Fishery guide · Kent
Conningbrook Lakes
Conningbrook Lakes is a proper Kent gravel-pit venue with a sizeable main lake, island, points, bays and reported carp over 40lb. It is membership-only, so this is one for Mid Kent Fisheries members rather than casual day-ticket anglers.
“7.2/10 — Reported carp over 40lb, plus pike, tench, bream and other coarse species, gives the venue plenty of pulling power.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Conningbrook Lakes sits beside the Julie Rose Stadium on Willesborough Road, Ashford, Kent. The country park was once a gravel and sand extraction site, but it’s now a proper mix of wetland, reedbeds, woodland, grassland and walking paths. A cracking backdrop for a session, with picnic benches, log benches and a wheelchair-accessible tarmac path from the main car park too.
- 3 lakes: Main lake, Eco lake, Northern lake
- Fish: carp, pike, tench, bream, roach, rudd, perch
- Find it: Ashford · TN24 0LS
Plan your session
Fishery map of Conningbrook Lakes
Pick a pin or venue to see live bank-side conditions.
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
Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Photos courtesy of pam fray. 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 Conningbrook Lakes
Conningbrook Lakes sits beside the Julie Rose Stadium on Willesborough Road, Ashford, Kent. The country park was once a gravel and sand extraction site, but it’s now a proper mix of wetland, reedbeds, woodland, grassland and walking paths. A cracking backdrop for a session, with picnic benches, log benches and a wheelchair-accessible tarmac path from the main car park too.
There are three principal lakes on the site: Main, Eco and Northern. The main angling lake is reported at roughly 30 acres, with another published figure of about 14.1 hectares. Depths are said to range from around 4ft to 12ft, so there’s a fair bit to work out. Add in an island, points and bays, and you’ve got plenty of watercraft to get stuck into before reaching for the bait.
The reported fish mix is a tasty one. Carp, pike, tench, bream, roach, rudd and perch are all mentioned. Carp are reported to exceed 40lb, with historical reports mentioning fish over 50lb. Pike are reported to reach around 20–25lb, tench about 13lb and bream roughly 12lb. In other words, there are some proper targets here, whether you’re after a lump, a predator or a lively mixed bag.
The island, points and bays are the obvious places to start studying, while the depth range gives you options as conditions change. Take a bit of time to watch the water, look for signs of fish and consider how the wind is affecting each area. The margins are always worth treating carefully too. On a new venue, keeping the first session simple is often bob on: a sensible selection of rigs, accurate plumbing gear and enough bait for more than one plan.
This is not a pop-in-for-a-cheeky-session day-ticket water. Fishing is membership-only and managed by Mid Kent Fisheries, with a valid membership and appropriate Environment Agency rod licence required. Night fishing is reported as permitted for authorised members. There’s no current publicly displayed membership price or online booking page, so contact Mid Kent Fisheries before travelling and check exactly what authorisation, access arrangements and any current conditions apply.
There are some firm rules to have nailed down. Bait boats and angling boats are not allowed, while the reported rod limit is three for most of the season and four from 1 November to 31 March. Bivvies or tents need authorisation, and catapults are prohibited unless authorised for fishing. Dogs must stay on leads, swimming is prohibited, and fires, barbecues, camping and caravanning are not allowed under the stated restrictions. Pack light, fish tidy and ask the fishery about the current rules before clipping up.
We're not sure on ticket prices here — we couldn't find reliable, up-to-date prices online, so give the fishery a ring or check their own site before you go.
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.
Conningbrook Lakes FAQs
Where is Conningbrook Lakes?
It is beside the Julie Rose Stadium on Willesborough Road, Ashford, Kent.
Can I buy a day ticket?
No ordinary day tickets are publicly available according to Ashford Borough Council information. Fishing is membership-only.
When does the reported fishing season run?
The reported season runs from 1 April to 31 March.
How do I ask about membership or current prices?
Contact Mid Kent Fisheries directly. No current publicly displayed membership price or online booking page was found in the checked information.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Conningbrook Lakes. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Ashford.
