Fishery guide · Essex
Churchgate Lakes
Churchgate Lakes is a sizeable Battlesbridge complex with four waters, from family-friendly fishing on Back Lake to proper specimen carp and catfish hunting. Bottom Lake is the clearest non-member option, while Middle Lake is members-only.
“7.9/10 — A broad complex with mixed coarse, specimen carp and reported catfish to 100lb.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Churchgate Lakes is a sizeable four-water complex in Battlesbridge, with a proper spread of fishing from family-friendly sessions to serious specimen hunting. Back Lake is the easy-going option, Middle Lake is members-only, and Bottom Lake is the clearest choice for non-members. Top Lake sits nicely between the two, offering mixed coarse fishing with a bit more specimen potential.
- 4 lakes: Top Lake, Middle Lake, Bottom Lake, Back Lake
- Fish: carp, tench, bream, roach, perch, rudd, crucian, catfish
- Tickets from: Adult member, 12 hours, 1 rod — £20
- Find it: Battlesbridge · SS11 7QR
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Fishery map of Churchgate Lakes
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Fishery
Churchgate Lakes
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 Churchgate Lakes
Churchgate Lakes is a sizeable four-water complex in Battlesbridge, with a proper spread of fishing from family-friendly sessions to serious specimen hunting. Back Lake is the easy-going option, Middle Lake is members-only, and Bottom Lake is the clearest choice for non-members. Top Lake sits nicely between the two, offering mixed coarse fishing with a bit more specimen potential.
Top Lake is around 3 acres and is described as a mixed coarse and specimen water. That gives you plenty of ways to tackle it, whether you fancy carp gear or a more varied session after tench, bream, roach, rudd, perch and crucian carp. It’s a handy option if you want more than a simple mixed fish outing, but don’t necessarily want to go all-in on the biggest targets.
Middle Lake covers approximately 3.5 acres and is members-only. It’s the proper mixed specimen water, with carp reported from 10lb to 30lb and catfish from 30lb to 90lb. There are also bream, tench, roach, rudd, perch and crucian carp reported across the complex. So, if you’re booking a session here, it pays to arrive with a plan, enough bait for a long day and tackle that matches the fish you’re targeting.
Bottom Lake is the dedicated specimen carp water, with carp reported to around 40lb. There are 26 fishing platforms or pegs, giving it a defined, bookable setup. Non-members can book this lake up to one week ahead, making it the obvious starting point for visiting carp anglers. On a new water, spend a bit of time looking before chucking out. Check the margins, visible features and fish movement, then build your approach around what the swim is showing you rather than forcing a pre-set plan.
Back Lake is aimed at less experienced anglers, families and smaller club matches. It’s the more relaxed end of the complex, especially if you’re bringing someone new to fishing or just fancy a less full-on day. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult angler. For a first session, keep the kit simple, make sure everything is organised before fishing and ask the fishery what methods and baits are working best on the day.
The facilities look properly useful for a full session. There’s a tackle shop, café or breakfast service, hot drinks and breakfast orders delivered to swims, plus car parking by each lake. Toilets, a kitchenette, outdoor showers, stated disabled access, complex-wide Wi-Fi and electric sockets in member swims are also available, although socket and Wi-Fi availability can vary by swim. The fishery is private, so book or contact them before turning up. Pay at the tackle shop on arrival, before setting up, with cash and card accepted. Make sure you’ve got enough Environment Agency rod licences for the rods booked, and remember the 48-hour cancellation policy.
Straight from anglers online
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Churchgate Lakes FAQs
Where is Churchgate Lakes?
Churchgate Fishing Lakes is on Rectory Lane, Rettendon Place, Battlesbridge, Essex.
What are the normal session times?
Bookable 12-hour sessions normally run from 7am to 7pm, with times varying by season. A 24-hour session normally runs from 7am to 7am.
Is there a current general day-ticket price?
The official pricing page currently lists members-only session prices and does not publish a general day-ticket price. An older £10 two-rod listing is not confirmed as current.
How do I contact the fishery?
The official contact telephone number is the fishery and the official contact email is fishing@churchgate-lakes.com.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
There's tackle shop 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 or breakfast service, with breakfast orders and hot drinks delivered to swims 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 outdoor showers.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
Yes — car parking by each lake. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
SS11 7QR.
How much is a ticket?
