Fishery guide · Hampshire
Broadlands Lakes
A long-running, award-winning Hampshire day-ticket complex fed by the River Test, with three lakes and two river stretches across an 80-acre estate.
“7.8/10 — Big carp and pike in the Test valley.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Broadlands is a well-established Hampshire day-ticket fishery just off the M27, built around three lakes — Main (also called Broadlands Lake), Lower and Family (sometimes listed as Match) — plus fishing on the River Blackwater, fed by the chalk-stream waters of the famous River Test. Third-party write-ups describe the Main Lake alone at around 26 acres, making it comfortably the biggest water on site.
- 3 lakes: Main Lake (Broadlands Lake), Lower Lake, Family Lake (Match Lake)
- Fish: carp, pike, bream, tench, roach
- Tickets from: Main Lake, day / 24hr / 36hr / 48hr — £16 / £29.50 / £45.50 / £59
- Find it: Calmore, near Romsey · SO40 2RX
Plan your session
Fishery map of Broadlands Lakes
Pick a pin or venue to see live bank-side conditions.
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Photos courtesy of Broadlands Lakes. See the originals. Catch dates not confirmed.
Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Broadlands Lakes
Broadlands is a well-established Hampshire day-ticket fishery just off the M27, built around three lakes — Main (also called Broadlands Lake), Lower and Family (sometimes listed as Match) — plus fishing on the River Blackwater, fed by the chalk-stream waters of the famous River Test. Third-party write-ups describe the Main Lake alone at around 26 acres, making it comfortably the biggest water on site.
It was voted Best Day Ticket Fishery 2016 by Anglers Mail, and the facilities back that reputation up: an on-site café, tackle shop, showers, toilets and disabled access, with night fishing available. One 2023 catch report described seven carp from 24 hours on the Main Lake, including doubles up to 27lb 10oz, giving a sense of how prolific it can fish.
Reviews are solid but not uniformly glowing — Tripadvisor's aggregate sits around 3.4–3.5 out of 5 from dozens of reviews, and a 2024 review specifically flagged a rude reception on arrival even while rating the fishery itself well. We've kept that alongside the many positive catch reports rather than only quoting the best of them.
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.
“Good place to come for a bit of carp fishing. The fish are fairly easy to catch and if I can catch here then anyone can. Day ticket. Parking. I found the best bait to be sweetcorn. Loved it.”
— rayrest, Sep 2017 · Tripadvisor
“I avoided the main lake and chose a smaller one in order to have a better chance to catch something. I was not disappointed and had a great time catching carp off the surface. Not big; up to 10lb but size doesn't matter to me (that's a lie!).”
— Gerhard500, Jul 2017 · Tripadvisor
“Nice good - rude reception. Visited for breakfast with family. Upon arrival, waiting for a family member to arrive, a man came out and was quite rude to us making us immediately wish we had picked another venue.”
— JILL B, Jul 2024 · Tripadvisor
Broadlands Lakes FAQs
How many lakes does Broadlands have?
Three — Main Lake (around 26 acres), Lower Lake and Family/Match Lake — plus day-ticket fishing on the River Blackwater, all on an estate fed by the River Test.
Is Broadlands good for carp?
Yes — third-party guides describe it as one of Hampshire's most prolific carp waters, with one source citing over 4,000 double-figure carp caught in a single year on the Main Lake.
What do reviews say?
Mostly positive about the fishing, food and facilities, though Tripadvisor's overall rating sits around 3.4–3.5 out of 5, and at least one 2024 review specifically mentioned a rude reception on arrival.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
There's on-site tackle shop 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?
There's café/restaurant, including swim delivery listed, but opening times vary, so pack snacks and plenty of water just in case — especially on a long session.
Are there toilets on site?
Yes — the fishery lists showers and toilets.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
Yes — parking. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
SO40 2RX. The fishery sits on Hill Street in Calmore, on the edge of Southampton towards Romsey and just off the M27 — some directories list the town as Southampton and others as Romsey, so SO40 2RX is the figure to trust.
How much is a ticket?
Main Lake, day / 24hr / 36hr / 48hr: £16 / £29.50 / £45.50 / £59; Lower Lake, day / 24hr / 36hr / 48hr: £16 / £29.50 / £45.50 / £59; Family Lake, day / 24hr / 36hr / 48hr: £16 / £29.50 / £45.50 / £59; River Blackwater, day ticket: £16. Prices last checked 2026-10-01 — 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 (Broadlands Lake), Lower Lake, Family Lake (Match 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, pike, bream, tench, roach. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
3 — Main Lake (Broadlands Lake) (26), Lower Lake (2.5), Family Lake (Match Lake) (unconfirmed).
