Fishery guide · Essex
Par Fishery
Par Fishery has two roughly 4-acre lakes near West Horndon and Upminster. It’s aimed squarely at carp anglers, with decent reported carp to around 40 lb, plus mixed coarse species and some very serious Wels catfish.
“7.1/10 — Two roughly 4-acre lakes, carp to around 40 lb and reported Wels catfish over 100 lb give the venue plenty of fishing interest.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Par Fishery sits near St Mary’s Lane, around the West Horndon/Upminster side of Essex. It’s tucked into farmland, woodland and marginal trees, with plenty of wildlife around the place. A proper rural setting, then, rather than a polished day-ticket complex.
- 2 lakes: Tillingham Lake, Faraway Lake
- Fish: carp, tench, roach, rudd, perch, catfish
- Tickets from: Tillingham Lake individual angler — up to 3 rods, 12 hours — £20
- Find it: Ingatestone · RM14 3PB
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Fishery map of Par Fishery
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Fishery
Par Fishery
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The full rundown on Par Fishery
Par Fishery sits near St Mary’s Lane, around the West Horndon/Upminster side of Essex. It’s tucked into farmland, woodland and marginal trees, with plenty of wildlife around the place. A proper rural setting, then, rather than a polished day-ticket complex.
There are two lakes: Tillingham Lake at the front and Faraway Lake behind it. Both are approximately 4 acres, although Tillingham has also been described elsewhere as around 4.5 acres. The lakes are set up for carp fishing, with designated swims reported as suitable for large bivvies.
Tillingham Lake is the headline water. The fishery says it holds roughly 80–100 carp, including around 15 thirty-pounders at the right time of year. At least four are said to exceed 35 lb. That’s a fairly tasty stamp for a lake of this size, and there are some proper lumps to aim for.
The front lake has overhanging trees and thick reed beds, so there should be plenty to look at from the swim. Margins, cover and reed edges are the obvious areas to keep an eye on, especially when the fish are mooching about in warmer weather. Keep things tidy and fish accurately rather than launching half the tackle shop into open water.
Faraway Lake is also around 4 acres, with approximately 80–100 carp. Available listings put its bigger carp at roughly 38–40 lb. It has about five or six swims, depending on the listing, so it sounds like a more limited-capacity lake where booking ahead matters.
The wider fishery is reported to hold carp, Wels catfish, tench, roach, rudd and perch. Third-party listings mention catfish from approximately 85 lb to more than 100 lb, which adds a serious bit of spice if you’re targeting the big predators. The back lake can become weedy during summer, so rigs and bait presentation may need a bit of thought when the weed gets going.
Tickets must be pre-booked and pre-paid, with a contact telephone number required. Tillingham has individual 12-hour and 24-hour tickets, while whole-lake bookings are available for up to 12 people. Night fishing is available on 24-hour and longer sessions. Check availability and the current details before travelling, particularly where older third-party listings show different prices.
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.
Par Fishery FAQs
Where is Par Fishery?
It is near St Mary’s Lane, West Horndon/Upminster, Essex. The contact page gives postcode RM14 3PB.
What fish are reported at the venue?
Reported species include carp, Wels catfish, tench, roach, rudd and perch. Third-party listings mention catfish from approximately 85 lb to more than 100 lb.
How do I book?
The official website provides a booking form covering the lake, angler number, dates and session length. Telephone numbers listed are the fishery.
Is parking available?
Parking is reported by third-party listings. It’s still worth confirming the practical arrival details when booking.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Par Fishery. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Ingatestone.
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 reported by third-party listings. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
RM14 3PB.
How much is a ticket?
Tillingham Lake individual angler — up to 3 rods, 12 hours: £20; Tillingham Lake individual angler — up to 3 rods, 24 hours: £40; Whole-lake Tillingham booking — 36 hours: £525; Whole-lake Tillingham booking — 120 hours: £1,750; Whole-lake Tillingham booking — one week: £2,450. 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?
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, roach, rudd, perch, catfish. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
2 — Tillingham Lake (Approximately 4 acres), Faraway Lake (Approximately 4 acres).
Is night fishing allowed?
Yes — Night fishing is available through 24-hour and longer session tickets.
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?
Most UK fisheries prefer barbless or micro-barbed hooks — ask on arrival if unsure.
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.
