Fishery guide · Hampshire
Blackwater Valley Pits
Sandhurst Lake is the official name for the likely Blackwater Valley Pits fishery near Sandhurst. It is a 14-acre former gravel pit with 400-plus carp, advance-booked 23-hour tickets and a proper big-fish feel.
“7.0/10 — A strong carp setup with 400-plus carp, a good average, an island and gravel features.”
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The lowdown
Blackwater Valley Pits is officially called Sandhurst Lake, sitting on Swan Lane, Yateley, on the eastern side of the Yateley complex. It’s a former gravel pit covering approximately 14 acres, with depths from around 2ft to 10ft and an average depth of about 5ft.
- 1 lake: Sandhurst Lake
- Fish: carp, bream, tench, roach, pike
- Tickets from: Two-rod 23-hour adult ticket — £35
- Find it: Sandhurst · GU47 9DA
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Fishery map of Blackwater Valley Pits
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Photos courtesy of Photo: Blackwater Valley Pits (official website). Catch dates not confirmed.
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The full rundown on Blackwater Valley Pits
Blackwater Valley Pits is officially called Sandhurst Lake, sitting on Swan Lane, Yateley, on the eastern side of the Yateley complex. It’s a former gravel pit covering approximately 14 acres, with depths from around 2ft to 10ft and an average depth of about 5ft.
The lake has one fishable island, plus gravel bars and other fish-holding features to go at. There are 28 swims listed in the quick facts, although another page refers to more than 31, so the published swim count varies. Swims are first come, first served rather than pre-booked.
This is primarily a venue for experienced carp anglers. The official site says the lake holds more than 400 carp, averaging approximately 26lb, with a listed venue record of 50lb 3oz. The homepage gives a different record of 49lb 8oz, so the record figures aren’t fully consistent across the pages.
Bream to 16lb-plus are listed, with tench, roach and pike also reported. Pike fishing is permitted from 1 October to 1 March only. With the island, gravel bars, shallow margins and water down to 10ft, there’s plenty to think about rather than simply chucking to open water.
Day tickets must be booked in advance, with online bookings available up to 30 days ahead. A two-rod 23-hour adult ticket is £35, while three rods costs £40. Night fishing is allowed on the 23-hour tickets, and exclusive lake bookings are also available, starting at 11am and finishing at 10am, with a minimum three-night booking.
The practical bits are nicely clear. Cars stay in the provided car park, and a barrow is needed because driving around the fishery isn’t permitted. Portable toilets are available, but there’s currently no on-site drinking water and food isn’t provided, although takeaways can deliver to the entrance.
Pack the proper carp-care kit: a suitable landing net, unhooking mat, weigh sling and carp-care kit are mandatory. Nets, mats and slings must be dry and disinfected in the arrival dip tank. Bait boats, boats and zig rigs are banned, and all fish must be returned unharmed. Fish over 40lb must be photographed in the water, with fish retained only briefly for photography and for no more than 10 minutes.
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.
Blackwater Valley Pits FAQs
What does a 23-hour ticket cost?
A two-rod adult ticket costs £35 and a three-rod adult ticket costs £40.
Is night fishing allowed?
Yes. The 23-hour tickets allow night fishing, with lighting covered by the rules.
Can I bring a guest?
A non-fishing guest ticket costs £5 per 24 hours, limited to one non-fishing family guest per adult day ticket.
What is the contact number?
The official contact telephone number is the fishery, generally available 9am to 7pm.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Blackwater Valley Pits. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Sandhurst.
Do I need to bring food?
We haven't seen any food on site, so bring your own grub and drinks. A flask and a stove (where allowed) make a long day much better.
Are there toilets on site?
Yes — the fishery lists portable toilets on site.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
Yes — provided car park. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
GU47 9DA.
How much is a ticket?
Two-rod 23-hour adult ticket: £35; Three-rod 23-hour adult ticket: £40; Non-fishing guest ticket: £5 per 24 hours. Prices last checked 2026-10-13 — 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, bream, tench, roach, pike. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
1 — Sandhurst Lake (Approximately 14 acres).
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 and boats are prohibited.
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.
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Pre-book only
Sandhurst Lake: a proper carp-focused former gravel pit with 400-plus carp, a fishable island and 23-hour advance-booked tickets.
