
Fishery guide · Berkshire
Thatcham Fisheries
Thatcham Angling Association’s Lower Way Lake Complex is the likely match for Thatcham Fisheries, with three very different lakes, proper mixed coarse fishing and some serious carp in the water. It’s a membership-based setup on Lower Way, Thatcham, with day, night and guest options depending on your permit.
“7.7/10 — Three lakes offer productive mixed coarse fishing, bigger carp and tench, plus different challenges.”
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The lowdown
Thatcham Fisheries is most likely Thatcham Angling Association’s Lower Way Lake Complex, tucked off Lower Way opposite Swings and Smiles. Access is down a dirt track, with a gated car park holding approximately 30 or more cars. Handy enough, and there are toilets by the car park and lake entrance.
- 3 lakes: Jubilee, Long Lake, Horden’s Mere
- Fish: carp, tench, bream, roach, perch, rudd, crucian, pike
- Tickets from: 2026–2027 senior Bronze membership — £85
- Find it: Thatcham · RG19 3RP
Plan your session
Fishery map of Thatcham Fisheries
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Photos courtesy of Photo: Thatcham Fisheries (official website). Catch dates not confirmed.
Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Thatcham Fisheries
Thatcham Fisheries is most likely Thatcham Angling Association’s Lower Way Lake Complex, tucked off Lower Way opposite Swings and Smiles. Access is down a dirt track, with a gated car park holding approximately 30 or more cars. Handy enough, and there are toilets by the car park and lake entrance.
There are three lakes to choose from: Jubilee, Long Lake and Horden’s Mere. They’re not carbon copies either, which is a proper bonus. Jubilee is the big mixed bag lake, Long Lake is deeper, clearer and more demanding, while Horden’s Mere is the smallest and has around 20 swims.
Jubilee is approximately 12.75 acres and looks the pick if you fancy plenty of options. Carp over 20 lb are present, along with bream to double figures and tench over 7 lb. Roach, crucians, perch and rudd add plenty of variety, while match weights regularly exceed 100 lb. That’s a fair shout for a productive session.
Long Lake is the one for a bit more head-scratching. It’s relatively deep and can be very clear, so stealth, careful plumbing and a tidy presentation could be well worth the faff. The carp exceed 40 lb according to the detailed lake page, with grass carp to about 20 lb, plus bream, tench, roach, crucians, perch and rudd.
Horden’s Mere is the smallest lake but still has a decent spread of species. Roach, rudd, tench, perch, pike, carp and bream are listed, including reported carp over 40 lb and tench to 12 lb. With approximately 20 swims, it may suit anglers who prefer a smaller-water feel, though the bigger fish claims certainly add a cheeky bit of interest.
This is association fishing rather than a simple walk-up day-ticket venue. Permits and photo cards must be carried, and an Environment Agency rod licence is also required. Bronze is day fishing only, while Silver includes day and night fishing plus a seasonal non-fishing guest pass. Gold adds three rods during permitted dates and a bait boat.
Fishing is listed as dawn to dusk unless night-fishing permission applies. Guest tickets need sorting before arrival, and the member must accompany the guest. The season runs from 16 June to 15 June the following year, so check your permit position and the current member-services details before setting off.
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.
Thatcham Fisheries FAQs
Is Thatcham Fisheries a walk-in day-ticket fishery?
The likely match is Thatcham Angling Association’s Lower Way Lake Complex, with access arranged through association membership and the online member-services system. Guest tickets are available online.
Where is the complex?
It is on Lower Way, Thatcham, opposite Swings and Smiles, with access via a dirt track.
What does Bronze membership cover?
Bronze membership is a day-fishing permit only.
What do Silver and Gold add?
Silver includes day and night fishing plus a seasonal non-fishing guest pass. Gold also includes three rods during permitted dates and a bait boat.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
There's bait boat available with gold membership or add-on on site, so you can grab bits on the day. For anything bigger, stock up before you leave home — or order online in advance.
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?
Yes — the fishery lists toilets near the car park and lake entrance.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
Yes — gated car park for approximately 30 or more cars. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
RG19 3RP.
How much is a ticket?
