Fishery guide · Essex
Colemans Cottage Fishery
Colemans Cottage Fishery is a sizeable Essex venue with five purpose-built day-ticket and match lakes, plus members-only Cottage Lake. There’s a decent spread of carp, F1s and silver fish, with tickets from £15.
“8.2/10 — Five day-ticket and match lakes offer a broad mix of carp, F1s, tench and silver fish, with reported fish up to 16lb on the day-ticket lakes and 28lb in Cottage Lake.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Colemans Cottage Fishery is on Little Braxted Lane near Witham, Essex, CM8 3EX. It’s a sizeable-looking setup with five purpose-built lakes for matches and day tickets, plus the established Cottage Lake, which is reserved for members. So whether you fancy a mixed bag, a silver-fish session or something with a proper lump in it, there’s a fair bit to weigh up before picking your swim.
- 5 lakes: Wood Lake, Pathfield Lake, Copse Lake, Stepfield Lakes, Cottage Lake
- Fish: carp, bream, roach, tench, rudd, perch, crucian, chub
- Tickets from: Standard day ticket — two rods — £15
- Find it: Witham · CM8 3EX
Plan your session
Fishery map of Colemans Cottage Fishery
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Photos courtesy of Photo: Colemans Cottage Fishery (official website). Catch dates not confirmed.
Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Colemans Cottage Fishery
Colemans Cottage Fishery is on Little Braxted Lane near Witham, Essex, CM8 3EX. It’s a sizeable-looking setup with five purpose-built lakes for matches and day tickets, plus the established Cottage Lake, which is reserved for members. So whether you fancy a mixed bag, a silver-fish session or something with a proper lump in it, there’s a fair bit to weigh up before picking your swim.
Wood Lake has 40 pegs and holds carp, skimmer bream, roach, ide and F1s, with fish reported up to 14lb. That gives you a nice mixed-fish menu, so a sensible starting point would be to carry a couple of options rather than turning up with one rigid plan. Pack tackle for silver fish and F1s, but have something suitable for carp too. As ever, ask in the tackle shop what has been feeding and which areas are producing before heading down.
Pathfield Lake has 38 pegs and is mainly a silver-fish lake, although it also contains F1s, tench, ide, carp, roach, rudd and perch. Fish are reported up to 12lb. It sounds like the sort of place where a tidy, mobile approach could pay, especially if the smaller fish are on the munch. Keep the kit practical, watch the margins and be ready to change depth or bait if the swim tells you to.
Copse Lake has 19 pegs and offers a colourful mix of carp, crucian carp, F1s, koi carp, ghost koi, tench, rudd, perch and skimmer bream. Fish are reported up to approximately 13lb. The Stepfield Lakes have 60 pegs in total and contain F1s, skimmer bream, perch, roach and rudd, with fish reported up to 16lb. The checked details don’t split that peg total between individual lakes, so check the layout and current arrangements when booking.
Cottage Lake is the members’ water and holds carp, ghost koi, koi, chub, roach, rudd and skimmer bream, with fish reported up to 28lb. Annual membership costs £160 and runs January to January, including Cottage Lake. For day-ticket anglers, the standard ticket is £15 for two rods, while children aged eight and above can fish on a £12 one-rod ticket. One adult must supervise each child at all times.
Day-ticket availability is from 7am to 2pm, with fishing allowed until 7pm or dusk. Wednesdays are closed to day tickets unless you’re staying onsite, so give the fishery a ring or email before travelling. You’ll need to check in at the tackle shop first, and there’s an onsite Lake View Tea Room, parking, toilets, accommodation pods and caravan pitches. Bring barbless hooks no larger than size 10, remember that floating bait, jokers and bloodworm are prohibited, and don’t take keepnets unless you’re fishing a match. The contact number is the fishery and the email is info@colemansfishery.co.uk.
Straight from anglers online
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Colemans Cottage Fishery FAQs
Do I need to book or check before travelling?
