
Fishery guide · Cambridgeshire
Woolpack Fishery
A historic, strictly limited carp syndicate on former gravel workings near Godmanchester, holding English carp to over 50lb across three syndicate lakes plus a bookable exclusive lake.
“7.2/10 — Big, well-stocked gravel-pit carp lakes with a strong reputation.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Woolpack is a well-known name among serious carp anglers — a 48 to 50-acre former gravel-extraction site comprising three syndicate lakes (5/6, 7 and 8) plus Pit 4, which is run as a separate exclusive-booking venue for groups of up to four anglers.
- 4 lakes: Lake 5/6, Lake 7, Lake 8, Lake 4 (Exclusive)
- Fish: carp
- Tickets from: Pit 4 exclusive booking (up to 4 anglers, Mon–Fri or Fri–Mon) — £595.00
- Find it: Godmanchester · PE29 2EJ
Plan your session
Fishery map of Woolpack Fishery
Pick a pin or venue to see live bank-side conditions.
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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
Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Fishery
Woolpack Fishery
We haven’t got permission to show venue photos here yet. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Pictures on the fishery’s site · 2
See the official fishery page for its pictures
Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Woolpack Fishery
Woolpack is a well-known name among serious carp anglers — a 48 to 50-acre former gravel-extraction site comprising three syndicate lakes (5/6, 7 and 8) plus Pit 4, which is run as a separate exclusive-booking venue for groups of up to four anglers.
Syndicate membership is deliberately kept tiny to protect the fishing and the site's peace, with a waiting list and an application/interview process rather than open sign-up — the fishery's own copy says plainly that 'it can sometimes take years to get a syndicate ticket.'
The carp here have real pedigree: FishAdviser's listing records fish to a top weight of 51lb 4oz on the syndicate lakes, and Pit 4's exclusive page quotes fish up to 40lb for that lake alone, with the fishery's own home page claiming the complex has featured in films from Korda, Nash, Fox and Cyprinus.
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.
“Like a garden of Eden for carp anglers!”
— Dave Little, undated · Trustfeed
“One of the best syndicates around!”
— Karl Finlay, undated · Trustfeed
“Rude owner! Dont go there! You make a mistake and rate the wrong place... then he calls you an idiot. You have to be an idiot to do fishing here. Goes both ways you nasty person!”
— Lizzie Gibbs, undated · Trustfeed
Woolpack Fishery FAQs
Can I just turn up and fish at Woolpack?
No — the three main lakes (5/6, 7, 8) are syndicate-only with a waiting list and application/interview process. Lake 4 is the exception, bookable exclusively by the whole lake for up to 4 anglers.
How big do the carp get at Woolpack?
FishAdviser's listing records a top weight of 51lb 4oz on the syndicate lakes; the exclusive Lake 4 is stated to hold carp up to 40lb.
Is there a tackle shop or café on site?
No — the official site lists no on-site facilities beyond a portable toilet on Lake 4, though there's a supermarket and garage nearby and takeaways can be dropped at the gate.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Woolpack Fishery. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Godmanchester.
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 portable toilet on pit 4 (serviced regularly).
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
Yes — secure, padlocked site with fenced car park. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
PE29 2EJ. PE29 2EJ covers Cow Lane on the edge of Godmanchester — the fishery is private, gated and locked, so syndicate members and anyone with an exclusive Lake 4 booking should follow the access instructions they're given rather than just turning up at the postcode.
How much is a ticket?
Pit 4 exclusive booking (up to 4 anglers, Mon–Fri or Fri–Mon): £595.00; Syndicate membership (3 main lakes): Waiting list / by application — price not published. Prices last checked Pit 4 price from official exclusive-lake page, checked 2026-10-02 — they can change, so check before you go.
What fish are in there?
Across the lakes you'll find carp. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
4 — Lake 5/6 (8), Lake 7 (9), Lake 8 (unconfirmed), Lake 4 (Exclusive) (3.5).
Is night fishing allowed?
We haven't seen a clear night-fishing rule. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
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?
No — Old school/traditional angling only — no bait boats, no drones, no electronic fish/depth finders, no underwater cameras.
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.
Anglers' photos
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Syndicate · invite only
Lake 5/6: a classic island-split gravel pit holding old, wise carp averaging around 30lb
A hard-fishing, island-split pit holding old, big carp averaging around 30lb.
