Fishery guide · Kent
Cackle Hill Lakes
Cackle Hill Lakes has three waters: two specimen lakes for big carp and catfish, plus a smaller Mixed Lake with a broader coarse-fish line-up. Properly equipped too, with toilets, showers, parking, tackle shop and cafe on site.
“7.9/10 — Big carp, catfish and a broad mixed-lake species list give the venue strong fishing appeal.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Cackle Hill Lakes gives you three quite different options at Biddenden, Kent: Specimen Lake 1, Specimen Lake 2 and the Mixed Lake. So whether you fancy chasing a proper lump or settling in for a broader coarse-fishing session, there’s a fair bit to get your head around before you pick a peg.
- 3 lakes: Specimen Lake 1, Specimen Lake 2, Mixed Lake
- Fish: carp, catfish, perch, tench, bream, chub, roach, eel
- Tickets from: Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 day ticket, 2 rods — £20
- Find it: Biddenden · TN27 8JW
Plan your session
Fishery map of Cackle Hill Lakes
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Fishery
Cackle Hill Lakes
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 Cackle Hill Lakes
Cackle Hill Lakes gives you three quite different options at Biddenden, Kent: Specimen Lake 1, Specimen Lake 2 and the Mixed Lake. So whether you fancy chasing a proper lump or settling in for a broader coarse-fishing session, there’s a fair bit to get your head around before you pick a peg. Have a look at the ticket you need first, especially if you’re planning a night or longer stay, and check availability before travelling.
Specimen Lake 1 is the main water, with nine swims and some serious residents on the list. Common carp run to about 40lb, mirrors go over 43lb, grass carp over 35lb and ghost carp over 36lb. There are also catfish over 90lb. That’s not light-tackle territory, so bring gear you trust and make sure everything is set up properly before you get comfortable. A few spare end-tackle bits are always a bob-on idea when the target fish can be this hefty.
The published depth details for Specimen Lake 1 give two descriptions: approximately 18 inches to 7 feet, and elsewhere about 6–11 feet. Either way, there’s a useful spread of water to explore. On a new venue, take a bit of time to watch the swim, look for signs of fish and use the first part of the session to understand what’s in front of you. Don’t just chuck it out and hope. A tidy, accurate approach is usually the better starting point.
Specimen Lake 2 is also aimed at anglers after bigger fish, with large carp, catfish and perch listed. The checked details don’t give a swim count or lake size, so it’s worth asking about the lake and current swim advice when booking. The specimen lakes have day, night and longer-stay ticket options, with night fishing available through the appropriate ticket. If you’re staying beyond a day, double-check the leaving time and booking arrangements before you set off.
The Mixed Lake offers a different sort of session. It’s the smallest of the three, has seven swims, is stream-fed and is reported at 2–8 feet deep. Its published size is inconsistent, listed as approximately 1/2 acre in one place and 1.5 acres in a March 2026 advert, so check that detail before travelling. The fish list is broad, with carp, catfish, tench, bream, chub, roach, perch and eel. Bream are listed to about 10lb, tench to about 8lb and perch over 6lb, giving it a proper mixed-bag feel.
Facilities are handy, with 24-hour toilets, showers, secure parking, a tackle shop and a cafe on site. The tackle shop is listed as open 9am–5pm Monday–Thursday and 7am–6pm Friday–Sunday, while the cafe is listed as open Monday–Saturday 9am–5pm and Sunday 10am–3pm. Read the rules before packing: barbless hooks, minimum 15lb line on both specimen lakes, at least 16 inches of rig tubing and drop-off leads are all part of the deal. No fish may be retained, so have your unhooking kit ready and return them quickly and safely.
Straight from anglers online
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Cackle Hill Lakes FAQs
What time do specimen-lake day tickets run?
Specimen-lake day tickets run from 7am to 6pm.
Is night fishing available?
Yes, through night and multi-hour tickets.
Are dogs allowed?
