Fishery guide · East Riding of Yorkshire
Oakland Waters
Oakland Waters is a family-run, four-lake fishery at Gowdall, with mixed coarse fishing, an adult-only carp lake and a bookable specimen water. There’s a handy café and tackle shop too, but check today’s ticket prices — the published tariff is dated 2022/2023.
“7.4/10 — Four waters cover mixed coarse and specimen fishing, with useful features and a broad species choice.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Oakland Waters gives you a proper choice of sessions without making it all about chasing lumps. This family-run fishery sits on Gowdall Road, Gowdall, near Goole, with four lakes across a 12-acre countryside site. That’s the whole site, mind, not 12 acres of water.
- 4 lakes: Horseshoe Lake, Round Lake, Roadside Carp Lake, Specimen Lake
- Fish: carp, tench, barbel, roach, rudd, bream, perch, crucian
- Tickets from: Published coarse-fishing ticket — labelled 2022 prices — £7
- Find it: Snaith · DN14 0AP
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Fishery map of Oakland Waters
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Fishery
Oakland Waters
We haven’t got permission to show venue photos here yet. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Oakland Waters
Oakland Waters gives you a proper choice of sessions without making it all about chasing lumps. This family-run fishery sits on Gowdall Road, Gowdall, near Goole, with four lakes across a 12-acre countryside site. That’s the whole site, mind, not 12 acres of water. You’ve got mixed coarse fishing, an adult-only carp lake and a separate specimen lake, so choosing the right water matters more than simply grabbing a peg and unpacking.
Horseshoe is the one with the longest species list. Its 39 pegs sit around a lake with a central island and depths of 6–10 feet, holding carp, tench, barbel, roach, rudd, bream, ide, perch, crucians and chub. That gives a mixed-species angler plenty to get interested in without committing the day to carp alone. Round Lake offers a smaller 16-peg layout, mixed coarse fish, lily pads and a submerged island. It’s also described as suitable for small club matches.
Roadside Carp Lake needs a slightly different mindset. There’s a central island and 8–12 feet of water, but this isn’t somewhere to turn up expecting the usual boilies, alarms and rod-pod arrangement. All three are prohibited. It’s adult-only too, with a minimum 5lb line or elastic requirement. Those restrictions are worth checking against your kit before loading the car; the word ‘carp’ on the lake name doesn’t mean the same approach works across both carp-focused waters.
For a longer specimen session, the two-acre Specimen Lake has ten pegs and requires booking. The fishery lists carp to 30lb, catfish to 50lb and pike to 30lb, although those figures are undated rather than a fresh statement of current biggest fish. It’s restricted to over-18s, and booked night fishing is allowed. Pike are a separate matter: no night fishing for them, and their season closes from April through September inclusive. Bring suitable specimen gear, including a 42-inch landing net and an unhooking mat.
The practical side looks handy. There’s a bait-and-accessories shop open all week, while the café opens at weekends and on weekdays by request. Parking, toilets and disabled-access pegs are reported on site. Card payments go through a PayPal secure terminal, and Claire handles match bookings and availability enquiries with the fishery. For a club outing or a specific access requirement, a quick call before setting off should save a bit of faff.
Budget-wise, treat the published prices as something to confirm, not a promise for 2026. Coarse tickets are labelled 2022 prices, while specimen bookings carry a 2023 label. General fishing runs from 07:00 until dusk, apart from booked specimen nights, with no admission after 20:00. Across the lakes, barbless hooks and landing nets are compulsory, and keepnets are only allowed when supplied by the fishery for pre-booked matches. Get those basics bob on and choose the lake that fits your session.
Straight from anglers online
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Oakland Waters FAQs
Where is Oakland Waters?
It’s on Gowdall Road, Gowdall, Goole, DN14 0AP.
Are the published ticket prices current?
They aren’t confirmed 2026 prices. The coarse tariff is labelled 2022 and specimen bookings are labelled 2023, so check before travelling.
Is there somewhere to get bait and a bite to eat?
Yes. The bait-and-accessories shop opens all week. The café opens at weekends and on weekdays by request.
Who handles bookings, and can I cancel?
Contact Claire with the fishery for match bookings and availability. Specimen Lake requires booking, with non-members paying when booking. The booking page offers a full refund when cancellation is arranged by telephone.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
There's bait-and-accessories shop open all week 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 café: weekends and weekdays by request 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 toilets.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
Yes — on-site parking. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
DN14 0AP.
How much is a ticket?
