Fishery guide · Essex
Berners Hall Fishery
Berners Hall near Ongar gives you a proper choice of carp water: the 24-acre Res, smaller Meadow Lake and exclusive-booking Poultons. Everything needs booking and paying for in advance, so this isn’t a turn-up-and-pay job.
“6.6/10 — Three carp waters and catfish in The Res offer appealing options, without enough detail to judge catch consistency.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Berners Hall Fishery sits at Berners Hall Farm near Ongar, Essex, CM5 0TB. The draw here is the choice: three carp lakes with very different amounts of water in front of your peg. There’s the big reservoir option, a smaller five-peg lake and a two-peg exclusive-booking water. That gives you a useful starting point when deciding what sort of session you actually fancy, rather than just booking a name.
- 3 lakes: The Res, Meadow Lake, Poultons Lake
- Fish: carp, catfish
- Tickets from: The Res, 24 hours — third-party listing, not a verified 2026 official tariff; confirm before paying — £35
- Find it: Ongar · CM5 0TB
Plan your session
Fishery map of Berners Hall Fishery
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Photos courtesy of Michael Trolove. See the originals. Catch dates not confirmed.
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Which lake suits you?
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The full rundown on Berners Hall Fishery
Berners Hall Fishery sits at Berners Hall Farm near Ongar, Essex, CM5 0TB. The draw here is the choice: three carp lakes with very different amounts of water in front of your peg. There’s the big reservoir option, a smaller five-peg lake and a two-peg exclusive-booking water. That gives you a useful starting point when deciding what sort of session you actually fancy, rather than just booking a name.
The Res is the big one, covering 24 acres with 24 designated swims. Common and mirror carp are present at the complex, and The Res also holds catfish. Fancy specifically targeting the cats? Have a word with the fishery first about its rules. We haven’t fished here, so there’s no bank-side verdict from us on productive spots, seasonal movements or which swim you should be racing to book.
Meadow Lake brings things down to approximately two acres, with five pegs along one bank. Poultons is smaller again at approximately one acre, with two pegs and exclusive bookings listed. Those layouts are worth thinking about before you commit: a big reservoir session and a small exclusive lake booking are different propositions. Smaller doesn’t automatically mean easier fishing, either, so don’t mistake acreage for a promise of getting bagged up.
Booking is the bit to sort before loading the car. All fishing must be arranged in advance, with no payment on the bank; Total Fishing Tackle points anglers towards Catch for availability and prepaid bookings. Overnight tickets mean night fishing is available. Although directories describe 24-hour operation, that doesn’t mean you can arrive whenever you fancy. Listed session times are check-in from 1pm and departure by noon, both needing confirmation.
For budgeting, The Res has been listed at £35 for 24 hours, while a listing dated 23 May 2024 gives £70 for 48 hours. Neither should be treated as a verified current official tariff. A July 2026 directory describes the 24-hour ticket as covering three rods, but confirm that before paying. There are on-site toilets and three car parks described as serving the different lakes, covering a couple of practical basics.
Get the rig bits bob on before heading over. Published rules specify genuinely barbless hooks, tubing rather than leaders or leadcore, and at least 15lb mainline with no braided mainline. There’s a three-rod maximum, only one zig rod per angler, and no carp sacks. Reconfirm the full rules when booking. Finally, any supplied coordinates are only an approximate fishery location, not a checked entrance pin—worth remembering to avoid an unnecessary arrival faff.
Straight from anglers online
Short, unedited extracts from public reviews, credited to the person who posted them. Not checked by us and not a Tackle Index view.
We haven’t found any public angler reviews of this venue yet. Fished it? Add yours below.
Berners Hall Fishery FAQs
Where is Berners Hall Fishery?
At Berners Hall Farm near Ongar, Essex, CM5 0TB. Supplied coordinates are approximate, not a verified entrance pin.
Can I just turn up and buy a ticket?
No. All fishing needs advance booking and payment. Total Fishing Tackle directs anglers to Catch for availability and prepaid bookings.
Is night fishing available, and when can I arrive?
Night fishing is available through overnight tickets. Carp Nation lists check-in from 1pm and departure by noon, but confirm these with the booking provider. Listed 24-hour operation does not mean unrestricted arrivals.
Are there toilets and parking?
Yes. Toilets are available on site, and three car parks are described as serving the different lakes.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Berners Hall Fishery. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Ongar.
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.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
Yes — three car parks serving the lakes. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
CM5 0TB.
How much is a ticket?
The Res, 24 hours — third-party listing, not a verified 2026 official tariff; confirm before paying: £35; The Res, 48 hours — Carp Nation listing dated 23 May 2024; confirm current tariff: £70. Prices last checked 2026-10-02 — they can change, so check before you go.
What fish are in there?
Across the lakes you'll find carp, catfish. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
3 — The Res (24), Meadow Lake (Approximately two acres), Poultons Lake (Approximately one acre).
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 required. Crushed and micro-barbed hooks 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?
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.
Pre-book only
The Res: the big-water option, with 24 designated swims
- Size
- 24 acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, catfish
At 24 acres, The Res is comfortably the largest lake here. Its 24 designated swims make this the reservoir option for anyone who fancies a bigger stretch of water rather than a compact lake.
Carp are the main focus, with catfish also present. Overnight sessions are available, but speak to the fishery before planning a dedicated catfish trip and confirm the current ticket price when booking.
Lake photographs
A look around The Res
Berners Hall Fishery
The Res
We’re checking the fishery’s The Res pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Carp anglers who prefer a larger water
- Anglers planning a booked overnight session
Maybe not for
- Anyone wanting a small, exclusive two-peg lake
- Anglers hoping to turn up and pay on the bank
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish The Res
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.
