Fishery guide · Gloucestershire
Cotswold Water Park Fisheries
Watermark Fisheries is the venue commonly meant by Cotswold Water Park Fisheries, based around South Cerney near Cirencester. Bradleys is the headline water: a huge mature gravel pit with carp over 40lb, plus several other waters for pike, mixed coarse and beginner fishing.
“7.7/10 — Bradleys has carp over 40lb and a reported stock of more than 2,000, while the wider venue adds pike, tench and mixed coarse options.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Cotswold Water Park Fisheries is generally known as Watermark Fisheries, with several waters around South Cerney, near Cirencester, Gloucestershire. The main address is Wildmoorway Lane, South Cerney. So, if you’re tapping it into the sat-nav, Watermark Fisheries is the name to look for. Nice and simple, no faffing about.
- 4 lakes: Bradleys Lake, The Pike Lake, Wood Pool, Little Horseshoe
- Fish: carp, tench, roach, perch, rudd, pike, chub
- Tickets from: Bradleys dawn-to-dusk day ticket — £10
- Find it: Cirencester · GL7 5UZ
Plan your session
Fishery map of Cotswold Water Park Fisheries
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Fishery
Cotswold Water Park Fisheries
We haven’t got permission to show venue photos here yet. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Cotswold Water Park Fisheries
Cotswold Water Park Fisheries is generally known as Watermark Fisheries, with several waters around South Cerney, near Cirencester, Gloucestershire. The main address is Wildmoorway Lane, South Cerney. So, if you’re tapping it into the sat-nav, Watermark Fisheries is the name to look for. Nice and simple, no faffing about.
Bradleys Lake is the big’un. This mature gravel-pit lake covers approximately 114 acres, so there’s plenty of water to get your teeth into. It holds a large carp stock reported at more than 2,000 fish, including carp exceeding 40lb. Proper lumps, then. On a water this size, a bit of homework before setting off is bob on — check the current ticket position, ask where anglers are fishing and find out whether any areas have particular access arrangements.
It’s not all about carp, either. Bradleys also contains tench, roach, perch, rudd and pike, giving you a few different ways to spend the session. You could put the hours in for a carp, or keep things more mobile and look for signs of mixed silver-fish activity. As with any big gravel pit, take time to read the swim, watch the water and avoid rushing into a choice of spots just because they look pretty from the bank.
Tickets and permits need sorting before you fish, and you must carry your ticket while on the bank. Standard tickets are generally limited to three rods, while night fishing is available to qualifying full-year permit holders. Recent published prices list a dawn-to-dusk day ticket at £10, a 24-hour ticket at £22, a three-rod annual permit including nights at £325 and a four-rod annual permit including nights at £350. Daylight-only annual permits are listed from £175 for three rods and from £200 for four rods. You’ll also need a valid Environment Agency rod licence.
There are smaller and more focused options around the complex too. The Pike Lake is a separate approximately 40-acre Watermark water aimed at specimen pike fishing, with tench, chub and roach also present. It has restricted daily angler numbers, so that’s one to check before travelling. Little Horseshoe is a separate specimen lake of approximately 4.5 acres, with carp reported to approximately 35lb. Wood Pool is the more beginner-friendly choice: less than one acre, with small carp up to approximately 20lb, tench and silver fish.
Tickets and permits are available through The Tackle Den in South Cerney, on Wickwater Lane at Franklin’s Lake, and the shop accepts cash for fishing ticket sales. Car-parking areas are provided, although arrangements vary by lake. Bring suitable unhooking gear, as published rules require unhooking mats for carp and large fish, prohibit fish sacks for carp and pike, and prohibit live bait. Bradleys requires barbless or micro-barbed hooks, while fires are banned and litter must be removed. Prices and availability can change, so give The Tackle Den or the fishery a bell before travelling.
Straight from anglers online
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Cotswold Water Park Fisheries FAQs
Where is Watermark Fisheries?
