Fishery guide · Bedfordshire
Broom Fishery
Broom Lake is a cracking six-acre former gravel pit near Broom, Bedfordshire, run by Shefford and District Angling Association. It’s members-only, with specimen carp to about 30lb alongside double-figure tench and bream, plus plenty of silver fish.
“7.1/10 — Carp to about 30lb, double-figure tench and bream, plus pike and silver fish give the lake strong all-round appeal.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Broom Lake is a proper mixed coarse water near Broom in Bedfordshire. It’s a former gravel pit covering roughly six acres, managed by Shefford and District Angling Association — SDAA. There’s a bit of everything in the lake, from specimen carp through to tench, bream, pike and plenty of silver fish. A handy all-rounder, then, rather than a one-trick carp puddle.
- 1 lake: Broom Lake
- Fish: carp, tench, bream, roach, pike, perch, rudd
- Find it: Broom · SG18 9JH
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Fishery map of Broom Fishery
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Fishery
Broom Fishery
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Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Broom Fishery
Broom Lake is a proper mixed coarse water near Broom in Bedfordshire. It’s a former gravel pit covering roughly six acres, managed by Shefford and District Angling Association — SDAA. There’s a bit of everything in the lake, from specimen carp through to tench, bream, pike and plenty of silver fish. A handy all-rounder, then, rather than a one-trick carp puddle.
The big draw will be the carp. The lake contains fish to about 30lb, with official reports including a 23lb 6oz mirror, a 25lb common and a 25lb 14oz ghost carp. Proper lumps, and certainly the sort of fish that could put a cheeky PB on the bank. Tench and bream are present to double figures too, while a 2025 report described Broom Lake bream to 7lb 7oz.
There’s plenty for lighter-tackle anglers as well. Plentiful shoals of silver fish should keep float and feeder sessions ticking over, with roach, rudd and perch also listed. Pike are present, adding another string to the bow. Before choosing a target, it’s worth having a natter with SDAA or checking the latest catch reports to see what’s been showing and where anglers are finding them.
As a former gravel pit, the sensible starting point is to spend time looking rather than launching straight into a full-on bait carpet. Check the water from the designated swims, watch for signs of fish and build a plan around what’s in front of you. Carp anglers can bring a couple of approaches and stay flexible, while float and feeder anglers should pack enough kit to switch between silver fish, tench and bream if the swim gives you that chance.
This is a members-only water, not a public day-ticket venue. A standard SDAA membership ticket covers Broom Lake, subject to the current club rules, and membership also provides access to a range of SDAA stillwaters and rivers. There isn’t a standalone Broom Lake day-ticket price published, so check the application form for current membership prices before making plans. Booking is handled through membership and permits rather than an online day-ticket system.
There are a few important bits to get nailed down before travelling. Fishing is only available to authorised SDAA members during the open season, with fishing prohibited from 15 March through 15 June inclusive on the relevant SDAA waters. Night fishing requires the correct night permit, and the 2026/27 standard membership doesn’t include one; no 2026/27 night permits were available to new or lapsed members when checked. Three rods are allowed for members, but only from 1 October to 31 March with the right permit and EA licences. Leadcore is banned, fishing is from designated swims, and anglers must follow the club rules. Check the latest access and closure notices with SDAA, including the reported open Broom Lake track, before setting off. The venue’s What3words location is much.reworked.unsigned.
We're not sure on ticket prices here — we couldn't find reliable, up-to-date prices online, so give the fishery a ring or check their own site before you go.
Straight from anglers online
Short, unedited extracts from public reviews, credited to the person who posted them. Not checked by us and not a Tackle Index view.
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Broom Fishery FAQs
Where is Broom Lake?
It is near Broom in Bedfordshire. The official venue page gives the What3words location as much.reworked.unsigned.
How do I book a session?
Booking is handled through SDAA membership and permits, rather than an online day-ticket booking system.
Can I fish Broom Lake at night?
Only with the required night permit. Availability can change, so confirm the current position with SDAA before travelling.
When should I check the rules?
