Fishery guide · Gloucestershire
Horcott Lakes
Horcott Lakes is a cracking day-ticket complex near Fairford, with a serious 22-acre specimen carp lake, the newer Scout Lake and a smaller mixed coarse Tench Lake. Proper choice if you fancy anything from a first go at a big Cotswold lump to a more varied session.
“8.3/10 — Main Lake has strong carp credentials, with reported 30lb and 40lb fish, while Tench Lake adds genuine mixed-species variety.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Horcott Lakes sits on Totterdown Lane, Fairford, Gloucestershire, GL7 4BX. It’s a day-ticket venue with three very different waters: Main Lake, Scout Lake and Tench Lake. That gives you a fair bit of choice, whether you’re after a carp campaign or a mixed bag.
- 3 lakes: Main Lake, Scout Lake, Tench Lake
- Fish: carp, tench, rudd, roach, perch, pike, bream
- Tickets from: Starter package — £60 per person
- Find it: Fairford · GL7 4BX
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Fishery map of Horcott Lakes
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Fishery
Horcott Lakes
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Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Horcott Lakes
Horcott Lakes sits on Totterdown Lane, Fairford, Gloucestershire, GL7 4BX. It’s a day-ticket venue with three very different waters: Main Lake, Scout Lake and Tench Lake. That gives you a fair bit of choice, whether you’re after a carp campaign or a mixed bag.
Main Lake is the headline act. This clear-water, 22-acre Cotswold gravel pit has around 45 swims and is generally 5–6ft deep. Gravel bars, gullies, silt areas and weed beds give you plenty to go at, so it’s not just a case of chucking to the middle and hoping.
The carp numbers are pretty tasty too. The fishery says Main Lake holds just over 800 carp, mainly around 20lb, with more than 50 different 30lb fish reported. There are also approximately four 40lb carp, and the lake record is over 40lb. Proper lumps, then, with enough features to make the watercraft interesting.
Scout Lake covers about 9 acres and opened to day-ticket anglers in 2024 after being run as a private syndicate. It’s around 8ft deep overall, dropping to about 10ft in the central depression. Mature banks, marginal shelves and reed beds should give margin anglers plenty to inspect, while the stock includes commons to about 35lb and mirrors to about 38lb.
For something a bit more mixed, Tench Lake is a 3-acre water averaging around 4ft deep. Carp run to the mid-twenties, while tench average roughly 4–5lb, with fish over 10lb reported. Rudd, roach, perch, pike and a small head of bream are also present, so it’s the most varied option of the three.
There’s a useful starter package at £60 per person, including a two-hour fishery orientation, lake map, 5kg of particle and a free arrival-day ticket. Tuition is available too, with fishing tickets, bait and required end tackle included. That could be bob on if you’re new to specimen carp fishing or want to tighten up your approach.
Do check the rules before packing the van. Rig tubing, a big unhooking mat or cradle, dipped fish-care kit and a 42-inch landing net are all part of the deal, while bait boats, swimming, tents, bivvies and brollies are prohibited. Night fishing is available through multi-hour tickets, but arrival times vary by ticket and Scout Lake has its own 10am-to-10am session pattern.
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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Horcott Lakes FAQs
Where is Horcott Lakes?
The fishery gives its address as Totterdown Lane, Fairford, Gloucestershire, GL7 4BX.
Can you night fish at Horcott Lakes?
Yes. Night fishing is available through multi-hour tickets, including 24-hour and longer sessions.
How long can an angler stay in one swim?
A maximum of 72 hours is permitted in one swim before moving on.
Can anglers leave the lake during a session?
Anglers may leave the lake for a maximum of two hours during a session.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
There's on-site tackle shop, stated to open 9am–4pm daily on site, so you can grab bits on the day. For anything bigger, stock up before you leave home — or order online in advance.
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?
The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off. Bring a barrow in case it's a walk.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
GL7 4BX.