2026–2027 senior Bronze membership: £85; 2026–2027 senior Silver membership: £125; 2026–2027 senior Gold membership: £160; 2026–2027 OAP or disabled Bronze membership: £50; 2026–2027 OAP or disabled Silver membership: £90; 2026–2027 OAP or disabled Gold membership: £125; 2026–2027 junior age 13–15 Bronze / Silver / Gold: £25 / £65 / £100; 2026–2027 junior age 16–18 Bronze / Silver / Gold: £35 / £75 / £110; New-member joining fee: £10; Non-fishing guest permit: £10 per season; Guest fishing pass: £15 for one day; Guest fishing pass: £25 for 24 hours; Bait boat add-on for Bronze or Silver members: £25; Three-rod access from 1 November to 31 March for Bronze or Silver members: £15. Prices last checked 2026-10-08 — they can change, so check before you go.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Thatcham Fisheries isn't day-ticket water — Jubilee, Long Lake, Horden’s Mere are members or syndicate only.
What fish are in there?
Across the lakes you'll find carp, tench, bream, roach, perch, rudd, crucian, pike. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
3 — Jubilee (Approximately 12.75 acres), Long Lake (Not published), Horden’s Mere (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
It's seasonal — Night fishing is available on most association venues with the relevant night permit; fishing is otherwise dawn to dusk.
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?
The fishery lists dedicated disabled peg. Ring ahead to check which swims suit you.
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.
Anglers' photos
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Syndicate · invite only
Jubilee: the biggest lake and the proper mixed-bag option.
- Size
- Approximately 12.75 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, tench, bream, roach, perch, rudd, crucian
Jubilee is the largest lake in the complex at approximately 12.75 acres, with carp over 20 lb and a strong mix of silverfish and bigger bream and tench.
There’s plenty to aim at, from a lively match-style session to a more patient carp or tench approach. The reported regular 100 lb-plus match weights underline its productive reputation.
Carp over 20 lb, bream to double figures and tench over 7 lb; match weights regularly exceed 100 lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Jubilee
Thatcham Fisheries
Jubilee
We’re checking the fishery’s Jubilee pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers wanting species variety and a chance of a busy mixed-bag session
- Match anglers and those targeting carp, bream or tench
Maybe not for
- Those after a small, intimate water with only a handful of swims
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Jubilee
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
tench
Method or maggot feeder for tench
Tench love margins and weedy patches. A feeder puts a small, tight patch of bait right by the hookbait.
- Fish 10–20 yards out, or tight to the cover where it's safe to land fish.
- Recast every 10–15 minutes early on to build the swim.
- Short hooklink with a dead red maggot, corn or a 8mm wafter.
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.
roach
Float maggot for roach
On a mixed lake a waggler and a pint of maggots is the easiest way to keep the float going under all day.
- Feed six to ten maggots every cast.
- Shallow up if bites come on the drop.
- Size 18 hook and light hooklength.
Jubilee FAQs
How big is Jubilee?
Approximately 12.75 acres.
What fish are in Jubilee?
Carp, bream, tench, roach, crucian carp, perch and rudd are listed.
What's the lake record on Jubilee?
Going by what the fishery says: Carp over 20 lb, bream to double figures and tench over 7 lb; match weights regularly exceed 100 lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
Which baits work well on Jubilee?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Jubilee 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 Jubilee get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Jubilee?
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 Thatcham Fisheries before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Jubilee?
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 Jubilee on a day ticket?
No — Jubilee is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Jubilee?
It's seasonal — Night fishing is available on most association venues with the relevant night permit; fishing is otherwise dawn to dusk.
Who does Jubilee suit?
Good for: Anglers wanting species variety and a chance of a busy mixed-bag session; Match anglers and those targeting carp, bream or tench. Less suited to: Those after a small, intimate water with only a handful of swims.
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
Syndicate · invite only
Long Lake: the deeper, clearer and more challenging lake.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, tench, bream, roach, perch, rudd, crucian
Long Lake is the second-largest lake in the complex. It is relatively deep and can be very clear, making accurate watercraft and tidy rigs useful tools.
There’s proper upside, though, with carp exceeding 40 lb according to the detailed lake page and grass carp to about 20 lb. Mixed coarse species keep things interesting between bites.