Fishing enquiries and day-ticket or match availability should be checked by phone or email before travelling. Call the fishery or email info@colemansfishery.co.uk.
Are day tickets available on Wednesdays?
Day tickets are not available on Wednesdays unless the angler is staying onsite.
What does the standard day ticket cover?
A standard £15 day ticket covers two rods.
Are matches available?
Yes. Matches cost £12 per peg, require at least 10 anglers and have a maximum duration of five hours.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
There's onsite 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 lake view tea room listed, but opening times vary, so pack snacks and plenty of water just in case — especially on a long session.
Are there toilets on site?
Yes — the fishery lists toilets.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
Yes — parking. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
CM8 3EX.
How much is a ticket?
Standard day ticket — two rods: £15; Child day ticket — one rod, ages 8+: £12; Fishing matches — per peg: £12; Annual membership, January to January: £160. 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?
Day tickets are available on Wood Lake, Pathfield Lake, Copse Lake, Stepfield Lakes. Cottage Lake is members only. 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, bream, roach, tench, rudd, perch, crucian, chub. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
5 — Wood Lake (Not published), Pathfield Lake (Not published), Copse Lake (Not published), Stepfield Lakes (Not published), Cottage 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?
Yes, it's required — Only barbless hooks no larger than size 10 are 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.
Anglers' photos
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Day ticket · turn up
Wood Lake: a 40-peg mixed lake with carp, f1s and silver-fish options.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, bream, roach
Wood Lake has 40 pegs and contains carp, skimmer bream, roach, ide and F1s. Fish are reported up to 14lb.
It’s a proper mixed bag lake on the published details, with enough variety for anglers after carp or a day picking through silver fish and F1s.
Wood Lake fish are reported up to 14lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Wood Lake
Colemans Cottage Fishery
Wood Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Wood Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers wanting a mixed catch with carp and silver fish in the lake
- Match and day-ticket anglers looking for a 40-peg venue
Maybe not for
- Anyone specifically after the biggest fish at the venue
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Wood 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.
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.
Wood Lake FAQs
How many pegs does Wood Lake have?
Wood Lake has 40 pegs.
What fish are in Wood Lake?
Carp, skimmer bream, roach, ide and F1s are listed.
What's the lake record on Wood Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: Wood Lake fish are reported up to 14lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
How big is Wood Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A 40-peg mixed lake with carp, F1s and silver-fish options..
Which baits work well on Wood Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Wood 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 Wood 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 Wood 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 Colemans Cottage Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Wood 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 Wood Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Wood Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Standard day ticket — two rods £15; Child day ticket — one rod, ages 8+ £12; Fishing matches — per peg £12; Annual membership, January to January £160 (last checked 2026-10-06).
Is night fishing allowed on Wood 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 Wood Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers wanting a mixed catch with carp and silver fish in the lake; Match and day-ticket anglers looking for a 40-peg venue. Less suited to: Anyone specifically after the biggest fish at the venue.
Community reported
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How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
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Day ticket · turn up
Pathfield Lake: a 38-peg silver-fish lake with tench, f1s and a mixed supporting cast.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, tench, roach, rudd, perch
Pathfield Lake has 38 pegs and is mainly a silver-fish lake. Its listed species are F1s, tench, ide, carp, roach, rudd and perch.
Fish are reported up to 12lb, giving the lake a broad mixed-fishing feel rather than making it purely a carp ticket.
Pathfield Lake is mainly a silver-fish lake, with fish up to 12lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Pathfield Lake
Colemans Cottage Fishery
Pathfield Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Pathfield Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Silver-fish anglers wanting a mixed list of species
- Day-ticket anglers who fancy tench, F1s and smaller mixed fish
Maybe not for
- Anglers looking solely for the venue’s largest reported carp
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Pathfield 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.
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.
rudd
Floating baits and shallow float for rudd
Rudd feed high in the water, often near reeds and lilies on warm days. Fish up in the water to them, not on the bottom.
