Fishery guide · Essex
Birds Green Fishery
A small, long-running three-lake day-ticket complex in the River Roding valley, originally opened in 1980 with one lake and since grown to three.
“7.0/10 — Carp to 30lb plus tench, roach, rudd and perch.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Birds Green is a modest, traditional Essex day-ticket fishery rather than a big showpiece complex — three lakes (Top, Bottom and Bridge) in the quiet setting of the River Roding valley near Fyfield. The fishery says it opened in 1980 with a single lake and has grown into today's three-lake site.
- 3 lakes: Top Lake, Bottom Lake, Bridge Lake
- Fish: carp, roach, tench, perch
- Tickets from: Membership (required to fish), annual — £30
- Find it: Fyfield, near Ongar · CM5 0FL
Plan your session
Fishery map of Birds Green Fishery
Pick a pin or venue to see live bank-side conditions.
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Photos courtesy of Birds Green Fishing Lakes. See the originals. Catch dates not confirmed.
Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Birds Green Fishery
Birds Green is a modest, traditional Essex day-ticket fishery rather than a big showpiece complex — three lakes (Top, Bottom and Bridge) in the quiet setting of the River Roding valley near Fyfield. The fishery says it opened in 1980 with a single lake and has grown into today's three-lake site.
Fishing itself is membership-based (£30 a year), but the fishery is clear that day and night tickets are sold on site by the bailiff, so a one-off visit doesn't require advance paperwork beyond paying for your ticket when you arrive.
Online reviews are genuinely mixed: some anglers rate the tranquil setting and friendly bailiffs highly, while others — including a couple of FishAdviser reviews from 2021–2022 — have complained about toilet cleanliness, a closed café and tougher-than-expected fishing. We've included both sides rather than only the positive ones.
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.
“I think its a fantastic place 2 fish I will be coming again”
— Chris Ballinger, Jul 2021 · FishAdviser
“Tranquil setting. Plenty of carp although not easily caught. Bankside cafe is closed and appears derelict. Toilets are disgusting! No shower facilities.”
— Anon, Jul 2021 · FishAdviser
“Be lucky if it's got any 30s many years ago it was a brilliant fishery but it's lost all it's charm.. used the toilet would have been safer to use the bush.. shame”
— D Smith, Feb 2021 · FishAdviser
Birds Green Fishery FAQs
Do I need to be a member to fish Birds Green?
Yes — fishing is for members only at £30 a year, but day and night tickets (on top of membership) are sold bankside by the bailiff, so you don't need to arrange anything in advance for a one-off visit.
What are the three lakes like?
Top Lake is the carp water, known for good commons up to 30lb; Bottom Lake has a bigger head of smaller carp plus roach and tench; Bridge Lake is the match and pleasure lake with a genuine mix of species.
Are the reviews good?
Mixed. Some anglers rate the tranquil setting and bailiffs highly, while a couple of 2021–2022 FishAdviser reviews complained about toilet cleanliness and tougher fishing than they expected — we've linked both.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Birds Green Fishery. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Fyfield, 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.
Are there toilets on site?
Yes — the fishery lists toilet and drinking water facilities, available 24 hours.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
Yes — on-site parking close to the lakes. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
CM5 0FL. The fishery's address is given as School Lane, Birds Green, Fyfield, Ongar — a small, rural spot, so follow the postcode rather than expecting a signed main-road entrance.
How much is a ticket?
Membership (required to fish), annual: £30; Adult day ticket, 2 rods: £10; Adult day ticket, 3 rods: £15; Night ticket, 2 rods (prior arrangement only): £10; Senior citizen (65+), weekday / weekend: £6 / £9; Child (under 16, with adult): £5. Prices last checked 2026-10-01 — they can change, so check before you go.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Day tickets are available on Top Lake, Bottom Lake, Bridge 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, roach, tench, perch. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
3 — Top Lake (2), Bottom Lake (2), Bridge Lake (1).
Is night fishing allowed?
It depends — Night tickets exist but night fishing is strictly by prior appointment only.
Can I bring my dog?
No — No dogs, fires, BBQs or firearms.
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?
No — All types of barbed hook are strictly prohibited.
Do I need my own unhooking mat or cradle?