Carp exceeding 40 lb and grass carp to about 20 lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Long Lake
Thatcham Fisheries
Long Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Long Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Experienced anglers who enjoy working out a clearer, deeper water
- Carp anglers after a bigger target, with mixed coarse fishing as a bonus
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting guaranteed easy action or a simple grab-and-go session
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Long Lake
carp
Chod or helicopter style over soft weed and silt
Where the bottom drops in and out of holes or there might be soft silt or weed, a pop-up that slides up the leader sits over the muck instead of disappearing into it — no need to find a perfectly clean spot.
- Single pop-up, 2–3in off the bottom.
- Fish it as a single hookbait or with a light scattering of freebies — a big bed defeats the point.
- Cast to likely holes and let the lead settle; don't drag it back.
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
Method or maggot feeder for tench
Tench love margins and weedy patches. A feeder puts a small, tight patch of bait right by the hookbait.
- Fish 10–20 yards out, or tight to the cover where it's safe to land fish.
- Recast every 10–15 minutes early on to build the swim.
- Short hooklink with a dead red maggot, corn or a 8mm wafter.
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
Long Lake FAQs
Is Long Lake easy fishing?
It is described as the more challenging lake, and its depth and clarity can make it demanding.
What bigger fish are listed?
Carp exceeding 40 lb and grass carp to about 20 lb are listed.
What's the lake record on Long Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: Carp exceeding 40 lb and grass carp to about 20 lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Long Lake?
carp, tench, bream, roach, perch, rudd, crucian. Carp exceeding 40 lb and grass carp to about 20 lb.
How big is Long Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The deeper, clearer and more challenging lake..
Which baits work well on Long Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Long 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 Long 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 Long 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 Thatcham Fisheries before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Long 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 Long Lake on a day ticket?
No — Long Lake is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Long Lake?
It's seasonal — Night fishing is available on most association venues with the relevant night permit; fishing is otherwise dawn to dusk.
Who does Long Lake suit?
Good for: Experienced anglers who enjoy working out a clearer, deeper water; Carp anglers after a bigger target, with mixed coarse fishing as a bonus. Less suited to: Anglers wanting guaranteed easy action or a simple grab-and-go session.
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
Syndicate · invite only
Horden’s Mere: the smallest lake, with a tasty mix and some big-fish interest.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- roach, rudd, tench, perch, pike, carp, bream
Horden’s Mere is the smallest of the three lakes and has approximately 20 swims. It contains a broad mix of coarse species, including roach, rudd, tench, perch, pike, carp and bream.
The reported carp over 40 lb and tench to 12 lb give it more punch than the smaller-water label might suggest. It could suit anglers who like keeping options open during a session.
Reported carp over 40 lb and tench to 12 lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Horden’s Mere
Thatcham Fisheries
Horden’s Mere
We’re checking the fishery’s Horden’s Mere pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers after a varied coarse session on a smaller lake
- Those targeting tench, carp or a mixed bag with pike also present
Maybe not for
- Anyone specifically chasing the biggest match-style bags associated with Jubilee
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Horden’s Mere
carp
A bigger bed of bait at range
On wide, open water the fish move about a lot — a decent bed of bait at range holds a passing group long enough to get a bite.
- 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.
roach
Float maggot for roach
On a mixed lake a waggler and a pint of maggots is the easiest way to keep the float going under all day.
- Feed six to ten maggots every cast.
- Shallow up if bites come on the drop.
- Size 18 hook and light hooklength.
rudd
Floating baits and shallow float for rudd
Rudd feed high in the water, often near reeds and lilies on warm days. Fish up in the water to them, not on the bottom.
- A light waggler set 1–2ft deep with a single maggot or caster on a size 18.
- Loose-feed little and often to bring them up.
- Floating bread flake works brilliantly in summer.
Horden’s Mere FAQs
How many swims does Horden’s Mere have?
Approximately 20 swims.
What larger fish are reported?
Reported carp over 40 lb and tench to 12 lb.
What's the lake record on Horden’s Mere?
Going by what the fishery says: Reported carp over 40 lb and tench to 12 lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Horden’s Mere?
roach, rudd, tench, perch, pike, carp, bream. Reported carp over 40 lb and tench to 12 lb.
