Fishery guide · Hertfordshire
Stanborough Lakes
Stanborough Lakes is a proper 16-acre South Lake day-ticket coarse fishery in Welwyn Garden City, with carp to a reported 35 lb and a useful mix of bream, tench, pike and silver fish. Night fishing is available, but it must be booked with the head bailiff.
“7.6/10 — A reported 16-acre lake offers carp to approximately 35 lb alongside a broad mixed coarse line-up.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Stanborough Lakes sits on Stanborough Road, Welwyn Garden City, with the A1(M) close by and the town centre not far away. The wider site has North and South lakes, though the South Lake is the fishing water. It’s a stillwater coarse venue controlled by Welwyn Garden City Angling Club.
- 2 lakes: South Lake, North Lake
- Fish: carp, tench, bream, roach, pike, perch, rudd, crucian
- Tickets from: Adult day ticket, one rod — £8 per rod
- Find it: Welwyn Garden City · AL8 6DF
Plan your session
Fishery map of Stanborough Lakes
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Fishery
Stanborough Lakes
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Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Stanborough Lakes
Stanborough Lakes sits on Stanborough Road, Welwyn Garden City, with the A1(M) close by and the town centre not far away. The wider site has North and South lakes, though the South Lake is the fishing water. It’s a stillwater coarse venue controlled by Welwyn Garden City Angling Club.
The South Lake is reported at approximately 16 acres, with fishing available around the lake. That gives you plenty of water to explore, whether you fancy working the margins, looking for a quiet corner or setting up for a longer session. The lake was formed through gravel extraction during construction of the A1(M), so expect a proper gravel-pit feel rather than a tiny farm pond.
Carp are the headline fish, reported to approximately 35 lb on the club page. The club also reported moving 31 carp weighing 432 lb from the stock lake in 2023, followed by approximately 300 carp stocked in 2025 after flood-related fish losses. There’s clearly been plenty of attention on the carp side of the fishery.
It isn’t just a carp bash, either. Bream to around 7 lb, tench to around 6 lb, pike to around 18 lb, plus perch, crucian carp, roach and rudd are listed. Zander has also been reported in the lake by local planning and landscape documents, adding another interesting angle for anglers who like a bit of variety.
Day tickets are £8 per rod for adults and £6 for concessions. Night fishing is £18 per night, while a 24-hour ticket costs £30 and covers one day plus one night. Night sessions run from dusk until dawn and must be pre-booked with head bailiff Gerald Esmond, including for club members, so don’t just turn up hoping to blag a cheeky overnight.
Parking is available, with registered anglers able to get subsidised parking at £1.50 for 24 hours. There are fishing platforms, including newly introduced or improved platforms, while the wider park provides public toilets and other park facilities. The lakes are stated to be open all year round.
The current club information doesn’t publish detailed tackle, bait, hook or keepnet rules. Best move is to check those points with the bailiff before fishing, especially if you’re planning a carp session, pike trip or an overnight. For a central Hertfordshire venue with affordable day tickets and a broad coarse-fish mix, Stanborough Lakes looks a bob-on option.
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.
Stanborough Lakes FAQs
Where is Stanborough Lakes?
The fishery is on Stanborough Road, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, close to the town centre and A1(M).
What fish are in South Lake?
Carp, bream, tench, pike, perch, crucian carp, roach and rudd are listed, with zander also reported in the lake.
How much is a day ticket?
Adult day tickets cost £8 per rod. Concession tickets cost £6 per rod.
Who books night fishing?
Night fishing is booked with head bailiff Gerald Esmond with the fishery.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Stanborough Lakes. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Welwyn Garden City.
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 public toilets in the wider park.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
Yes — angler parking. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
AL8 6DF.
How much is a ticket?
Adult day ticket, one rod: £8 per rod; Concession day ticket, one rod: £6 per rod; Night fishing: £18 per night; 24-hour ticket, one day plus one night: £30. 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 South Lake. North Lake is members only. 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, bream, roach, pike, perch, rudd, crucian, zander. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
2 — South Lake (Approximately 16 acres), North Lake (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
Yes — Night fishing runs from dusk until dawn.
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?
No — These rules are not published on the current club fishery page, so confirm them with the bailiff before fishing.
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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Day ticket · turn up
South Lake: a sizeable day-ticket gravel-pit lake with carp to a reported 35 lb and a cracking mixed coarse line-up.