Yes, it's required — All anglers must have and use an appropriately sized unhooking mat or cradle.
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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Day ticket · turn up
Top Lake: the main carp water, known locally for its commons
The carp-focused lake, known locally for good commons, on a small traditional Essex water.
- Fishing Quality
- 7/10
- Swims & Banks
- 6/10
- Facilities
- 6/10
- Ease of Access
- 8/10
- Value for Money
- 8/10
Carp to 30lb, with several anglers singling out the commons.
A compact 2-acre lake that can get crowded on busy days.
Basic but functional toilet and parking facilities for the complex.
Simple bankside day tickets, no booking needed.
£10 for two rods is cheap for a dedicated carp day.
- Size
- 2 acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Top Lake is around two acres with depths averaging about 6 feet, and it's the carp-focused lake of the three. A long-running angler's blog from 2012 describes the lake's big fish as mostly commons, which is a little unusual compared with mirror-dominated carp waters elsewhere.
The same blog describes the lake as capable of being a proper 'runs' water on its day, but also notes it can go quiet and moody when there are a lot of lines in — worth bearing in mind if you're expecting non-stop action every session.
The fishery describes several carp up to 30lb with an average of around 15lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Top Lake
Photos courtesy of Birds Green Fishing Lakes. See the originals. Catch dates not confirmed.
Suits
- Carp anglers happy with a smaller, intimate lake
- Anglers who enjoy watching for showing fish rather than just blind-casting
Maybe not for
- Anyone wanting a guaranteed-action commercial-style water
Bait, rigs & seasons
- A 2012 Charlton Carper blog post describes catching commons to 23lb on a blow-back rig and milk protein boilies, fished tight to the margins with small, regular bait drops every 25 minutes. — Charlton Carper (blog), 2012-04. Older advice, may not hold today.
- The same angler later fished the island on Top Lake, noting the carp often show close in under overhanging grass, and used flying back leads to keep everything pinned down. — Charlton Carper (blog), 2012-07. Older advice, may not hold today.
How we'd fish Top 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
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.
Kit worth a look for this lake
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As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Top Lake FAQs
What's special about Top Lake's carp?
A longtime visitor's blog describes most of the biggest fish as commons rather than mirrors, which stands out compared with many day-ticket carp waters.
What's the lake record on Top Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: The fishery describes several carp up to 30lb with an average of around 15lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Top Lake?
carp. The fishery describes several carp up to 30lb with an average of around 15lb.
How big is Top Lake and how many swims?
Around 2 acres. The main carp water, known locally for its commons.
Which baits work well on Top Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Top 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 Top 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 Top 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 Birds Green Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Top Lake?
We've got 2 tips for Top Lake in the tips section above. We don't rank pegs — the fish move, and yesterday's hotspot is today's dead water. Watch the water when you arrive.
Can I fish Top Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Top Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Membership (required to fish), annual £30; Adult day ticket, 2 rods £10; Adult day ticket, 3 rods £15; Night ticket, 2 rods (prior arrangement only) £10; Senior citizen (65+), weekday / weekend £6 / £9; Child (under 16, with adult) £5 (last checked 2026-10-01).
Is night fishing allowed on Top Lake?
It depends — Night tickets exist but night fishing is strictly by prior appointment only.
Who does Top Lake suit?
Good for: Carp anglers happy with a smaller, intimate lake; Anglers who enjoy watching for showing fish rather than just blind-casting. Less suited to: Anyone wanting a guaranteed-action commercial-style water.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Day ticket · turn up
Bottom Lake: a busier, more mixed lake for numbers over size
A busier mixed lake with more carp numbers and roach and tench alongside them.
- Fishing Quality
- 6/10
- Swims & Banks
- 6/10
- Facilities
- 6/10
- Ease of Access
- 8/10
- Value for Money
- 8/10
A bigger head of smaller carp (average ~11lb) plus roach and tench.
Another 2-acre lake, similar layout to Top Lake.
Shared complex facilities.
Bankside day tickets, no booking needed.
Same keen day-ticket pricing as the rest of the complex.
- Size
- 2 acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, roach, tench
Bottom Lake matches Top Lake for size at around two acres and 6ft average depth, but the fishery describes it as holding a noticeably bigger head of carp, averaging around 11lb, with roach and tench to go at as well.