How big is Horden’s Mere and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The smallest lake, with a tasty mix and some big-fish interest..
Which baits work well on Horden’s Mere?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Horden’s Mere 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 Horden’s Mere get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Horden’s Mere?
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 Thatcham Fisheries before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Horden’s Mere?
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 Horden’s Mere on a day ticket?
No — Horden’s Mere is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Horden’s Mere?
It's seasonal — Night fishing is available on most association venues with the relevant night permit; fishing is otherwise dawn to dusk.
Who does Horden’s Mere suit?
Good for: Anglers after a varied coarse session on a smaller lake; Those targeting tench, carp or a mixed bag with pike also present. Less suited to: Anyone specifically chasing the biggest match-style bags associated with Jubilee.
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
- Must
Is a fishery permit required?
Fishing permits and photo cards must be carried on association waters.
- Must
Is an Environment Agency rod licence required?
An Environment Agency rod licence is required in addition to the fishery permit.
- No
Can guests turn up without a ticket?
Guest tickets must be obtained before arrival, and the member is responsible for accompanying the guest.
- Seasonal
Is night fishing allowed?
Night fishing is available on most association venues with the relevant night permit; fishing is otherwise dawn to dusk.
- No
Are alcohol, illegal substances and litter allowed?
The official rules prohibit alcohol, illegal substances and litter.
- Must
Can a bailiff ask to see permits and cards?
Members must produce permits and cards when requested by a bailiff or committee member.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 8 October 2026. Rules change — always check with the fishery before you go.
Rules and prices change through the season. Follow and we'll flag changes the fishery or other anglers report.
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.
Jubilee
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
tench
Method or maggot feeder for tench
Tench love margins and weedy patches. A feeder puts a small, tight patch of bait right by the hookbait.
- Fish 10–20 yards out, or tight to the cover where it's safe to land fish.
- Recast every 10–15 minutes early on to build the swim.
- Short hooklink with a dead red maggot, corn or a 8mm wafter.
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.
roach
Float maggot for roach
On a mixed lake a waggler and a pint of maggots is the easiest way to keep the float going under all day.
- Feed six to ten maggots every cast.
- Shallow up if bites come on the drop.
- Size 18 hook and light hooklength.
Long Lake
carp
Chod or helicopter style over soft weed and silt
Where the bottom drops in and out of holes or there might be soft silt or weed, a pop-up that slides up the leader sits over the muck instead of disappearing into it — no need to find a perfectly clean spot.
- Single pop-up, 2–3in off the bottom.
- Fish it as a single hookbait or with a light scattering of freebies — a big bed defeats the point.
- Cast to likely holes and let the lead settle; don't drag it back.
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
Method or maggot feeder for tench
Tench love margins and weedy patches. A feeder puts a small, tight patch of bait right by the hookbait.
- Fish 10–20 yards out, or tight to the cover where it's safe to land fish.
- Recast every 10–15 minutes early on to build the swim.
- Short hooklink with a dead red maggot, corn or a 8mm wafter.
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
Horden’s Mere
carp
A bigger bed of bait at range
On wide, open water the fish move about a lot — a decent bed of bait at range holds a passing group long enough to get a bite.
- 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.
roach
Float maggot for roach
On a mixed lake a waggler and a pint of maggots is the easiest way to keep the float going under all day.
- Feed six to ten maggots every cast.
- Shallow up if bites come on the drop.
- Size 18 hook and light hooklength.
rudd
Floating baits and shallow float for rudd
Rudd feed high in the water, often near reeds and lilies on warm days. Fish up in the water to them, not on the bottom.
- A light waggler set 1–2ft deep with a single maggot or caster on a size 18.
- Loose-feed little and often to bring them up.
- Floating bread flake works brilliantly in summer.
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
7.7/10 from Tackle Index: Three lakes offer productive mixed coarse fishing, bigger carp and tench, plus different challenges.
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 — “Thatcham Angling Association’s Lower Way Lake Complex is the likely match for Thatcham Fisheries, with three very different lakes, proper mixed coarse fishing and some serious carp in the water. It’s a membership-based setup on Lower Way, Thatcham, with day, night and guest options depending on your permit.”
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.
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