Fishery guide · Cambridgeshire
Rookery Waters
Seven lakes, a proper mix of coarse fish and plenty for pole anglers: Rookery Waters near St Ives has pleasure and match fishing covered. There’s a tackle shop and café too — just check which lakes are available before choosing your peg.
“8.0/10 — The listed species and carp sizes offer plenty for mixed-coarse, pleasure and match anglers, without promising catches.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Rookery Waters sits at Rookery Farm on Fen Road, Pidley, near St Ives in Cambridgeshire. There are seven named lakes, and the appeal is choice: pleasure fishing, match fishing, mixed species and several waters with narrow channels. This isn’t a case of every lake offering the same day out. Pick the right one for the fishing you fancy, rather than simply heading for the first empty platform you spot.
- 7 lakes: Rook, Magpie, Crow, Jay, Jackdaw, Raven, Nutcracker
- Fish: carp, crucian, roach, rudd, bream, tench, perch, barbel
- Tickets from: Adult fishing day tickets, age 17+ — £11
- Find it: St Ives · PE28 3DF
Plan your session
Fishery map of Rookery Waters
Pick a pin or venue to see live bank-side conditions.
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Photos courtesy of Shaun Ferguson. See the originals. Catch dates not confirmed.
Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Rookery Waters
Rookery Waters sits at Rookery Farm on Fen Road, Pidley, near St Ives in Cambridgeshire. There are seven named lakes, and the appeal is choice: pleasure fishing, match fishing, mixed species and several waters with narrow channels. This isn’t a case of every lake offering the same day out. Pick the right one for the fishing you fancy, rather than simply heading for the first empty platform you spot.
Rook is the pleasure lake with a broad mix of carp, crucians, roach, rudd, bream, tench and perch. The fishery puts its typical carp at 7–14lb and mentions a grass carp reaching approximately 30lb. Those are venue claims, not a promise of a lump on your next visit. Magpie takes a different shape on paper: 36 pegs for pleasure and matches, with carp of 1–10lb and F1s of 1–2lb.
For pole anglers, the dimensions are worth a proper look. Jay is loop-shaped and described as 14–15m wide, while Raven has channels of 13–14m and 29 pegs. Crow offers 25 pegs, an approximate width of 25m and depths reaching around 5ft. Those differences matter when choosing your water: don’t assume every far bank is within pole reach. The venue’s 16m pole limit is another detail to have sorted before setting up.
Jackdaw and Nutcracker each have seven pleasure-fishing pegs. Jackdaw’s mix includes roach, rudd, perch, goldfish, ide, crucians, barbel and small carp — cracking variety if you enjoy seeing what turns up next. Nutcracker lists mixed coarse fish including chub, barbel, bream, golden tench and small carp. It also has parking behind every swim, a handy little bonus when the thought of shifting all your kit feels like more effort than the fishing.
The practical side looks well covered. Tackle & Bates is onsite, alongside the Rookery Café, and there are ladies’, gents’ and disabled toilets in the café and car park. Buy your day ticket in the tackle shop before fishing and ask staff which lakes are available that day. That quick chat saves committing to a lake you can’t use. There are also caravan and motorhome pitches, plus lodges with fishing included from their exclusive platforms.
Keep the setup within the rules and there’s less faff on arrival. Hooks must be barbless and no larger than size 10; braid, leadcore, fixed rigs and bolt rigs are out. Floating baits aren’t allowed, and boilies are hookbait only. Pleasure anglers must return fish immediately, with keepnets reserved for matches. It’s daytime fishing only, too. Overall, the draw is a varied coarse-fishing venue with useful facilities, rather than an overnight campaign for specimen carp.
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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Rookery Waters FAQs
Where is Rookery Waters?
At Rookery Farm, Fen Road, Pidley, near St Ives in Cambridgeshire.
Can I fish any lake when I arrive?
Ask tackle-shop staff which lakes are available that day, and buy your ticket before fishing.
Is there a café and are there toilets?
Yes — the Rookery Café is onsite, with ladies’, gents’ and disabled toilet facilities in the café and car park.
Is fishing included if I stay onsite?
Caravan and motorhome pitch charges exclude fishing day tickets. Lodge stays include fishing from the lodge’s exclusive platform. Caravan and motorhome booking enquiries: the fishery.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
There's tackle & bates onsite tackle shop 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?
There's rookery café listed, but opening times vary, so pack snacks and plenty of water just in case — especially on a long session.
Are there toilets on site?
