Elphicks Fishery

Fishery guide · Kent

Elphicks Fishery

Elphicks is a proper Kent carp complex with seven lakes, from big-fish waters pushing 50lb-plus to more affordable mixed fishing on Kettles and Sandwich. Everything is pre-booked, so get your Swimbooker booking sorted before travelling.

“7.8/10 — Several lakes hold carp to 40lb-plus or 50lb-plus, with Kettles adding tench and perch.”

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The lowdown

Elphicks Fisheries is on Spelmonden Road at Horsmonden, near Tonbridge in Kent. There are seven lakes to choose from, covering everything from proper specimen carp fishing to a more mixed bag approach. So whether you’re after a cheeky day ticket or a longer session, there’s a fair bit to weigh up before picking your swim.

  • 7 lakes: North Lake, Plantation Lake, Prairie Lake, Sandwich Lake, Kettles Lake, Pullens Lake, West End Lake
  • Fish: carp, tench, perch
  • Tickets from: North, Pullens and West End adult specimen-lake tickets — £30 for a 3-rod day, £40 for 24 hours, £60 for 36 hours and £80 for 48 hours.
  • Find it: Tonbridge · TN12 8EL

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Elphicks Fishery

Tonbridge · TN12 8EL

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The full rundown on Elphicks Fishery

Elphicks Fisheries is on Spelmonden Road at Horsmonden, near Tonbridge in Kent. There are seven lakes to choose from, covering everything from proper specimen carp fishing to a more mixed bag approach. So whether you’re after a cheeky day ticket or a longer session, there’s a fair bit to weigh up before picking your swim.

The main carp waters are North, Plantation, Prairie, Pullens and West End. North is the biggest at approximately 6 acres, with 19 swims and carp to 50lb-plus. Plantation is a tighter 1.3-acre lake with eight swims and carp to 40lb-plus, while Prairie covers around 3 acres, has 14 swims and offers both day tickets and night fishing. These are very much waters for anglers chasing proper lumps, not just a few bites on the drop.

Pullens and West End are both approximately 3 acres, with eight swims apiece and carp to 50lb-plus. Each allows a maximum of five anglers, which should suit anyone who likes a quieter, more focused session. North is adults-only and allows a maximum of 10 anglers. Plantation allows up to four anglers and three rods per angler, so checking the lake rules before packing the kit is a proper sensible move.

Sandwich and Kettles give you a different sort of day. Sandwich is approximately 1.5 acres, has 15 swims and holds carp to around 31lb, while Kettles is approximately 2.5 acres with 30 swims. Kettles contains commons, mirrors, carp to 30lb-plus, tench to 10lb and perch, making it the obvious pick if you fancy more than a straight carp session. Have a look at the lake details before booking, then arrive with an approach that matches the water rather than trying to force the same tactics everywhere.

The practical side is pretty bob on. There’s parking, all-weather swims, toilets, bait and terminal tackle, plus drinks and snacks. Overnight guests get access to showers, and wheelchair-oriented facilities are provided. All fishing must be pre-booked and paid in full before arrival through the Swimbooker app; the lodge does not sell day tickets. Check the current opening dates and gate times when planning, especially for a night session, as some lakes have seasonal restrictions and night anglers need to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing.

There are a few non-negotiables for the tackle bag. On the specimen lakes, bring your own 42-inch landing net and 42-inch unhooking mat — sharing isn’t allowed. An Environment Agency rod licence is required, with barbless hooks and safe rigs only. Bait boats, drones, keepnets, sacking, leadcore, live bait, dead bait, lure fishing and nuts are prohibited. Fish must be returned safely, and fishing is only allowed from recognised swims. Give the rules a proper read before setting off, and ask the fishery about the day’s swim arrangements and any lake-specific points when booking.

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Elphicks Fishery FAQs

How do I book Elphicks Fishery?

Book through the Swimbooker app and pay in full before arrival. The fishery does not sell day tickets from the lodge.

Can I fish overnight?

Night fishing is available on some lakes by booking only. Night anglers must arrive at least 30 minutes before closing.

Can I bring a non-fishing guest?

Guest rules depend on the lake. Concessions and guests are not available on North, Pullens or West End.

What happens at gate closing time?

The gates are locked at closing time and there is normally no access between closing and opening. Night-fishing vehicles are locked on site overnight until 7:00am except for emergencies.

Where's the nearest tackle shop?

There's bait and terminal tackle 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 drinks and snacks 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 toilets.

Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?

Yes — parking. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.

What's the postcode for the sat nav?

TN12 8EL.

How much is a ticket?

North, Pullens and West End adult specimen-lake tickets: £30 for a 3-rod day, £40 for 24 hours, £60 for 36 hours and £80 for 48 hours.; Plantation and Prairie tickets: £30 for a 3-rod day, £40 for 24 hours, £60 for 36 hours and £80 for 48 hours.; Sandwich and Kettles adult tickets: £13 for one rod per day, £18 for two rods per day, £28 for 24 hours, £42 for 36 hours and £56 for 48 hours.; Sandwich and Kettles concession or junior tickets: £10 for one rod per day, £12 for two rods per day, £20 for 24 hours, £30 for 36 hours and £40 for 48 hours.; Non-fishing guests: £10 per day or £20 per 24 hours.; Concession or junior guests: £5 per day or £10 per 24 hours.. 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?

Some lakes need booking ahead. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.

What fish are in there?

Across the lakes you'll find carp, tench, perch. See each lake tab for which fish live where.

How many lakes are there?

7 — North Lake (Approximately 6 acres), Plantation Lake (Approximately 1.3 acres), Prairie Lake (Approximately 3 acres), Sandwich Lake (Approximately 1.5 acres), Kettles Lake (Approximately 2.5 acres), Pullens Lake (Approximately 3 acres), West End Lake (Approximately 3 acres).

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?

No — These are prohibited.

Do I need barbless hooks?

Yes, it's required — Barbless hooks and safe rigs are required.

Do I need my own unhooking mat or cradle?

Yes, it's required — A 42-inch landing net and 42-inch unhooking mat are required on the specimen lakes, with no sharing.

Is it suitable for disabled anglers?

The fishery lists wheelchair-oriented facilities. 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.

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