Albans Lakes

Fishery guide · Hertfordshire

Albans Lakes

Albans Lakes has three mature gravel pits, with mixed coarse fishing on Willows, a tougher carp challenge on Farm and a beginner-friendly Match Lake. There’s night fishing too, but check the closing time and temporary closures before loading the motor.

“7.1/10 — Three distinct waters offer mixed coarse fishing, a tougher carp challenge and catfish interest, without implying guaranteed bites.”

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The lowdown

Albans Lakes is one of those venues that sits right on the edge of the M25 sprawl but feels miles away once you are through the gate. Tucked off the A414 North Orbital Road near Colney Heath, just outside St Albans, it is a three-lake complex built around old gravel workings, and each lake has its own job.

  • 3 lakes: Willows Lake, Farm Lake, Match Lake
  • Fish: carp, bream, roach, catfish
  • Tickets from: Day ticket (price depends on age band) — £14–£16
  • Find it: St Albans · AL4 0RY

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Albans Lakes

St Albans · AL4 0RY

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The full rundown on Albans Lakes

Albans Lakes is one of those venues that sits right on the edge of the M25 sprawl but feels miles away once you are through the gate. Tucked off the A414 North Orbital Road near Colney Heath, just outside St Albans, it is a three-lake complex built around old gravel workings, and each lake has its own job. You have got Willows for bites, Farm for a proper challenge, and Match for a relaxed mixed bag. It is a no-booking venue, so you can rock up, sort your ticket and get the rods out without faffing about with online slots.

Willows Lake is the big one at roughly 22 acres, with more than 60 swims and depths running from about 3ft in the shallows to 12ft in the deeper bits. This is the runs water. Carp from around 3lb up to over 30lb are listed, with bream, skimmers and roach in there too, so it is a cracking shout if you want a bend in the rod rather than a long blank staring at bobbins. The clear gravel spots and the margins are the bits worth finding with a lead before you start piling bait in. Just note the lake rules: particles are banned on Willows and so is wading, while barbless and micro-barbed hooks are fine.

Farm Lake is the other side of the coin. At around 12 acres and from 5ft down to about 20ft, it is the deeper, moodier water and the venue itself pitches it as the harder carp option. Carp, grass carp and catfish are all listed, and the fishery talks about cats up to 100lb, which tells you to bring proper gear, a big mat and a decent landing net. Do not expect a numbers game here. Pick your spot carefully, fish clean, and be patient. Particles are off the menu on Farm too.

Match Lake is roughly 6 acres with 39 swims and depths from 3ft to 20ft. Do not let the name put you off: the fishery is clear that beginners and kids are welcome, not just the match lads. Carp, bream and smaller silverfish make it a great spot for a float or feeder session, or for getting a youngster their first proper fish. The one thing to watch is the calendar, because the fishery lists regular match closures and part-lake peg closures on Match Lake, so have a look before you set off.

On prices, the fishery publishes day tickets at £14 to £16 and 24-hour tickets at £21 to £26 depending on age band, and Verulam Angling Club members with a valid card and photo ID get £4 off. There is a small tackle shop on site for anything you have forgotten. Prices do change, so treat ours as a guide and check on the day. All in all, it is a handy, well-set-up complex with something for most anglers, whether you are after a quick run of doubles, a crack at a big cat, or a gentle few hours on the float.

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Albans Lakes FAQs

Where is Albans Lakes?

On North Orbital Road, Colney Heath, near St Albans. Use the official satnav postcode AL4 0RY; an approximate map location shouldn’t be treated as a verified entrance.

Is this the old Willows Lakes?

Yes. Willows Lakes was renamed Albans Lakes in 2018.

What time do the gates close?

The homepage says 19:45, while the contact page says 20:00. Confirm before travelling rather than banking on the later time.

What does fishing cost, and is there a member discount?

A complete current tariff couldn’t be verified, so check the ticket prices directly. Verulam members receive £4 off day and 24-hour tickets with a valid membership card and photo ID.

Where's the nearest tackle shop?

We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Albans Lakes. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near St Albans.

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?

AL4 0RY.

How much is a ticket?

Day ticket (price depends on age band): £14–£16; 24-hour ticket (price depends on age band): £21–£26; Verulam Angling Club members: £4 off day and 24hr tickets with card and photo ID. Prices last checked 2026-10-03 — they can change, so check before you go.

Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?

Day tickets are available on Willows Lake, Farm 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, bream, roach, catfish. See each lake tab for which fish live where.

How many lakes are there?

3 — Willows Lake (Approximately 22), Farm Lake (Approximately 12), Match Lake (Approximately 6).

Is night fishing allowed?

Yes — Night fishing is offered through 24-hour tickets.

Can I bring my dog?

Not covered in the rules we've checked. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.

Are bait boats allowed?

We haven't seen a bait-boat rule listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.

Do I need barbless hooks?

Yes — The Willows page permits both barbless and micro-barbed hooks.

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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