The Lake — Carp & Coarse Fishing at Upper Farm Fishery, Chinnor
Upper Farm Fishery is a 1-acre mixed carp and coarse fishery near Chinnor, Oxfordshire, split into two ponds, connected by a narrow waterway that lets fish move freely between them. The fishery is naturally spring-fed all year round, keeping water levels consistent even in the height of summer, with drainage to prevent flooding.
The Ponds
Grahams Pond (Pegs 1–11) is approximately 0.6 acres and up to 5 feet deep, with 11 swims. Pegs 1, 2, 8 and 9 are doubles that can hold two anglers — ideal for parents with young children, or for guests who need wheelchair access, since Grahams Pond has level, step-free pegs throughout.
Tonys Pond (Pegs 12–20) is approximately 0.4 acres and up to 6 feet deep, with 9 swims. Access to pegs on Tonys Pond is step-based, so it isn't recommended for guests with mobility impairments, though bank fishing is available as an alternative.
The lake was man-made, with Grahams Pond dug out in 1980 and Tonys Pond established around 1983. Both ponds were originally stocked by the Environment Agency in the early 1980s.
Peg 5 is reserved exclusively for guests staying in Sparrowhawk Lodge, and Peg 6 for guests staying in Kingfisher Lodge — neither can be fished by day ticket or season ticket anglers. Check out our Fishery Rules.
Amenities
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Aerators on both ponds, maintaining oxygen levels in summer and preventing freezing in winter
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Low-level electrified mink and otter fence around the entire perimeter
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Free, fast WiFi covering both ponds
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Large car park with space for 20 vehicles
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Mains-connected toilet with hot and cold running water
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Onsite tackle and camping shop
The Story Behind the Ponds
Grahams Pond is named after Graham Thompson, our first ever season ticket holder, who sadly passed away in March 2017. He was a thoroughly lovely man, and it's only fitting that his favourite pond carries his name — we still miss him to this day.
Tonys Pond is named after Tony Lixton, the previous owner of Upper Farm and the person responsible for creating the ponds. Tony sadly passed away in November 2016. Naming a pond after him is our way of remembering and paying tribute to his vision.