The venue is in South Cerney, near Cirencester, Gloucestershire. The main address is Wildmoorway Lane, South Cerney.
Where do I get tickets?
Day tickets and permits are available through The Tackle Den on Wickwater Lane at Franklin’s Lake, South Cerney.
How many rods can I use?
Standard tickets are generally limited to three rods.
Should I check before travelling?
Yes. Current prices and availability should be confirmed with The Tackle Den or the fishery before travelling.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Cotswold Water Park Fisheries. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Cirencester.
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 — car-parking areas are provided, with exact arrangements varying by lake.. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
GL7 5UZ.
How much is a ticket?
Bradleys dawn-to-dusk day ticket: £10; Bradleys 24-hour ticket: £22; Three-rod annual permit including nights: £325; Four-rod annual permit including nights: £350; Daylight-only annual permit, three rods: from £175; Daylight-only annual permit, four rods: from £200. Prices last checked 2026-10-07 — they can change, so check before you go.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Day tickets are available on Bradleys Lake, The Pike Lake, Wood Pool. 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, tench, roach, perch, rudd, pike, chub. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
4 — Bradleys Lake (Approximately 114 acres), The Pike Lake (Approximately 40 acres), Wood Pool (Less than one acre), Little Horseshoe (Approximately 4.5 acres).
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 — Unhooking mats are required for carp and large fish.
Do I need my own unhooking mat or cradle?
Yes, it's required — Unhooking mats are required for carp and large fish.
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
Bradleys Lake: a massive mature gravel pit with a serious head of carp and plenty of mixed coarse fish.
- Size
- Approximately 114 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, tench, roach, perch, rudd, pike
Bradleys is the main attraction at Watermark Fisheries. It is a mature gravel-pit lake of approximately 114 acres, so there is plenty of water to get your head around.
Carp over 40lb are present, with tench, roach, perch, rudd and pike adding variety. A proper big-water challenge, with the margins and features worth plenty of thought.
Large carp stock, reported at more than 2,000 fish; carp exceeding 40lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Bradleys Lake
Cotswold Water Park Fisheries
Bradleys Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Bradleys Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers after a big-water carp campaign and a chance of a proper lump.
- Those who enjoy mixed coarse fishing with tench, silver fish and predators in the lake.
Maybe not for
- Anyone wanting guaranteed quick bites or a compact water where the fish are easy to locate.
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Bradleys Lake
carp
A bigger bed of bait at range
On a big lake with gravel bars, a good bed of bait on or behind a bar gives roaming fish a reason to stop and feed for longer.
- 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.
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.
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.
Bradleys Lake FAQs
Can I fish Bradleys on a day ticket?
Yes. Day tickets are available, including dawn-to-dusk and 24-hour options.
Is night fishing available?
Yes, but it is available to qualifying full-year permit holders.
What's the lake record on Bradleys Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: Large carp stock, reported at more than 2,000 fish; carp exceeding 40lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Bradleys Lake?
carp, tench, roach, perch, rudd, pike. Large carp stock, reported at more than 2,000 fish; carp exceeding 40lb.
How big is Bradleys Lake and how many swims?
Around Approximately 114 acres acres. A massive mature gravel pit with a serious head of carp and plenty of mixed coarse fish..
Which baits work well on Bradleys Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Bradleys 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 Bradleys 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 Bradleys 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 Cotswold Water Park Fisheries before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Bradleys 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.
Who does Bradleys Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers after a big-water carp campaign and a chance of a proper lump.; Those who enjoy mixed coarse fishing with tench, silver fish and predators in the lake.. Less suited to: Anyone wanting guaranteed quick bites or a compact water where the fish are easy to locate..
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
The Pike Lake: a separate watermark water aimed at specimen pike fishing.
- Size
- Approximately 40 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- pike, tench, chub, roach
The Pike Lake is approximately 40 acres and is aimed at anglers chasing specimen pike. It also contains tench, chub and roach.
