Fishery guide · Essex
Crow Green Fishery
A day-ticket Essex fishery known for its catfish, with a separate accomplished-anglers-only Main Lake and an easier Car Park Lake for everyone else.
“7.3/10 — Known for its catfish, with carp too.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Crow Green markets itself around its catfish — the Main Lake is billed as home to cats over 100lb alongside carp over 40lb, and it's pitched at experienced anglers only, by 24-hour bookings rather than a casual day ticket.
- 2 lakes: Main Lake, Car Park Lake
- Fish: carp, catfish, pike, bream, roach, perch
- Tickets from: Car Park Lake, 1 rod / 12hrs — £10
- Find it: Pilgrims Hatch, Brentwood · CM15 9SJ
Plan your session
Fishery map of Crow Green Fishery
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Fishery
Crow Green Fishery
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Pictures on the fishery’s site · 1
See the official fishery page for its pictures
Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Crow Green Fishery
Crow Green markets itself around its catfish — the Main Lake is billed as home to cats over 100lb alongside carp over 40lb, and it's pitched at experienced anglers only, by 24-hour bookings rather than a casual day ticket.
The gentler option is the Car Park Lake, which the fishery describes as heavily stocked with smaller carp, grass carp, koi, bream, rudd, roach and perch — a day-ticket water suited to a relaxed session or taking the kids.
There's also a Lily Lake, which the fishery's contact page lists as bookable with the price on enquiry. We haven't found published species or acreage detail for it, so it isn't covered as a full lake guide here — ask the fishery directly before planning a trip there.
Gates are only open 7–9am, after which they're shut for the rest of the day, so turning up late isn't really an option.
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.
“Had a good fish. 84 llb catfish. My mate had a. 75 36 93 from Friday morning to Sunday morning. A very nice place. We will come back”
— Paul hawkes, 10 Jan 2021 · FishAdviser
“DAY TICKET 1 rod £10 2 rods £15 3 rods £20 NIGHT TICKET 2 rods £15 3 rods £20 DAY & NIGHT TICKET 2 rods £30 3 rods £40”
— Curtis, 12 Jun 2020 · FishAdviser
Crow Green Fishery FAQs
Is Crow Green good for catfish?
That's its main reputation — the fishery states Main Lake cats to over 100lb, and FishAdviser reviewers have reported catfish in the 80–90lb bracket on day sessions.
What time can I arrive?
Gates are only open for entry between 7am and 9am; plan around that rather than turning up mid-afternoon.
Is there a lake for families?
Car Park Lake is the day-ticket, all-comers water; Main Lake is adults-only and booked.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Crow Green Fishery. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Pilgrims Hatch, 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?
Yes — parking. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
CM15 9SJ. The fishery's own contact page gives CM15 9SJ on Days Lane; some directories list CM15 9SL/9SH for the same entrance, so follow the official site's postcode first.
How much is a ticket?
Car Park Lake, 1 rod / 12hrs: £10; Car Park Lake, 2 rods / 12hrs: £15; Car Park Lake, 3 rods / 12hrs: £20; Main Lake, min. 24hrs booking: £40 (+£20 per extra 12hrs). 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 Car Park 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, catfish, pike, bream, roach, perch. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
2 — Main Lake (3), Car Park Lake (not stated on current page).
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?
No — No dogs.
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 — Barbless hooks only, no modified, filed or crimped hooks.
Do I need my own unhooking mat or cradle?
Yes, it's required — All nets, unhooking mats, weigh slings and float aids must be dipped in the provided dip tanks before fishing.
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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Pre-book only
Main Lake: a booked, experienced-anglers-only catfish and carp water
A serious, booked catfish water with a genuinely big stated stock, but strictly for adults.
- Fishing Quality
- 9/10
- Swims & Banks
- 6/10
- Facilities
- 6/10
- Ease of Access
- 5/10
- Value for Money
- 7/10
The fishery states cats to over 100lb and carp to over 40lb across 350 fish.