Yes — the fishery lists ladies’, gents’ and disabled toilets.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
Yes — parking behind each nutcracker swim. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
PE28 3DF.
How much is a ticket?
Adult fishing day tickets, age 17+: £11; Fishing day tickets for over-65s: £9; Fishing day tickets for ages 16 and under: £9; A second rod: £2 extra. Prices last checked 2026-10-03 — they can change, so check before you go.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Day tickets are available on Rook, Magpie, Crow, Jay, Jackdaw, Raven, Nutcracker. Busy weekends can fill up, so ring ahead if you've got your heart set on a swim.
What fish are in there?
Across the lakes you'll find carp, crucian, roach, rudd, bream, tench, perch, barbel, chub. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
7 — Rook (Approximately 2.47 acres (1 hectare)), Magpie (Approximately 2.47 acres (1 hectare)), Crow (Not published), Jay (Not published), Jackdaw (Not published), Raven (Approximately 1.98 acres (0.8 hectare)), Nutcracker (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
No — Night fishing is prohibited.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes — Dogs must remain on leads and owners must clean up.
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?
Yes, it's required — Use barbless hooks, maximum size 10. Braid, leadcore, fixed rigs and bolt rigs are prohibited.
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 ladies’, gents’ and disabled toilets. 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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Day ticket · turn up
Rook: mixed pleasure fishing with some bigger carp in the picture
- Size
- Approximately 2.47 acres (1 hectare) acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, crucian, roach, rudd, bream, tench, perch
Rook is a pleasure lake covering one hectare. Carp share the water with crucians, roach, rudd, bream, tench and perch, so there’s a proper mixed-coarse line-up.
The advertised carp sizes give it a different emphasis from the small-carp waters. Think mixed pleasure fishing with the possibility of a bigger fish, not a guaranteed PB.
The fishery describes typical carp of 7–14lb and a recorded grass carp reaching approximately 30lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Rook
Rookery Waters
Rook
We’re checking the fishery’s Rook pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Mixed-species pleasure anglers
- Anglers interested in the larger advertised carp
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting night fishing
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Rook
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.
crucian
Delicate float for crucians
Crucian bites are tiny dips and lifts, so a sensitive float shotted right down is what catches them.
- Fish a small insert waggler or pole float over-depth by an inch.
- Corn, maggot or a 4mm pellet on a size 16–18.
- Strike at any small movement — crucians rarely bury the float.
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.
Rook FAQs
How big is Rook?
It is listed as one hectare, approximately 2.47 acres.
What size are the carp?
The fishery describes typical carp of 7–14lb and mentions a grass carp reaching approximately 30lb.
What's the lake record on Rook?
Going by what the fishery says: The fishery describes typical carp of 7–14lb and a recorded grass carp reaching approximately 30lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Rook?
carp, crucian, roach, rudd, bream, tench, perch. The fishery describes typical carp of 7–14lb and a recorded grass carp reaching approximately 30lb.
How big is Rook and how many swims?
Around Approximately 2.47 acres (1 hectare) acres. Mixed pleasure fishing with some bigger carp in the picture.
Which baits work well on Rook?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Rook 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 Rook get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Rook?
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 Rookery Waters before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Rook?
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 Rook on a day ticket?
Yes — Rook is on the day ticket. Tickets: Adult fishing day tickets, age 17+ £11; Fishing day tickets for over-65s £9; Fishing day tickets for ages 16 and under £9; A second rod £2 extra (last checked 2026-10-03).
Is night fishing allowed on Rook?
No — Night fishing is prohibited.
Who does Rook suit?
Good for: Mixed-species pleasure anglers; Anglers interested in the larger advertised carp. Less suited to: Anglers wanting night fishing.
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
Day ticket · turn up
Magpie: a 36-peg option for pleasure and match fishing
- Size
- Approximately 2.47 acres (1 hectare) acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Magpie has 36 pegs and caters for both pleasure and match fishing. Its listed area is one hectare.
The advertised stock is carp of 1–10lb and F1s of 1–2lb. That makes it worth a look if those are your target fish, but check availability in the shop before hauling your kit round.
Carp of 1–10lb and F1s of 1–2lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Magpie
Rookery Waters
Magpie
We’re checking the fishery’s Magpie pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Carp and F1 anglers
- Pleasure and match anglers
Maybe not for
- Anglers choosing mainly for big specimen carp
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Magpie
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.
Magpie FAQs
How many pegs does Magpie have?
There are 36 pegs for pleasure and match fishing.
Does Magpie hold F1s?