Check the current SDAA access, closure and permit notices before setting off, especially around membership and night-fishing availability.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Broom Fishery. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Broom.
Do I need to bring food?
We haven't seen any food on site, so bring your own grub and drinks. A flask and a stove (where allowed) make a long day much better.
Are there toilets on site?
Not that we've seen listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off. Bring a barrow in case it's a walk.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
SG18 9JH.
How much is a ticket?
We haven't got current prices. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Broom Fishery isn't day-ticket water — Broom Lake is members or syndicate only.
What fish are in there?
Across the lakes you'll find carp, tench, bream, roach, pike, perch, rudd. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
1 — Broom Lake (Approximately 6 acres).
Is night fishing allowed?
Yes, it's required — Night fishing is permitted only with the required night permit. The 2026/27 standard membership does not include one, and no 2026/27 night permits were available to new or lapsed members when checked.
Can I bring my dog?
Not covered in the rules we've checked. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Are bait boats allowed?
We haven't seen a bait-boat rule listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Do I need barbless hooks?
Most UK fisheries prefer barbless or micro-barbed hooks — ask on arrival if unsure.
Do I need my own unhooking mat or cradle?
Bring one either way — most fisheries expect it and the fish deserve it.
Is it suitable for disabled anglers?
We haven't seen disabled access listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Do I need a rod licence?
Yes — anyone 13 or over fishing in England and Wales needs an Environment Agency rod licence (or Natural Resources Wales in Wales), on top of your fishery ticket.
When's the best time of year to fish here?
Late spring through autumn is prime for most species. Check our live weather edge for this venue before you go — it updates daily.
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Syndicate · invite only
Broom Lake: a members-only gravel pit with proper carp, big bream and plenty of mixed coarse action.
- Size
- Approximately 6 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, tench, bream, roach, pike, perch, rudd
Broom Lake is a six-acre former gravel pit near Broom, Bedfordshire, managed by Shefford and District Angling Association. It’s available to authorised SDAA members during the open season, with fishing from designated swims.
There’s a tidy spread of species here. Carp to about 30lb are the big draw, but double-figure tench and bream, plentiful silver fish, pike, perch, roach and rudd make it a proper mixed bag water.
Specimen carp to about 30lb; tench and bream to double figures; plentiful shoals of silver fish.
Lake photographs
A look around Broom Lake
Broom Fishery
Broom Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Broom Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Carp anglers after a chance of a 20lb-plus fish, including mirrors, commons and ghosts.
- Float and feeder anglers who fancy tench, bream and busy silver-fish sessions.
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting a simple public day-ticket water or guaranteed night-fishing access.
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Broom Lake
carp
A bigger bed of bait at range
On a big lake with gravel bars, a good bed of bait on or behind a bar gives roaming fish a reason to stop and feed for longer.
- Find a clean, hard spot with a marker float and clip up so every cast lands on it.
- Spread the bait with a spod or throwing stick — little and often.
- Mix boilies, pellet and particles so there's always something left for the fish to graze.
- Match the hookbait to the freebies.
carp
Zigs in the warmer months
In clear, deep water carp often sit up in the layers on warm days. A zig is the only way to get a bait in front of them.
- Start at half depth and move up or down a foot at a time until you get bites.
- Black or foam hookbaits work well on bright days.
- Keep it simple — no freebies needed.
tench
Lift method float for tench
Tench feed with their heads down and tip baits up — the lift method shows that bite as the float rising and lying flat.
- Fish the margin at dawn with a straight waggler, locked by a single big shot 2–3in from the hook.
- Rake or lightly bait the swim with hemp, corn and maggot.
- Strike when the float lifts or lies flat. Bread, corn or worm on a size 12–14.
bream
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
Broom Lake FAQs
How big is Broom Lake?
It covers approximately 6 acres.
What is the biggest carp mentioned?
The lake contains specimen carp to about 30lb, with official reports including a 25lb 14oz ghost carp.
