Docklow Pools, Docklow, near Leominster, Herefordshire
HR6 0RU · 110 acres at Docklow, north Herefordshire
Herefordshire Fishing Holidays at One of the Oldest Commercial Fisheries
A fishery running since 1972 on 110 acres at Docklow, near Leominster, with 13 named lakes, private beats on the Wye, Teme and Lugg for members, a 67lb catfish from Major Bill, 57 self catering properties, The Fisherman's Arms and a bait and tackle shop.
A heritage fishery with a pub, not a single-lake lodge park. Docklow Pools celebrated 50 years in 2022 and calls itself arguably the first commercial fishery in the UK. The variety is the draw: 13 lakes with far more than carp, a 67lb catfish from Major Bill, and river beats for members. Carp run to doubles and perhaps early twenties, so it suits all-round anglers more than big carp hunters.
Good for
- All-round coarse anglers
- Groups wanting a pub and restaurant on site
- Anglers who need accessible lodges
Think twice if
- You want big carp: the fishery says doubles and maybe early twenties
- You want night fishing on day ticket lakes: there is none
Book a pet friendly lodge by name
Only some properties take dogs: the site names Severn, Teme, Bramble and Honeysuckle as pet friendly lodges.
What a Stay at Docklow Pools Is Like
Docklow Pools covers 110 acres of north Herefordshire countryside at Docklow, near Leominster. It opened in 1972, celebrated 50 years in October 2022, and describes itself as arguably the very first commercial fishery in the UK.
There are 57 self catering properties, from premier log cabins and cottages to traditional bungalows, apartments, six twin-bed Fisherman Lodges, two disabled friendly lodges and the detached Docklow House, plus farmhouse bed and breakfast. Weekly stays dominate in season, with three night short breaks on some properties. The Fisherman's Arms serves breakfast, lunch, evening meals and a Sunday carvery, and there is a coffee shop, snooker, a tennis court and free wifi.
Our biggest fish caught was a 67lb catfish, from the Major Bill.
The 13 named lakes include Major Bill, which produced the fishery's biggest fish, a 67lb catfish. Carp elsewhere run to doubles and maybe early twenties, alongside tench, bream, barbel, ide and silvers. Members can also fish four private river stretches on the Wye, Teme and Lugg.
Written from guest reviews and the venue’s published details. We have not stayed here ourselves.
The Fishing at Docklow Pools
Thirteen lakes of mixed coarse fish, a 67lb catfish record and members' river beats.
Which lake is which
| Lake | Type | Pegs | Size | Depth | Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Major Bill | Specimen | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Catfish to 67lb, carp |
| Mickey Mouse | Day ticket | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Mixed coarse |
| Moby Dick | Day ticket | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Mixed coarse |
| Figure of Eight | Day ticket | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Mixed coarse |
| River Wye, Teme and Lugg beats | Members only | Not confirmed | Four stretches | Not confirmed | Barbel, grayling, perch, pike |
Tickets, times and rules
| Day tickets | £6 a day on Mickey Mouse, Moby Dick and Figure of Eight, from the tackle shop |
| Hours | After dawn to an hour before dark |
| Night fishing | No night fishing on day tickets |
| Rivers | Membership only, no day tickets |
| Dogs | On a lead around the lakes |
The Lodges
Fifty seven self catering properties from one to three bedrooms.
What Guests Say
Consistently praised
- Carp in good condition
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Excellent food
Summarised in our own words from public reviews. Read the reviews on Tripadvisor.
Questions About Docklow Pools
What is the biggest fish at Docklow Pools?
A 67lb catfish from Major Bill. Carp in the other lakes run to doubles and maybe early twenties.
Source: docklowpools.com fishing
How many lakes are there?
The site names 13 lakes, plus four private river stretches for members.
Source: docklowpools.com lakes
Are dogs allowed?
In pet friendly lodges only, named as Severn, Teme, Bramble and Honeysuckle. Dogs must be on a lead around the lakes.
Source: docklowpools.com accommodation
Can I buy a day ticket?
Yes, £6 a day on Mickey Mouse, Moby Dick and Figure of Eight, from the tackle shop. There is no night fishing.
Source: docklowpools.com day ticket
Is there somewhere to eat?
Yes. The Fisherman's Arms serves breakfast, lunch, evening meals and a Sunday carvery.
Source: docklowpools.com
Getting There
Docklow Pools, Docklow, Leominster, Herefordshire. Postcode HR6 0RU.
Open in Google Maps · Phone 01568 760256
Tackle shop and day tickets: 01568 760544.