Yes, F1s are advertised at 1–2lb, alongside carp of 1–10lb.
What's the lake record on Magpie?
Going by what the fishery says: Carp of 1–10lb and F1s of 1–2lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Magpie?
carp. Carp of 1–10lb and F1s of 1–2lb.
How big is Magpie and how many swims?
Around Approximately 2.47 acres (1 hectare) acres. A 36-peg option for pleasure and match fishing.
Which baits work well on Magpie?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Magpie 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 Magpie get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Magpie?
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 Rookery Waters before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Magpie?
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 Magpie on a day ticket?
Yes — Magpie is on the day ticket. Tickets: Adult fishing day tickets, age 17+ £11; Fishing day tickets for over-65s £9; Fishing day tickets for ages 16 and under £9; A second rod £2 extra (last checked 2026-10-03).
Is night fishing allowed on Magpie?
No — Night fishing is prohibited.
Who does Magpie suit?
Good for: Carp and F1 anglers; Pleasure and match anglers. Less suited to: Anglers choosing mainly for big specimen carp.
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
Day ticket · turn up
Crow: 25 pegs with a wider stretch of water
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Crow has 25 pegs, is approximately 25m wide and reaches around 5ft deep. Its acreage and species mix aren’t specified in the supplied details.
That width is worth clocking before you plan your approach. With a venue-wide 16m pole limit, don’t build your day around reaching the opposite bank with a pole.
Lake photographs
A look around Crow
Rookery Waters
Crow
We’re checking the fishery’s Crow pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers wanting a wider water than Jay or Raven
- Anglers happy to choose tactics around the published dimensions
Maybe not for
- Pole anglers set on reaching the opposite bank
- Anglers needing a confirmed species list before choosing
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Crow
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.
Crow FAQs
How deep is Crow?
It reaches around 5ft deep.
How wide is Crow?
It is approximately 25m wide and has 25 pegs.
What's the lake record on Crow?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Crow that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in Crow?
carp.
How big is Crow and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. 25 pegs with a wider stretch of water.
Which baits work well on Crow?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Crow 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: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Crow get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Crow?
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 Rookery Waters before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Crow?
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 Crow on a day ticket?
Yes — Crow is on the day ticket. Tickets: Adult fishing day tickets, age 17+ £11; Fishing day tickets for over-65s £9; Fishing day tickets for ages 16 and under £9; A second rod £2 extra (last checked 2026-10-03).
Is night fishing allowed on Crow?
No — Night fishing is prohibited.
Who does Crow suit?
Good for: Anglers wanting a wider water than Jay or Raven; Anglers happy to choose tactics around the published dimensions. Less suited to: Pole anglers set on reaching the opposite bank; Anglers needing a confirmed species list before choosing.
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
Day ticket · turn up
Jay: a loop-shaped lake built around pole fishing
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Jay is described as a loop-shaped pole-fishing lake, with a width of 14–15m. It’s one to consider if a day on the pole is your thing.
The published width gives you something useful to plan around, although individual peg details aren’t provided. Neither its acreage nor its species mix is specified here.
Lake photographs
A look around Jay
Rookery Waters
Jay
We’re checking the fishery’s Jay pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Pole anglers
- Anglers who prefer narrow, loop-shaped waters
Maybe not for
- Anglers looking for broad open water
- Anglers needing confirmed stock details
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Jay
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.
Jay FAQs
What shape is Jay?
It is a loop-shaped lake described specifically for pole fishing.
How wide is it?
The published description puts it at 14–15m wide; the venue’s pole limit is 16m.
What's the lake record on Jay?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Jay that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in Jay?
carp.
How big is Jay and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A loop-shaped lake built around pole fishing.
Which baits work well on Jay?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Jay 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: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Jay get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Jay?
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 Rookery Waters before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Jay?
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 Jay on a day ticket?
Yes — Jay is on the day ticket. Tickets: Adult fishing day tickets, age 17+ £11; Fishing day tickets for over-65s £9; Fishing day tickets for ages 16 and under £9; A second rod £2 extra (last checked 2026-10-03).
Is night fishing allowed on Jay?
No — Night fishing is prohibited.
Who does Jay suit?
Good for: Pole anglers; Anglers who prefer narrow, loop-shaped waters. Less suited to: Anglers looking for broad open water; Anglers needing confirmed stock details.