A compact 3-acre lake, so finding fish among that stock still takes some doing.
Dip tanks and parking are provided; facilities are otherwise basic.
Minimum 24-hour pre-booking, adults only, and gates only open 7–9am.
£40 for a 24-hour session is reasonable for stated 100lb-class catfish.
- Size
- 3 acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, catfish, pike
Main Lake is for the accomplished angler only, in the fishery's own words. It's a minimum 24-hour booking rather than a turn-up day ticket, and all anglers and guests must be 18 or over.
The fishery says the lake was drained, doubled in size and fully restocked in 2010, with carp all above 20lb and roughly 100 catfish introduced at the same time. It also carries a good stock of pike over 20lb.
The fishery describes 350 fish in 3 acres of water, with carp to over 40lb and catfish to over 100lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Main Lake
Crow Green Fishery
Main Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Main Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Pictures on the fishery’s site · 1
See the official Main Lake page for its pictures
Suits
- Experienced catfish and carp anglers prepared to book ahead
- Anglers wanting a serious stated chance of a big cat
Maybe not for
- Under-18s — not permitted on this lake
- Casual turn-up sessions
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Main 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.
pike
Static deadbaits for the pike
A smelly deadbait on the bottom near drop-offs or reed lines is the classic, reliable way to find a lake's pike, especially in the colder months.
- Sardine, smelt or mackerel on a wire trace with semi-barbless trebles.
- Strike early — never let a pike run off with the bait.
- Have a long forceps, unhooking mat and big net ready before you cast.
Kit worth a look for this lake
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Main Lake FAQs
Can I turn up and fish the Main Lake?
No — it's bookings only, minimum 24 hours, and over-18s only.
What kit do I need for catfish?
The fishery requires at least 60-inch nets, a slide mat, extra-large unhooking mat and weigh sling, plus minimum 25–30lb line depending on the rule section — check the current rules page.
What's the lake record on Main Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: The fishery describes 350 fish in 3 acres of water, with carp to over 40lb and catfish to over 100lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Main Lake?
carp, catfish, pike. The fishery describes 350 fish in 3 acres of water, with carp to over 40lb and catfish to over 100lb.
How big is Main Lake and how many swims?
Around 3 acres. A booked, experienced-anglers-only catfish and carp water.
Which baits work well on Main Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Main 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 Main 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 Main 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 Crow Green Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Main 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 Main Lake on a day ticket?
You'll need to book Main Lake in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on Main 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 Main Lake suit?
Good for: Experienced catfish and carp anglers prepared to book ahead; Anglers wanting a serious stated chance of a big cat. Less suited to: Under-18s — not permitted on this lake; Casual turn-up sessions.
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
Car Park Lake: the easier, all-comers day-ticket lake
A relaxed, heavily stocked day-ticket lake that suits most abilities.
- Fishing Quality
- 7/10
- Swims & Banks
- 7/10
- Facilities
- 6/10
- Ease of Access
- 9/10
- Value for Money
- 8/10
The fishery describes heavy stocking of smaller carp, bream, rudd, roach and perch.
Right by the car park, easy walk-in.
Dip tanks and parking provided; basic otherwise.
Turn up and fish, 7am–9am entry window, no booking needed.
£10 for a one-rod day session is keen value.
- Size
- not stated on current page
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, bream, roach, perch
Car Park Lake is the day-ticket option at Crow Green and, as the name suggests, it's right by the car park. The fishery pitches it as suiting any angler, from match and feeder tactics through to a family session.
No spinning or pike fishing is allowed here, and everything must be dipped in the on-site dip tanks before use to protect against KHV.
The fishery describes the lake as very heavily stocked with carp to mid-20s, grass carp, koi carp, large bream, rudd, roach and perch to 4lb-plus.