How much is a ticket?
Starter package: £60 per person; Day-session coaching: £120, or £180 including a friend; 24 hours tuition: £240, or £330 including a friend; 36 hours tuition: £280, or £350 including a friend; 48 hours tuition: £390, or £430 including a friend; Tackle delivery: £5 each way. 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?
Day tickets are available on Main Lake, Scout Lake, Tench 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, tench, rudd, roach, perch, pike, bream. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
3 — Main Lake (Approximately 22 acres), Scout Lake (Approximately 9 acres), Tench Lake (Approximately 3 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?
No — Bait boats, swimming and boats on the water are prohibited.
Do I need barbless hooks?
Yes, it's required — Large unhooking mats or cradles of at least 900mm by 450mm are compulsory.
Do I need my own unhooking mat or cradle?
Yes, it's required — Large unhooking mats or cradles of at least 900mm by 450mm are compulsory.
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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Day ticket · turn up
Main Lake: a serious clear-water gravel-pit carp lake with plenty of features and proper lumps.
- Size
- Approximately 22 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Main Lake is the biggest water at Horcott, covering approximately 22 acres with around 45 swims. It’s generally 5–6ft deep and has the sort of varied lakebed that rewards a bit of looking before you clip up.
Expect gravel bars, gullies, silt areas and weed beds. With carp mainly around 20lb, more than 50 different 30lb fish reported and approximately four 40lb carp, it’s firmly aimed at anglers chasing a specimen.
The clear water should make careful presentation and accurate spots worthwhile. Find a clean area near a feature, stay tidy and keep an eye on the margins rather than automatically fishing long.
Just over 800 carp according to the fishery website; mainly around 20lb, with more than 50 different 30lb fish reported, approximately four 40lb carp and a record over 40lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Main Lake
Horcott Lakes
Main Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Main Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Specimen carp anglers after 30lb-plus fish and a possible 40lb lump
- Anglers who enjoy feature-finding and fishing accurately in clear water
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting a guaranteed mixed-species bag rather than a carp-focused session
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Main Lake
carp
Solid PVA bag over the snaggy bits
With the bars 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.
Venue rule: Fixed leads are banned here, so fish the bag on a lead clip or inline set-up that lets the lead drop free.
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.
Main Lake FAQs
How big is Main Lake?
Approximately 22 acres, with around 45 swims.
What features are in Main Lake?
Gravel bars, gullies, silt areas and weed beds.
What's the lake record on Main Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: Just over 800 carp according to the fishery website; mainly around 20lb, with more than 50 different 30lb fish reported, approximately four 40lb carp and a record over 40lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Main Lake?
carp. Just over 800 carp according to the fishery website; mainly around 20lb, with more than 50 different 30lb fish reported, approximately four 40lb carp and a record over 40lb.
Which baits work well on Main Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Main Lake further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: with the fish the fishery lists here, a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Main Lake get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. 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 Main Lake?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for Horcott Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Main Lake?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Can I fish Main Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Main Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Starter package £60 per person; Day-session coaching £120, or £180 including a friend; 24 hours tuition £240, or £330 including a friend; 36 hours tuition £280, or £350 including a friend; 48 hours tuition £390, or £430 including a friend; Tackle delivery £5 each way (last checked 2026-10-06).
Is night fishing allowed on Main Lake?
We haven't seen a clear night-fishing rule for this lake. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Who does Main Lake suit?
Good for: Specimen carp anglers after 30lb-plus fish and a possible 40lb lump; Anglers who enjoy feature-finding and fishing accurately in clear water. Less suited to: Anglers wanting a guaranteed mixed-species bag rather than a carp-focused session.
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No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
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Day ticket · turn up
Scout Lake: a newer day-ticket carp lake with mature margins, reeds and a central deeper area.