- Fishing Quality
- 8/10
- Swims & Banks
- 6/10
- Facilities
- 5/10
- Ease of Access
- 4/10
- Value for Money
- 6/10
Carp averaging ~30lb with some to 33lb, per third-party guides.
Islands and varied depth, though specifics are dated/unconfirmed.
No facilities beyond a locked, secure site.
Syndicate-only, with a waiting list and interview process.
No published fee — access is the real cost here, via the waiting list.
- Size
- 8 acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
At just over 8 acres, Lake 5/6 is split by islands running nearly the full length, with depths from a few inches off the island bars down to nearly 20 feet.
The lake is rich in natural food, which keeps the roughly 25 resident carp from needing anglers' bait for much of the year — meaning it can fish hard, with old, pressured fish that know the score.
A third-party guide describes a typical gravel pit split by islands, holding around 25 carp with an average weight of around 30lb, some stunning linears and fully scaled mirrors to 33lb, plus bream to 14lb and tench to 11lb 8oz.
Lake photographs
A look around Lake 5/6
Woolpack Fishery
Lake 5/6
We’re checking the fishery’s Lake 5/6 pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Patient syndicate members happy to put time in on a hard, natural-food-rich water
- Anglers after genuinely big, old English carp rather than numbers
Maybe not for
- Anyone wanting fast, prolific sport
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Lake 5/6
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
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.
- Bait boats aren't allowed, so spod or throwing-stick the bait out — 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
Light baiting tight to the island margins
Carp patrol the island margins on most venues. A handful of bait right on the edge often beats a heavy bed in open water, especially later in the day.
- Walk the bank first and look for bubbling, swirls or coloured water by the cover.
- Bait two or three spots with a few handfuls of chopped and whole boilies.
- Lower or flick the rig in quietly and back your line off with a back lead.
- Keep the drag set tight-ish — fish hooked by cover need turning quickly.
Lake 5/6 FAQs
How big are the carp in Lake 5/6?
A third-party guide puts the average weight around 30lb with some fully scaled mirrors and linears to 33lb — unconfirmed by the current official site.
What's the lake record on Lake 5/6?
Going by what the fishery says: A third-party guide describes a typical gravel pit split by islands, holding around 25 carp with an average weight of around 30lb, some stunning linears and fully scaled mirrors to 33lb, plus bream to 14lb and tench to 11lb 8oz. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Lake 5/6?
carp. A third-party guide describes a typical gravel pit split by islands, holding around 25 carp with an average weight of around 30lb, some stunning linears and fully scaled mirrors to 33lb, plus bream to 14lb and tench to 11lb 8oz.
How big is Lake 5/6 and how many swims?
Around 8 acres. A classic island-split gravel pit holding old, wise carp averaging around 30lb.
Which baits work well on Lake 5/6?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Lake 5/6 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 Lake 5/6 get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Lake 5/6?
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 Woolpack Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Lake 5/6?
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 Lake 5/6 on a day ticket?
No — Lake 5/6 is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Lake 5/6?
We haven't seen a clear night-fishing rule for this lake. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Who does Lake 5/6 suit?
Good for: Patient syndicate members happy to put time in on a hard, natural-food-rich water; Anglers after genuinely big, old English carp rather than numbers. Less suited to: Anyone wanting fast, prolific sport.
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
Lake 7: a 9-acre pit with fairly even depth and around 50 carp
A 9-acre pit with fairly even depth and around 50 carp.
- Fishing Quality
- 7/10
- Swims & Banks
- 6/10
- Facilities
- 5/10
- Ease of Access
- 4/10
- Value for Money
- 6/10
Around 50 carp, mostly even 10–14ft depth.
Features to fish to despite the even depth profile.
Shared site facilities, which are minimal.
Syndicate-only.
No published fee.
- Size
- 9 acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Lake 7 is a little bigger than 5/6 at just over 9 acres, home to around 50 fish and with mostly even depths of 10 to 14 feet, though there are still features worth fishing to.
A third-party guide describes a just-over-9-acre lake home to around 50 fish, with depths mostly even between 10 and 14 feet.
Lake photographs
A look around Lake 7
Woolpack Fishery
Lake 7
We’re checking the fishery’s Lake 7 pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Syndicate members wanting a mid-sized water with a bigger head of fish than 5/6
Maybe not for
- Anglers who prefer dramatic depth changes or heavy feature fishing
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Lake 7
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.
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.
- Bait boats aren't allowed, so spod or throwing-stick the bait out — 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.