Is night fishing allowed?
Yes — Night fishing is available at this venue, per third-party directory listings.
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?
The fishery lists disabled access. Ring ahead to check which swims suit you.
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
Main Lake (Broadlands Lake): a big, chalk-stream-fed carp and pike water
A large, chalk-stream-fed water with a strong reputation for prolific carp and decent pike.
- Fishing Quality
- 9/10
- Swims & Banks
- 8/10
- Facilities
- 8/10
- Ease of Access
- 8/10
- Value for Money
- 7/10
Third-party reports describe 4,000+ double-figure carp in a year, plus pike to 32lb.
Around 35 swims across roughly 26 acres, with islands, bars and overhangs.
Café with swim delivery, tackle shop, showers, toilets and disabled access.
Day ticket, no booking needed, with night fishing available.
£16 a day / £29.50 for 24hrs is fair for the stock on offer.
- Size
- 26 acres
- Swims
- 35
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, pike, bream, tench, roach
At roughly 26 acres with around 35 swims by one third-party count, Main Lake is the biggest and best-known water at Broadlands. It's fed directly by the River Test, which write-ups credit with naturally oxygenated, food-rich water and heavy weed growth in summer — classic gravel-pit features like islands, bars, gullies and marginal overhangs are all described here.
Third-party guides describe carp to 39–40lb, including commons to 35lb and mirrors to 40lb, with a venue record quoted historically at 37lb 8oz, plus pike to 32lb, bream to 14lb, tench to 8lb and roach to 3lb. A separate write-up cites over 4,000 double-figure carp landed in a single year, including 500-plus over 20lb.
Heads up: Lake record figures vary by source — a 2013 Total Carp write-up states 37lb 8oz, while a more recent directory listing puts the top carp closer to 39–40lb. Treat both as third-party snapshots rather than a confirmed current record.
Lake photographs
A look around Main Lake (Broadlands Lake)
Photos courtesy of Broadlands Lakes. See the originals. Catch dates not confirmed.
Suits
- Carp anglers after genuinely prolific sport
- Pike anglers in the colder months
- Anglers happy to work a big lake and move between features
Maybe not for
- Anyone wanting a small, quick-to-read pond
Bait, rigs & seasons
- A 2023 Urban Bait catch report described seven carp in 24 hours on Broadlands, including a 25lb 8oz and 27lb 2oz double take, all caught on white pop-ups over heavily glugged freebies. — Urban Bait, 2023-06-29
How we'd fish Main Lake (Broadlands 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
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.
pike
Lure fishing for the pike
Lures let you cover water and find active pike fast, working along the weed and reed edges where they ambush.
- 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.
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.
Kit worth a look for this lake
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As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Main Lake (Broadlands Lake) FAQs
Is Main Lake good for pike as well as carp?
Yes — third-party guides list pike to 32lb alongside the carp, bream, tench and roach.
How big does it fish?
One directory lists around 35 swims across roughly 26 acres, so there's a lot of lake to work with.
What's the lake record on Main Lake (Broadlands Lake)?
Going by what the fishery says: Third-party guides describe carp to 39–40lb, including commons to 35lb and mirrors to 40lb, with a venue record quoted historically at 37lb 8oz, plus pike to 32lb, bream to 14lb, tench to 8lb and roach to 3lb. A separate write-up cites over 4,000 double-figure carp landed in a single year, including 500-plus over 20lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Main Lake (Broadlands Lake)?
carp, pike, bream, tench, roach. Third-party guides describe carp to 39–40lb, including commons to 35lb and mirrors to 40lb, with a venue record quoted historically at 37lb 8oz, plus pike to 32lb, bream to 14lb, tench to 8lb and roach to 3lb. A separate write-up cites over 4,000 double-figure carp landed in a single year, including 500-plus over 20lb.
How big is Main Lake (Broadlands Lake) and how many swims?
Around 26 acres with 35 swims. A big, chalk-stream-fed carp and pike water.
Which baits work well on Main Lake (Broadlands Lake)?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Main Lake (Broadlands 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 (Broadlands 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 (Broadlands 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 Broadlands Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Main Lake (Broadlands Lake)?
We've got 1 tip for Main Lake (Broadlands Lake) in the tips section above. We don't rank pegs — the fish move, and yesterday's hotspot is today's dead water. Watch the water when you arrive.
Can I fish Main Lake (Broadlands Lake) on a day ticket?