Daily angler numbers are restricted, so checking availability before travelling is a sensible bit of prep. Keep the pike kit and fish welfare front and centre.
Lake photographs
A look around The Pike Lake
Cotswold Water Park Fisheries
The Pike Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s The Pike Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Specimen pike anglers looking for a dedicated predator water.
- Anglers happy to plan ahead around restricted daily numbers.
Maybe not for
- Casual drop-in sessions if the daily allocation has already gone.
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish The Pike Lake
pike
Lure fishing for the pike
Lures let you cover water and find active pike fast.
- Spinners, jerkbaits and 4–6in soft shads on a 20–30g rod.
- Always use a wire trace — pike bite through mono and fluoro.
- Move every 10–15 casts till you find them; work drop-offs and edges.
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.
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.
The Pike Lake FAQs
Is The Pike Lake separate from Bradleys?
Yes. It is a separate Watermark water.
Can I use live bait?
No. Published rules prohibit live bait.
What's the lake record on The Pike Lake?
The fishery hasn't published a record for The Pike 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 The Pike Lake?
pike, tench, chub, roach.
How big is The Pike Lake and how many swims?
Around Approximately 40 acres acres. A separate Watermark water aimed at specimen pike fishing..
Which baits work well on The Pike Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for The Pike 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 The Pike 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 The Pike 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 Cotswold Water Park Fisheries before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on The Pike 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 The Pike Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — The Pike Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Bradleys dawn-to-dusk day ticket £10; Bradleys 24-hour ticket £22; Three-rod annual permit including nights £325; Four-rod annual permit including nights £350; Daylight-only annual permit, three rods from £175; Daylight-only annual permit, four rods from £200 (last checked 2026-10-07).
Is night fishing allowed on The Pike 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 The Pike Lake suit?
Good for: Specimen pike anglers looking for a dedicated predator water.; Anglers happy to plan ahead around restricted daily numbers.. Less suited to: Casual drop-in sessions if the daily allocation has already gone..
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
Wood Pool: a small, beginner-friendly water for a straightforward session.
- Size
- Less than one acre acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, tench, roach
Wood Pool is a small water of less than one acre and is described as beginner-friendly. It contains small carp up to approximately 20lb, along with tench and silver fish.
It is the more compact, less daunting option in the Watermark group. Bob on for newer anglers or anyone wanting a simpler day rather than a full gravel-pit mission.
Small carp up to approximately 20lb, plus tench and silver fish.
Lake photographs
A look around Wood Pool
Cotswold Water Park Fisheries
Wood Pool
We’re checking the fishery’s Wood Pool pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Beginners and anglers wanting a manageable water.
- Those after smaller carp, tench and silver fish.
Maybe not for
- Anglers specifically chasing the venue’s biggest carp.
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Wood Pool
carp
A bigger bed of bait at range
On a big lake with gravel bars, a good bed of bait on or behind a bar gives roaming fish a reason to stop and feed for longer.
- 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.
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.
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 Pool FAQs
How big is Wood Pool?
It is less than one acre.
What fish are in Wood Pool?
Small carp to approximately 20lb, tench and silver fish.
What's the lake record on Wood Pool?
Going by what the fishery says: Small carp up to approximately 20lb, plus tench and silver fish. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
Which baits work well on Wood Pool?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Wood Pool 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 Pool 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 Pool?
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 Cotswold Water Park Fisheries before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Wood Pool?
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 Pool on a day ticket?
Yes — Wood Pool is on the day ticket. Tickets: Bradleys dawn-to-dusk day ticket £10; Bradleys 24-hour ticket £22; Three-rod annual permit including nights £325; Four-rod annual permit including nights £350; Daylight-only annual permit, three rods from £175; Daylight-only annual permit, four rods from £200 (last checked 2026-10-07).
Is night fishing allowed on Wood Pool?
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 Pool suit?