Lake 7 FAQs
What's the lake record on Lake 7?
Going by what the fishery says: A third-party guide describes a just-over-9-acre lake home to around 50 fish, with depths mostly even between 10 and 14 feet. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Lake 7?
carp. A third-party guide describes a just-over-9-acre lake home to around 50 fish, with depths mostly even between 10 and 14 feet.
How big is Lake 7 and how many swims?
Around 9 acres. A 9-acre pit with fairly even depth and around 50 carp.
Which baits work well on Lake 7?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Lake 7 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 Lake 7 get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Lake 7?
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 Woolpack Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Lake 7?
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 Lake 7 on a day ticket?
No — Lake 7 is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Lake 7?
We haven't seen a clear night-fishing rule for this lake. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Who does Lake 7 suit?
Good for: Syndicate members wanting a mid-sized water with a bigger head of fish than 5/6. Less suited to: Anglers who prefer dramatic depth changes or heavy feature 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
Syndicate · invite only
Lake 8: the third syndicate lake — detail on this one is thin
The third syndicate lake, with limited public detail.
- Fishing Quality
- 6/10
- Swims & Banks
- 5/10
- Facilities
- 5/10
- Ease of Access
- 4/10
- Value for Money
- 6/10
Named as a current syndicate lake but without detailed published stock figures.
Limited public detail on layout.
Shared site facilities.
Syndicate-only.
No published fee.
- Size
- unconfirmed acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Woolpack's own current site names three syndicate lakes — 5/6, 7 and 8 — but published lake-by-lake detail on Lake 8 specifically is limited, so we're not repeating older, possibly outdated third-party numbers here.
The fishery's own site names Lake 8 as one of its three current syndicate lakes; detailed stock figures for this lake specifically are not published, so are left unconfirmed.
Lake photographs
A look around Lake 8
Woolpack Fishery
Lake 8
We’re checking the fishery’s Lake 8 pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Existing syndicate members — see the fishery directly for lake-specific detail
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting detailed public specs before applying
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Lake 8
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.
Lake 8 FAQs
What's the lake record on Lake 8?
Going by what the fishery says: The fishery's own site names Lake 8 as one of its three current syndicate lakes; detailed stock figures for this lake specifically are not published, so are left unconfirmed. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Lake 8?
carp. The fishery's own site names Lake 8 as one of its three current syndicate lakes; detailed stock figures for this lake specifically are not published, so are left unconfirmed.
How big is Lake 8 and how many swims?
Around unconfirmed acres. The third syndicate lake — detail on this one is thin.
Which baits work well on Lake 8?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Lake 8 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 Lake 8 get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Lake 8?
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 Woolpack Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Lake 8?
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 Lake 8 on a day ticket?
No — Lake 8 is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Lake 8?
We haven't seen a clear night-fishing rule for this lake. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Who does Lake 8 suit?
Good for: Existing syndicate members — see the fishery directly for lake-specific detail. Less suited to: Anglers wanting detailed public specs before applying.
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
Pre-book only
Lake 4 (Exclusive): a 3.5-acre exclusive-hire lake for up to four anglers, carp to 40lb
A 3.5-acre exclusive-hire lake for up to 4 anglers, carp to 40lb.
- Fishing Quality
- 8/10
- Swims & Banks
- 7/10
- Facilities
- 6/10
- Ease of Access
- 8/10
- Value for Money
- 6/10
Carp to 40lb across a 3.5-acre, naturally rich gravel pit.
6 swims, suited to 4 anglers at once.
Toilet on site, secure parking.
Guaranteed access once booked — no turning up and hoping.
£595 per booking for up to 4 anglers is a fair split for guaranteed exclusive carp water.
- Size
- 3.5 acres
- Swims
- 6
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Pit 4 is run separately from the syndicate as an exclusive-booking venue — the whole lake, for up to four anglers, booked Monday-to-Friday or Friday-to-Monday at a flat £595 per booking.
The official FAQ states 6 swims (though it's 'more suited to 4 anglers'), a 3.5-acre gravel pit 6-7 feet deep with plenty of natural food, and carp up to 40lb.
The fishery states a 3.5-acre, 6-swim lake with carp up to 40lb, 6-7 feet deep with a gravel, clay and silt bed.
