Fishery guide · Isle of Wight
Rookley Country Park Fishing Lake
Rookley Country Park historically had two coarse lakes on the Isle of Wight: a beginner-friendly Small Lake and a proper Large Lake aimed at specimen carp anglers. The Large Lake was drained in 2019 and fishing ceased, so this is a historical venue rather than a current day-ticket option.
“7.0/10 — Historically strong variety on the Small Lake and impressive carp claims on the Large Lake, though fishing has ceased.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Rookley Country Park Fishing Lake was on Main Road, Rookley, Isle of Wight, PO38 3LU. Historically, it was made up of two lakes, and they had very different jobs to do. One was a friendly mixed coarse water. The other was aimed squarely at carp anglers after a proper lump.
- 3 lakes: Small Lake, Large Lake, Small Lake and Large Lake
- Fish: roach, rudd, perch, tench, carp, crucian
- Tickets from: Historical 24-hour ticket, maximum three rods — £24 for 24 hours, maximum three rods
- Find it: Rookley · PO38 3LU
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Fishery map of Rookley Country Park Fishing Lake
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Water updates from anglers
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Fishery
Rookley Country Park Fishing Lake
We haven’t got permission to show venue photos here yet. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Rookley Country Park Fishing Lake
Rookley Country Park Fishing Lake was on Main Road, Rookley, Isle of Wight, PO38 3LU. Historically, it was made up of two lakes, and they had very different jobs to do. One was a friendly mixed coarse water. The other was aimed squarely at carp anglers after a proper lump.
The Small Lake was variously described as under three-quarters of an acre or around one acre. Either way, it was the more approachable water, with roach, rudd, perch, tench, golden tench, mirror carp and common carp in the mix. Crucian carp were also reported, including fish to 3lb 12oz — a cracking little bonus for anyone who likes a proper mixed bag.
It was described as suitable for beginners and children, so the Small Lake sounded like the gentler introduction to fishing at Rookley. Float tackle and simple coarse rigs would have been the natural starting point, with the usual sensible plan of watching the margins, looking for signs of fish and asking whoever manages the water what has been working. On a new venue, keeping things tidy and uncomplicated is often bob on.
The Large Lake was the specimen carp water, covering approximately two acres. Historical descriptions reported around 120 to 130 double-figure carp, more than 100 fish at 20lb or above, and roughly 20 above 30lb. The historical lake record was reported as over 40lb, or 40lb 2oz in another description. That is proper PB territory on paper.
The carp stock was predominantly mirrors, with commons also present. Roach, rudd and perch were reported in the Large Lake too, but the main attraction was clearly the carp. Boilies produced many catches historically, so a patient carp approach, a few trusted hookbaits and enough tackle for a proper session would have been the sensible starting point. Before fishing any venue, check the rules, ask about bait limits and find out whether swims need booking.
Historically, there was an on-site bait and tackle shop selling frozen bait, pellets and prepared particles, with tackle hire also available. Accommodation, a bar and restaurant, and a takeaway were also listed. A historical price was £24 for 24 hours, maximum three rods, or £12 for a full day. Booking advice included reserving Large Lake swims when busy, with a historical minimum booking period of 48 hours.
The key point today is that the former Angling Times listing says the Large Lake was drained in 2019 and fishing ceased. Current opening times and ticket prices could not be verified from an active official fishery page, so the old prices and facilities should be treated as historical details, not as a current booking guide.
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.
Rookley Country Park Fishing Lake FAQs
Is Rookley Country Park Fishing Lake open now?
Fishing ceased after the Large Lake was drained in 2019. Current opening times could not be verified.
Where was the fishery?
Main Road, Rookley, Isle of Wight, PO38 3LU.
Was Rookley good for carp?
Historically, yes. The Large Lake was the specimen carp water, with reports of fish above 40lb.
What were the historical ticket prices?
A published historical price was £24 for 24 hours, maximum three rods, or £12 for a full day.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
There's historically reported on-site bait and 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 historical bar and restaurant 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?
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?
PO38 3LU.
How much is a ticket?
Historical 24-hour ticket, maximum three rods: £24 for 24 hours, maximum three rods; Historical full-day ticket: £12 for a full day. Prices last checked 2026-10-07 — they can change, so check before you go.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Day tickets are available on Small Lake, Small Lake and Large 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 roach, rudd, perch, tench, carp, crucian. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
3 — Small Lake (Under three-quarters of an acre to approximately one acre), Large Lake (Approximately two acres), Small Lake and Large Lake (Not published).
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?
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?
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.
Anglers' photos
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Day ticket · turn up
Small Lake: the friendly mixed coarse lake for beginners, children and a bit of everything.
- Size
- Under three-quarters of an acre to approximately one acre acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- roach, rudd, perch, tench, carp, crucian
The Small Lake was the approachable water at Rookley, historically described as under three-quarters of an acre or approximately one acre.
It held roach, rudd, perch, tench, golden tench, mirror and common carp, plus crucian carp reported to 3lb 12oz. A proper mixed bag water.
Lake photographs
A look around Small Lake
Rookley Country Park Fishing Lake
Small Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Small Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Beginners and children
- Anglers after a mixed coarse session
Maybe not for
- Carp anglers specifically chasing the venue’s biggest fish
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Small 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.
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.
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.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
Small Lake FAQs
What fish were in the Small Lake?
Roach, rudd, perch, tench, golden tench, mirror carp, common carp and crucian carp were reported.
Was the Small Lake suitable for beginners?
Yes. It was specifically described as suitable for beginners and children.
