from my lodge?
Yes, selected lodges offer direct fishing access from the lodge or dedicated private peg area. These are Lighthouse Harbour, Tree House, Huntsman’s Harbour, Heron’s Harbour, Otters Harbour and Badgers Harbour.
Is fishing free for lodge guests?
Yes. Fishing is currently included free for lodge-staying holiday guests. However, all anglers must still follow the rules and hold the correct rod licence.
Do I need to pre-book fishing?
No. Lodge guests do not need to pre-book fishing, but all anglers must follow the lake rules and hold a valid rod licence.
Do you offer day-ticket fishing?
No. We do not offer day-ticket fishing. Instead, we keep the lake private for lodge-staying holiday guests and our small private syndicate.
Which lodges are best for dog-friendly fishing breaks?
Huntsman’s Harbour, Heron’s Harbour and Badgers Harbour are dog-friendly lodges with direct fishing access. Boat House and Fins Log Cabin are also dog friendly, but use shared fishing pegs.
Can I join the private fishing syndicate?
The private syndicate is currently full, with renewals due at the end of July. However, you can register interest using the contact page, and we can keep your details on file if a suitable space becomes available.
Is Cleveleymere suitable for beginner anglers?
The lake is peaceful and beautiful, but it is not a commercial runs water. Casual beginners can still enjoy the setting, but experienced anglers who understand watercraft, weed, birdlife, snags and quiet natural fishing will get the most from it.
What fish are in the lake?
The lake holds carp, perch, bream and other coarse fish. Known reported catches include carp up to 27lb, perch up to 3lb and bream up to 11lb.
Fishing rules and lake guidelines
Respect the waterPlease read the rules before fishing. They protect the fish, wildlife, other guests and the peaceful atmosphere of the lake.
These rules are especially important on a natural water with boats, birds, weed, snags and overhead-cable safety zones.
Quick fishing rules
- Only lodge-staying holiday guests and private syndicate members may fish.
- We do not offer day-ticket fishing.
- We currently include fishing free for lodge-staying guests.
- Maximum 3 rods per guest, excluding spod and marker rods.
- A valid rod licence is required.
General lake conduct
- You must attend rods at all times.
- You must fish rods from the same swim.
- Please respect the boundaries of your lodge, swim or peg.
- Do not fish other people’s water.
- Cast sensibly and never cast towards boats, structures, pylons or overhead cables.
- No drones are permitted.
- The lake may close for spawning at any point during the season.
Fish care
- You must return all fish safely.
- Use carp cradles, unhooking mats, slings and fish care kits on all catches.
- Fish must not be sacked.
- Retainers should only be used briefly while recasting or preparing photography equipment.
- All captures should be reported.
- Report any fish over 30lb to the bailiff before release.
- If a fish becomes snagged, use a boat to free it where safe to do so, or contact the bailiff/staff. Do not pull for a break.
Bait and wildlife safety
- Nuts are allowed in moderation.
- Use live bait only in moderation.
- Use shop-prepared particles only.
- Do not leave baited rigs out of the water, as this is a danger to birds, wildlife and pets.
Equipment and biosecurity
- Bring nets, mats and slings completely dry before entering the site.
- Dip equipment on arrival.
Boats
- Use boats with extreme caution.
- Wear life jackets when using a boat.
- Do not use boats in high winds, storms or unsafe conditions.
Rig and tackle rules
- Minimum 15lb mainline.
- Micro-barbed hooks only.
- No braided mainline.
- No Magic Twig rigs.
- No leaders or leadcore. Rig tubing only.
- All leads must be ejectable if a fish becomes snagged or weeded.
- Helicopter setups must incorporate no-trace beads.
Pylon and overhead cable safety
There are overhead electrical cables near parts of the lake. When transporting equipment near pylons, rods must be kept parallel to the ground.
- Anglers must remain at least 30 metres away from pylons.
- Never cast towards pylons or overhead electrical cables.
- Anyone taking careless or unnecessary risks around overhead electrical cables may be asked to stop fishing or leave the fishery without refund.