Adult member, 12 hours, 1 rod: £20; Adult member, 24 hours, 1 rod: £30; Adult member, 36 hours, 1 rod: £50; Adult member, 48 hours, 1 rod: £55; Adult member, 12 hours, 2 rods: £25; Adult member, 24 hours, 2 rods: £40; Adult member, 36 hours, 2 rods: £65; Adult member, 48 hours, 2 rods: £80; Adult member, 12 hours, 3 rods: £30; Adult member, 24 hours, 3 rods: £45; Adult member, 36 hours, 3 rods: £75; Adult member, 48 hours, 3 rods: £90; 60-hour, 72-hour and 84-hour sessions: Listed on the member pricing page; Concession: Concession prices apply to anglers under 18 or over 65, Monday to Thursday only; VIP B7 swim: Priced separately; VIP price is regardless of rods and anglers, based on two anglers fishing. Prices last checked 2026-10-06 — they can change, so check before you go.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Churchgate Lakes isn't day-ticket water — Middle Lake is members or syndicate only.
What fish are in there?
Across the lakes you'll find carp, tench, bream, roach, perch, rudd, crucian, catfish. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
4 — Top Lake (Approximately 3 acres), Middle Lake (Approximately 3.5 acres), Bottom Lake (Not published), Back Lake (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
We haven't seen a clear night-fishing rule. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Can I bring my dog?
Not covered in the rules we've checked. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Are bait boats allowed?
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?
Most UK fisheries prefer barbless or micro-barbed hooks — ask on arrival if unsure.
Do I need my own unhooking mat or cradle?
Bring one either way — most fisheries expect it and the fish deserve it.
Is it suitable for disabled anglers?
The fishery lists disabled access stated. 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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Pre-book only
Top Lake: a mixed coarse and specimen water with a bit of everything on the menu.
- Size
- Approximately 3 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, tench, bream, roach, perch, rudd, crucian
Top Lake is approximately 3 acres and is described as a mixed coarse and specimen water. It sits nicely between the gentler mixed fishing and the more full-on specimen lakes.
Carp, tench, bream, roach, rudd, perch and crucian carp are reported across the complex. That gives you options, whether you fancy a proper carp approach or a more varied session.
Carp are present across the complex, with fish pushing 40lb reported by the fishery.
Lake photographs
A look around Top Lake
Churchgate Lakes
Top Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Top Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers wanting mixed coarse and specimen fishing
- Those happy switching tactics between carp and other coarse species
Maybe not for
- Anglers specifically chasing the biggest reported carp or catfish
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Top 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.
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.
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
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.
Top Lake FAQs
How big is Top Lake?
It is reported as approximately 3 acres.
What sort of fishing is Top Lake for?
It is a mixed coarse and specimen water.
What's the lake record on Top Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: Carp are present across the complex, with fish pushing 40lb reported by the fishery. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Top Lake?
carp, tench, bream, roach, perch, rudd, crucian. Carp are present across the complex, with fish pushing 40lb reported by the fishery.
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. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
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 Churchgate Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Top 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 Top Lake on a day ticket?
You'll need to book Top Lake in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on Top 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 Top Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers wanting mixed coarse and specimen fishing; Those happy switching tactics between carp and other coarse species. Less suited to: Anglers specifically chasing the biggest reported carp or catfish.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Syndicate · invite only
Middle Lake: a members-only mixed specimen lake with serious catfish and carp potential.
- Size
- Approximately 3.5 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, catfish, tench, bream, roach, perch, rudd, crucian
Middle Lake is approximately 3.5 acres and is members-only. It is described as a mixed specimen lake, with reported carp from 10lb to 30lb and catfish from 30lb to 90lb.
There are also bream, tench, roach, rudd, perch and crucian carp reported across the complex. This is the lake for anglers who want a proper specimen session and are happy putting in the hours.
Carp are reported from 10lb to 30lb and catfish from 30lb to 90lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Middle Lake
Churchgate Lakes
Middle Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Middle Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Members targeting specimen carp or catfish
- Anglers comfortable with longer sessions and focused approaches
Maybe not for
- Non-members, as this lake is members-only
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Middle 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.
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.
bream
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
Middle Lake FAQs
Can non-members fish Middle Lake?
No. Middle Lake is members-only.
What fish are reported in Middle Lake?
Carp from 10lb to 30lb and catfish from 30lb to 90lb are reported, along with other coarse species.
What's the lake record on Middle Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: Carp are reported from 10lb to 30lb and catfish from 30lb to 90lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Middle Lake?
carp, catfish, tench, bream, roach, perch, rudd, crucian. Carp are reported from 10lb to 30lb and catfish from 30lb to 90lb.
How big is Middle Lake and how many swims?
Around Approximately 3.5 acres acres. A members-only mixed specimen lake with serious catfish and carp potential..
Which baits work well on Middle Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Middle 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 Middle 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 Middle 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 Churchgate Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Middle 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 Middle Lake on a day ticket?