Pre-book only
Tillingham Lake: a compact carp lake with a serious upper stamp, thick reed beds and overhanging trees.
- Size
- Approximately 4 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, tench, roach, rudd, perch
Tillingham is the front lake at Par Fishery and covers approximately 4 acres, with some listings putting it at around 4.5 acres. The fishery’s own figures suggest roughly 80–100 carp, including around 15 fish over 30 lb at the right time of year.
At least four carp are said to exceed 35 lb. Add the overhanging trees and thick reed beds, and there’s plenty of cover to study from the designated swims. It’s a pre-book venue, with individual tickets and whole-lake options available.
Approximately 80–100 carp; around 15 thirty-pound carp at the right time of year; at least four carp exceeding 35 lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Tillingham Lake
Par Fishery
Tillingham Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Tillingham Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Carp anglers after a realistic shot at a thirty or bigger fish
- Anglers wanting a 12-hour, 24-hour or longer pre-booked session
Maybe not for
- Casual anglers wanting to turn up without booking ahead
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Tillingham Lake
carp
Solid PVA bag over the snaggy bits
With the reed lines and a busy bottom, a solid bag keeps the hook point masked on the drop and sat neatly in a little pile of bait however rough the lakebed is.
- Tie a short, stiff hooklink (4–6in) so it packs into the bag without kinking.
- Fill the bag with a damp crumb mix and pack it tight — loose bags spill on the cast.
- Nick a wafter or small pop-up on the hair so it settles over the mix, not under it.
- Cast a few yards short of the feature, recast every couple of hours with a fresh bag.
carp
Light baiting tight to the reed lines
Carp patrol the reed lines 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.
tench
Method or maggot feeder for tench near the cover
Tench love reed lines. 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.
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.
Tillingham Lake FAQs
How big is Tillingham Lake?
The fishery’s own website says approximately 4 acres. Other listings describe it as approximately 4.5 acres.
What ticket options are listed?
Individual tickets are listed at £20 for up to 3 rods for 12 hours, or £40 for up to 3 rods for 24 hours. Whole-lake bookings are also available.
What's the lake record on Tillingham Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: Approximately 80–100 carp; around 15 thirty-pound carp at the right time of year; at least four carp exceeding 35 lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Tillingham Lake?
carp, tench, roach, rudd, perch. Approximately 80–100 carp; around 15 thirty-pound carp at the right time of year; at least four carp exceeding 35 lb.
Which baits work well on Tillingham Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Tillingham 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 Tillingham 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 Tillingham 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 Par Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Tillingham 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 Tillingham Lake on a day ticket?
You'll need to book Tillingham Lake in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on Tillingham Lake?
Yes — Night fishing is available through 24-hour and longer session tickets.
Who does Tillingham Lake suit?
Good for: Carp anglers after a realistic shot at a thirty or bigger fish; Anglers wanting a 12-hour, 24-hour or longer pre-booked session. Less suited to: Casual anglers wanting to turn up without booking ahead.
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
Faraway Lake: the back lake, with a small number of swims and carp reported to around 40 lb.
- Size
- Approximately 4 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, catfish, tench, roach, rudd, perch
Faraway Lake is the back lake at Par Fishery and is approximately 4 acres. It holds around 80–100 carp, with available listings putting the bigger fish at roughly 38–40 lb.
There are about five or six swims, depending on the listing, so it’s a low-capacity water where getting the booking sorted is important. The lake can become weedy during summer, which is worth bearing in mind when planning rigs and presentation.
Approximately 80–100 carp; available fishery listings put carp at approximately 38–40 lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Faraway Lake
Par Fishery
Faraway Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Faraway Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Carp anglers happy fishing a smaller, limited-swim lake
- Anglers looking for a longer pre-booked session in a quieter setting
Maybe not for
- Anyone wanting loads of pegs or a straightforward walk-up day ticket
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Faraway Lake
carp
Chod or helicopter style over soft weed and silt
Where the bottom drops in and out of holes or there might be soft silt or weed, a pop-up that slides up the leader sits over the muck instead of disappearing into it — no need to find a perfectly clean spot.
- Single pop-up, 2–3in off the bottom.
- Fish it as a single hookbait or with a light scattering of freebies — a big bed defeats the point.
- Cast to likely holes and let the lead settle; don't drag it back.
carp
Solid PVA bag over the snaggy bits
With the features and a busy bottom, a solid bag keeps the hook point masked on the drop and sat neatly in a little pile of bait however rough the lakebed is.