What's the lake record on Small Lake?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Small 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 Small Lake?
roach, rudd, perch, tench, carp, crucian.
How big is Small Lake and how many swims?
Around Under three-quarters of an acre to approximately one acre acres. The friendly mixed coarse lake for beginners, children and a bit of everything..
Which baits work well on Small Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Small 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 Small 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 Small 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 Rookley Country Park Fishing Lake before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Small 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 Small Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Small Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Historical 24-hour ticket, maximum three rods £24 for 24 hours, maximum three rods; Historical full-day ticket £12 for a full day (last checked 2026-10-07).
Is night fishing allowed on Small 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 Small Lake suit?
Good for: Beginners and children; Anglers after a mixed coarse session. Less suited to: Carp anglers specifically chasing the venue’s biggest fish.
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
Pre-book only
Large Lake: the historical specimen carp lake, with reported fish beyond 40lb.
- Size
- Approximately two acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, roach, rudd, perch
The Large Lake was the serious carp water, at approximately two acres and stocked predominantly with mirror carp, plus common carp. Roach, rudd and perch were also reported.
Historical descriptions gave a big head of doubles, more than 100 carp at 20lb or above, and around 20 over 30lb. The reported historical record was above 40lb, elsewhere listed as 40lb 2oz.
Reported to contain about 120 to 130 double-figure carp, with more than 100 carp at 20lb or above and about 20 above 30lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Large Lake
Rookley Country Park Fishing Lake
Large Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Large Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Specimen carp anglers targeting a PB
- Boilie anglers happy to focus on a longer session
Maybe not for
- Short mixed-bag sessions or anglers wanting a currently fishable day ticket
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Large 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.
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.
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.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
Large Lake FAQs
What bait worked on the Large Lake?
Boilies produced many historical catches.
Did anglers need to reserve a swim?
Historical booking information advised reserving Large Lake swims when busy, with a minimum booking period of 48 hours.
What's the lake record on Large Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: Reported to contain about 120 to 130 double-figure carp, with more than 100 carp at 20lb or above and about 20 above 30lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Large Lake?
carp, roach, rudd, perch. Reported to contain about 120 to 130 double-figure carp, with more than 100 carp at 20lb or above and about 20 above 30lb.
How big is Large Lake and how many swims?
Around Approximately two acres acres. The historical specimen carp lake, with reported fish beyond 40lb..
Which baits work well on Large Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Large 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 Large 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 Large 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 Rookley Country Park Fishing Lake before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Large 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 Large Lake on a day ticket?
You'll need to book Large Lake in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on Large 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 Large Lake suit?
Good for: Specimen carp anglers targeting a PB; Boilie anglers happy to focus on a longer session. Less suited to: Short mixed-bag sessions or anglers wanting a currently fishable day ticket.
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
Small Lake and Large Lake: the two historical rookley lakes had different fishing briefs.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Rookley historically offered a mixed coarse Small Lake and a specimen carp Large Lake, giving anglers a choice between easy-going variety and bigger-fish hunting.
Fishing ceased after the Large Lake was drained in 2019, so the paired-lake setup is historical rather than a current venue layout.
Lake photographs
A look around Small Lake and Large Lake
Rookley Country Park Fishing Lake
Small Lake and Large Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Small Lake and Large Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers comparing the venue’s historical options
- Those interested in Isle of Wight fishery history
Maybe not for
- Anyone looking for a confirmed current ticket
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Small Lake and Large 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.
Small Lake and Large Lake FAQs
How many lakes did Rookley historically have?
Two: the Small Lake and the Large Lake.
Are both lakes currently fishable?
Fishing ceased after the Large Lake was drained in 2019, and current availability could not be verified.
What's the lake record on Small Lake and Large Lake?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Small Lake and Large 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 Small Lake and Large Lake?
carp.
How big is Small Lake and Large Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The two historical Rookley lakes had different fishing briefs..
Which baits work well on Small Lake and Large Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Small Lake and Large 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 Small Lake and Large 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 Small Lake and Large 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 Rookley Country Park Fishing Lake before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Small Lake and Large 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 Small Lake and Large Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Small Lake and Large Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Historical 24-hour ticket, maximum three rods £24 for 24 hours, maximum three rods; Historical full-day ticket £12 for a full day (last checked 2026-10-07).
Is night fishing allowed on Small Lake and Large 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 Small Lake and Large Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers comparing the venue’s historical options; Those interested in Isle of Wight fishery history. Less suited to: Anyone looking for a confirmed current ticket.
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
Was braided main line allowed?
Historical rules prohibited braided main line.
- No
Were nuts and beans allowed?
Historical rules prohibited nuts and beans.
- Only if
Could anglers bring their own particles?
Particles were historically allowed only when bought on site or supplied in a sealed pre-packed container.
- Must
Were carp-care products required?
Historical rules required carp-care products.
- No
Were zig rigs allowed?
Historical rules prohibited zig rigs.
- Must
Was a minimum booking period required?
A historical minimum booking period was 48 hours.
- Must
When was payment due?
Historical booking information said bookings were to be paid when made.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 7 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.
Small 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.
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.
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.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
Large 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.
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.
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.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
Small Lake and Large 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
7.0/10 from Tackle Index: Historically strong variety on the Small Lake and impressive carp claims on the Large Lake, though fishing has ceased.
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 — “Rookley Country Park historically had two coarse lakes on the Isle of Wight: a beginner-friendly Small Lake and a proper Large Lake aimed at specimen carp anglers. The Large Lake was drained in 2019 and fishing ceased, so this is a historical venue rather than a current day-ticket option.”
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 Rookley Country Park Fishing Lake
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