Century Ponds is a two-pond Carp and silver fish venue located at Stockwood Vale, Keynsham, Bristol, containing a good stock of Carp to mid-twenties.

The easy-to-access venue holds a total of 26 anglers and has ample on-site parking. Disabled access facilities include exclusive bank-side parking, five double-width platforms and level access to over ten platforms.

To reach Century Ponds, turn off the A4175 Bristol Road at the mini roundabout by the 'Rest-a-While' transport cafe, continue for 200 yards to the bottom of Stockwood Hill, then take the left fork into Stockwood Vale. After ½ mile turn left (look for the Century Ponds sign on the gate) and follow the farm track around the crop fields to the venue.

Fishing at Century Ponds is by advance day ticket only, costing £3.50. Day tickets are not sold on the bank. A current Keynsham A.A. licence is also required.

A small selection of Century Ponds images. Check the Venue Galleries page for more.

The three-quarter acre Island Pond was constructed in 2000, with depths ranging around from 2ft at the wide end to 8ft at the dam end. The pond holds 13 anglers on sturdy purpose-built platforms, including two double-width disabled swims with level access.

The pond holds a good number of smaller Carp to mid-doubles, and is often used as a silver fish match venue. New stocks of Crucian Carp and Tench were added to the pond in 2004, while good numbers of Bream are also present following the stocking of batches in 2002, 2003 and 2008. A significant batch of 6-8 inch Carp was added in February 2008. The Island Pond also contains a good number of Roach and Perch, some of which top the 2lb mark.

The Island Pond has a relatively flat bottom with sloping banks leading to a meter-wide margin shelf at about 3ft deep. The island is also bordered by a shallow shelf, and is planted with Eucalyptus, Willow and a Cherry tree in memory of former Match Secretary Charlie Horswell. Aeration fountains were installed in 2006.

The Old Pond was created in 1994, and is a half-acre, spring-fed lake with depths ranging from 2ft at the narrow end down to 8ft at the dam, with deep holes to 10ft. The lake holds a total of 13 anglers on purpose-built platforms, three of which are double-width disabled swims.

The Old Pond is home to a large stock of Carp to 25lb-plus, Perch to nearly 3lb, Bream to 4lb-plus, Roach to well over 2lb. The pond also holds good numbers of Tench, Crucian Carp to 2lb-plus and one or two Chub, not forgetting a carpet of Gudgeon and the odd Eel or two.

The Old Pond is the venue for the All Night Carp Series, and holds a total of 13 anglers on purpose-built platforms, three of which are double-width disabled swims.

The lakes are on private property and all persons on site must be Keynsham A.A. licence holders. Junior Members must be accompanied by an Adult Member when fishing at Century Ponds. A PIN code is required to pass through the security gate at Century Ponds. The code is issued when purchasing day tickets.

It is the Member's responsibility to check that the water is not closed for matches or clay pigeon shooting. Anglers and their guests are reminded to leave the venue quietly and safely. The venue is situated on a working farm - please drive carefully on the farm tracks and in Stockwood Vale.

Any angler found breaking these rules will be asked to leave the venue immediately, and may face expulsion from the Association.

Keynsham Angling Association shares the Century Ponds site with Stockwood Vale Gun Club, who use the venue for clay pigeon shooting every other Sunday morning until 1pm. Members are not permitted to fish the ponds during these times.

Anglers are requested to arrive at the venue no earlier than 1pm. Signs will be posted on the approach road to the ponds when a shoot is in progress.

February 2010 - Century Ponds closed throughout February 2010 for maintenance.
Saturday 10th April 2010 - Both ponds closed for All-Night Carp Match. DETAILS

Jupiter was first identified in May 2003 along with 3 other Carp. Jupiter gained its name on account of the large red spot (a flesh wound, now healed) on it's right flank, and because it's very round and planet-like!

Jupiter was first logged in 2003 weighing in at 15lb 8oz. This rotund Simmons breed Mirror Carp was caught in April 2006 weighing 21lb 12oz, averaging 2lb of weight gain per year.

Jupiter currently resides in the Old Pond. He has been caught by Darren Hoskin, Dave King, Paul Mogg, Craig Clark, Damien Eschelby, Dave Winter, Ken Dyer, Joe Duncan, Christian Parker, Jamie Seymour, Ben Jerrom & Wayne Reeves (twice).

Century Ponds is set in the relaxing countryside of Stockwood Vale, which is a thriving natural habitat and is largely isolated from the bustle of the nearby town of Keynsham. The Vale is teeming with wildlife.

Newts, Frogs, Moorhens, Canada Geese and Ducks populate the waters, whilst the banks and surrounding countryside are home to a variety of flora and fauna, including Grass Snakes, Voles, Badgers, Foxes, Kingfishers, Squirrels, Cormorants, Dragon Flies, Herons, Deer and Buzzards.

The ponds are bordered by Hazel, Willow, Hornbeam, White Poplar, Red Maple, Horse Chestnut, Oak, Hawthorn, one or two Orchids and thriving natural hedgerows. The ponds are populated with Yellow Iris, Water Lily beds and marginal Reeds.