- Size
- Approximately 9 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Scout Lake covers approximately 9 acres and opened to day-ticket anglers in 2024 after being operated as a private syndicate. It’s approximately 8ft deep overall, with a central depression reaching about 10ft.
The lake holds approximately 250 carp, including commons to about 35lb and mirrors to about 38lb. Mature banks, marginal shelves and reed beds give you plenty of close-range water to study.
It looks suited to anglers who like a slightly more intimate carp water, with the margins and reeds likely to be key areas to assess. Occasional boating activities may mean reeling in temporarily.
Approximately 250 carp, including commons to about 35lb and mirrors to about 38lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Scout Lake
Horcott Lakes
Scout Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Scout Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Carp anglers who like mature banks, reed beds and marginal shelves
- Anglers looking for commons and mirrors into the 30s on a day-ticket water
Maybe not for
- Anyone wanting uninterrupted fishing throughout every session, as occasional boating activities may occur
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Scout 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
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.
carp
A bigger bed of bait at range
On wide, open water the fish move about a lot — a decent bed of bait at range holds a passing group long enough to get a bite.
- Find a clean, hard spot with a marker float and clip up so every cast lands on it.
- Bait boats aren't allowed, so spod or throwing-stick the bait out — 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.
Scout Lake FAQs
When did Scout Lake open to day-ticket anglers?
It opened to day-ticket anglers in 2024 after being operated as a private syndicate.
What are the Scout Lake session times?
Sessions run from 10am to 10am, with arrival from 9am.
What's the lake record on Scout Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: Approximately 250 carp, including commons to about 35lb and mirrors to about 38lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Scout Lake?
carp. Approximately 250 carp, including commons to about 35lb and mirrors to about 38lb.
How big is Scout Lake and how many swims?
Around Approximately 9 acres acres. A newer day-ticket carp lake with mature margins, reeds and a central deeper area..
Which baits work well on Scout Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Scout 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 Scout 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 Scout 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 Horcott Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Scout 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 Scout Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Scout Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Starter package £60 per person; Day-session coaching £120, or £180 including a friend; 24 hours tuition £240, or £330 including a friend; 36 hours tuition £280, or £350 including a friend; 48 hours tuition £390, or £430 including a friend; Tackle delivery £5 each way (last checked 2026-10-06).
Is night fishing allowed on Scout 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 Scout Lake suit?
Good for: Carp anglers who like mature banks, reed beds and marginal shelves; Anglers looking for commons and mirrors into the 30s on a day-ticket water. Less suited to: Anyone wanting uninterrupted fishing throughout every session, as occasional boating activities may occur.
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
Tench Lake: a smaller, shallower mixed coarse lake with tench, carp and a handy spread of other species.
- Size
- Approximately 3 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, tench, rudd, roach, perch, pike, bream
Tench Lake covers approximately 3 acres and averages around 4ft deep. It’s the mixed-water option at Horcott, with carp to the mid-twenties alongside a proper selection of coarse species.
Tench average approximately 4–5lb, with fish over 10lb reported. You’ll also find rudd, roach, perch, pike and a small head of bream, giving the lake more variety than the two carp waters.
The fishery permits 4lb line on Tench Lake, unlike the minimum 12lb or 0.30mm mainline rule elsewhere. That makes it the obvious choice for a lighter, more varied session, while still leaving the chance of a decent tench or carp.
Carp to the mid-twenties; tench average approximately 4–5lb, with fish over 10lb reported.
Lake photographs
A look around Tench Lake
Horcott Lakes
Tench Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Tench Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Mixed coarse anglers wanting tench, rudd, roach, perch, pike and bream
- Anglers who prefer a smaller, shallower water and lighter tackle
Maybe not for
- Anglers solely chasing the biggest carp on the complex
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Tench Lake
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.
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.
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.
rudd
Floating baits and shallow float for rudd
Rudd feed high in the water, often near reeds and lilies on warm days. Fish up in the water to them, not on the bottom.
- A light waggler set 1–2ft deep with a single maggot or caster on a size 18.
