Bude
The nearest stretch of coast, with beaches and a seaside town for a day away from the lakes.
Under half an hour by carClawford Lakes, Holsworthy, Devon
EX22 6PN · near the Devon and Cornwall border, 15 miles from the A30
Checked 18 Sep 2026 Carp to 40lb 6oz CarpPerchTenchBreamRoach Fish from a floating lodge balconyDogs stay free17 guest-only lakes
Dog-Friendly Fishing Lodges With Hot Tubs and Carp Over 40lb
A lakeside resort near Holsworthy with 17 private lakes for guests, floating lodges you can fish from the balcony, hot tubs in many stays and dogs free all year. The lake you choose matters more here than at most Devon fishing lodges.
A full resort where the lake you pick matters more than the venue. Clawford has 17 private lakes, a spa, pools, a restaurant and accommodation from pods to floating lodges, with carp reported to 40lb 6oz. Reviews split between guests who found the right water and caught well and guests who did not. It suits a family or group where some want the spa and pools and one or two want to fish.
Good for
- Families who want a resort with fishing on tap
- Anglers wanting to fish from their own balcony: book a Floating Lodge
- Bringing the dog: dogs stay free all year
Think twice if
- You want quiet, fishing-only surroundings: this is a busy resort with an entertainment programme
- You are going in late May or early June: some swims or lakes close for carp spawning
Talk to the tackle shop before you pick a lake
With 17 lakes, results depend on where you fish. Guest reviews credit the on-site tackle shop staff with good advice on bait and swims, so ask on day one rather than settling on the nearest lake.
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What a Stay at Clawford Lakes Fishing Lodges Is Like
Clawford Lakes is a resort and spa at Clawton, near Holsworthy, close to the Devon and Cornwall border with the coast at Bude under half an hour away. It covers a big valley site with 17 lakes, and the accommodation ranges from Lake Pods for couples and anglers to Floating Lodges, Holiday Lodges, Heron Retreats with hot tubs, Luxury Cocoons, holiday homes and apartments, including accessible accommodation.
Away from the water there is a luxury spa, indoor and outdoor pools with flumes, The Apple and Grape restaurant and bar, which is dog friendly, and a leisure lake for kayaking, paddleboarding and open water swimming, plus archery, bike hire and a pump track. Dogs stay free all year and there are off-lead walking areas.
Floating Lodges fish straight off the balcony.
The fishing is for guests only and runs on a pass: £7 for a half day, £10 a day or £35 for a week. Floating Lodges fish straight off the balcony. Guests report carp in the twenties from Mallard Lake, a 29lb fish taken during one stay and perch to 5lb, and the venue has recorded carp to 40lb 6oz.
Lake pod guests praise how clean and well equipped they are and the knowledge of the tackle shop staff. The honest counterpoint is that at least one reviewer titled their review lovely place, fishing poor, which is what happens when 17 waters fish differently.
Written from guest reviews and the venue’s published details. We have not stayed here ourselves.
The Fishing at Clawford Lakes Fishing Lodges
Seventeen privately owned lakes for guests only, including Mallard Lake, Clawford Lake and a specimen lake. Fishing passes are bought on site.
40lb 6ozCarp recorded by the venue
17Lakes for guests
£10Day fishing pass
5lbPerch reported
Tickets, times and rules
| Who fishes | Resort guests only |
| Fishing pass | £7 half day, £10 full day, £35 a week, for guests aged 12 and over |
| Licence | Environment Agency rod licence required for everyone over 13 |
| Juniors | Must be accompanied by an adult |
| Spawning closures | Selected swims or lakes may close in late May and early June |
| General | No swimming, wading or climbing trees; take all litter home |
| Hooks, bait and night fishing | Not confirmed |
The Lodges
Stays from lake pods and cocoons to floating lodges, holiday lodges and homes, many with hot tubs and most taking dogs.
Floating LodgesLake PodsLuxury CocoonsHoliday LodgesHoliday HomesHeron RetreatsLuxury Apartments
Fish from the balcony
Floating Lodges
Hot tubs
Many stays, including Heron Retreats
Dogs stay free
All year, most accommodation
Spa and pools
Indoor and outdoor pools with flumes
Restaurant and bar
The Apple and Grape, dog friendly
Tackle shop and lessons
On site
What Guests Say
Consistently praised
- Clean, well equipped lake pods
- Knowledgeable tackle shop staff
- Waters for beginners through to serious carp anglers
- Peaceful setting
Worth knowing
- Results vary a lot between lakes; some guests found the fishing poor
Summarised in our own words from public reviews. Read the reviews on Tripadvisor.
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Things to Do Around Holsworthy
The resort has plenty on site; the north Cornwall coast is close for a change of scene.
Questions About Clawford Lakes Fishing Lodges
Is fishing included at Clawford Lakes?
Fishing is for guests only, with passes at £7 for a half day, £10 for a full day or £35 for a week, for anglers aged 12 and over. An Environment Agency rod licence is also needed.
Source: clawfordlakes.co.uk fishing rules
Can I fish from my lodge?
Yes, from the balcony of a Floating Lodge. Lake Pods and Cocoons also sit by the water.
Source: clawfordlakes.co.uk
What is the biggest carp?
The venue lists a 40lb 6oz carp, and guests report fish in the twenties from Mallard Lake.
Source: clawfordlakes.co.uk fishing page
Are dogs allowed?
Yes. Dogs stay free all year in most accommodation, and there are off-lead walking areas.
Source: clawfordlakes.co.uk
Are any lakes closed at certain times?
Selected swims or lakes may close in late May and early June to protect spawning carp.
Source: clawfordlakes.co.uk fishing page
Getting There
Clawton, Holsworthy, Devon, about 15 miles from the A30. Postcode EX22 6PN.
Open in Google Maps · Phone 01409 678018
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Last checked 18 Sep 2026. The facts on this page come from these sources. Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we will check it.