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?
Yes — wheelchair-accessible tarmac path from the main car park. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
TN24 0LS.
How much is a ticket?
We haven't got current prices. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Conningbrook Lakes isn't day-ticket water — Main lake, Eco lake, Northern lake are members or syndicate only.
What fish are in there?
Across the lakes you'll find carp, pike, tench, bream, roach, rudd, perch. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
3 — Main lake (Approximately 30 acres; another reported figure is approximately 14.1 hectares), Eco lake (Not published), Northern lake (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
Yes — Night fishing is reported as permitted for authorised members.
Can I bring my dog?
No — Dogs must be kept on leads throughout the country park.
Are bait boats allowed?
No — Bait boats are reported as not allowed, and boats are not allowed for angling.
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 wheelchair-accessible tarmac path from the main car park. 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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Syndicate · invite only
Main lake: a sizeable feature-packed main lake with reported carp over 40lb.
- Size
- Approximately 30 acres; another reported figure is approximately 14.1 hectares acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, pike, tench, bream, roach, rudd, perch
The main angling lake is reported at around 30 acres, with depths varying from about 4ft to 12ft. An island, points and bays provide plenty of features to pick apart.
It holds a broad coarse line-up, including carp, pike, tench, bream, roach, rudd and perch. Membership-only access keeps it firmly in the Mid Kent Fisheries camp, rather than the ordinary day-ticket bracket.
Carp are reported to exceed 40lb; historical reports mention carp above 50lb. Pike are reported to reach approximately 20–25lb, tench approximately 13lb and bream approximately 12lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Main lake
Conningbrook Lakes
Main lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Main lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Carp anglers after reported big fish
- Coarse and predator anglers who enjoy working out a larger, feature-filled lake
Maybe not for
- Casual anglers wanting a simple day-ticket session
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Main 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
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
Static deadbaits for the pike
A smelly deadbait on the bottom near drop-offs or reed lines is the classic, reliable way to find a lake's pike, especially in the colder months.
- Sardine, smelt or mackerel on a wire trace with semi-barbless trebles.
- Strike early — never let a pike run off with the bait.
- Have a long forceps, unhooking mat and big net ready before you cast.
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.
Main lake FAQs
How big is the main lake?
It is reported as approximately 30 acres, with another reported area of approximately 14.1 hectares.
What features does it have?
The main lake has an island, points and bays, with reported depths from about 4ft to 12ft.
What's the lake record on Main lake?
Going by what the fishery says: Carp are reported to exceed 40lb; historical reports mention carp above 50lb. Pike are reported to reach approximately 20–25lb, tench approximately 13lb and bream approximately 12lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Main lake?
carp, pike, tench, bream, roach, rudd, perch. Carp are reported to exceed 40lb; historical reports mention carp above 50lb. Pike are reported to reach approximately 20–25lb, tench approximately 13lb and bream approximately 12lb.
How big is Main lake and how many swims?
Around Approximately 30 acres; another reported figure is approximately 14.1 hectares acres. A sizeable feature-packed main lake with reported carp over 40lb..
Which baits work well on Main lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Main 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 get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Main 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 Conningbrook Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Main 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 Main lake on a day ticket?
No — Main lake is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Main lake?
Yes — Night fishing is reported as permitted for authorised members.
Who does Main lake suit?
Good for: Carp anglers after reported big fish; Coarse and predator anglers who enjoy working out a larger, feature-filled lake. Less suited to: Casual anglers wanting a simple day-ticket session.
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
Eco lake: one of the three principal lakes within the country park.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Eco lake forms part of the wider Conningbrook Lakes country park, alongside the Main and Northern lakes.
The checked information does not set out a separate fish list, size or angling profile for Eco lake, so Mid Kent Fisheries should be contacted for the current position.
Lake photographs
A look around Eco lake
Conningbrook Lakes
Eco lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Eco lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers checking the full Mid Kent Fisheries membership waters
- Visitors enjoying the wider country park setting
Maybe not for
- Anyone looking for a confirmed day-ticket lake profile
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Eco 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.
