Barrow Tanks is one of the standout options when you’re looking for fishing lakes in Avon, especially if you want a venue that feels genuinely local rather than a long drive out. The Barrow Tanks are tucked near Barrow Gurney on the Bristol fringe – three clear reservoirs that bridge the gap between small fisheries and the ‘mega’ waters.
Like most venues around the county, Barrow Tanks has its own ‘best way to fish it’ depending on the season. Some days it’s a simple method feeder job; other days it’s building a swim, nicking a bite at a time, or even going mobile and finding fish that are showing.
In this guide I’ll run through how many waters you’re dealing with, what species are on offer, and the sort of tactics that tend to suit Barrow Tanks. I’ll also include a quick map, parking/access notes, and a few angler-style tips you’ll hear on the bank.
If you’ve fished Barrow Tanks yourself, feel free to drop a comment with what worked for you. Real-world feedback helps keep these fishing lakes in Avon guides useful and saves people wasting sessions guessing.
Where is it and what’s the setting like?
The Barrow Tanks are tucked near Barrow Gurney on the Bristol fringe – three clear reservoirs that bridge the gap between small fisheries and the ‘mega’ waters. The banks and swims generally give you a nice mix of easy access and a few ‘prime spots’ that regulars like to get on early. If you’re new to Barrow Tanks, plan on having a wander first – you’ll learn more in ten minutes looking for signs of fish than you will staring at a phone.
How many lakes are there?
Number of lakes: 3 reservoirs (Tanks 1, 2 and 3).
Fish species
Species list at Barrow Tanks: Brown trout, Rainbow trout, Chub, Perch, Bream, Carp.
Although best known for trout, the area also holds a mixed bag of coarse fish, so it’s a cracking choice if you like variety and adapting on the day.
What type of fishing suits this venue?
Carp fishing: If carp are your main target, Barrow Tanks can be brilliant when you fish for one bite at a time. Think solid PVA bags, a tidy baited area, and staying sharp for liners and subtle takes. Plenty of anglers rate Barrow Tanks as a good shout when you want a ‘proper’ carp session without trekking miles.
Feeder fishing: On waters like Barrow Tanks, the feeder is often the quickest way to work out what’s in front of you. Start with a small groundbait feeder, keep the casting spot consistent, and let the fish tell you whether they want it steady or more aggressive. If you’re getting plagued by small fish, step up the hookbait or shorten the hooklink to force quicker bites.
Float and pole fishing: When the top layers warm up, Barrow Tanks can switch on to simple float tactics. A waggler with pellets or corn can be deadly, and if you’re on the pole, positive feeding and tidy presentation usually wins.
Bank-side tips (the sort you actually hear)
- Watch the water: at Barrow Tanks, the best swim is often the one with signs of fish – fizzing, small bubbles, reeds knocking, or the odd show.
- Keep it simple: one reliable rig and a feeding plan you can repeat beats chopping and changing every cast.
- Adjust with the season: in colder months, scale the feed right back and focus on a single bite. In late spring and summer, you can often build a swim and get them competing.
When to visit and how to plan a session
With Barrow Tanks, timing is half the battle. If you can, aim for calmer, overcast days in late spring through early autumn, when fish are comfortable and moving. In bright conditions, a bit of shade (trees, snags, islands, or deeper water) can make a big difference. If it’s windy, don’t fear it – wind can push natural food into a bank and get fish feeding.
Session-wise, I like to start with a simple ‘search cast’ to get a quick read. A small method feeder, a light groundbait feeder, or a tidy single hookbait on a solid bag lets you work out if anything is in the area. If bites come quickly, you can build the swim with controlled feed. If it’s slow, keep roaming until you find life.
Take note of where you got bites, where fish showed, and what the weather was doing. That little log of sessions turns into ‘local knowledge’ surprisingly quickly and is often the difference between a blank and a proper bend in the rod.
Google Maps
Final thoughts
Barrow Tanks deserves its place on any shortlist of fishing lakes in Avon. Whether you’re a carp angler, a feeder addict, or someone who just wants a relaxing day with plenty of bites, it’s a venue you can get to know and keep coming back to.
For more venues, browse the full category here: Fishing Lakes in Avon.