- Size
- Approximately 16 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, tench, bream, roach, pike, perch, rudd, crucian, zander
South Lake is the fishing water at Stanborough Lakes, with fishing around the lake and a reported area of approximately 16 acres. It was created by gravel extraction during construction of the A1(M), giving the venue a proper stillwater coarse-fishery character.
Carp are the main draw, with fish reported to approximately 35 lb. Bream, tench, pike, perch, crucians, roach, rudd and reported zander add plenty of options, so you’re not boxed into one approach.
The club reported 31 carp weighing 432 lb moved from the stock lake in 2023, and approximately 300 carp stocked in 2025 after flood-related fish losses.
Lake photographs
A look around South Lake
Stanborough Lakes
South Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s South Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Carp anglers after a reasonably priced day ticket or pre-booked overnight
- Coarse anglers who fancy switching between carp, tench, bream and silver fish
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting a small, intimate pond where every feature is immediately obvious
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish South 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.
bream
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
South Lake FAQs
How big is South Lake?
It is reported as approximately 16 acres.
Can I fish overnight?
Yes. Night fishing runs from dusk until dawn, costs £18 per night and must be pre-booked with the head bailiff.
What's the lake record on South Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: The club reported 31 carp weighing 432 lb moved from the stock lake in 2023, and approximately 300 carp stocked in 2025 after flood-related fish losses. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in South Lake?
carp, tench, bream, roach, pike, perch, rudd, crucian, zander. The club reported 31 carp weighing 432 lb moved from the stock lake in 2023, and approximately 300 carp stocked in 2025 after flood-related fish losses.
Which baits work well on South Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for South 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 South 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 South 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 Stanborough Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on South 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 South Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — South Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Adult day ticket, one rod £8 per rod; Concession day ticket, one rod £6 per rod; Night fishing £18 per night; 24-hour ticket, one day plus one night £30 (last checked 2026-10-06).
Is night fishing allowed on South Lake?
Yes — Night fishing runs from dusk until dawn.
Who does South Lake suit?
Good for: Carp anglers after a reasonably priced day ticket or pre-booked overnight; Coarse anglers who fancy switching between carp, tench, bream and silver fish. Less suited to: Anglers wanting a small, intimate pond where every feature is immediately obvious.
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
Syndicate · invite only
North Lake: the north lake is the stock lake, not a fishing lake.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
North Lake forms part of the wider Stanborough Lakes site alongside South Lake. It is used as a stock lake.
Fishing is not allowed on North Lake, so anglers should head to South Lake for day-ticket fishing.
Lake photographs
A look around North Lake
Stanborough Lakes
North Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s North Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Understanding where stocked fish may originate
- Anglers checking the site layout before arriving
Maybe not for
- Anyone looking for another fishable lake or an alternative day-ticket swim
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish North 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.
North Lake FAQs
Can I fish North Lake?
No. Fishing is not allowed on North Lake.
What is North Lake used for?
It is used as a stock lake.
What's the lake record on North Lake?
The fishery hasn't published a record for North 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 North Lake?
carp.
How big is North Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The North Lake is the stock lake, not a fishing lake..
Which baits work well on North Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for North 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 North 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 North 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 Stanborough Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on North 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.
Is night fishing allowed on North Lake?
Yes — Night fishing runs from dusk until dawn.
Who does North Lake suit?
Good for: Understanding where stocked fish may originate; Anglers checking the site layout before arriving. Less suited to: Anyone looking for another fishable lake or an alternative day-ticket swim.
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
- No
Is fishing allowed on North Lake?
North Lake is used as a stock lake and fishing is not allowed there.
- Yes
Is night fishing available?
Night fishing runs from dusk until dawn.
- Must
Must night fishing be booked?
Night fishing must be pre-booked with head bailiff Gerald Esmond, including for club members.
- Only if
Is day fishing booking required?
The day-ticket page does not state that ordinary day fishing requires advance booking.
- No
Are detailed tackle, bait, hook and keepnet rules published?
These rules are not published on the current club fishery page, so confirm them with the bailiff before fishing.
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.
South 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.
bream
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
North 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.
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
7.6/10 from Tackle Index: A reported 16-acre lake offers carp to approximately 35 lb alongside a broad mixed coarse line-up.
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 — “Stanborough Lakes is a proper 16-acre South Lake day-ticket coarse fishery in Welwyn Garden City, with carp to a reported 35 lb and a useful mix of bream, tench, pike and silver fish. Night fishing is available, but it must be booked with the head bailiff.”
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
What our readers rate Stanborough Lakes
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