- A light waggler set 1–2ft deep with a single maggot or caster on a size 18.
- Loose-feed little and often to bring them up.
- Floating bread flake works brilliantly in summer.
Pathfield Lake FAQs
How many pegs are on Pathfield Lake?
Pathfield Lake has 38 pegs.
Is Pathfield Lake mainly a carp lake?
No. It is described as mainly a silver-fish lake, although carp are present.
What's the lake record on Pathfield Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: Pathfield Lake is mainly a silver-fish lake, with fish up to 12lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Pathfield Lake?
carp, tench, roach, rudd, perch. Pathfield Lake is mainly a silver-fish lake, with fish up to 12lb.
How big is Pathfield Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A 38-peg silver-fish lake with tench, F1s and a mixed supporting cast..
Which baits work well on Pathfield Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Pathfield 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 Pathfield 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 Pathfield 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 Colemans Cottage Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Pathfield 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 Pathfield Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Pathfield Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Standard day ticket — two rods £15; Child day ticket — one rod, ages 8+ £12; Fishing matches — per peg £12; Annual membership, January to January £160 (last checked 2026-10-06).
Is night fishing allowed on Pathfield 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 Pathfield Lake suit?
Good for: Silver-fish anglers wanting a mixed list of species; Day-ticket anglers who fancy tench, F1s and smaller mixed fish. Less suited to: Anglers looking solely for the venue’s largest reported 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
Copse Lake: a compact 19-peg lake packed with carp, f1s, koi and mixed coarse fish.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, crucian, tench, rudd, perch, bream
Copse Lake has 19 pegs and contains carp, crucian carp, F1s, koi carp, ghost koi, tench, rudd, perch and skimmer bream.
Fish are reported up to approximately 13lb. The species list is especially varied, with a few cheeky-looking alternatives to the standard carp and silver-fish mix.
Copse Lake fish are reported up to approximately 13lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Copse Lake
Colemans Cottage Fishery
Copse Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Copse Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers after plenty of species variety
- Those who like the chance of carp, koi, crucians and tench
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting a large number of pegs for a big match
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Copse 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.
crucian
Delicate float for crucians
Crucian bites are tiny dips and lifts, so a sensitive float shotted right down is what catches them.
- Fish a small insert waggler or pole float over-depth by an inch.
- Corn, maggot or a 4mm pellet on a size 16–18.
- Strike at any small movement — crucians rarely bury the float.
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.
rudd
Floating baits and shallow float for rudd
Rudd feed high in the water, often near reeds and lilies on warm days. Fish up in the water to them, not on the bottom.
- A light waggler set 1–2ft deep with a single maggot or caster on a size 18.
- Loose-feed little and often to bring them up.
- Floating bread flake works brilliantly in summer.
Copse Lake FAQs
How many pegs does Copse Lake have?
Copse Lake has 19 pegs.
Are koi and ghost koi present?
Yes. Koi carp and ghost koi are listed among the lake’s fish.
What's the lake record on Copse Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: Copse Lake fish are reported up to approximately 13lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Copse Lake?
carp, crucian, tench, rudd, perch, bream. Copse Lake fish are reported up to approximately 13lb.
How big is Copse Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A compact 19-peg lake packed with carp, F1s, koi and mixed coarse fish..
Which baits work well on Copse Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Copse 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 Copse 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 Copse 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 Colemans Cottage Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Copse 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 Copse Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Copse Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Standard day ticket — two rods £15; Child day ticket — one rod, ages 8+ £12; Fishing matches — per peg £12; Annual membership, January to January £160 (last checked 2026-10-06).
Is night fishing allowed on Copse 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 Copse Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers after plenty of species variety; Those who like the chance of carp, koi, crucians and tench. Less suited to: Anglers wanting a large number of pegs for a big match.
