Fishing Holiday Devon – Private Coarse Fishing Lake
A Private Fishing Lake with Accommodation — Your Devon Fishing Holiday at Millbrook
There's something wonderfully restorative about a fishing holiday — and at Millbrook, we've created the perfect setting for it. Tucked away within our 32-acre North Devon estate, our private spring-fed coarse fishing lake offers an exclusive and peaceful experience for guests. No day tickets, no strangers, no noise — just you, the water, and whatever's lurking beneath the surface.
Whether you're a seasoned angler after a serious challenge or simply looking for a peaceful place to cast a line and clear your head, you'll find exactly what you're looking for here. Our lake is rich in variety, beautifully maintained, and set within some of the most stunning countryside in Devon.
Rich in Fish Variety
At Millbrook, our coarse fishing lake in North Devon is home to a wonderful diversity of fish species — making every session genuinely rewarding. Our lake holds carp up to an impressive 25 lbs, including Crucian, mirror, and common carp varieties that provide a real challenge for experienced anglers. Alongside the carp, you'll find tench up to 4 lbs, perch up to 2 lbs, roach, rudd, and the beautiful and eye-catching orfe. There really is something for every type of angler.
Exclusive Private Access
One of the things our fishing guests love most about Millbrook is the peace and privacy. We don't offer day ticket fishing — the lake is exclusively available to guests staying on the estate. That means no crowded banks, no strangers setting up next to you at dawn, and no competition for the best spots. Just a serene, personal experience in a truly beautiful setting.
The Lake
Our spring-fed lake is crystal clear and full of character. Depths range from 4–5 feet across most of the lake, with deeper gullies of around 6 feet and depths of 8–10 feet at the dam end — offering varied and interesting fishing opportunities throughout. Natural weed and a silt bed give the lake an authentic, wild feel that experienced anglers will appreciate. It's the kind of water that keeps you guessing in the best possible way.
Fishing Strategies
If you're targeting the carp, helicopter or chod style rigs with pop-up boilies work particularly well on our lake. During winter, the lake's natural food supply is plentiful, so we recommend fishing with high visibility baits in smaller quantities to really stand out. Our lake rewards patience and good technique — but also has a habit of surprising you when you least expect it.
Facilities
We want your time on the bank to be as comfortable as possible. The lake is equipped with three handmade wooden fishing platforms, giving you a stable and comfortable spot to fish from. We restock bi-annually with 3"–4" carp of various strains, ensuring a healthy, diverse and thriving fish population year-round.
Night Fishing
Fancy fishing after dark? Guests at Millbrook are very welcome to enjoy night fishing on the lake. There's something magical about sitting on the bank as the stars come out over the North Devon countryside — with just the occasional splash to keep you company. It adds a whole new dimension to your stay.
Bait
We cater for all angling styles with a wide range of bait options. From natural maggots and worms to pellets, sweetcorn, boilies, and floating baits — whatever your preferred method, you'll be well catered for.
Beyond the Bank
Millbrook isn't just about fishing — it's about the whole experience. When you're ready to step away from the water, our 32-acre estate has enchanting walks, beautiful gardens, and abundant wildlife to explore. Spot kingfishers, herons, and all manner of birds and wildlife as you wander the grounds. It's the kind of place where slowing down feels completely natural.
A Perfect Retreat for Couples
Millbrook is an exclusively couples retreat — a romantic hideaway for two, nestled in 32 acres of breathtaking North Devon countryside. With just four luxurious accommodations on the estate, including two dog-friendly options, it's an intimate and indulgent escape. Your partner doesn't fish? No problem — while you're on the bank, they can enjoy a walk through the estate, a treatment in our Pamper Room, or simply curl up with a book in your beautifully appointed cottage.
Fishing Holiday FAQs
Do you offer day tickets for the fishing lake?
No — the lake is exclusively for guests staying on the estate. That means no crowded banks, no strangers turning up at dawn, and no competition for the best swims.
What fish are in the lake at Millbrook?
The lake is home to carp up to 25 lbs (including Crucian, mirror and common), tench up to 4 lbs, perch up to 2 lbs, roach, rudd and orfe — so there's plenty of variety whatever you're after.
Is night fishing allowed?
Yes — guests are very welcome to night fish on the lake. It's one of our favourite ways to enjoy the estate, with the stars out over the North Devon countryside.
How deep is the lake?
Depths range from 4–5 feet across most of the lake, with deeper gullies of around 6 feet and 8–10 feet at the dam end.
What bait can I use?
We cater for all angling styles — maggots, worms, pellets, sweetcorn, boilies and floating baits all work well here. Bring your favourites or pick up bait nearby.
Are there fishing platforms?
Yes — the lake has three handmade wooden platforms, giving you a stable, comfortable spot to fish from.
What's the best technique for catching carp here?
Helicopter or chod-style rigs with pop-up boilies tend to work particularly well. In winter, smaller quantities of high-visibility baits help your offering stand out against the lake's natural food supply.
Can I bring my dog on a fishing holiday?
Absolutely. Two of our four cottages are dog-friendly, so your four-legged companion can come along for the trip.
What can my partner do if they don't fish?
Plenty. While you're on the bank, they can wander the 32-acre estate, book a treatment in the Pamper Room, or simply relax in your cottage with a book.
A fishing holiday at Millbrook is more than just a day on the water — it's a full escape. Combine the thrill of the lake with long summer evenings, stunning North Devon scenery, and the comfort of award-winning cottage accommodation. Summer 2026 is filling up fast — book your fishing break at Millbrook and make it a season to remember.