Fishing at Cleveleymere: A Private Lancashire Lake for Anglers Who Want a True Challenge

If you’re searching for fishing in Lancashire that offers more than just easy catches, Cleveleymere is something entirely different.

Set within a 34-acre private estate with just eight lodges, this is a quiet, exclusive environment where fishing feels natural, unpressured, and genuinely rewarding. Located just 15 minutes from Preston, 15 minutes from Lancaster, 40 minutes from Blackpool, and under an hour from the Lake District, it’s easily accessible—but feels a world away.

This is not a commercial fishery. It’s a luxury retreat with fishing, where the lake remains as close to its natural state as possible.

Not a Runs Water — And That’s the Point

Cleveleymere is not a runs water, and it’s important to be clear about that from the outset.

Originally a trout fishery, the lake has naturally evolved over time. The carp here were never stocked in the traditional sense—many are believed to be escapees from neighbouring waters during historic flooding. Since then, they’ve lived and thrived with minimal angling pressure, feeding purely on the lake’s natural food sources.

The lake itself is fed by the River Wyre, helping maintain a naturally balanced ecosystem that supports healthy fish growth without artificial intervention.

What that means in practice:

• You are fishing for wild, unpressured carp

• The stock is not fully known

• Fish are not named, tracked, or repeatedly caught

• Every capture feels genuinely earned

The current known top weight sits at 28lb, but significantly larger fish have been visually spotted from the bank and via drone. There’s also a healthy population of 4–10lb carp, showing the lake is naturally reproducing.

For some anglers, this is exactly what they’ve been looking for. For others expecting quick action, it won’t be the right fit.

For full details before booking:
https://cleveleymere.com/fishing/

A Challenging but Rewarding Water

This is a venue best suited to experienced anglers who enjoy working water rather than simply fishing it.

What You’re Up Against

• Weed growth, particularly in summer

• Shallow margins and plateaus

• A varied lakebed of silt, gravel, and clay

• Wildlife interaction, including swans that will quickly home in on bait

• Boat activity and water use, meaning parts of the lake are naturally out of bounds

In many areas, long-range casting is essential to reach productive feeding zones.

Why It’s Worth It

• Fish are often completely unpressured

• You may hook a carp that has rarely—or never—been caught before

• In warmer months, carp move into the shallows to bask, often visible in the clear water

Fishing Directly From Your Lodge

A key feature that sets Cleveleymere apart from other fishing lodges in Lancashire is the ability to fish directly from selected lodges—no need to move gear or leave your base.

All lodges include a private BBQ and fire pit, and where stated, a private rowing boat docked directly outside.

Lodges You Can Fish From

Huntsmans Harbour
Sleeps 2 | Pet friendly | Log burner hot tub | Private rowing boat docked outside

Lighthouse Harbour
Sleeps 4 | Not pet friendly | Electric hot tub | Private rowing boat docked outside

Tree House
Sleeps 4 | Not pet friendly | Large 1-acre garden & dedicated fishing peg | Private rowing boat docked outside

Herons Harbour
Sleeps 4 | Pet friendly | Large decked fishing platform | Private rowing boat docked outside

Otters Harbour
Sleeps 6 | Not pet friendly | Private rowing boat docked outside

Badgers Harbour
Sleeps 6 | Not pet friendly | Private rowing boat docked outside

Lodges Set Back From the Lake

These lodges offer the same high standard of accommodation but are positioned slightly away from the shoreline.

Fins Log Cabin
Sleeps 7 | Pet friendly

The Boat House
Sleeps 2–3 | Not pet friendly | Electric hot tub

You can still fish by using one of the swims around the lake, though you’ll likely want to drive (2 minutes) rather than carry gear (around a 15-minute walk).

A Natural, Living Lake

Cleveleymere is a naturally-fed, organically balanced lake, supported by water flowing in from the River Wyre. The fish here have survived and grown for years without artificial feeding or stocking programmes.

Most lodges sit along the shallower side of the lake, which presents its own challenges:

• Weed can build up, though we regularly manage areas around the lodges

• Wildlife plays a role in how and when you fish

• Timing and observation are critical

But these same areas are often where carp gather, especially in warmer months, making them some of the most rewarding spots to fish.

More Than Just Fishing

Cleveleymere is designed as a place to unwind as much as it is to fish.

Alongside your stay, you’ll have access to:

• Rowing boats, kayaks, and pedalos

• A 9-hole mini golf course for children

• Open space, wildlife, and peaceful surroundings

It’s a setting that works just as well for families and partners as it does for anglers.

Important Before You Book

• This is a challenging venue for experienced anglers

• A valid rod licence is required

• All equipment must be sanitised before arrival

• Fishing is currently included at no additional cost

If you’re looking for easy, high-catch fishing, this may not be the right fit. But if you enjoy the challenge and mystery of a natural water, it offers something increasingly rare.

A Rare Opportunity in Lancashire

Cleveleymere offers a very different kind of fishing holiday in Lancashire:

• A private lake with minimal pressure

• The chance to catch unknown, uncatalogued fish

• Fishing directly from your own luxury lodge

• A setting built around privacy, nature, and experience

Plan Your Stay

Explore all lodges here:
https://cleveleymere.com/lodges/

Fishing details and guidance:
https://cleveleymere.com/fishing/

Published: 13/04/26