
Fishery guide · Essex
Crowsheath Lakes
Crowsheath gives you four different options, from the island-lined Specimen Lake to mixed coarse fishing on Pleasure Lake. There’s night fishing and a handy kit-transfer service too, but check the tariff before booking — the published prices don’t all agree.
“6.8/10 — Four waters, advertised carp sizes and a mixed coarse option give plenty to consider, without implying guaranteed catches.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Crowsheath Lakes sits on Hawkswood Road in Downham, near Billericay, Essex. It’s a four-lake setup with a proper choice of fishing: Specimen Lake, Crowsnest, Carp Canal and Pleasure Lake. That means you can pick a water around the session you fancy rather than treating the whole place as one big carp venue.
- 4 lakes: Specimen Lake, Crowsnest, Carp Canal, Pleasure Lake
- Fish: carp, bream, roach
- Tickets from: Specimen — undated official day ticket, up to three rods — £15
- Find it: Billericay · CM11 1JT
Plan your session
Fishery map of Crowsheath Lakes
Pick a pin or venue to see live bank-side conditions.
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
Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Photos courtesy of John Myers. See the originals. Catch dates not confirmed.
Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Crowsheath Lakes
Crowsheath Lakes sits on Hawkswood Road in Downham, near Billericay, Essex. It’s a four-lake setup with a proper choice of fishing: Specimen Lake, Crowsnest, Carp Canal and Pleasure Lake. That means you can pick a water around the session you fancy rather than treating the whole place as one big carp venue. We haven’t fished it ourselves, so this is a guide to what’s advertised, not a tale about us bagging up.
Specimen Lake is the biggest clearly measured water here, at 8.6 acres, with two large islands and 24 advertised spacious pegs. Those islands are the obvious features to consider when choosing a swim, although there’s no checked detail here about depths or productive spots. It’s the one to look at if you fancy a bigger-water carp session, with published ticket options stretching from a day through to 72 hours.
Crowsnest brings a different angle: exclusive lake bookings for groups of up to six anglers. That could be a cracking option for getting your mates together without splitting everyone across separate waters. The fishery says it was restocked in 2021 with over 100 carp to 31lb. Keep that date in mind, though — it’s a stocking statement from then, not a promise about today’s head of fish or what you’ll land.
Carp Canal is the more compact carp option, covering just over one acre with six large swims. The fishery advertises carp to over 25lb, so small water doesn’t necessarily mean small fish. Pleasure Lake is the smallest of the four and accommodates up to eight anglers. Its listed carp, bream and roach give you a mixed coarse alternative when you’d rather have that choice than make the whole trip about a carp.
The practical bits deserve a look before you load the car. Published opening hours are 7am–7pm every day, while night fishing is also available through overnight tickets. Don’t assume those opening hours explain late arrivals: check arrangements when booking. Toilets and drinking-water taps are reported, and a buggy-and-trailer service can take equipment to swims, subject to weather and availability. Handy for cutting down the carrying, but not something to bank on without asking.
The main bit of faff is pricing. The undated official tables and a separate tariff effective April 1, 2026 disagree, particularly for Specimen and Crowsnest, so ring the fishery before committing. The Carp Canal page also points anglers towards the Catch app. Pack the right fish-care gear, check the rules for your chosen water and keep cars in the designated parking areas. Get those details squared away and you can concentrate on choosing the right lake for your session.
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.
We haven’t found any public angler reviews of this venue yet. Fished it? Add yours below.
Crowsheath Lakes FAQs
Where is Crowsheath Lakes?
Hawkswood Road, Downham, near Billericay, Essex, CM11 1JT.
Can I fish overnight?
Yes. Night fishing is available and 24-hour and longer tickets are sold. Published opening hours are 7am–7pm every day, so check overnight arrival and access arrangements when booking.
Which prices should I use?
Confirm directly with the fishery. The undated official tables conflict with a separate tariff effective April 1, 2026, and that newer tariff doesn't specify rod allowances.
