Ratherheath Tarn

Ratherheath Tarn is a proper mixed-coarse option near Kendal, tucked away in secluded woodland and managed by Windermere, Ambleside & District Angling Association — WADAA for short. It’s one tarn rather than a complex of different pools, with a reported area of approximately 2 hectares, or 4.9 acres. Reported dimensions are roughly 330 × 150 metres.

• 1 lake: Ratherheath Tarn
• Fish: carp, tench, bream, roach, rudd, perch, eel, crucian
• Tickets from: Daytime fishing tickets — displayed range; individual category prices not confirmed — £4–£17
• Find it: Kendal · LA8 9JR

Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.

Ratherheath Tarn is a proper mixed-coarse option near Kendal, tucked away in secluded woodland and managed by Windermere, Ambleside & District Angling Association — WADAA for short. It’s one tarn rather than a complex of different pools, with a reported area of approximately 2 hectares, or 4.9 acres. Reported dimensions are roughly 330 × 150 metres. If a woodland setting appeals more than hopping between several lakes, this one has a clear identity.

The fish list gives you plenty to think about before packing the tackle. Carp are advertised to 25 lb-plus, alongside tench exceeding 4 lb and bream exceeding 6 lb. There are also roach, rudd, perch, gudgeon, eels and crucian carp. That’s a lovely spread for anglers who don’t want every session to revolve around carp. Equally, those advertised carp sizes give the dedicated carp angler something substantial to aim at — without promising a lump on every trip.

There are 30 fishing pegs around the tarn, including six with disabled access. A level path links those accessible pegs to private parking, which is a useful detail when working out the practical side of a day on the bank. The fishery also has otter protection. The confirmed facilities are focused on access and fishing, so keep that in mind when deciding what you need to bring for a comfortable session.

March–October is described as the most productive stretch of the year, so that’s the stated window to bear in mind when planning a trip. The tarn opens year-round, but shooting closures can interrupt access: check published dates and the notices on the gate. Day fishing starts one hour before sunrise and finishes one hour after sunset. That gives day-ticket anglers both ends of the daylight session, rather than just a fixed nine-to-five stint.

Sort your ticket before entering and keep it handy for inspection. You can buy online, supplying the fishing date and angler details, or use an authorised outlet. The gate code comes with the day ticket, saving that particular bit of faff. Categories cover adults aged 18-plus, intermediates aged 16–17 or Blue Badge holders, and juniors under 16. The shop shows a daytime ticket range rather than confirmed individual category prices here, so check your selection before paying.

A couple of important tackle and access points finish the picture. You’re limited to two rods, and baited rods must never be left unattended. Carp fishing needs at least 12 lb mainline; braided mainline and leaders are prohibited. Every fish goes back, and day-ticket visitors cannot bring dogs. Night fishing is a separate members-only arrangement booked through My WADAA, with limits on numbers and consecutive nights. Get those basics bob on and you can concentrate on choosing which part of that mixed stock to target.

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

• Our read

  Checked Sept '26 — “Ratherheath Tarn is a secluded woodland coarse fishery near Kendal, with 30 pegs and carp advertised to 25 lb-plus. There’s a cracking mix of species, plus six accessible pegs linked to private parking by a level path.”

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.