Good for: Beginners and anglers wanting a manageable water.; Those after smaller carp, tench and silver fish.. Less suited to: Anglers specifically chasing the venue’s biggest 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
Pre-book only
Little Horseshoe: a compact specimen lake with carp reported to around 35lb.
- Size
- Approximately 4.5 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Little Horseshoe is a separate Watermark specimen lake of approximately 4.5 acres. It offers a more focused carp-water feel than the sprawling Bradleys.
Carp are reported to approximately 35lb, making it one for anglers wanting a proper specimen target in a smaller setting.
Carp reported to approximately 35lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Little Horseshoe
Cotswold Water Park Fisheries
Little Horseshoe
We’re checking the fishery’s Little Horseshoe pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Carp anglers looking for a focused specimen-water session.
- Those who prefer a smaller lake over a huge gravel pit.
Maybe not for
- Mixed-fish anglers wanting tench, silver fish or predators in the same water.
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Little Horseshoe
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.
Little Horseshoe FAQs
How large is Little Horseshoe?
Approximately 4.5 acres.
What size carp are reported?
Carp are reported to approximately 35lb.
What's the lake record on Little Horseshoe?
Going by what the fishery says: Carp reported to approximately 35lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Little Horseshoe?
carp. Carp reported to approximately 35lb.
How big is Little Horseshoe and how many swims?
Around Approximately 4.5 acres acres. A compact specimen lake with carp reported to around 35lb..
Which baits work well on Little Horseshoe?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Little Horseshoe 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 Little Horseshoe get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Little Horseshoe?
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 Cotswold Water Park Fisheries before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Little Horseshoe?
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 Little Horseshoe on a day ticket?
You'll need to book Little Horseshoe in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on Little Horseshoe?
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 Little Horseshoe suit?
Good for: Carp anglers looking for a focused specimen-water session.; Those who prefer a smaller lake over a huge gravel pit.. Less suited to: Mixed-fish anglers wanting tench, silver fish or predators in the same 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
Venue Rule Checker
- Yes
Is an Environment Agency rod licence required?
A valid Environment Agency rod licence is required.
- Must
Do tickets need to be bought before fishing?
Tickets must be purchased before fishing and carried while fishing.
- Must
Are unhooking mats required?
Unhooking mats are required for carp and large fish.
- No
Are fish sacks allowed?
Fish sacks are prohibited for carp and pike.
- No
Is live bait allowed?
Live bait is prohibited.
- Must
Are barbless or micro-barbed hooks required on Bradleys?
Published rules require barbless or micro-barbed hooks on Bradleys.
- No
Are fires allowed?
Fires are prohibited, and anglers must remove litter.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 7 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.
Bradleys Lake
carp
A bigger bed of bait at range
On a big lake with gravel bars, a good bed of bait on or behind a bar gives roaming fish a reason to stop and feed for longer.
- 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.
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.
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.
The Pike Lake
pike
Lure fishing for the pike
Lures let you cover water and find active pike fast.
- Spinners, jerkbaits and 4–6in soft shads on a 20–30g rod.
- Always use a wire trace — pike bite through mono and fluoro.
- Move every 10–15 casts till you find them; work drop-offs and edges.
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.
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.
Wood Pool
carp
A bigger bed of bait at range
On a big lake with gravel bars, a good bed of bait on or behind a bar gives roaming fish a reason to stop and feed for longer.
- 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.
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.
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.
Little Horseshoe
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.
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
7.7/10 from Tackle Index: Bradleys has carp over 40lb and a reported stock of more than 2,000, while the wider venue adds pike, tench and mixed coarse options.
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 — “Watermark Fisheries is the venue commonly meant by Cotswold Water Park Fisheries, based around South Cerney near Cirencester. Bradleys is the headline water: a huge mature gravel pit with carp over 40lb, plus several other waters for pike, mixed coarse and beginner fishing.”
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.
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