Published coarse-fishing ticket — labelled 2022 prices: £7; Published under-14 ticket — labelled 2022 prices: £5; Published Specimen Lake day ticket — labelled 2023 bookings: £12.50 for 07:00–21:00; Published Specimen Lake 24-hour ticket — labelled 2023 bookings: £25, booking only. Prices last checked 2026-10-05 — they can change, so check before you go.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Day tickets are available on Horseshoe Lake, Round Lake, Roadside Carp Lake. 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, tench, barbel, roach, rudd, bream, perch, crucian, chub, catfish, pike. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
4 — Horseshoe Lake (Not published), Round Lake (Not published), Roadside Carp Lake (Not published), Specimen Lake (2).
Is night fishing allowed?
Yes — Booked specimen night fishing is permitted, but not for pike. No admission after 20:00.
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?
Yes, it's required — Barbless hooks are compulsory on every lake.
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 disabled-access pegs. 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
Horseshoe Lake: 39 pegs and a proper mixed-species line-up
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, tench, barbel, roach, rudd, bream, perch, crucian, chub
Horseshoe has 39 pegs, a central island and depths of 6–10 feet. It’s a mixed coarse water with a named feature to think about, rather than a lake described purely by its carp.
Alongside carp, the fishery lists tench, barbel, roach, rudd, bream, ide, perch, crucians and chub. That’s a cracking spread if variety is your thing; no need to make the whole session about one species.
Lake photographs
A look around Horseshoe Lake
Oakland Waters
Horseshoe Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Horseshoe Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Mixed coarse anglers who enjoy a varied species list
- Anglers interested in an island-feature lake
Maybe not for
- Anyone wanting a dedicated specimen-only water
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Horseshoe Lake
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
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.
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.
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.
Horseshoe Lake FAQs
How many pegs does Horseshoe have?
There are 39 pegs, with a central island and depths of 6–10 feet.
Is Horseshoe just a carp lake?
No. Carp share it with tench, barbel, roach, rudd, bream, ide, perch, crucians and chub.
What's the lake record on Horseshoe Lake?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Horseshoe Lake 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 Horseshoe Lake?
carp, tench, barbel, roach, rudd, bream, perch, crucian, chub.
How big is Horseshoe Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. 39 pegs and a proper mixed-species line-up.
Which baits work well on Horseshoe Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Horseshoe 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: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Horseshoe Lake 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 Horseshoe 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 Oakland Waters before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Horseshoe 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 Horseshoe Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Horseshoe Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Published coarse-fishing ticket — labelled 2022 prices £7; Published under-14 ticket — labelled 2022 prices £5; Published Specimen Lake day ticket — labelled 2023 bookings £12.50 for 07:00–21:00; Published Specimen Lake 24-hour ticket — labelled 2023 bookings £25, booking only (last checked 2026-10-05).
Is night fishing allowed on Horseshoe Lake?
Yes — Booked specimen night fishing is permitted, but not for pike. No admission after 20:00.
Who does Horseshoe Lake suit?
Good for: Mixed coarse anglers who enjoy a varied species list; Anglers interested in an island-feature lake. Less suited to: Anyone wanting a dedicated specimen-only water.
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Day ticket · turn up
Round Lake: a 16-peg mixed coarse option for small club matches
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Round Lake has 16 pegs and holds mixed coarse fish. The fishery describes it as suitable for small club matches, making it a clear option to ask about when organising a club day.
A submerged island and lily pads give it a different feature mix from the central-island lakes. Individual species and depths aren’t specified, so don’t assume it’s simply a smaller copy of Horseshoe.
Lake photographs
A look around Round Lake
Oakland Waters
Round Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Round Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Small clubs arranging a match
- Mixed coarse anglers interested in lilies and submerged features
Maybe not for
- Clubs needing more than 16 pegs
- Anglers choosing a venue around a published specimen stock claim
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Round Lake
carp
Light baiting tight to the lily beds
Carp patrol the lily beds 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.
carp
Solid PVA bag over the snaggy bits
With the lily beds and a busy bottom, a solid bag keeps the hook point masked on the drop and sat neatly in a little pile of bait however rough the lakebed is.
- Tie a short, stiff hooklink (4–6in) so it packs into the bag without kinking.
- Fill the bag with a damp crumb mix and pack it tight — loose bags spill on the cast.
- Nick a wafter or small pop-up on the hair so it settles over the mix, not under it.
- Cast a few yards short of the feature, recast every couple of hours with a fresh bag.
Round Lake FAQs
Can a small club book a match on Round Lake?