Can I get help moving my tackle?
A buggy-and-trailer service can transport equipment to swims, subject to weather and availability. Cars must stay in designated car parks, with no driving or parking on grass.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Crowsheath Lakes. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Billericay.
Do I need to bring food?
We haven't seen any food on site, so bring your own grub and drinks. A flask and a stove (where allowed) make a long day much better.
Are there toilets on site?
Yes — the fishery lists toilets reported.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
Yes — designated car parks. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
CM11 1JT.
How much is a ticket?
Specimen — undated official day ticket, up to three rods: £15; Specimen — undated official 24 hours, up to three rods: £30; Specimen — undated official 48 hours, up to three rods: £60; Specimen — undated official 72 hours, up to three rods: £90; Crowsnest — undated official day ticket, two or three rods: £15; Crowsnest — undated official 24 hours, two rods: £25; Crowsnest — undated official 24 hours, three rods: £30; Carp Canal — undated official day ticket, up to three rods: £10; Carp Canal — undated official 24 hours, up to three rods: £20; Carp Canal — undated official 48 hours, up to three rods: £40; Pleasure Lake — undated official day ticket, two rods: £10; Pleasure Lake — undated official 24 hours, two rods: £20; Pleasure Lake — undated official 48 hours, two rods: £40; Specimen — separate 2026 tariff effective April 1; confirm price and rod allowance: £20/12 hours; Specimen — separate 2026 tariff effective April 1; confirm price and rod allowance: £35/24 hours; Crowsnest — separate 2026 tariff effective April 1; confirm price and rod allowance: £20/12 hours; Crowsnest — separate 2026 tariff effective April 1; confirm price and rod allowance: £40/24 hours; Carp Canal and Pleasure Lake — separate 2026 tariff effective April 1; confirm price and rod allowance: £10/12 hours; Carp Canal and Pleasure Lake — separate 2026 tariff effective April 1; confirm price and rod allowance: £20/24 hours. 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?
Day tickets are available on Specimen Lake, Carp Canal, Pleasure 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, bream, roach. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
4 — Specimen Lake (8.6), Crowsnest (Not published), Carp Canal (Just over one acre), Pleasure 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?
No — Only barbless or micro-barbed hooks are allowed.
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
Been to Crowsheath Lakes? Share a snap
No angler photos yet. Be the first!
Day ticket · turn up
Specimen Lake: two big islands and room for a longer carp session
- Size
- 8.6 acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Specimen Lake covers 8.6 acres and has two large islands, giving it clearly defined features to consider when picking a peg. The fishery advertises 24 spacious pegs.
Day and overnight tickets are published, including 48- and 72-hour options. Check the current cost and arrival arrangements first, as the two published tariffs disagree.
Lake photographs
A look around Specimen Lake
Crowsheath Lakes
Specimen Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Specimen Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers wanting a larger carp water
- Longer sessions and overnight trips
Maybe not for
- Anyone specifically after the listed mixed coarse fishing on Pleasure Lake
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Specimen Lake
carp
Light baiting tight to the island margins
Carp patrol the island margins on most venues. A handful of bait right on the edge often beats a heavy bed in open water, especially later in the day.
- Walk the bank first and look for bubbling, swirls or coloured water by the cover.
- Bait two or three spots with a few handfuls of chopped and whole boilies.
- Lower or flick the rig in quietly and back your line off with a back lead.
- Keep the drag set tight-ish — fish hooked by cover need turning quickly.
Specimen Lake FAQs
How many pegs are there?
The fishery advertises 24 spacious pegs.
What fish-care equipment is required?
Specimen rules require landing nets, weigh slings and cradles. Carry a carp-care kit and use it when appropriate too.
What's the lake record on Specimen Lake?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Specimen 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 Specimen Lake?
carp.
How big is Specimen Lake and how many swims?
Around 8.6 acres. Two big islands and room for a longer carp session.