Eco lake FAQs
Is Eco lake available on a day ticket?
Fishing is membership-only across Conningbrook Lakes, and day tickets are not publicly available according to Ashford Borough Council information.
What fish are in Eco lake?
No separate species list is included in the checked information.
What's the lake record on Eco lake?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Eco 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.
How big is Eco lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. One of the three principal lakes within the country park..
Which baits work well on Eco lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Eco 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 Eco 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 Eco 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 Conningbrook Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Eco 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 Eco lake on a day ticket?
No — Eco lake is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Eco lake?
Yes — Night fishing is reported as permitted for authorised members.
Who does Eco lake suit?
Good for: Anglers checking the full Mid Kent Fisheries membership waters; Visitors enjoying the wider country park setting. Less suited to: Anyone looking for a confirmed day-ticket lake profile.
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
Northern lake: the third principal lake in the conningbrook country park.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Northern lake is one of the three principal lakes at Conningbrook, with the Main and Eco lakes making up the wider site.
No separate size, species list or angling details are set out in the checked information. For access and current arrangements, contact Mid Kent Fisheries directly.
Lake photographs
A look around Northern lake
Conningbrook Lakes
Northern lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Northern lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Members wanting to understand the wider venue
- Anglers happy to check current lake-specific arrangements
Maybe not for
- Visitors expecting a publicly advertised day-ticket water
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Northern 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.
Northern lake FAQs
Can I fish Northern lake as a casual visitor?
Fishing is membership-only, and no ordinary day tickets are publicly available according to the checked information.
Is the size of Northern lake published?
No. Its acreage is not published in the checked information.
What's the lake record on Northern lake?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Northern 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 Northern lake?
carp.
How big is Northern lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The third principal lake in the Conningbrook country park..
Which baits work well on Northern lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Northern 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 Northern 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 Northern 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 Conningbrook Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Northern 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 Northern lake?
Yes — Night fishing is reported as permitted for authorised members.
Who does Northern lake suit?
Good for: Members wanting to understand the wider venue; Anglers happy to check current lake-specific arrangements. Less suited to: Visitors expecting a publicly advertised day-ticket water.
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
- Must
Is a Mid Kent Fisheries membership required?
A valid Mid Kent Fisheries membership is required to fish.
- Must
Is an Environment Agency rod licence required?
Anglers must carry an appropriate Environment Agency rod licence.
- Yes
Is night fishing allowed?
Night fishing is reported as permitted for authorised members.
- No
Are bait boats or angling boats allowed?
Bait boats are reported as not allowed, and boats are not allowed for angling.
- Seasonal
How many rods can be used?
The reported limit is 3 rods during most of the season, increasing to 4 rods from 1 November to 31 March.
- Only if
Are bivvies or tents allowed?
Fishing bivvies or tents require authorisation as an angler or Mid Kent Fisheries member.
- No
Can dogs run loose?
Dogs must be kept on leads throughout the country park.
- No
Can anglers swim or enter the water?
Swimming and entering the water are prohibited except for approved supervised activities or emergencies.
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.
Main 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
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
Static deadbaits for the pike
A smelly deadbait on the bottom near drop-offs or reed lines is the classic, reliable way to find a lake's pike, especially in the colder months.
- Sardine, smelt or mackerel on a wire trace with semi-barbless trebles.
- Strike early — never let a pike run off with the bait.
- Have a long forceps, unhooking mat and big net ready before you cast.
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.
Eco 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.
Northern 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
7.2/10 from Tackle Index: Reported carp over 40lb, plus pike, tench, bream and other coarse species, gives the venue plenty of pulling power.
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 — “Conningbrook Lakes is a proper Kent gravel-pit venue with a sizeable main lake, island, points, bays and reported carp over 40lb. It is membership-only, so this is one for Mid Kent Fisheries members rather than casual day-ticket anglers.”
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 Conningbrook Lakes
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