It’s described as suitable for small club matches. Contact Claire with the fishery for match bookings and availability.
What features does Round Lake have?
There’s a submerged island and lily pads, with 16 pegs around the lake.
What's the lake record on Round Lake?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Round Lake 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 Round Lake?
carp.
How big is Round Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A 16-peg mixed coarse option for small club matches.
Which baits work well on Round Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Round 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: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Round Lake 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 Round 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 Oakland Waters before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Round 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 Round Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Round Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Published coarse-fishing ticket — labelled 2022 prices £7; Published under-14 ticket — labelled 2022 prices £5; Published Specimen Lake day ticket — labelled 2023 bookings £12.50 for 07:00–21:00; Published Specimen Lake 24-hour ticket — labelled 2023 bookings £25, booking only (last checked 2026-10-05).
Is night fishing allowed on Round Lake?
Yes — Booked specimen night fishing is permitted, but not for pike. No admission after 20:00.
Who does Round Lake suit?
Good for: Small clubs arranging a match; Mixed coarse anglers interested in lilies and submerged features. Less suited to: Clubs needing more than 16 pegs; Anglers choosing a venue around a published specimen stock claim.
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
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Day ticket · turn up
Roadside Carp Lake: adult-only carp fishing without boilies, pods or alarms
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Roadside Carp Lake has a central island and depths of 8–12 feet. It’s adult-only, so it isn’t the water to choose for a session with the kids.
The tackle and bait restrictions are the big thing here: minimum 5lb line or elastic, with no boilies, rod pods or alarms. Get your setup sorted around those rules before heading to the peg.
Lake photographs
A look around Roadside Carp Lake
Oakland Waters
Roadside Carp Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Roadside Carp Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Adults wanting a carp-focused session
- Anglers happy fishing without boilies, pods or alarms
Maybe not for
- Families fishing with children
- Carp anglers wanting to use alarms and rod pods
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Roadside Carp 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.
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.
Roadside Carp Lake FAQs
Can I use boilies on Roadside?
No. Boilies, rod pods and alarms are prohibited on this lake.
What is the minimum tackle strength?
Roadside requires a minimum 5lb line or elastic.
What's the lake record on Roadside Carp Lake?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Roadside Carp Lake 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 Roadside Carp Lake?
carp.
How big is Roadside Carp Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. Adult-only carp fishing without boilies, pods or alarms.
Which baits work well on Roadside Carp Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Roadside Carp 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: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Roadside Carp Lake 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 Roadside Carp 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 Oakland Waters before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Roadside Carp 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 Roadside Carp Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Roadside Carp Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Published coarse-fishing ticket — labelled 2022 prices £7; Published under-14 ticket — labelled 2022 prices £5; Published Specimen Lake day ticket — labelled 2023 bookings £12.50 for 07:00–21:00; Published Specimen Lake 24-hour ticket — labelled 2023 bookings £25, booking only (last checked 2026-10-05).
Is night fishing allowed on Roadside Carp Lake?
Yes — Booked specimen night fishing is permitted, but not for pike. No admission after 20:00.
Who does Roadside Carp Lake suit?
Good for: Adults wanting a carp-focused session; Anglers happy fishing without boilies, pods or alarms. Less suited to: Families fishing with children; Carp anglers wanting to use alarms and rod pods.
Community reported
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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.
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Pre-book only
Specimen Lake: ten bookable pegs for over-18s chasing specimen fish
- Size
- 2 acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, catfish, pike
Specimen Lake covers two acres and has ten pegs. The fishery lists carp to 30lb, catfish to 50lb and pike to 30lb — tempting figures, but they’re undated claims rather than a guarantee of what’s currently swimming around.
Booking is required, non-members pay when booking, and access is restricted to over-18s. Night sessions are allowed, but not for pike. You’ll need suitable equipment, including a 42-inch landing net and an unhooking mat.
The website lists specimen carp to 30lb, catfish to 50lb and pike to 30lb; these figures are undated.
Lake photographs
A look around Specimen Lake
Oakland Waters
Specimen Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Specimen Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Adult anglers planning a booked specimen session
- Carp and catfish anglers wanting an overnight option
Maybe not for
- Under-18s and families wanting children to stay in bivvies
- Pike anglers planning night fishing or an April–September session
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Specimen Lake
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.
catfish
Big hookbaits after dark for the cats
Catfish come out at night and like strong smells. A big halibut pellet or fish-based bait over a small bed of pellet is the usual approach.
- Fish strong — 20lb+ line and a big strong hook.
- Use an unhooking mat and a big net; cats are long and heavy.