Which baits work well on Specimen Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Specimen 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 Specimen 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 Specimen 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 Crowsheath Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Specimen 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 Specimen Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Specimen Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Specimen — undated official day ticket, up to three rods £15; Specimen — undated official 24 hours, up to three rods £30; Specimen — undated official 48 hours, up to three rods £60; Specimen — undated official 72 hours, up to three rods £90; Crowsnest — undated official day ticket, two or three rods £15; Crowsnest — undated official 24 hours, two rods £25; Crowsnest — undated official 24 hours, three rods £30; Carp Canal — undated official day ticket, up to three rods £10; Carp Canal — undated official 24 hours, up to three rods £20; Carp Canal — undated official 48 hours, up to three rods £40; Pleasure Lake — undated official day ticket, two rods £10; Pleasure Lake — undated official 24 hours, two rods £20; Pleasure Lake — undated official 48 hours, two rods £40; Specimen — separate 2026 tariff effective April 1; confirm price and rod allowance £20/12 hours; Specimen — separate 2026 tariff effective April 1; confirm price and rod allowance £35/24 hours; Crowsnest — separate 2026 tariff effective April 1; confirm price and rod allowance £20/12 hours; Crowsnest — separate 2026 tariff effective April 1; confirm price and rod allowance £40/24 hours; Carp Canal and Pleasure Lake — separate 2026 tariff effective April 1; confirm price and rod allowance £10/12 hours; Carp Canal and Pleasure Lake — separate 2026 tariff effective April 1; confirm price and rod allowance £20/24 hours (last checked 2026-10-02).
Is night fishing allowed on Specimen 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 Specimen Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers wanting a larger carp water; Longer sessions and overnight trips. Less suited to: Anyone specifically after the listed mixed coarse fishing on Pleasure 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
Pre-book only
Crowsnest: an exclusive-booking option for you and your mates
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Crowsnest offers exclusive lake bookings for groups of up to six anglers. Worth a look if keeping your group together is the main aim.
The fishery says over 100 carp to 31lb went in during the 2021 restocking. Individual ticket prices are also published, so ask how those fit with exclusive bookings rather than assuming a day ticket buys the whole lake.
Restocked in 2021 with over 100 carp to 31lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Crowsnest
Crowsheath Lakes
Crowsnest
We’re checking the fishery’s Crowsnest pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Groups of up to six anglers
- Carp anglers wanting an exclusive lake booking
Maybe not for
- Anyone relying on an unconfirmed walk-up visit
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Crowsnest
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.
Venue rule: Fixed leads are banned here, so use a lead clip set to drop the lead or an inline lead.
Crowsnest FAQs
How many anglers can book exclusively?
Exclusive bookings are offered for groups of up to six anglers.
Does the advertised stocking describe today's fish?
It describes the 2021 restocking: over 100 carp to 31lb. A current stock total or maximum weight isn't supplied.
What's the lake record on Crowsnest?
Going by what the fishery says: Restocked in 2021 with over 100 carp to 31lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Crowsnest?
carp. Restocked in 2021 with over 100 carp to 31lb.
How big is Crowsnest and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. An exclusive-booking option for you and your mates.
Which baits work well on Crowsnest?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Crowsnest 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 Crowsnest get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Crowsnest?
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 Crowsheath Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Crowsnest?
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 Crowsnest on a day ticket?
You'll need to book Crowsnest in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on Crowsnest?
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 Crowsnest suit?
Good for: Groups of up to six anglers; Carp anglers wanting an exclusive lake booking. Less suited to: Anyone relying on an unconfirmed walk-up visit.
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
Carp Canal: compact carp fishing with six large swims
- Size
- Just over one acre acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Carp Canal covers just over one acre and has six large swims. It’s a compact alternative to Specimen Lake, with the fishery advertising carp to over 25lb.
Published tickets include day, 24-hour and 48-hour options. For booking, the lake page points to the Catch app as well as the fishery’s phone number.