No. Dogs, guns, litter, naked fires and excessive noise are not allowed.
Are refunds available?
No refunds are stated on the official rules page.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
There's 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 cafe 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 24-hour toilets.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
Yes — secure parking. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
TN27 8JW.
How much is a ticket?
Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 day ticket, 2 rods: £20; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 day ticket, 3 rods: £25; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 OAP day ticket, 2 rods: £17; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 OAP day ticket, 3 rods: £22; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 junior day ticket: £17, rod count not specified; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 night ticket, 2 rods: £25; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 night ticket, 3 rods: £30; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 24-hour ticket, 2 rods: £35; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 24-hour ticket, 3 rods: £40; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 36-hour ticket, 2 rods, 2 days and 1 night: £50; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 36-hour ticket, 3 rods, 2 days and 1 night: £55; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 36-hour ticket, 2 rods, 1 day and 2 nights: £55; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 36-hour ticket, 3 rods, 1 day and 2 nights: £60; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 48-hour ticket, 2 rods: £60; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 48-hour ticket, 3 rods: £70; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 72-hour ticket, 2 rods: £95; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 72-hour ticket, 3 rods: £110; Mixed Lake day ticket, 2 rods: £20; Mixed Lake day ticket, 3 rods: £25; Mixed Lake OAP or junior day ticket: £17; Mixed Lake 24-hour ticket, 2 rods: £30; Mixed Lake 24-hour ticket, 3 rods: £35. 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 Specimen Lake 1, Specimen Lake 2, Mixed 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, catfish, perch, tench, bream, chub, roach, eel. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
3 — Specimen Lake 1 (Not published), Specimen Lake 2 (Not published), Mixed Lake (Approximately 1/2 acre; a March 2026 advert describes it as 1.5 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?
It depends — Not permitted unless arranged in advance.
Do I need barbless hooks?
Yes, it's required — Barbless hooks only. Bait coils are prohibited.
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
Specimen Lake 1: the main lake, with nine swims and some seriously chunky carp and catfish.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, catfish
Specimen Lake 1 is the main water at Cackle Hill Lakes and has nine swims. It’s set up for anglers chasing proper lumps, with common carp to about 40lb and mirrors over 43lb.
Grass carp over 35lb, ghost carp over 36lb and catfish over 90lb are also listed. Published depth details vary, from approximately 18 inches to 7 feet in one section and about 6–11 feet in another, so finding the lake’s features and depth changes should be part of the plan.
Common carp to about 40lb; mirror carp over 43lb; grass carp over 35lb; ghost carp over 36lb; catfish over 90lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Specimen Lake 1
Cackle Hill Lakes
Specimen Lake 1
We’re checking the fishery’s Specimen Lake 1 pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers targeting big carp and catfish with a specimen-style approach.
- Longer sessions, as night, 24-hour and multi-hour tickets are available.
Maybe not for
- Anyone wanting a guaranteed mixed bag or a lightweight coarse session.
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Specimen Lake 1
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
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.
catfish
Big hookbaits after dark for the cats
Catfish come out at night and like strong smells. A big halibut pellet or fish-based bait over a small bed of pellet is the usual approach.
- Fish strong — 20lb+ line and a big strong hook.
- Use an unhooking mat and a big net; cats are long and heavy.
- Check the venue's rules on cat tackle before you set up.
Specimen Lake 1 FAQs
How many swims does Specimen Lake 1 have?
The lake has nine swims.
What size fish are listed?
Common carp are listed to about 40lb, mirrors over 43lb, grass carp over 35lb, ghosts over 36lb and catfish over 90lb.
What's the lake record on Specimen Lake 1?
Going by what the fishery says: Common carp to about 40lb; mirror carp over 43lb; grass carp over 35lb; ghost carp over 36lb; catfish over 90lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Specimen Lake 1?
carp, catfish. Common carp to about 40lb; mirror carp over 43lb; grass carp over 35lb; ghost carp over 36lb; catfish over 90lb.