No — Middle Lake is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Middle 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 Middle Lake suit?
Good for: Members targeting specimen carp or catfish; Anglers comfortable with longer sessions and focused approaches. Less suited to: Non-members, as this lake is members-only.
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
Bottom Lake: the clearest choice for non-members after specimen carp.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, catfish, tench, bream, roach, perch, rudd, crucian
Bottom Lake is the dedicated specimen carp water, with carp reported to around 40lb. It has 26 fishing platforms or pegs, giving the lake a defined, bookable setup.
Non-members can book Bottom Lake up to one week ahead. Carp are the headline target, but other reported complex species include catfish, bream, tench, roach, rudd, perch and crucian carp.
Specimen carp are reported to around 40lb, with catfish pushing 100lb reported on the complex.
Lake photographs
A look around Bottom Lake
Churchgate Lakes
Bottom Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Bottom Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Carp anglers after reported fish to around 40lb
- Non-members wanting a bookable specimen water
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting small-fish or family-style fishing
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Bottom 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.
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.
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
Bottom Lake FAQs
How many pegs does Bottom Lake have?
Bottom Lake has 26 fishing platforms or pegs.
Can non-members book Bottom Lake?
Yes. Non-members can book it up to one week ahead.
What's the lake record on Bottom Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: Specimen carp are reported to around 40lb, with catfish pushing 100lb reported on the complex. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Bottom Lake?
carp, catfish, tench, bream, roach, perch, rudd, crucian. Specimen carp are reported to around 40lb, with catfish pushing 100lb reported on the complex.
How big is Bottom Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The clearest choice for non-members after specimen carp..
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. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
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 Churchgate Lakes 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?
You'll need to book Bottom Lake in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on Bottom 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 Bottom Lake suit?
Good for: Carp anglers after reported fish to around 40lb; Non-members wanting a bookable specimen water. Less suited to: Anglers wanting small-fish or family-style fishing.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Pre-book only
Back Lake: the easy-going option for families, beginners and smaller matches.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, tench, bream, roach, perch, rudd, crucian
Back Lake is aimed at less experienced anglers, families and smaller club matches. It is the more relaxed choice within the complex, especially for anyone still finding their feet on the bank.
The wider complex has carp, bream, tench, roach, rudd, perch and crucian carp reported. Back Lake’s main appeal is its approachable brief rather than chasing the biggest lumps.
Lake photographs
A look around Back Lake
Churchgate Lakes
Back Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Back Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Families and less experienced anglers
- Smaller club matches
Maybe not for
- Anglers focused solely on specimen carp or catfish
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Back 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.
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.
bream
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
Back Lake FAQs
Who is Back Lake aimed at?
Less experienced anglers, families and smaller club matches.
Is Back Lake suitable for beginners?
Yes. It is specifically aimed at less experienced anglers and families.
What's the lake record on Back Lake?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Back 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 Back Lake?
carp, tench, bream, roach, perch, rudd, crucian.
How big is Back Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The easy-going option for families, beginners and smaller matches..
Which baits work well on Back Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Back 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 Back 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 Back 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 Churchgate Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Back 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 Back Lake on a day ticket?
You'll need to book Back Lake in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on Back 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 Back Lake suit?
Good for: Families and less experienced anglers; Smaller club matches. Less suited to: Anglers focused solely on specimen carp or catfish.
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
Do children under 16 need an accompanying adult?
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult angler.
- Must
Do anglers need Environment Agency rod licences?
Anglers must have sufficient Environment Agency rod licences for the number of rods booked.
- Must
Is there a cancellation policy?
A 48-hour cancellation policy applies; late cancellations are liable for the full booking cost.
- No
Can visitors turn up without booking or contacting the fishery?
The fishery is private; visitors should use the booking system or contact the fishery before attending.
- Yes
Can members book all lakes?
Members can book sessions on all lakes up to two weeks ahead.
- No
Can non-members book all lakes?
Non-members can book the Bottom Lake up to one week ahead.
- Yes
Are cash and card accepted?
Payment is made at the tackle shop on arrival before fishing equipment is set up; cash and card payments are accepted.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 6 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
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.
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.
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
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.
Middle 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.
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.
bream
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
Bottom 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.
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.
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
Back 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.
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.
bream
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
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
7.9/10 from Tackle Index: A broad complex with mixed coarse, specimen carp and reported catfish to 100lb.
Straight from anglers online
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Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “Churchgate Lakes is a sizeable Battlesbridge complex with four waters, from family-friendly fishing on Back Lake to proper specimen carp and catfish hunting. Bottom Lake is the clearest non-member option, while Middle Lake is members-only.”
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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