Lake photographs
A look around Lake 4 (Exclusive)
Woolpack Fishery
Lake 4 (Exclusive)
We’re checking the fishery’s Lake 4 (Exclusive) pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Small groups wanting a whole lake to themselves for a weekend or midweek break
- Anglers who prefer certainty over turning up and hoping for a swim
Maybe not for
- Solo anglers or those on a tight budget — it's priced per booking, not per rod
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Lake 4 (Exclusive)
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
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.
- Bait boats aren't allowed, so spod or throwing-stick the bait out — 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.
Lake 4 (Exclusive) FAQs
How much does it cost to book Lake 4?
£595 per booking (Monday-to-Friday or Friday-to-Monday) for up to 4 anglers, per the official exclusive-lake page, checked 2026-10-02.
What's the lake record on Lake 4 (Exclusive)?
Going by what the fishery says: The fishery states a 3.5-acre, 6-swim lake with carp up to 40lb, 6-7 feet deep with a gravel, clay and silt bed. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Lake 4 (Exclusive)?
carp. The fishery states a 3.5-acre, 6-swim lake with carp up to 40lb, 6-7 feet deep with a gravel, clay and silt bed.
How big is Lake 4 (Exclusive) and how many swims?
Around 3.5 acres with 6 swims. A 3.5-acre exclusive-hire lake for up to four anglers, carp to 40lb.
Which baits work well on Lake 4 (Exclusive)?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Lake 4 (Exclusive) 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 Lake 4 (Exclusive) get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Lake 4 (Exclusive)?
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 Woolpack Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Lake 4 (Exclusive)?
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 Lake 4 (Exclusive) on a day ticket?
You'll need to book Lake 4 (Exclusive) in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on Lake 4 (Exclusive)?
We haven't seen a clear night-fishing rule for this lake. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Who does Lake 4 (Exclusive) suit?
Good for: Small groups wanting a whole lake to themselves for a weekend or midweek break; Anglers who prefer certainty over turning up and hoping for a swim. Less suited to: Solo anglers or those on a tight budget — it's priced per booking, not per rod.
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
Minimum age?
18 and above only, except where a direct family member who is also a member fishes alongside a junior at all times.
- Must
How many rods?
Maximum of 3 rods per member, all fished from the same swim.
- No
Bait boats, drones, fish finders?
Old school/traditional angling only — no bait boats, no drones, no electronic fish/depth finders, no underwater cameras.
- Must
How long can I fish for?
Maximum 48 hours (2 nights) in any one week (Mon–Sun); anglers fishing 24 hours can't return for 24 hours, and 48 hours for 48 hours.
- Only if
Any bait restrictions?
Boilies and pellets preferred; no heavy particle baiting, no nuts, no worms. Naturals (maggots, casters) allowed in moderation 1 Nov–end Feb.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 2 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.
Lake 5/6
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
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.
- Bait boats aren't allowed, so spod or throwing-stick the bait out — 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
Light baiting tight to the island margins
Carp patrol the island margins on most venues. A handful of bait right on the edge often beats a heavy bed in open water, especially later in the day.
- Walk the bank first and look for bubbling, swirls or coloured water by the cover.
- Bait two or three spots with a few handfuls of chopped and whole boilies.
- Lower or flick the rig in quietly and back your line off with a back lead.
- Keep the drag set tight-ish — fish hooked by cover need turning quickly.
Lake 7
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.
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.
- Bait boats aren't allowed, so spod or throwing-stick the bait out — 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.
Lake 8
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.
Lake 4 (Exclusive)
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
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.
- Bait boats aren't allowed, so spod or throwing-stick the bait out — 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.
Good background reading. Most of it is a few years old, so treat it as a starting point and ask on the day.
- Woolpack Fishery listing — FishAdviser, undated listing
- Woolpack Fishery reviews — Trustfeed, undated aggregated reviews
Videos linked by the fishery
What anglers reckon
7.2/10 from Tackle Index: Big, well-stocked gravel-pit carp lakes with a strong reputation.
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.
“Like a garden of Eden for carp anglers!”
— Dave Little, undated · Trustfeed
“One of the best syndicates around!”
— Karl Finlay, undated · Trustfeed
“Rude owner! Dont go there! You make a mistake and rate the wrong place... then he calls you an idiot. You have to be an idiot to do fishing here. Goes both ways you nasty person!”
— Lizzie Gibbs, undated · Trustfeed
Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “A historic, strictly limited carp syndicate on former gravel workings near Godmanchester, holding English carp to over 50lb across three syndicate lakes plus a bookable exclusive lake.”
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 Woolpack Fishery
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