How big is Specimen Lake 1 and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The main lake, with nine swims and some seriously chunky carp and catfish..
Which baits work well on Specimen Lake 1?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Specimen Lake 1 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 Specimen Lake 1 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 Specimen Lake 1?
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 Cackle Hill Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Specimen Lake 1?
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 Specimen Lake 1 on a day ticket?
Yes — Specimen Lake 1 is on the day ticket. Tickets: Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 day ticket, 2 rods £20; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 day ticket, 3 rods £25; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 OAP day ticket, 2 rods £17; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 OAP day ticket, 3 rods £22; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 junior day ticket £17, rod count not specified; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 night ticket, 2 rods £25; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 night ticket, 3 rods £30; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 24-hour ticket, 2 rods £35; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 24-hour ticket, 3 rods £40; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 36-hour ticket, 2 rods, 2 days and 1 night £50; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 36-hour ticket, 3 rods, 2 days and 1 night £55; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 36-hour ticket, 2 rods, 1 day and 2 nights £55; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 36-hour ticket, 3 rods, 1 day and 2 nights £60; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 48-hour ticket, 2 rods £60; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 48-hour ticket, 3 rods £70; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 72-hour ticket, 2 rods £95; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 72-hour ticket, 3 rods £110; Mixed Lake day ticket, 2 rods £20; Mixed Lake day ticket, 3 rods £25; Mixed Lake OAP or junior day ticket £17; Mixed Lake 24-hour ticket, 2 rods £30; Mixed Lake 24-hour ticket, 3 rods £35 (last checked 2026-10-06).
Is night fishing allowed on Specimen Lake 1?
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 Specimen Lake 1 suit?
Good for: Anglers targeting big carp and catfish with a specimen-style approach.; Longer sessions, as night, 24-hour and multi-hour tickets are available.. Less suited to: Anyone wanting a guaranteed mixed bag or a lightweight coarse session..
Community reported
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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
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Day ticket · turn up
Specimen Lake 2: a second specimen water aimed at large carp, catfish and perch.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, catfish, perch
Specimen Lake 2 is described as a specimen lake holding large carp, catfish and perch. The checked details don’t publish its acreage or swim count, so those are best confirmed when booking.
It shares the specimen-lake ticket structure with Specimen Lake 1, including day, night, 24-hour and longer-stay tickets. That gives anglers plenty of flexibility for a proper campaign-style session.
Large carp, catfish and perch are listed.
Lake photographs
A look around Specimen Lake 2
Cackle Hill Lakes
Specimen Lake 2
We’re checking the fishery’s Specimen Lake 2 pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers after large carp, catfish or perch.
- Overnighters and longer-stay anglers using the available multi-hour tickets.
Maybe not for
- Anglers looking for published details such as a swim count or lake size before choosing a peg.
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Specimen Lake 2
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.
Venue rule: Fixed leads are banned here, so use a lead clip set to drop the lead or an inline lead.
catfish
Big hookbaits after dark for the cats
Catfish come out at night and like strong smells. A big halibut pellet or fish-based bait over a small bed of pellet is the usual approach.
- Fish strong — 20lb+ line and a big strong hook.
- Use an unhooking mat and a big net; cats are long and heavy.
- Check the venue's rules on cat tackle before you set up.
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.
Specimen Lake 2 FAQs
What species are listed in Specimen Lake 2?
Large carp, catfish and perch.
Can you fish overnight?
Yes. Night and multi-hour tickets are available.
What's the lake record on Specimen Lake 2?
Going by what the fishery says: Large carp, catfish and perch are listed. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Specimen Lake 2?
carp, catfish, perch. Large carp, catfish and perch are listed.
How big is Specimen Lake 2 and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A second specimen water aimed at large carp, catfish and perch..
Which baits work well on Specimen Lake 2?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Specimen Lake 2 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 Specimen Lake 2 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 Specimen Lake 2?