What's the lake record on Broom Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: Specimen carp to about 30lb; tench and bream to double figures; plentiful shoals of silver fish. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Broom Lake?
carp, tench, bream, roach, pike, perch, rudd. Specimen carp to about 30lb; tench and bream to double figures; plentiful shoals of silver fish.
Which baits work well on Broom Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Broom Lake further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: with the fish the fishery lists here, a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Broom Lake get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Broom Lake?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for Broom Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Broom Lake?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Can I fish Broom Lake on a day ticket?
No — Broom Lake is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Broom Lake?
Yes, it's required — Night fishing is permitted only with the required night permit. The 2026/27 standard membership does not include one, and no 2026/27 night permits were available to new or lapsed members when checked.
Who does Broom Lake suit?
Good for: Carp anglers after a chance of a 20lb-plus fish, including mirrors, commons and ghosts.; Float and feeder anglers who fancy tench, bream and busy silver-fish sessions.. Less suited to: Anglers wanting a simple public day-ticket water or guaranteed night-fishing access..
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Venue Rule Checker
- No
Can anyone buy a day ticket?
Broom Lake is a members-only SDAA water rather than a public day-ticket fishery. Access is through SDAA membership and the relevant permits.
- Must
Is there a closed season?
Fishing is not permitted from 15 March through 15 June inclusive on the relevant SDAA waters.
- Must
Is night fishing allowed?
Night fishing is permitted only with the required night permit. The 2026/27 standard membership does not include one, and no 2026/27 night permits were available to new or lapsed members when checked.
- Seasonal
Can members use three rods?
Members but not juniors may use three rods from 1 October through 31 March when they hold the appropriate permit and EA licences.
- No
Is leadcore allowed?
Leadcore is prohibited on all SDAA waters.
- Must
Are rod licences required?
Anglers must comply with Environment Agency rod-licence requirements and follow the club rules.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 9 October 2026. Rules change — always check with the fishery before you go.
Tips & guides worth reading
How we'd fish each lake
Our own suggestions, worked out from each lake's features, its main fish and the venue rules. They're tried-and-tested methods, not reports from this venue, so watch the water and ask in the tackle shop on the day.
Broom Lake
carp
A bigger bed of bait at range
On a big lake with gravel bars, a good bed of bait on or behind a bar gives roaming fish a reason to stop and feed for longer.
- Find a clean, hard spot with a marker float and clip up so every cast lands on it.
- Spread the bait with a spod or throwing stick — little and often.
- Mix boilies, pellet and particles so there's always something left for the fish to graze.
- Match the hookbait to the freebies.
carp
Zigs in the warmer months
In clear, deep water carp often sit up in the layers on warm days. A zig is the only way to get a bait in front of them.
- Start at half depth and move up or down a foot at a time until you get bites.
- Black or foam hookbaits work well on bright days.
- Keep it simple — no freebies needed.
tench
Lift method float for tench
Tench feed with their heads down and tip baits up — the lift method shows that bite as the float rising and lying flat.
- Fish the margin at dawn with a straight waggler, locked by a single big shot 2–3in from the hook.
- Rake or lightly bait the swim with hemp, corn and maggot.
- Strike when the float lifts or lies flat. Bread, corn or worm on a size 12–14.
bream
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
Good background reading. Most of it is a few years old, so treat it as a starting point and ask on the day.
Videos linked by the fishery
What anglers reckon
7.1/10 from Tackle Index: Carp to about 30lb, double-figure tench and bream, plus pike and silver fish give the lake strong all-round appeal.
Straight from anglers online
Short, unedited extracts from public reviews, credited to the person who posted them. Not checked by us and not a Tackle Index view.
We haven’t found any public angler reviews of this venue yet. Fished it? Add yours below.
Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “Broom Lake is a cracking six-acre former gravel pit near Broom, Bedfordshire, run by Shefford and District Angling Association. It’s members-only, with specimen carp to about 30lb alongside double-figure tench and bream, plus plenty of silver fish.”
This is our own summary of recurring public feedback and the venue details we checked, not a copied customer review or a promise you’ll catch. Feedback changes, so we keep it separate from the Tackle Index score.
Angler score
What our readers rate Broom Fishery
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