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
Stepfield Lakes: a 60-peg total match and day-ticket section with f1s and silver fish.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- bream, perch, roach, rudd
The Stepfield Lakes have 60 pegs in total. They contain F1s, skimmer bream, perch, roach and rudd.
Fish are reported up to 16lb. The published details give the total peg count for the Stepfield Lakes together, rather than separate counts for each lake.
Stepfield Lakes fish are reported up to 16lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Stepfield Lakes
Colemans Cottage Fishery
Stepfield Lakes
We’re checking the fishery’s Stepfield Lakes pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Match anglers looking for a larger peg total
- Anglers targeting F1s and mixed silver fish
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting a published lake-by-lake peg breakdown
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Stepfield Lakes
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.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
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.
rudd
Floating baits and shallow float for rudd
Rudd feed high in the water, often near reeds and lilies on warm days. Fish up in the water to them, not on the bottom.
- A light waggler set 1–2ft deep with a single maggot or caster on a size 18.
- Loose-feed little and often to bring them up.
- Floating bread flake works brilliantly in summer.
Stepfield Lakes FAQs
How many pegs do the Stepfield Lakes have?
The Stepfield Lakes have 60 pegs in total.
What species are listed?
F1s, skimmer bream, perch, roach and rudd.
What's the lake record on Stepfield Lakes?
Going by what the fishery says: Stepfield Lakes fish are reported up to 16lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Stepfield Lakes?
bream, perch, roach, rudd. Stepfield Lakes fish are reported up to 16lb.
How big is Stepfield Lakes and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A 60-peg total match and day-ticket section with F1s and silver fish..
Which baits work well on Stepfield Lakes?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Stepfield Lakes 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 Stepfield Lakes 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 Stepfield Lakes?
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 Colemans Cottage Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Stepfield Lakes?
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 Stepfield Lakes on a day ticket?
Yes — Stepfield Lakes is on the day ticket. Tickets: Standard day ticket — two rods £15; Child day ticket — one rod, ages 8+ £12; Fishing matches — per peg £12; Annual membership, January to January £160 (last checked 2026-10-06).
Is night fishing allowed on Stepfield Lakes?
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 Stepfield Lakes suit?
Good for: Match anglers looking for a larger peg total; Anglers targeting F1s and mixed silver fish. Less suited to: Anglers wanting a published lake-by-lake peg breakdown.
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
Cottage Lake: the members-only lake, with carp and fish reported up to 28lb.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, chub, roach, rudd, bream
Cottage Lake is reserved for members and is included with annual membership. Its listed fish are carp, ghost koi, koi, chub, roach, rudd and skimmer bream.
Fish are reported up to 28lb, making it the standout lake for anglers chasing the biggest reported fish at the venue. Boilies are permitted here, unlike on the other published lake options.
Cottage Lake fish are reported up to 28lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Cottage Lake
Colemans Cottage Fishery
Cottage Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Cottage Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Members targeting larger carp and koi
- Anglers wanting access to the venue’s biggest reported fish
Maybe not for
- Day-ticket visitors, as Cottage Lake is reserved for members
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Cottage 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.
chub
Bread or worm tight to cover for chub
Chub sit under overhanging trees and snags and are cautious, so a quiet approach and a natural bait near cover catches them.
- Bread flake or lobworm on a size 8 hook with a link leger.
- Keep low and quiet on the bank.
- In summer, try a free-lined slug or floating crust.
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.
rudd
Floating baits and shallow float for rudd
Rudd feed high in the water, often near reeds and lilies on warm days. Fish up in the water to them, not on the bottom.
- A light waggler set 1–2ft deep with a single maggot or caster on a size 18.
- Loose-feed little and often to bring them up.
- Floating bread flake works brilliantly in summer.
Cottage Lake FAQs
Can day-ticket anglers fish Cottage Lake?
No. Cottage Lake is reserved for members.
Does annual membership include Cottage Lake?
Yes. Annual membership includes Cottage Lake.