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
Day ticket · turn up
Jackdaw: seven pleasure pegs and a cracking mixed-species line-up
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- roach, rudd, perch, crucian, barbel, carp
Jackdaw’s dedicated lake page lists seven pleasure-fishing pegs. It offers a varied fish list rather than a headline promise of heavyweight carp.
Alongside roach, rudd, perch and crucians, there are goldfish, ide, barbel and small carp. That’s a nice fit on paper for anglers who enjoy a mixed bag.
Contains roach, rudd, perch, goldfish, ide, crucians, barbel and small carp.
Lake photographs
A look around Jackdaw
Rookery Waters
Jackdaw
We’re checking the fishery’s Jackdaw pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Mixed-species pleasure anglers
- Anglers interested in small carp and silverfish
Maybe not for
- Anglers focused on advertised specimen carp
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Jackdaw
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.
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.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
Jackdaw FAQs
How many pleasure pegs are there?
Jackdaw’s dedicated page lists seven.
Are there fish other than carp?
Yes — roach, rudd, perch, goldfish, ide, crucians and barbel are also listed.
What's the lake record on Jackdaw?
Going by what the fishery says: Contains roach, rudd, perch, goldfish, ide, crucians, barbel and small carp. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Jackdaw?
roach, rudd, perch, crucian, barbel, carp. Contains roach, rudd, perch, goldfish, ide, crucians, barbel and small carp.
How big is Jackdaw and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. Seven pleasure pegs and a cracking mixed-species line-up.
Which baits work well on Jackdaw?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Jackdaw 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 Jackdaw get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Jackdaw?
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 Rookery Waters before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Jackdaw?
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 Jackdaw on a day ticket?
Yes — Jackdaw is on the day ticket. Tickets: Adult fishing day tickets, age 17+ £11; Fishing day tickets for over-65s £9; Fishing day tickets for ages 16 and under £9; A second rod £2 extra (last checked 2026-10-03).
Is night fishing allowed on Jackdaw?
No — Night fishing is prohibited.
Who does Jackdaw suit?
Good for: Mixed-species pleasure anglers; Anglers interested in small carp and silverfish. Less suited to: Anglers focused on advertised specimen carp.
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
Day ticket · turn up
Raven: narrow channels, 29 pegs and carp, tench and f1s
- Size
- Approximately 1.98 acres (0.8 hectare) acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, tench
Raven covers 0.8 hectare and has 29 pegs. Its channels are described as 13–14m wide, making the layout worth a look for pole anglers.
Carp, tench and F1s are listed, with fish advertised up to 10lb. That upper figure is a general stock claim, not a separate size claim for every species.
Stocks carp, tench and F1s, with fish advertised up to 10lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Raven
Rookery Waters
Raven
We’re checking the fishery’s Raven pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Pole anglers who like narrow channels
- Anglers targeting carp, tench and F1s
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting a broad open-water layout
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Raven
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.
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.
Raven FAQs
How wide are Raven’s channels?
They are listed as 13–14m wide.
What fish are stocked?
Carp, tench and F1s, with fish advertised up to 10lb.
What's the lake record on Raven?
Going by what the fishery says: Stocks carp, tench and F1s, with fish advertised up to 10lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Raven?
carp, tench. Stocks carp, tench and F1s, with fish advertised up to 10lb.
How big is Raven and how many swims?
Around Approximately 1.98 acres (0.8 hectare) acres. Narrow channels, 29 pegs and carp, tench and F1s.
Which baits work well on Raven?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Raven 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 Raven get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Raven?
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 Rookery Waters before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Raven?
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 Raven on a day ticket?
Yes — Raven is on the day ticket. Tickets: Adult fishing day tickets, age 17+ £11; Fishing day tickets for over-65s £9; Fishing day tickets for ages 16 and under £9; A second rod £2 extra (last checked 2026-10-03).
Is night fishing allowed on Raven?
No — Night fishing is prohibited.
Who does Raven suit?
Good for: Pole anglers who like narrow channels; Anglers targeting carp, tench and F1s. Less suited to: Anglers wanting a broad open-water layout.
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
Day ticket · turn up
Nutcracker: seven pleasure pegs with parking behind every swim
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- chub, barbel, bream, tench, carp
Nutcracker has seven pleasure-fishing pegs and parking behind each swim. Less kit-shifting faff is a useful selling point, though that alone doesn’t confirm step-free access.
The listed mix includes chub, barbel, bream, golden tench and small carp. It’s another option for a varied pleasure session rather than choosing solely for big carp.
Mixed coarse fish including chub, barbel, bream, golden tench and small carp.