Lake photographs
A look around Car Park Lake
Crow Green Fishery
Car Park Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Car Park Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Pictures on the fishery’s site · 1
See the official Car Park Lake page for its pictures
Suits
- Families and newer anglers
- Match and feeder anglers
- A relaxed day with a realistic chance of fish
Maybe not for
- Anglers specifically after the big catfish — that's the Main Lake
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Car Park Lake
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.
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.
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.
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.
Car Park Lake FAQs
Do I need to book Car Park Lake?
No — it's a day-ticket water, though gates are only open 7–9am for entry.
Are keepnets allowed?
No, the fishery's rules say no keepnets and all fish must be returned safely to the water.
What's the lake record on Car Park Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: The fishery describes the lake as very heavily stocked with carp to mid-20s, grass carp, koi carp, large bream, rudd, roach and perch to 4lb-plus. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Car Park Lake?
carp, bream, roach, perch. The fishery describes the lake as very heavily stocked with carp to mid-20s, grass carp, koi carp, large bream, rudd, roach and perch to 4lb-plus.
How big is Car Park Lake and how many swims?
Around not stated on current page acres. The easier, all-comers day-ticket lake.
Which baits work well on Car Park Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Car Park 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 Car Park 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 Car Park 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 Crow Green Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Car Park 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 Car Park Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Car Park Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Car Park Lake, 1 rod / 12hrs £10; Car Park Lake, 2 rods / 12hrs £15; Car Park Lake, 3 rods / 12hrs £20; Main Lake, min. 24hrs booking £40 (+£20 per extra 12hrs) (last checked 2026-10-01).
Is night fishing allowed on Car Park 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 Car Park Lake suit?
Good for: Families and newer anglers; Match and feeder anglers; A relaxed day with a realistic chance of fish. Less suited to: Anglers specifically after the big catfish — that's the Main Lake.
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
Rod licence?
All anglers must hold a valid Environment Agency rod licence.
- No
Barbed hooks?
Barbless hooks only, no modified, filed or crimped hooks.
- No
Boiled nuts / tiger nuts?
No boiled nuts; no tiger nuts for catfish fishing either.
- No
Dogs?
No dogs.
- Must
Dip nets and mats on arrival?
All nets, unhooking mats, weigh slings and float aids must be dipped in the provided dip tanks before fishing.
- No
Under-18s on the Main Lake?
All anglers and guests on the Main Lake must be over 18.
- No
Can I enter any time of day?
Gates are open for entry 7–9am only; they are closed for the rest of the day.
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.
Main 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.
pike
Static deadbaits for the pike
A smelly deadbait on the bottom near drop-offs or reed lines is the classic, reliable way to find a lake's pike, especially in the colder months.
- Sardine, smelt or mackerel on a wire trace with semi-barbless trebles.
- Strike early — never let a pike run off with the bait.
- Have a long forceps, unhooking mat and big net ready before you cast.
Car Park Lake
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.
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.
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.
Good background reading. Most of it is a few years old, so treat it as a starting point and ask on the day.
- Crow Green Fishery listing and reviews — FishAdviser, listing, reviews dated 2020–2021
Videos linked by the fishery
What anglers reckon
7.3/10 from Tackle Index: Known for its catfish, with carp too.
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.
“Had a good fish. 84 llb catfish. My mate had a. 75 36 93 from Friday morning to Sunday morning. A very nice place. We will come back”
— Paul hawkes, 10 Jan 2021 · FishAdviser
“DAY TICKET 1 rod £10 2 rods £15 3 rods £20 NIGHT TICKET 2 rods £15 3 rods £20 DAY & NIGHT TICKET 2 rods £30 3 rods £40”
— Curtis, 12 Jun 2020 · FishAdviser
Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “A day-ticket Essex fishery known for its catfish, with a separate accomplished-anglers-only Main Lake and an easier Car Park Lake for everyone else.”
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 Crow Green Fishery
No angler score yet — nobody's reviewed Crow Green Fishery here. Be the first and get the score started.