- Check the venue's rules on cat tackle before you set up.
pike
Static deadbaits for the pike
A smelly deadbait on the bottom near drop-offs or reed lines is the classic, reliable way to find a lake's pike, especially in the colder months.
- Sardine, smelt or mackerel on a wire trace with semi-barbless trebles.
- Strike early — never let a pike run off with the bait.
- Have a long forceps, unhooking mat and big net ready before you cast.
Specimen Lake FAQs
Do I need to book Specimen Lake?
Yes. Bookings are required, and non-members pay when booking.
When can I fish for pike?
Pike fishing closes from April through September inclusive, and pike fishing at night is prohibited.
What's the lake record on Specimen Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: The website lists specimen carp to 30lb, catfish to 50lb and pike to 30lb; these figures are undated. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Specimen Lake?
carp, catfish, pike. The website lists specimen carp to 30lb, catfish to 50lb and pike to 30lb; these figures are undated.
How big is Specimen Lake and how many swims?
Around 2 acres. Ten bookable pegs for over-18s chasing specimen fish.
Which baits work well on Specimen Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Specimen 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 Specimen 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 Specimen 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 Oakland Waters before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Specimen 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 Specimen Lake on a day ticket?
You'll need to book Specimen Lake in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on Specimen Lake?
Yes — Booked specimen night fishing is permitted, but not for pike. No admission after 20:00.
Who does Specimen Lake suit?
Good for: Adult anglers planning a booked specimen session; Carp and catfish anglers wanting an overnight option. Less suited to: Under-18s and families wanting children to stay in bivvies; Pike anglers planning night fishing or an April–September 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
Venue Rule Checker
- Must
Are barbless hooks compulsory?
Barbless hooks are compulsory on every lake.
- Must
Must I bring a landing net and fish-care gear?
Every angler must use a landing net. Specimen anglers need a 42-inch net and suitable equipment, including an unhooking mat.
- No
Can I use a keepnet?
Keepnets are prohibited except fishery-supplied nets for pre-booked matches.
- Only if
Can children fish?
Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult. Roadside is adult-only, Specimen Lake is restricted to over-18s, and children cannot stay overnight in bivvies.
- Yes
Is night fishing allowed?
Booked specimen night fishing is permitted, but not for pike. No admission after 20:00.
- Seasonal
Is pike fishing available all year?
Pike fishing closes from April through September inclusive.
- No
Are boilies, rod pods and alarms allowed on Roadside?
All three are prohibited on Roadside Carp Lake, which also requires minimum 5lb line or elastic.
- Must
Must I fish from a designated peg and return fish?
Fishing is restricted to designated pegs, and fish cannot be removed.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 5 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.
Horseshoe Lake
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
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.
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.
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.
Round Lake
carp
Light baiting tight to the lily beds
Carp patrol the lily beds 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.
carp
Solid PVA bag over the snaggy bits
With the lily beds and a busy bottom, a solid bag keeps the hook point masked on the drop and sat neatly in a little pile of bait however rough the lakebed is.
- Tie a short, stiff hooklink (4–6in) so it packs into the bag without kinking.
- Fill the bag with a damp crumb mix and pack it tight — loose bags spill on the cast.
- Nick a wafter or small pop-up on the hair so it settles over the mix, not under it.
- Cast a few yards short of the feature, recast every couple of hours with a fresh bag.
Roadside Carp 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.
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.
Specimen Lake
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.
catfish
Big hookbaits after dark for the cats
Catfish come out at night and like strong smells. A big halibut pellet or fish-based bait over a small bed of pellet is the usual approach.
- Fish strong — 20lb+ line and a big strong hook.
- Use an unhooking mat and a big net; cats are long and heavy.
- Check the venue's rules on cat tackle before you set up.
pike
Static deadbaits for the pike
A smelly deadbait on the bottom near drop-offs or reed lines is the classic, reliable way to find a lake's pike, especially in the colder months.
- Sardine, smelt or mackerel on a wire trace with semi-barbless trebles.
- Strike early — never let a pike run off with the bait.
- Have a long forceps, unhooking mat and big net ready before you cast.
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
7.4/10 from Tackle Index: Four waters cover mixed coarse and specimen fishing, with useful features and a broad species choice.
Straight from anglers online
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Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “Oakland Waters is a family-run, four-lake fishery at Gowdall, with mixed coarse fishing, an adult-only carp lake and a bookable specimen water. There’s a handy café and tackle shop too, but check today’s ticket prices — the published tariff is dated 2022/2023.”
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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