It's the better bet if you want a more varied session, or if a busy lake with plenty of smaller carp and some silvers sounds more appealing than chasing fewer, bigger commons.
The fishery describes a much larger head of carp averaging around 11lb, plus roach and tench.
Lake photographs
A look around Bottom Lake
Photos courtesy of Birds Green Fishing Lakes. See the originals. Catch dates not confirmed.
Suits
- Mixed-species anglers wanting carp, roach and tench in one spot
- Anglers after more bites rather than one big fish
Maybe not for
- Specimen hunters — Top Lake is the better shout for the bigger individual carp
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Bottom 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
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.
roach
Float maggot for roach
On a mixed lake a waggler and a pint of maggots is the easiest way to keep the float going under all day.
- Feed six to ten maggots every cast.
- Shallow up if bites come on the drop.
- Size 18 hook and light hooklength.
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.
Kit worth a look for this lake
These open Amazon search results — check it’s the right version before you buy.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Bottom Lake FAQs
Can I fish for roach and tench here as well as carp?
Yes — the fishery specifically lists roach and tench alongside carp on Bottom Lake.
What's the lake record on Bottom Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: The fishery describes a much larger head of carp averaging around 11lb, plus roach and tench. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Bottom Lake?
carp, roach, tench. The fishery describes a much larger head of carp averaging around 11lb, plus roach and tench.
How big is Bottom Lake and how many swims?
Around 2 acres. A busier, more mixed lake for numbers over size.
Which baits work well on Bottom Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Bottom 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 Bottom 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 Bottom 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 Birds Green Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Bottom 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 Bottom Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Bottom Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Membership (required to fish), annual £30; Adult day ticket, 2 rods £10; Adult day ticket, 3 rods £15; Night ticket, 2 rods (prior arrangement only) £10; Senior citizen (65+), weekday / weekend £6 / £9; Child (under 16, with adult) £5 (last checked 2026-10-01).
Is night fishing allowed on Bottom Lake?
It depends — Night tickets exist but night fishing is strictly by prior appointment only.
Who does Bottom Lake suit?
Good for: Mixed-species anglers wanting carp, roach and tench in one spot; Anglers after more bites rather than one big fish. Less suited to: Specimen hunters — Top Lake is the better shout for the bigger individual carp.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Day ticket · turn up
Bridge Lake: the smallest lake, pitched at match and pleasure anglers
The smallest, deepest lake, built for match and pleasure fishing.
- Fishing Quality
- 6/10
- Swims & Banks
- 6/10
- Facilities
- 6/10
- Ease of Access
- 8/10
- Value for Money
- 8/10
A genuine mix of carp, tench, roach, rudd and perch.
Just an acre, but the deepest lake on site at ~8ft.
Shared complex facilities.
Bankside day tickets, no booking needed.
Cheap day-ticket pricing suits a relaxed pleasure session.
- Size
- 1 acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, tench, roach, perch
Bridge Lake is the smallest of the three at about an acre, but the deepest, averaging around 8 feet. The fishery markets it as its match and pleasure water, with a proper mixed bag of carp, tench, roach, rudd and perch rather than being built around one headline species.
That makes it a sensible option for a relaxed few hours of float or feeder fishing rather than a dedicated carp campaign.
The fishery describes abundant carp, tench, roach, rudd and perch.
Lake photographs
A look around Bridge Lake
Photos courtesy of Birds Green Fishing Lakes. See the originals. Catch dates not confirmed.
Suits
- Match and pleasure anglers
- Anyone after a varied, lower-key session
Maybe not for
- Anglers specifically targeting Top Lake's bigger carp
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Bridge 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
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.
tench
Method or maggot feeder for tench
Tench love margins and weedy patches. A feeder puts a small, tight patch of bait right by the hookbait.
- Fish 10–20 yards out, or tight to the cover where it's safe to land fish.
- Recast every 10–15 minutes early on to build the swim.
- Short hooklink with a dead red maggot, corn or a 8mm wafter.
roach
Float maggot for roach
On a mixed lake a waggler and a pint of maggots is the easiest way to keep the float going under all day.
- Feed six to ten maggots every cast.
- Shallow up if bites come on the drop.
- Size 18 hook and light hooklength.