Lake photographs
A look around Nutcracker
Rookery Waters
Nutcracker
We’re checking the fishery’s Nutcracker pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Mixed-coarse pleasure anglers
- Anglers wanting parking close to their swim
Maybe not for
- Anglers focused on advertised big carp
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Nutcracker
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.
chub
Bread or worm tight to cover for chub
Chub sit under overhanging trees and snags and are cautious, so a quiet approach and a natural bait near cover catches them.
- Bread flake or lobworm on a size 8 hook with a link leger.
- Keep low and quiet on the bank.
- In summer, try a free-lined slug or floating crust.
barbel
Pellet and boilie for the lake barbel
Lake barbel feed hard and fight harder. Use a strong rod and line, and rest them properly in the net before release.
- Halibut pellet or small boilie over a bed of pellet.
- Strong hooklink and a size 10–12 hook.
- Never hold barbel out of water long — keep them in the net until they've recovered.
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.
Nutcracker FAQs
Can I park near my peg?
Yes, parking is provided behind each Nutcracker swim.
What species are listed?
The mixed stock includes chub, barbel, bream, golden tench and small carp.
What's the lake record on Nutcracker?
Going by what the fishery says: Mixed coarse fish including chub, barbel, bream, golden tench and small carp. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Nutcracker?
chub, barbel, bream, tench, carp. Mixed coarse fish including chub, barbel, bream, golden tench and small carp.
How big is Nutcracker and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. Seven pleasure pegs with parking behind every swim.
Which baits work well on Nutcracker?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Nutcracker 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 Nutcracker get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Nutcracker?
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 Rookery Waters before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Nutcracker?
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 Nutcracker on a day ticket?
Yes — Nutcracker is on the day ticket. Tickets: Adult fishing day tickets, age 17+ £11; Fishing day tickets for over-65s £9; Fishing day tickets for ages 16 and under £9; A second rod £2 extra (last checked 2026-10-03).
Is night fishing allowed on Nutcracker?
No — Night fishing is prohibited.
Who does Nutcracker suit?
Good for: Mixed-coarse pleasure anglers; Anglers wanting parking close to their swim. Less suited to: Anglers focused on advertised big carp.
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
Do I need to visit the shop before fishing?
Buy your day ticket in the onsite tackle shop before fishing and ask staff which lakes are available.
- No
Is night fishing allowed?
Night fishing is prohibited.
- Must
Are there hook and rig restrictions?
Use barbless hooks, maximum size 10. Braid, leadcore, fixed rigs and bolt rigs are prohibited.
- Must
Are there bait and pole limits?
No floating baits. Boilies are hookbait only. Groundbait limit: 2kg; pole limit: 16m.
- Must
Must I use a designated platform?
Use designated platforms and return fish immediately.
- No
Can pleasure anglers use keepnets?
Keepnets are permitted only in matches.
- Yes
Can I bring a dog?
Dogs must remain on leads and owners must clean up.
- No
Can I have a barbecue or fire?
Fires and barbecues are prohibited. Take litter home.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 3 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.
Rook
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.
crucian
Delicate float for crucians
Crucian bites are tiny dips and lifts, so a sensitive float shotted right down is what catches them.
- Fish a small insert waggler or pole float over-depth by an inch.
- Corn, maggot or a 4mm pellet on a size 16–18.
- Strike at any small movement — crucians rarely bury the float.
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.
Magpie
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.
Crow
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.
Jay
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.
Jackdaw
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.
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.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
Raven
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.
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.
Nutcracker
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.
chub
Bread or worm tight to cover for chub
Chub sit under overhanging trees and snags and are cautious, so a quiet approach and a natural bait near cover catches them.
- Bread flake or lobworm on a size 8 hook with a link leger.
- Keep low and quiet on the bank.
- In summer, try a free-lined slug or floating crust.
barbel
Pellet and boilie for the lake barbel
Lake barbel feed hard and fight harder. Use a strong rod and line, and rest them properly in the net before release.
- Halibut pellet or small boilie over a bed of pellet.
- Strong hooklink and a size 10–12 hook.
- Never hold barbel out of water long — keep them in the net until they've recovered.
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
8.0/10 from Tackle Index: The listed species and carp sizes offer plenty for mixed-coarse, pleasure and match anglers, without promising catches.
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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Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “Seven lakes, a proper mix of coarse fish and plenty for pole anglers: Rookery Waters near St Ives has pleasure and match fishing covered. There’s a tackle shop and café too — just check which lakes are available before choosing your peg.”
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 Rookery Waters
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