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 Cackle Hill Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Specimen Lake 2?
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 Specimen Lake 2 on a day ticket?
Yes — Specimen Lake 2 is on the day ticket. Tickets: Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 day ticket, 2 rods £20; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 day ticket, 3 rods £25; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 OAP day ticket, 2 rods £17; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 OAP day ticket, 3 rods £22; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 junior day ticket £17, rod count not specified; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 night ticket, 2 rods £25; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 night ticket, 3 rods £30; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 24-hour ticket, 2 rods £35; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 24-hour ticket, 3 rods £40; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 36-hour ticket, 2 rods, 2 days and 1 night £50; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 36-hour ticket, 3 rods, 2 days and 1 night £55; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 36-hour ticket, 2 rods, 1 day and 2 nights £55; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 36-hour ticket, 3 rods, 1 day and 2 nights £60; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 48-hour ticket, 2 rods £60; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 48-hour ticket, 3 rods £70; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 72-hour ticket, 2 rods £95; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 72-hour ticket, 3 rods £110; Mixed Lake day ticket, 2 rods £20; Mixed Lake day ticket, 3 rods £25; Mixed Lake OAP or junior day ticket £17; Mixed Lake 24-hour ticket, 2 rods £30; Mixed Lake 24-hour ticket, 3 rods £35 (last checked 2026-10-06).
Is night fishing allowed on Specimen Lake 2?
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 Specimen Lake 2 suit?
Good for: Anglers after large carp, catfish or perch.; Overnighters and longer-stay anglers using the available multi-hour tickets.. Less suited to: Anglers looking for published details such as a swim count or lake size before choosing a peg..
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
Mixed Lake: a small, stream-fed mixed fishery with seven swims and plenty of species.
- Size
- Approximately 1/2 acre; a March 2026 advert describes it as 1.5 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, catfish, tench, bream, chub, roach, perch, eel
The Mixed Lake is the smallest of the three waters and has seven swims. It’s stream-fed, with depths reported at 2–8 feet and a much wider coarse-fish mix than the specimen lakes.
Carp, catfish, tench, bream, chub, roach, perch and eel are listed. Bream are reported to about 10lb, tench to about 8lb and perch over 6lb, so there’s plenty to keep the session interesting.
Mixed Lake species include carp, catfish, tench, bream, chub, roach, perch and eel; bream to about 10lb, tench to about 8lb and perch over 6lb are listed.
Lake photographs
A look around Mixed Lake
Cackle Hill Lakes
Mixed Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Mixed Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers who enjoy a varied coarse-fishing session with several species in the mix.
- Shorter day tickets, with a 24-hour option also available.
Maybe not for
- Anyone specifically targeting the biggest carp listed for Specimen Lake 1.
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Mixed Lake
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.
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.
catfish
Big hookbaits after dark for the cats
Catfish come out at night and like strong smells. A big halibut pellet or fish-based bait over a small bed of pellet is the usual approach.
- Fish strong — 20lb+ line and a big strong hook.
- Use an unhooking mat and a big net; cats are long and heavy.
- Check the venue's rules on cat tackle before you set up.
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.
Mixed Lake FAQs
How big is the Mixed Lake?
The published size is inconsistent: approximately 1/2 acre on the fishery listing and 1.5 acres in a March 2026 advert.
How many swims does it have?
The fishery listing gives seven swims.
What's the lake record on Mixed Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: Mixed Lake species include carp, catfish, tench, bream, chub, roach, perch and eel; bream to about 10lb, tench to about 8lb and perch over 6lb are listed. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Mixed Lake?
carp, catfish, tench, bream, chub, roach, perch, eel. Mixed Lake species include carp, catfish, tench, bream, chub, roach, perch and eel; bream to about 10lb, tench to about 8lb and perch over 6lb are listed.
How big is Mixed Lake and how many swims?
Around Approximately 1/2 acre; a March 2026 advert describes it as 1.5 acres acres. A small, stream-fed mixed fishery with seven swims and plenty of species..
