Scenic UK carp lake at dawn

Fishery guide · Essex

Churchwood Fisheries

Churchwood Fisheries near Brentwood offers three lakes on an exclusive, advance-booked basis, with carp over 30 lb advertised in Churchwood and Wels catfish in two waters. Proper mates’ session territory, but check the access and tackle rules before loading the motor.

“7.3/10 — Advertised carp over 30 lb, Wels catfish and mixed species offer plenty of appeal, without implying guaranteed catches.”

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The lowdown

Fancy booking a whole lake rather than wondering who’ll be in the next swim? That’s the setup advertised at Churchwood Fisheries in Doddinghurst, near Brentwood. There are three waters: Churchwood, Jenkins and Catfish Lake. Each has exclusive-hire options for 48 hours or a Monday-to-Friday session, with night fishing included. We haven’t fished here, so this is a look at what’s advertised, not a tale about lumps we’ve supposedly landed.

  • 3 lakes: Churchwood, Jenkins, Catfish Lake
  • Fish: carp, tench, bream, perch, roach, catfish
  • Tickets from: Churchwood exclusive whole-lake hire, maximum six anglers and 12 rods — £350 for 48 hours
  • Find it: Brentwood · CM15 0HX

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Churchwood Fisheries

Brentwood · CM15 0HX

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The full rundown on Churchwood Fisheries

Fancy booking a whole lake rather than wondering who’ll be in the next swim? That’s the setup advertised at Churchwood Fisheries in Doddinghurst, near Brentwood. There are three waters: Churchwood, Jenkins and Catfish Lake. Each has exclusive-hire options for 48 hours or a Monday-to-Friday session, with night fishing included. We haven’t fished here, so this is a look at what’s advertised, not a tale about lumps we’ve supposedly landed.

Churchwood is the biggest of the three at approximately 2.5 acres, reaching around 11–12 feet deep in places. The fishery says it holds carp over 30 lb, alongside tench, bream, perch, crucians, roach and rudd. That gives it more mixed-fish appeal than the carp label alone suggests. Those deeper areas are worth bearing in mind when planning your approach, although there’s no checked swim-by-swim guide here to tell you exactly where to get clipped up.

Jenkins is slightly over an acre and averages 7–8 feet deep. It holds common and mirror carp, tench, roach, perch, crucians, rudd and Wels catfish. Its whole-lake booking allows a maximum of three anglers and six rods, making it the smaller-group option beside Churchwood. One important bit of bank prep: Jenkins requires free-running rigs. Fixed, semi-fixed and shocker rigs are prohibited, so don’t arrive assuming your usual carp setup will be bob on.

Catfish Lake keeps the focus firmly on Wels. It’s just under an acre, with depths up to eight feet, and its webpage lists fish in the 30–50 lb classes. Exclusive hire is capped at two anglers and four rods. If your idea of a cracking session is sharing a booked water with one mate and concentrating on cats, this is the most directly matched option. Those listed sizes are the fishery’s claim, not a promise of a PB.

The booking side needs a little organisation. Call the fishery to check availability and book ahead; this isn’t somewhere to turn up for a cheeky look around. Only ticket holders may enter, and guests and casual lake viewing are prohibited. Deposits are non-refundable, while booking amendments need 28 days’ notice. Winter arrival and departure times vary, too. Get your group and dates sorted before committing, rather than leaving everyone’s plans to the last minute.

Before packing, check the restrictions against your tackle and company. Under-16s and animals aren’t permitted, anglers are limited to two rods each, and appropriate Environment Agency rod licences are required. Hooks must be barbless; leadcore and leaders are prohibited, although rig tubing is permitted. Shelf-life boilies and nuts are also prohibited. The listed address is Doddinghurst Place, Blackmore Road, Doddinghurst, Brentwood, CM15 0HX. Confirm the entrance before travelling: the supplied coordinates are only approximate postcode coordinates, not a verified gate pin.

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Churchwood Fisheries FAQs

How do I book a lake?

Call the fishery to check availability and book in advance. Advertised options are exclusive whole-lake hires.

Where is Churchwood Fisheries?

The listed address is Doddinghurst Place, Blackmore Road, Doddinghurst, Brentwood, CM15 0HX. Confirm the entrance before setting off; approximate postcode coordinates aren’t a verified entrance pin.

What are the opening hours?

The booking page gives session times rather than general daily opening hours. Winter arrival and departure times vary, so confirm when booking; no fixed annual season is stated there.

Can I change my booking or get my deposit back?

All deposits are non-refundable. Booking amendments require 28 days’ notice, so get your group’s dates nailed down before committing.

Where's the nearest tackle shop?

We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Churchwood Fisheries. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Brentwood.

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?

Not that we've seen listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.

Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?

The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off. Bring a barrow in case it's a walk.

What's the postcode for the sat nav?

CM15 0HX.

How much is a ticket?

Churchwood exclusive whole-lake hire, maximum six anglers and 12 rods: £350 for 48 hours; Churchwood exclusive whole-lake hire: £600 from Monday 7am to Friday 7pm; Jenkins exclusive whole-lake hire, maximum three anglers and six rods: £250 for 48 hours; Jenkins exclusive whole-lake hire: £450 from Monday 7am to Friday 7pm; Catfish Lake exclusive whole-lake hire, maximum two anglers and four rods: £275 for 48 hours; Catfish Lake exclusive whole-lake hire: £550 from Monday 7am to Friday 7pm. Prices last checked 2026-10-02 — they can change, so check before you go.

Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?

Some lakes need booking ahead. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.

What fish are in there?

Across the lakes you'll find carp, tench, bream, perch, roach, catfish. See each lake tab for which fish live where.

How many lakes are there?

3 — Churchwood (Approximately 2.5), Jenkins (Slightly over one), Catfish Lake (Just under one).

Is night fishing allowed?

Yes — Night fishing is included in the advertised 48-hour and multi-day bookings. Confirm winter arrival and departure times when booking.

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 only. Leadcore and leaders are prohibited; rig tubing is permitted.

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.

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