Yes — Main Lake (Broadlands Lake) is on the day ticket. Tickets: Main Lake, day / 24hr / 36hr / 48hr £16 / £29.50 / £45.50 / £59; Lower Lake, day / 24hr / 36hr / 48hr £16 / £29.50 / £45.50 / £59; Family Lake, day / 24hr / 36hr / 48hr £16 / £29.50 / £45.50 / £59; River Blackwater, day ticket £16 (last checked 2026-10-01).
Is night fishing allowed on Main Lake (Broadlands Lake)?
Yes — Night fishing is available at this venue, per third-party directory listings.
Who does Main Lake (Broadlands Lake) suit?
Good for: Carp anglers after genuinely prolific sport; Pike anglers in the colder months; Anglers happy to work a big lake and move between features. Less suited to: Anyone wanting a small, quick-to-read pond.
Community reported
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How busy was it?
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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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Help other anglers
Day ticket · turn up
Lower Lake: a smaller, quieter alternative next to the chalk stream
A smaller, quieter lake next to the chalk stream, good for a faster-paced session.
- Fishing Quality
- 7/10
- Swims & Banks
- 7/10
- Facilities
- 8/10
- Ease of Access
- 8/10
- Value for Money
- 8/10
Carp to around 32lb, per third-party guides.
Roughly 31 swims on a 2.5-acre lake, generally less crowded.
Shares the complex's café, shop, showers and toilets.
Day ticket, no booking needed.
Same keen pricing as the Main Lake, but on a calmer water.
- Size
- 2.5 acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Lower Lake sits beside the flowing chalk stream of the River Test and offers a noticeably smaller, calmer option than the Main Lake, while still holding carp up to around 32lb according to third-party write-ups. One guide notes it tends to be quieter than the Main Lake since most visiting anglers head straight for the bigger water.
It's pitched as better suited to pleasure anglers or anyone after a quicker bite rather than a long specimen campaign.
A third-party venue guide lists carp to around 32lb on the Lower Lake, with around 31 swims.
Lake photographs
A look around Lower Lake
Photos courtesy of Carpin' On. See the originals. Catch dates not confirmed.
Suits
- Pleasure anglers wanting a quieter lake
- Anglers after a faster-paced session than the Main Lake offers
Maybe not for
- Specimen hunters chasing the Main Lake's biggest carp
Bait, rigs & seasons
- A 2023 catch report described a mum landing a 12lb common on the Lower Lake during a family 24-hour session, with a neighbouring angler landing a 21lb 8oz mirror the same session. — Trustfeed, undated reviews, rated 4.2/5. Older advice, may not hold today.
How we'd fish Lower 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
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.
- 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.
Kit worth a look for this lake
These open Amazon search results — check it’s the right version before you buy.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Lower Lake FAQs
Is Lower Lake quieter than the Main Lake?
A third-party guide describes it as usually quieter, since most visitors head for the bigger Main Lake instead.
What's the lake record on Lower Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: A third-party venue guide lists carp to around 32lb on the Lower Lake, with around 31 swims. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Lower Lake?
carp. A third-party venue guide lists carp to around 32lb on the Lower Lake, with around 31 swims.
How big is Lower Lake and how many swims?
Around 2.5 acres. A smaller, quieter alternative next to the chalk stream.
Which baits work well on Lower Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Lower 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 Lower 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 Lower 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 Broadlands Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Lower Lake?
We've got 1 tip for Lower Lake in the tips section above. We don't rank pegs — the fish move, and yesterday's hotspot is today's dead water. Watch the water when you arrive.
Can I fish Lower Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Lower Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Main Lake, day / 24hr / 36hr / 48hr £16 / £29.50 / £45.50 / £59; Lower Lake, day / 24hr / 36hr / 48hr £16 / £29.50 / £45.50 / £59; Family Lake, day / 24hr / 36hr / 48hr £16 / £29.50 / £45.50 / £59; River Blackwater, day ticket £16 (last checked 2026-10-01).
Is night fishing allowed on Lower Lake?
Yes — Night fishing is available at this venue, per third-party directory listings.
Who does Lower Lake suit?
Good for: Pleasure anglers wanting a quieter lake; Anglers after a faster-paced session than the Main Lake offers. Less suited to: Specimen hunters chasing the Main Lake'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
Day ticket · turn up
Family Lake (Match Lake): a mixed match and family-friendly water
A relaxed, mixed-species lake aimed at families and match anglers.
- Fishing Quality
- 6/10
- Swims & Banks
- 6/10
- Facilities
- 8/10
- Ease of Access
- 8/10
- Value for Money
- 8/10
Mixed carp, bream, roach and tench rather than specimen-focused stock.