Which baits work well on Mixed Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Mixed 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 Mixed 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 Mixed 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 Cackle Hill Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Mixed 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 Mixed Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Mixed Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 day ticket, 2 rods £20; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 day ticket, 3 rods £25; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 OAP day ticket, 2 rods £17; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 OAP day ticket, 3 rods £22; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 junior day ticket £17, rod count not specified; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 night ticket, 2 rods £25; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 night ticket, 3 rods £30; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 24-hour ticket, 2 rods £35; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 24-hour ticket, 3 rods £40; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 36-hour ticket, 2 rods, 2 days and 1 night £50; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 36-hour ticket, 3 rods, 2 days and 1 night £55; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 36-hour ticket, 2 rods, 1 day and 2 nights £55; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 36-hour ticket, 3 rods, 1 day and 2 nights £60; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 48-hour ticket, 2 rods £60; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 48-hour ticket, 3 rods £70; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 72-hour ticket, 2 rods £95; Specimen Lakes 1 and 2 72-hour ticket, 3 rods £110; Mixed Lake day ticket, 2 rods £20; Mixed Lake day ticket, 3 rods £25; Mixed Lake OAP or junior day ticket £17; Mixed Lake 24-hour ticket, 2 rods £30; Mixed Lake 24-hour ticket, 3 rods £35 (last checked 2026-10-06).
Is night fishing allowed on Mixed 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 Mixed Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers who enjoy a varied coarse-fishing session with several species in the mix.; Shorter day tickets, with a 24-hour option also available.. Less suited to: Anyone specifically targeting the biggest carp listed for Specimen Lake 1..
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
Are fish retained?
No fish may be retained; fish must be returned quickly and safely.
- Must
Are barbless hooks required?
Barbless hooks only. Bait coils are prohibited.
- Must
Is minimum 15lb line required?
Minimum 15lb line is required on both specimen lakes.
- No
Are fixed leads allowed?
Fixed leads are prohibited; drop-off lead systems only are allowed.
- Only if
Are bait boats allowed?
Not permitted unless arranged in advance.
- No
Can under-16s fish alone?
Anglers under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
- Only if
Is there a separate closed season?
The official site does not publish one; confirm availability before travelling.
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.
Specimen Lake 1
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
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.
catfish
Big hookbaits after dark for the cats
Catfish come out at night and like strong smells. A big halibut pellet or fish-based bait over a small bed of pellet is the usual approach.
- Fish strong — 20lb+ line and a big strong hook.
- Use an unhooking mat and a big net; cats are long and heavy.
- Check the venue's rules on cat tackle before you set up.
Specimen Lake 2
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.
Venue rule: Fixed leads are banned here, so use a lead clip set to drop the lead or an inline lead.
catfish
Big hookbaits after dark for the cats
Catfish come out at night and like strong smells. A big halibut pellet or fish-based bait over a small bed of pellet is the usual approach.
- Fish strong — 20lb+ line and a big strong hook.
- Use an unhooking mat and a big net; cats are long and heavy.
- Check the venue's rules on cat tackle before you set up.
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.
Mixed Lake
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.
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.
catfish
Big hookbaits after dark for the cats
Catfish come out at night and like strong smells. A big halibut pellet or fish-based bait over a small bed of pellet is the usual approach.
- Fish strong — 20lb+ line and a big strong hook.
- Use an unhooking mat and a big net; cats are long and heavy.
- Check the venue's rules on cat tackle before you set up.
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.
Videos linked by the fishery
What anglers reckon
7.9/10 from Tackle Index: Big carp, catfish and a broad mixed-lake species list give the venue strong fishing appeal.
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.
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Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “Cackle Hill Lakes has three waters: two specimen lakes for big carp and catfish, plus a smaller Mixed Lake with a broader coarse-fish line-up. Properly equipped too, with toilets, showers, parking, tackle shop and cafe on site.”
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.
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