Carp to over 25lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Carp Canal
Crowsheath Lakes
Carp Canal
We’re checking the fishery’s Carp Canal pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers who prefer a smaller carp water
- Day trips or overnight carp sessions
Maybe not for
- Anglers looking for a larger expanse of water
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Carp Canal
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.
Venue rule: Fixed leads are banned here, so use a lead clip set to drop the lead or an inline lead.
Carp Canal FAQs
How many swims does Carp Canal have?
Six large swims are advertised.
How do I book?
Call the fishery to book or check availability; the Carp Canal page also directs bookings to the Catch app.
What's the lake record on Carp Canal?
Going by what the fishery says: Carp to over 25lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Carp Canal?
carp. Carp to over 25lb.
How big is Carp Canal and how many swims?
Around Just over one acre acres. Compact carp fishing with six large swims.
Which baits work well on Carp Canal?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Carp Canal 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 Carp Canal 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 Carp Canal?
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 Crowsheath Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Carp Canal?
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 Carp Canal on a day ticket?
Yes — Carp Canal is on the day ticket. Tickets: Specimen — undated official day ticket, up to three rods £15; Specimen — undated official 24 hours, up to three rods £30; Specimen — undated official 48 hours, up to three rods £60; Specimen — undated official 72 hours, up to three rods £90; Crowsnest — undated official day ticket, two or three rods £15; Crowsnest — undated official 24 hours, two rods £25; Crowsnest — undated official 24 hours, three rods £30; Carp Canal — undated official day ticket, up to three rods £10; Carp Canal — undated official 24 hours, up to three rods £20; Carp Canal — undated official 48 hours, up to three rods £40; Pleasure Lake — undated official day ticket, two rods £10; Pleasure Lake — undated official 24 hours, two rods £20; Pleasure Lake — undated official 48 hours, two rods £40; Specimen — separate 2026 tariff effective April 1; confirm price and rod allowance £20/12 hours; Specimen — separate 2026 tariff effective April 1; confirm price and rod allowance £35/24 hours; Crowsnest — separate 2026 tariff effective April 1; confirm price and rod allowance £20/12 hours; Crowsnest — separate 2026 tariff effective April 1; confirm price and rod allowance £40/24 hours; Carp Canal and Pleasure Lake — separate 2026 tariff effective April 1; confirm price and rod allowance £10/12 hours; Carp Canal and Pleasure Lake — separate 2026 tariff effective April 1; confirm price and rod allowance £20/24 hours (last checked 2026-10-02).
Is night fishing allowed on Carp Canal?
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 Carp Canal suit?
Good for: Anglers who prefer a smaller carp water; Day trips or overnight carp sessions. Less suited to: Anglers looking for a larger expanse of water.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Day ticket · turn up
Pleasure Lake: the smallest lake, with a mixed coarse line-up
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, bream, roach
Pleasure Lake is the smallest water at Crowsheath and accommodates up to eight anglers. Carp, bream and roach are listed, making this the clear mixed coarse option in the supplied lake details.
Day and overnight tickets are published, with two rods covered by the undated official table. Confirm the current ticket terms before settling into your swim.
Lake photographs
A look around Pleasure Lake
Crowsheath Lakes
Pleasure Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Pleasure Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Mixed coarse anglers
- Anglers who prefer a small water
Maybe not for
- Groups larger than eight anglers
- Anyone wanting a published specimen-weight target
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Pleasure 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.
Venue rule: Fixed leads are banned here, so use a lead clip set to drop the lead or an inline lead.
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.
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.
Pleasure Lake FAQs
What species are listed?
Carp, bream and roach.
How big is Pleasure Lake?
It’s described as the smallest lake and accommodates up to eight anglers, but an acreage isn't published in the supplied details.
What's the lake record on Pleasure Lake?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Pleasure 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 Pleasure Lake?
carp, bream, roach.