- Tie a short, stiff hooklink (4–6in) so it packs into the bag without kinking.
- Fill the bag with a damp crumb mix and pack it tight — loose bags spill on the cast.
- Nick a wafter or small pop-up on the hair so it settles over the mix, not under it.
- Cast a few yards short of the feature, recast every couple of hours with a fresh bag.
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.
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.
Faraway Lake FAQs
How many swims does Faraway Lake have?
It is reported as having about five or six swims, depending on the source.
Does Faraway Lake become weedy?
The fishery says the back lake can become weedy during summer.
What's the lake record on Faraway Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: Approximately 80–100 carp; available fishery listings put carp at approximately 38–40 lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Faraway Lake?
carp, catfish, tench, roach, rudd, perch. Approximately 80–100 carp; available fishery listings put carp at approximately 38–40 lb.
How big is Faraway Lake and how many swims?
Around Approximately 4 acres acres. The back lake, with a small number of swims and carp reported to around 40 lb..
Which baits work well on Faraway Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Faraway 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 Faraway 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 Faraway 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 Par Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Faraway 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 Faraway Lake on a day ticket?
You'll need to book Faraway Lake in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on Faraway Lake?
Yes — Night fishing is available through 24-hour and longer session tickets.
Who does Faraway Lake suit?
Good for: Carp anglers happy fishing a smaller, limited-swim lake; Anglers looking for a longer pre-booked session in a quieter setting. Less suited to: Anyone wanting loads of pegs or a straightforward walk-up day ticket.
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 tickets be pre-booked and pre-paid?
Tickets must be pre-booked and pre-paid before fishing.
- Must
Is a contact telephone number required with bookings?
A contact telephone number is required when booking.
- Yes
Is night fishing available?
Night fishing is available through 24-hour and longer session tickets.
- Yes
Can Tillingham Lake be booked exclusively?
Whole-lake Tillingham bookings are listed for a maximum of 12 people.
- Yes
Are bookings subject to availability?
Bookings are subject to availability.
- Only if
Should opening hours be confirmed before travelling?
A third-party listing reports 7am–7pm, while the official fishery page does not state a separate daily opening-time schedule.
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.
Tillingham Lake
carp
Solid PVA bag over the snaggy bits
With the reed lines and a busy bottom, a solid bag keeps the hook point masked on the drop and sat neatly in a little pile of bait however rough the lakebed is.
- Tie a short, stiff hooklink (4–6in) so it packs into the bag without kinking.
- Fill the bag with a damp crumb mix and pack it tight — loose bags spill on the cast.
- Nick a wafter or small pop-up on the hair so it settles over the mix, not under it.
- Cast a few yards short of the feature, recast every couple of hours with a fresh bag.
carp
Light baiting tight to the reed lines
Carp patrol the reed lines 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.
tench
Method or maggot feeder for tench near the cover
Tench love reed lines. 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.
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.
Faraway Lake
carp
Chod or helicopter style over soft weed and silt
Where the bottom drops in and out of holes or there might be soft silt or weed, a pop-up that slides up the leader sits over the muck instead of disappearing into it — no need to find a perfectly clean spot.
- Single pop-up, 2–3in off the bottom.
- Fish it as a single hookbait or with a light scattering of freebies — a big bed defeats the point.
- Cast to likely holes and let the lead settle; don't drag it back.
carp
Solid PVA bag over the snaggy bits
With the features and a busy bottom, a solid bag keeps the hook point masked on the drop and sat neatly in a little pile of bait however rough the lakebed is.
- Tie a short, stiff hooklink (4–6in) so it packs into the bag without kinking.
- Fill the bag with a damp crumb mix and pack it tight — loose bags spill on the cast.
- Nick a wafter or small pop-up on the hair so it settles over the mix, not under it.
- Cast a few yards short of the feature, recast every couple of hours with a fresh bag.
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.
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.
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
7.1/10 from Tackle Index: Two roughly 4-acre lakes, carp to around 40 lb and reported Wels catfish over 100 lb give the venue plenty of fishing interest.
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 — “Par Fishery has two roughly 4-acre lakes near West Horndon and Upminster. It’s aimed squarely at carp anglers, with decent reported carp to around 40 lb, plus mixed coarse species and some very serious Wels catfish.”
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 Par Fishery
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