Holyfield Lake

Fishery guide · Essex

Holyfield Lake

Holyfield Fisheries Carp Lakes gives you proper choice around Waltham Abbey: specimen carp in Bottom Lake, a busier all-round Top Lake, Match Lake for mixed fishing and a stretch of the relief channel. Day tickets are pre-book only, with memberships and night fishing available under the fishery’s booking rules.

“7.7/10 — Several waters cover specimen carp, mixed coarse fishing and a listed relief-channel stretch.”

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The lowdown

Holyfield Fisheries Carp Lakes is on Fishers Green Lane, Crooked Mile, Waltham Abbey, Essex. It’s a proper multi-water venue, with three named lakes — Top Lake, Bottom Lake and Match Lake — plus a stretch of the relief channel joining the River Lea. So there’s a fair bit to weigh up before booking.

  • 4 lakes: Bottom Lake, Top Lake, Match Lake, Relief Channel joining the River Lea
  • Fish: carp, tench, bream, roach, rudd, perch
  • Tickets from: Top Lake adult day-only membership, full season, one rod — from £150
  • Find it: Waltham Abbey · EN9 2ED

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Holyfield Lake

Waltham Abbey · EN9 2ED

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The full rundown on Holyfield Lake

Holyfield Fisheries Carp Lakes is on Fishers Green Lane, Crooked Mile, Waltham Abbey, Essex. It’s a proper multi-water venue, with three named lakes — Top Lake, Bottom Lake and Match Lake — plus a stretch of the relief channel joining the River Lea. So there’s a fair bit to weigh up before booking. Have a look at which water suits your session, then get the finer details sorted on the phone or by text.

Bottom Lake is the headline act if you’re after a proper carp. It’s just under four acres and is described as a specimen carp lake, with fish listed from about 8lb to 36lb 8oz and an average of around 23lb. Approximately 200 carp are stated to be in there, alongside tench to 8lb, bream to 14lb and ghost carp to 19lb. The bottom is clay and silt, so a tidy, well-presented approach is the order of the day rather than chucking it anywhere and hoping.

Top Lake gives you a more varied carp-water option. Its carp are listed from 1lb to 32lb, averaging about 14lb, with over 200 carp in the lake. There are also tench to 4lb, bream to 7lb and ghost carp to 8lb. Depths are approximately 3–5ft, with weed, lily pads and two islands over a clay/silt bottom. Those features should give you plenty to study from the swim, especially when deciding whether to fish tight to cover, island edges or cleaner-looking areas.

Match Lake is the friendly, accessible choice. Around one acre and split into 12 swims, it holds roach, rudd, bream, perch, carp and tench. Beginners and experienced anglers can fish it, and children are welcome with adult supervision. Private matches can also be booked, making it a handy shout for a club day or a session where everyone wants plenty of options rather than just chasing a single lump.

Before setting off, get your kit properly bob on. Barbless hooks, a minimum 36-inch landing net, an unhooking mat and at least 10lb main line are required. Braid cannot be used as main line, while spodding, keepnets, poles, fires, barbecues, dogs and unattended rods are prohibited. Tears, nuts, groundbait and method feed are also banned; boilies are allowed only on the hook or a stringer. If you’re unsure about a bait or rig, ask when booking rather than having a faff on the bank.

Surface fishing on Bottom Lake is allowed from May to September, but only floating trout pellet or pop-ups may be used. Bread and dog biscuit are prohibited for surface fishing. The fishery is open seven days a week, though day tickets are pre-booking only, and night fishing must be arranged in advance. Booking and contact hours are stated as 09:30–19:30. Toilets, a cafe and 24-hour CCTV monitoring in the car park cover the practical bits, leaving you to concentrate on finding a swim and keeping things tidy.

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Holyfield Lake FAQs

How do I book?

Booking is by telephone or text with the fishery. Booking/contact hours are 09:30–19:30.

Are single-day lake ticket prices published?

The official site does not clearly publish current single-day lake ticket prices, so confirm prices when booking.

Can night fishing members bring guests?

Yes. Night fishing members may bring up to two fishing guests.

Is there an entry charge for non-members?

All non-members entering the lakes pay £2 each on entry.

Where's the nearest tackle shop?

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

Do I need to bring food?

There's cafe 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 — car park with 24-hour cctv monitoring. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.

What's the postcode for the sat nav?

EN9 2ED.

How much is a ticket?

Top Lake adult day-only membership, full season, one rod: from £150; Bottom Lake adult day-only membership, full season, one rod: from £175; Top Lake adult day-only membership, half season, one rod: from £100; Bottom Lake adult day-only membership, half season, one rod: from £110; Match Lake adult day-only membership, one rod: from £95; River adult day-only access, one or two rods: £90; River adult days-and-nights access, one or two rods: £120. Prices last checked 2026-10-11 — they can change, so check before you go.

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

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

What fish are in there?

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

How many lakes are there?

4 — Bottom Lake (Just under four acres), Top Lake (Not published), Match Lake (Around one acre), Relief Channel joining the River Lea (Not published).

Is night fishing allowed?

No — Night fishing must be booked in advance.

Can I bring my dog?

No — Bread and dog biscuit are prohibited for surface fishing.

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 — Rules require barbless hooks, a minimum 36-inch net and an unhooking mat.

Do I need my own unhooking mat or cradle?

Bring one either way — most fisheries expect it and the fish deserve it.

Is it suitable for disabled anglers?

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

Do I need a rod licence?

Yes — anyone 13 or over fishing in England and Wales needs an Environment Agency rod licence (or Natural Resources Wales in Wales), on top of your fishery ticket.

When's the best time of year to fish here?

Late spring through autumn is prime for most species. Check our live weather edge for this venue before you go — it updates daily.

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