Which baits work well on Pleasure Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Pleasure 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 Pleasure 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 Pleasure 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 Crowsheath Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Pleasure 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 Pleasure Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Pleasure Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Specimen — undated official day ticket, up to three rods £15; Specimen — undated official 24 hours, up to three rods £30; Specimen — undated official 48 hours, up to three rods £60; Specimen — undated official 72 hours, up to three rods £90; Crowsnest — undated official day ticket, two or three rods £15; Crowsnest — undated official 24 hours, two rods £25; Crowsnest — undated official 24 hours, three rods £30; Carp Canal — undated official day ticket, up to three rods £10; Carp Canal — undated official 24 hours, up to three rods £20; Carp Canal — undated official 48 hours, up to three rods £40; Pleasure Lake — undated official day ticket, two rods £10; Pleasure Lake — undated official 24 hours, two rods £20; Pleasure Lake — undated official 48 hours, two rods £40; Specimen — separate 2026 tariff effective April 1; confirm price and rod allowance £20/12 hours; Specimen — separate 2026 tariff effective April 1; confirm price and rod allowance £35/24 hours; Crowsnest — separate 2026 tariff effective April 1; confirm price and rod allowance £20/12 hours; Crowsnest — separate 2026 tariff effective April 1; confirm price and rod allowance £40/24 hours; Carp Canal and Pleasure Lake — separate 2026 tariff effective April 1; confirm price and rod allowance £10/12 hours; Carp Canal and Pleasure Lake — separate 2026 tariff effective April 1; confirm price and rod allowance £20/24 hours (last checked 2026-10-02).
Is night fishing allowed on Pleasure 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 Pleasure Lake suit?
Good for: Mixed coarse anglers; Anglers who prefer a small water. Less suited to: Groups larger than eight anglers; Anyone wanting a published specimen-weight target.
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
Must cars stay in designated car parks?
Parking or driving on grass is prohibited.
- Must
Must anglers hold a valid fishing licence?
The fishery requires anglers to hold a valid fishing licence.
- Must
Do under-16s need adult supervision?
Adult supervision is required under the day-water rules.
- No
Are fully barbed hooks allowed?
Only barbless or micro-barbed hooks are allowed.
- No
Can rods be left unattended?
Rods must never be left unattended.
- Must
Is fish-care equipment compulsory?
Day waters require unhooking mats; Specimen rules require landing nets, weigh slings and cradles. Carp-care kits must be carried and used when appropriate.
- No
Are fixed bolt rigs, leadcore or Safezone leaders allowed?
All three are prohibited. Check the full current rig rules before fishing.
- Seasonal
Is pike fishing seasonal?
The published pike season runs from October 1 to March 14; check which waters are available for it.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 2 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.
Specimen Lake
carp
Light baiting tight to the island margins
Carp patrol the island margins on most venues. A handful of bait right on the edge often beats a heavy bed in open water, especially later in the day.
- Walk the bank first and look for bubbling, swirls or coloured water by the cover.
- Bait two or three spots with a few handfuls of chopped and whole boilies.
- Lower or flick the rig in quietly and back your line off with a back lead.
- Keep the drag set tight-ish — fish hooked by cover need turning quickly.
Crowsnest
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.
Venue rule: Fixed leads are banned here, so use a lead clip set to drop the lead or an inline lead.
Carp Canal
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.
Venue rule: Fixed leads are banned here, so use a lead clip set to drop the lead or an inline lead.
Pleasure 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.
Venue rule: Fixed leads are banned here, so use a lead clip set to drop the lead or an inline lead.
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.
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.
Videos linked by the fishery
What anglers reckon
6.8/10 from Tackle Index: Four waters, advertised carp sizes and a mixed coarse option give plenty to consider, without implying guaranteed catches.
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.
We haven’t found any public angler reviews of this venue yet. Fished it? Add yours below.
Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “Crowsheath gives you four different options, from the island-lined Specimen Lake to mixed coarse fishing on Pleasure Lake. There’s night fishing and a handy kit-transfer service too, but check the tariff before booking — the published prices don’t all agree.”
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 Crowsheath Lakes
No angler score yet — nobody's reviewed Crowsheath Lakes here. Be the first and get the score started.