- Size
- Approximately 14 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, bream, tench, roach, pike
Sandhurst Lake is the official name of the likely Blackwater Valley Pits fishery near Sandhurst. The former gravel pit covers approximately 14 acres, with water from about 2ft to 10ft deep and an average depth of around 5ft.
One island may be fished, while gravel bars and other features offer plenty of areas to work out. The official site lists 28 swims in its quick facts and refers to more than 31 elsewhere, so the swim count varies by page.
The lake is mainly aimed at experienced carp anglers. More than 400 carp are claimed, averaging approximately 26lb, with bream to 16lb-plus also listed. Tench, roach and pike are reported too.
The official site says the lake holds more than 400 carp, averaging approximately 26lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Sandhurst Lake
Blackwater Valley Pits
Sandhurst Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Sandhurst Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Experienced carp anglers after a serious 23-hour session
- Anglers who enjoy working out islands, gravel bars and changing depths
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting guaranteed pre-booked swims, bait boats or a simple bank-side grab-and-go session
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Sandhurst Lake
carp
Light baiting tight to the island margins
Carp patrol the island margins on most venues. A handful of bait right on the edge often beats a heavy bed in open water, especially later in the day.
- Walk the bank first and look for bubbling, swirls or coloured water by the cover.
- Bait two or three spots with a few handfuls of chopped and whole boilies.
- Lower or flick the rig in quietly and back your line off with a back lead.
- Keep the drag set tight-ish — fish hooked by cover need turning quickly.
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.
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
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.
Sandhurst Lake FAQs
How big is Sandhurst Lake?
Approximately 14 acres.
How many carp are in the lake?
The official site says more than 400 carp, averaging approximately 26lb.
What's the lake record on Sandhurst Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: The official site says the lake holds more than 400 carp, averaging approximately 26lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Sandhurst Lake?
carp, bream, tench, roach, pike. The official site says the lake holds more than 400 carp, averaging approximately 26lb.
Which baits work well on Sandhurst Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Sandhurst 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 Sandhurst 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 Sandhurst 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 Blackwater Valley Pits before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Sandhurst 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 Sandhurst Lake on a day ticket?
You'll need to book Sandhurst Lake in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on Sandhurst 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 Sandhurst Lake suit?
Good for: Experienced carp anglers after a serious 23-hour session; Anglers who enjoy working out islands, gravel bars and changing depths. Less suited to: Anglers wanting guaranteed pre-booked swims, bait boats or a simple bank-side grab-and-go session.
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
Can I book a day ticket in advance?
Tickets must be purchased in advance and are not sold on the bank; online bookings can be made up to 30 days ahead.
- Yes
Are three rods allowed?
A maximum of three rods is allowed per angler, and all rods must be in the same swim.
- No
Can I use a bait boat or boat?
Bait boats and boats are prohibited.
- No
Can I use zig rigs?
Zig rigs are prohibited.
- Seasonal
Is pike fishing allowed all year?
Pike fishing is permitted only from 1 October to 1 March.
- Must
Do I need fish-care equipment?
A suitable landing net, unhooking mat, weigh sling and carp-care kit are mandatory.
- No
Can swims be pre-booked?
Swims are first come, first served.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 13 October 2026. Rules change — always check with the fishery before you go.
Rules and prices change through the season. Follow and we'll flag changes the fishery or other anglers report.
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.
Sandhurst Lake
carp
Light baiting tight to the island margins
Carp patrol the island margins on most venues. A handful of bait right on the edge often beats a heavy bed in open water, especially later in the day.
- Walk the bank first and look for bubbling, swirls or coloured water by the cover.
- Bait two or three spots with a few handfuls of chopped and whole boilies.
- Lower or flick the rig in quietly and back your line off with a back lead.
- Keep the drag set tight-ish — fish hooked by cover need turning quickly.
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.
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
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.
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
7.0/10 from Tackle Index: A strong carp setup with 400-plus carp, a good average, an island and gravel features.
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 — “Sandhurst Lake is the official name for the likely Blackwater Valley Pits fishery near Sandhurst. It is a 14-acre former gravel pit with 400-plus carp, advance-booked 23-hour tickets and a proper big-fish feel.”
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
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