Kit worth a look for this lake
These open Amazon search results — check it’s the right version before you buy.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Bridge Lake FAQs
Is Bridge Lake used for matches?
The fishery describes it as its match and pleasure lake, so yes, it's set up with that kind of fishing in mind.
What's the lake record on Bridge Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: The fishery describes abundant carp, tench, roach, rudd and perch. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Bridge Lake?
carp, tench, roach, perch. The fishery describes abundant carp, tench, roach, rudd and perch.
How big is Bridge Lake and how many swims?
Around 1 acres. The smallest lake, pitched at match and pleasure anglers.
Which baits work well on Bridge Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Bridge 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 Bridge 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 Bridge 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 Birds Green Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Bridge 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 Bridge Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Bridge Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Membership (required to fish), annual £30; Adult day ticket, 2 rods £10; Adult day ticket, 3 rods £15; Night ticket, 2 rods (prior arrangement only) £10; Senior citizen (65+), weekday / weekend £6 / £9; Child (under 16, with adult) £5 (last checked 2026-10-01).
Is night fishing allowed on Bridge Lake?
It depends — Night tickets exist but night fishing is strictly by prior appointment only.
Who does Bridge Lake suit?
Good for: Match and pleasure anglers; Anyone after a varied, lower-key session. Less suited to: Anglers specifically targeting Top Lake's bigger carp.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Venue Rule Checker
- No
Barbed hooks?
All types of barbed hook are strictly prohibited.
- Must
Minimum net size and line on Top Lake?
Minimum 42" landing nets and minimum 10lb line required on Top Lake.
- No
Fixed or lead-core leads?
No lead-core or fixed leads, no braided mainline or leaders.
- No
Keepnets or carp sacks?
No carp sacks or keep nets are permitted.
- No
Spodding or spombs?
No spodding or spombs, though PVA and method feeders are allowed.
- Must
Unhooking mat or cradle?
All anglers must have and use an appropriately sized unhooking mat or cradle.
- Only if
Night fishing?
Night tickets exist but night fishing is strictly by prior appointment only.
- No
Dogs?
No dogs, fires, BBQs or firearms.
- No
Can under-16s fish alone?
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 1 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.
Top 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
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.
Bottom 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
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.
roach
Float maggot for roach
On a mixed lake a waggler and a pint of maggots is the easiest way to keep the float going under all day.
- Feed six to ten maggots every cast.
- Shallow up if bites come on the drop.
- Size 18 hook and light hooklength.
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.
Bridge 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
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.
tench
Method or maggot feeder for tench
Tench love margins and weedy patches. A feeder puts a small, tight patch of bait right by the hookbait.
- Fish 10–20 yards out, or tight to the cover where it's safe to land fish.
- Recast every 10–15 minutes early on to build the swim.
- Short hooklink with a dead red maggot, corn or a 8mm wafter.
roach
Float maggot for roach
On a mixed lake a waggler and a pint of maggots is the easiest way to keep the float going under all day.
- Feed six to ten maggots every cast.
- Shallow up if bites come on the drop.
- Size 18 hook and light hooklength.
Good background reading. Most of it is a few years old, so treat it as a starting point and ask on the day.
- Birds Green Fishing Lakes listing and reviews — FishAdviser, reviews 2021–2022
- Birds Green Fishery, Essex — short blog entry — Charlton Carper (blog), 2012-04
- Top Lake at Birds Green — two solid sessions — Charlton Carper (blog), 2012-07
Videos linked by the fishery
What anglers reckon
7.0/10 from Tackle Index: Carp to 30lb plus tench, roach, rudd and perch.
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.
“I think its a fantastic place 2 fish I will be coming again”
— Chris Ballinger, Jul 2021 · FishAdviser
“Tranquil setting. Plenty of carp although not easily caught. Bankside cafe is closed and appears derelict. Toilets are disgusting! No shower facilities.”
— Anon, Jul 2021 · FishAdviser
“Be lucky if it's got any 30s many years ago it was a brilliant fishery but it's lost all it's charm.. used the toilet would have been safer to use the bush.. shame”
— D Smith, Feb 2021 · FishAdviser
Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “A small, long-running three-lake day-ticket complex in the River Roding valley, originally opened in 1980 with one lake and since grown to three.”
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 Birds Green Fishery
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