Limited official detail on swim count for this lake specifically.
Shares the complex's full facility set.
Day ticket, no booking needed.
Same complex-wide pricing, good value for a family day.
- Size
- unconfirmed acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, bream, roach, tench
Family Lake (also referred to as Match Lake in some listings) rounds out the three-lake complex as the more relaxed, mixed-species option, aimed at family days out and match-style sessions rather than specimen carping.
Lake photographs
A look around Family Lake (Match Lake)
Broadlands Lakes
Family Lake (Match Lake)
We’re checking the fishery’s Family Lake (Match Lake) pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Families and newer anglers
- Match anglers
Maybe not for
- Specimen carp hunters — the Main Lake is the better bet
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Family Lake (Match Lake)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kit worth a look for this lake
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As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Family Lake (Match Lake) FAQs
Is this a good lake for a family day out?
The fishery markets it as the family-friendly option alongside the bigger Main and Lower Lakes.
What's the lake record on Family Lake (Match Lake)?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Family Lake (Match 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 Family Lake (Match Lake)?
carp, bream, roach, tench.
How big is Family Lake (Match Lake) and how many swims?
Around unconfirmed acres. A mixed match and family-friendly water.
Which baits work well on Family Lake (Match Lake)?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Family Lake (Match 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 Family Lake (Match 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 Family Lake (Match 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 Broadlands Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Family Lake (Match 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 Family Lake (Match Lake) on a day ticket?
Yes — Family Lake (Match Lake) is on the day ticket. Tickets: Main Lake, day / 24hr / 36hr / 48hr £16 / £29.50 / £45.50 / £59; Lower Lake, day / 24hr / 36hr / 48hr £16 / £29.50 / £45.50 / £59; Family Lake, day / 24hr / 36hr / 48hr £16 / £29.50 / £45.50 / £59; River Blackwater, day ticket £16 (last checked 2026-10-01).
Is night fishing allowed on Family Lake (Match Lake)?
Yes — Night fishing is available at this venue, per third-party directory listings.
Who does Family Lake (Match Lake) suit?
Good for: Families and newer anglers; Match anglers. Less suited to: Specimen carp hunters — the Main Lake is the better bet.
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
- Only if
Are prices guaranteed accurate?
Third-party directories list current ticket prices but note the fishery owner's own pricing overrules anything shown elsewhere — confirm on site or by phone before travelling.
- Yes
Night fishing?
Night fishing is available at this venue, per third-party directory listings.
- Yes
Disabled access?
Disabled access is listed among the venue's facilities.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 1 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 (Broadlands 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
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.
pike
Lure fishing for the pike
Lures let you cover water and find active pike fast, working along the weed and reed edges where they ambush.
- 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.
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.
Lower 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
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.
- 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.
Family Lake (Match Lake)
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.
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.
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.
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.
- Broadlands Fishery Lakes venue guide — Fishe.net, last updated 2026-03-07
- Broadlands Lakes Fishery overview — GetHooked, undated, live directory listing
- Broadlands Main Lake Carp Fishing venue guide — Carp Nation, undated, live directory listing
- Broadlands Lakes venue guide — Total Carp Magazine, 2013-10-21
- Lower Lake — Broadlands Lakes — Carpin' On, undated, live directory listing
- Broadlands Fishery Catch Report — Urban Bait, 2023-06-29
- Broadlands Lakes Coarse Fishery reviews — Tripadvisor, reviews 2017–2026
- Broadlands Lake reviews — Trustfeed, undated reviews, rated 4.2/5
Videos linked by the fishery
What anglers reckon
7.8/10 from Tackle Index: Big carp and pike in the Test valley.
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.
“Good place to come for a bit of carp fishing. The fish are fairly easy to catch and if I can catch here then anyone can. Day ticket. Parking. I found the best bait to be sweetcorn. Loved it.”
— rayrest, Sep 2017 · Tripadvisor
“I avoided the main lake and chose a smaller one in order to have a better chance to catch something. I was not disappointed and had a great time catching carp off the surface. Not big; up to 10lb but size doesn't matter to me (that's a lie!).”
— Gerhard500, Jul 2017 · Tripadvisor
“Nice good - rude reception. Visited for breakfast with family. Upon arrival, waiting for a family member to arrive, a man came out and was quite rude to us making us immediately wish we had picked another venue.”
— JILL B, Jul 2024 · Tripadvisor
Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “A long-running, award-winning Hampshire day-ticket complex fed by the River Test, with three lakes and two river stretches across an 80-acre estate.”
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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