What's the lake record on Cottage Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: Cottage Lake fish are reported up to 28lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Cottage Lake?
carp, chub, roach, rudd, bream. Cottage Lake fish are reported up to 28lb.
How big is Cottage Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The members-only lake, with carp and fish reported up to 28lb..
Which baits work well on Cottage Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Cottage 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 Cottage 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 Cottage 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 Colemans Cottage Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Cottage 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 Cottage Lake on a day ticket?
No — Cottage Lake is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Cottage 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 Cottage Lake suit?
Good for: Members targeting larger carp and koi; Anglers wanting access to the venue’s biggest reported fish. Less suited to: Day-ticket visitors, as Cottage Lake is reserved for members.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
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How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Venue Rule Checker
- No
Can I use a keepnet?
Keepnets are not allowed except during matches.
- Must
Do nets need checking?
All nets must be checked and dry in the tackle shop.
- No
Can I use floating bait, jokers or bloodworm?
Floating bait, jokers and bloodworm are prohibited.
- Seasonal
Are boilies allowed?
Boilies are prohibited except on Cottage Lake.
- Must
What hooks are allowed?
Only barbless hooks no larger than size 10 are permitted.
- Must
Do children need supervision?
Children aged eight and above must be supervised by one adult per child at all times.
- Yes
Can rule breaches lead to removal?
Rule breaches can result in removal without a refund.
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.
Wood 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.
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.
Pathfield 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.
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.
rudd
Floating baits and shallow float for rudd
Rudd feed high in the water, often near reeds and lilies on warm days. Fish up in the water to them, not on the bottom.
- A light waggler set 1–2ft deep with a single maggot or caster on a size 18.
- Loose-feed little and often to bring them up.
- Floating bread flake works brilliantly in summer.
Copse 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.
crucian
Delicate float for crucians
Crucian bites are tiny dips and lifts, so a sensitive float shotted right down is what catches them.
- Fish a small insert waggler or pole float over-depth by an inch.
- Corn, maggot or a 4mm pellet on a size 16–18.
- Strike at any small movement — crucians rarely bury the float.
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.
rudd
Floating baits and shallow float for rudd
Rudd feed high in the water, often near reeds and lilies on warm days. Fish up in the water to them, not on the bottom.
- A light waggler set 1–2ft deep with a single maggot or caster on a size 18.
- Loose-feed little and often to bring them up.
- Floating bread flake works brilliantly in summer.
Stepfield Lakes
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.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
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.
rudd
Floating baits and shallow float for rudd
Rudd feed high in the water, often near reeds and lilies on warm days. Fish up in the water to them, not on the bottom.
- A light waggler set 1–2ft deep with a single maggot or caster on a size 18.
- Loose-feed little and often to bring them up.
- Floating bread flake works brilliantly in summer.
Cottage 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.
chub
Bread or worm tight to cover for chub
Chub sit under overhanging trees and snags and are cautious, so a quiet approach and a natural bait near cover catches them.
- Bread flake or lobworm on a size 8 hook with a link leger.
- Keep low and quiet on the bank.
- In summer, try a free-lined slug or floating crust.
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.
rudd
Floating baits and shallow float for rudd
Rudd feed high in the water, often near reeds and lilies on warm days. Fish up in the water to them, not on the bottom.
- A light waggler set 1–2ft deep with a single maggot or caster on a size 18.
- Loose-feed little and often to bring them up.
- Floating bread flake works brilliantly in summer.
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
8.2/10 from Tackle Index: Five day-ticket and match lakes offer a broad mix of carp, F1s, tench and silver fish, with reported fish up to 16lb on the day-ticket lakes and 28lb in Cottage Lake.
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.
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Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “Colemans Cottage Fishery is a sizeable Essex venue with five purpose-built day-ticket and match lakes, plus members-only Cottage Lake. There’s a decent spread of carp, F1s and silver fish, with tickets from £15.”
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
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