- Spread the bait with a spod or throwing stick — little and often.
- Mix boilies, pellet and particles so there's always something left for the fish to graze.
- Match the hookbait to the freebies.
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.
The Res FAQs
How big is The Res?
It covers 24 acres and has 24 designated swims.
Can I target catfish?
Catfish are present, but contact the fishery to discuss its rules before specifically targeting them.
What's the lake record on The Res?
The fishery hasn't published a record for The Res 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 The Res?
carp, catfish.
Which baits work well on The Res?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for The Res 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 The Res get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on The Res?
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 Berners Hall Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on The Res?
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 The Res on a day ticket?
You'll need to book The Res in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on The Res?
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 The Res suit?
Good for: Carp anglers who prefer a larger water; Anglers planning a booked overnight session. Less suited to: Anyone wanting a small, exclusive two-peg lake; Anglers hoping to turn up and pay on the bank.
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
Meadow Lake: a smaller carp lake with five pegs on one bank
- Size
- Approximately two acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Meadow Lake covers approximately two acres, with all five pegs positioned along one bank. It’s a much more compact option than The Res if a big reservoir isn’t what you’re after.
Book and pay in advance, as you must across the complex. A current Meadow-specific tariff isn’t supplied, so check the booking details rather than applying The Res prices to this lake.
Lake photographs
A look around Meadow Lake
Berners Hall Fishery
Meadow Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Meadow Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Carp anglers who prefer a smaller lake
- Anyone looking for a five-peg layout rather than a large reservoir
Maybe not for
- Anglers specifically seeking big-water fishing
- Anyone expecting to pay on arrival
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Meadow 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.
Meadow Lake FAQs
How are Meadow Lake’s pegs laid out?
There are five pegs along one bank on an approximately two-acre lake.
Does Meadow cost the same as The Res?
A Meadow-specific price isn’t supplied. Check its current tariff with the booking provider.
What's the lake record on Meadow Lake?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Meadow 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 Meadow Lake?
carp.
How big is Meadow Lake and how many swims?
Around Approximately two acres acres. A smaller carp lake with five pegs on one bank.
Which baits work well on Meadow Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Meadow 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 Meadow 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 Meadow 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 Berners Hall Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Meadow 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 Meadow Lake on a day ticket?
You'll need to book Meadow Lake in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on Meadow Lake?
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 Meadow Lake suit?
Good for: Carp anglers who prefer a smaller lake; Anyone looking for a five-peg layout rather than a large reservoir. Less suited to: Anglers specifically seeking big-water fishing; Anyone expecting to pay on arrival.
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
Poultons Lake: a compact two-peg lake listed for exclusive bookings
- Size
- Approximately one acre acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Poultons is the smallest of the three, at approximately one acre with two pegs. It’s listed for exclusive bookings, making it the obvious one to ask about if having the lake to yourselves is the priority.
Don’t confuse two pegs with confirmed booking capacity or a particular package, though. Check the permitted party size, session arrangements and whole-lake price before committing.
Lake photographs
A look around Poultons Lake
Berners Hall Fishery
Poultons Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Poultons Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers looking for an exclusive lake booking
- Carp anglers who prefer a compact two-peg water
Maybe not for
- Groups needing more than two fishing pegs
- Anyone wanting a large reservoir session
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Poultons 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.
Poultons Lake FAQs
Is Poultons available for exclusive bookings?
Yes, it is listed for exclusive bookings. Confirm availability and the booking terms before paying.
How big is Poultons?
Approximately one acre, with two pegs.
What's the lake record on Poultons Lake?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Poultons 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 Poultons Lake?
carp.
Which baits work well on Poultons Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Poultons 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 Poultons 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 Poultons 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 Berners Hall Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Poultons 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 Poultons Lake on a day ticket?
You'll need to book Poultons Lake in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on Poultons Lake?
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 Poultons Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers looking for an exclusive lake booking; Carp anglers who prefer a compact two-peg water. Less suited to: Groups needing more than two fishing pegs; Anyone wanting a large reservoir 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
Must fishing be booked in advance?
All fishing must be booked and prepaid. Payment on the bank is not available; Total Fishing Tackle directs anglers to Catch.
- No
Can I use more than three rods?
Published rules specify a maximum of three rods. Confirm how many rods your chosen ticket covers.
- Must
Must hooks be barbless?
Barbless hooks are required. Crushed and micro-barbed hooks are prohibited.
- No
Can I use leadcore or leaders?
Published rules prohibit leadcore and leaders; tubing is specified instead.
- Must
Must mainline be at least 15lb?
Published rules require at least 15lb mainline and prohibit braided mainline.
- No
Can I fish more than one zig rod?
Only one zig rod per angler is allowed.
- No
Are carp sacks allowed?
Published rules prohibit carp sacks. Reconfirm the full rules when booking.
- Only if
Should I check before specifically targeting catfish?
Contact the fishery to discuss its catfish rules before planning a dedicated session.
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.
The Res
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.
- Spread the bait with a spod or throwing stick — little and often.
- Mix boilies, pellet and particles so there's always something left for the fish to graze.
- Match the hookbait to the freebies.
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.
Meadow 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.
Poultons 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.
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
6.6/10 from Tackle Index: Three carp waters and catfish in The Res offer appealing options, without enough detail to judge catch consistency.
Straight from anglers online
Short, unedited extracts from public reviews, credited to the person who posted them. Not checked by us and not a Tackle Index view.
We haven’t found any public angler reviews of this venue yet. Fished it? Add yours below.
Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “Berners Hall near Ongar gives you a proper choice of carp water: the 24-acre Res, smaller Meadow Lake and exclusive-booking Poultons. Everything needs booking and paying for in advance, so this isn’t a turn-up-and-pay job.”
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 Berners Hall Fishery
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