- Loose-feed little and often to bring them up.
- Floating bread flake works brilliantly in summer.
Tench Lake FAQs
What species are in Tench Lake?
Carp, tench, rudd, roach, perch, pike and a small head of bream.
What line is allowed on Tench Lake?
The minimum mainline is 12lb or 0.30mm, except 4lb line is permitted on Tench Lake.
What's the lake record on Tench Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: Carp to the mid-twenties; tench average approximately 4–5lb, with fish over 10lb reported. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Tench Lake?
carp, tench, rudd, roach, perch, pike, bream. Carp to the mid-twenties; tench average approximately 4–5lb, with fish over 10lb reported.
How big is Tench Lake and how many swims?
Around Approximately 3 acres acres. A smaller, shallower mixed coarse lake with tench, carp and a handy spread of other species..
Which baits work well on Tench Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Tench 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 Tench 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 Tench 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 Horcott Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Tench 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 Tench Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Tench Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Starter package £60 per person; Day-session coaching £120, or £180 including a friend; 24 hours tuition £240, or £330 including a friend; 36 hours tuition £280, or £350 including a friend; 48 hours tuition £390, or £430 including a friend; Tackle delivery £5 each way (last checked 2026-10-06).
Is night fishing allowed on Tench 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 Tench Lake suit?
Good for: Mixed coarse anglers wanting tench, rudd, roach, perch, pike and bream; Anglers who prefer a smaller, shallower water and lighter tackle. Less suited to: Anglers solely chasing the biggest carp on the complex.
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
Is rig tubing compulsory?
Rig tubing of at least 12 inches is compulsory; naked lines are prohibited.
- No
Are fixed rigs, lead core and lead-free leaders allowed?
Fixed rigs, lead core and lead-free leaders are prohibited.
- Must
What unhooking equipment is required?
Large unhooking mats or cradles of at least 900mm by 450mm are compulsory.
- No
Are bait boats, swimming and boats on the water allowed?
Bait boats, swimming and boats on the water are prohibited.
- Must
What hook rules apply?
Micro-barbed hooks are required; treble hooks are allowed for pike in the correct season.
- No
Can fish be kept in sacks or keepnets?
Keepnets and sacks are prohibited, and fish must be returned promptly and safely.
- No
Are tents, bivvies and brollies allowed?
Tents, bivvies and brollies are prohibited. BBQs are allowed but open fires are not.
- No
Are bookings refundable?
Paid bookings are non-refundable, but the fishery states that sessions may be transferred to another date.
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.
Main Lake
carp
Solid PVA bag over the snaggy bits
With the bars 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.
Venue rule: Fixed leads are banned here, so fish the bag on a lead clip or inline set-up that lets the lead drop free.
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.
Scout 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
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.
carp
A bigger bed of bait at range
On wide, open water the fish move about a lot — a decent bed of bait at range holds a passing group long enough to get a bite.
- Find a clean, hard spot with a marker float and clip up so every cast lands on it.
- Bait boats aren't allowed, so spod or throwing-stick the bait out — 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.
Tench Lake
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.
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.
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.
rudd
Floating baits and shallow float for rudd
Rudd feed high in the water, often near reeds and lilies on warm days. Fish up in the water to them, not on the bottom.
- A light waggler set 1–2ft deep with a single maggot or caster on a size 18.
- Loose-feed little and often to bring them up.
- Floating bread flake works brilliantly in summer.
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
8.3/10 from Tackle Index: Main Lake has strong carp credentials, with reported 30lb and 40lb fish, while Tench Lake adds genuine mixed-species variety.
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 — “Horcott Lakes is a cracking day-ticket complex near Fairford, with a serious 22-acre specimen carp lake, the newer Scout Lake and a smaller mixed coarse Tench Lake. Proper choice if you fancy anything from a first go at a big Cotswold lump to a more varied session.”
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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