Fishery guide · Kent
Horton Kirby Angling Club Lakes
Horton Kirby is DDAPS’s members-only venue in Dartford, with four named lakes and a section of the River Darent. There’s proper variety here, from 30lb-plus carp and big tench to pike, bream, perch and roach.
“7.0/10 — Four lakes and a River Darent section offer a strong spread of carp, tench, bream, pike and mixed coarse species.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Horton Kirby is a proper mixed venue run by Dartford and District Angling and Preservation Society — DDAPS to most anglers. The fishery sits at postcode DA4 9BS and includes four lakes, plus a section of the River Darent. The lakes are Viaduct, Westminster, West and Silt Pond, giving members a fair bit to get their heads around before choosing a swim.
- 4 lakes: Viaduct Lake, Westminster Lake, West Lake, Silt Pond
- Fish: carp, tench, bream, pike, perch, roach, eel, rudd
- Tickets from: Adult day membership — £120
- Find it: Dartford · DA4 9BS
Plan your session
Fishery map of Horton Kirby Angling Club Lakes
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Fishery
Horton Kirby Angling Club 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 Horton Kirby Angling Club Lakes
Horton Kirby is a proper mixed venue run by Dartford and District Angling and Preservation Society — DDAPS to most anglers. The fishery sits at postcode DA4 9BS and includes four lakes, plus a section of the River Darent. The lakes are Viaduct, Westminster, West and Silt Pond, giving members a fair bit to get their heads around before choosing a swim.
It’s a members-only setup, rather than a normal day-ticket water. So, no cheeky turning up with a rod and a tenner. A current DDAPS membership and Environment Agency rod licence are required before fishing Society waters. Adult day membership is listed as £120, junior membership £40, and OAP/5E day membership £60. Joining fees are £60 for gentlemen, £60 for ladies and £25 for juniors. Adult guest tickets are listed at £15, with junior guest tickets at £5.
The layout sounds nice and straightforward. Viaduct Lake is on the right when entering the fishery, while Westminster Lake is on the left. West Lake is reached by walking between the two, and Silt Pond sits between the River Darent and Westminster Lake. The club provides downloadable maps for all four lakes, so it’s worth having a look before heading down. There are no published measured acreages for the individual waters, making those maps especially useful for getting a feel for the swims and access.
Viaduct is the one with a cracking spread of target fish. Carp over 30lb, tench over 7lb, bream over 6lb and pike over 20lb are listed, along with eel, perch and roach. Westminster has serious lumps too, with carp over 37lb, tench approaching double figures and double-figure bream. That gives you plenty of options, whether you fancy sitting it out for a proper carp, trying for a summer tench or setting your sights on a big bream.
West Lake has small and larger carp, tench, perch, rudd and roach. The official stocking note records 141 carp weighing approximately 2lb to 5lb, with around 300 carp reported after stocking. Silt Pond is a different kettle of fish, holding tench, roach to 2lb, crucian carp and specimen perch. On a new water, keep the opening approach simple: walk the banks, watch for signs of fish, and ask the club what’s been showing before clipping up and committing to a spot.
Night fishing is available with the relevant night permit and access to the enclosed water using the club key. Adult/OAP/5E night permits are listed at £60, and new members may fish at night in their first year from 1 July. A refundable £50 key deposit applies for enclosed waters including Horton Kirby. One big rule to remember: fish must not be moved between lakes without DDAPS committee permission. Check the club paperwork for the current arrangements, bring kit to cover a few approaches, and use the maps to plan your first session properly.
Straight from anglers online
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Horton Kirby Angling Club Lakes FAQs
How do I access Horton Kirby?
It is a DDAPS members-only venue. Membership is applied for by post using the club form, and enclosed-water night fishing requires the club key.
What is the postcode?
The official venue page gives DA4 9BS.
Are lake acreages published?
No. The official website does not publish measured acreages for the individual Horton Kirby lakes.
Are there toilets, showers, a tackle shop or café?
No official facilities list for those amenities is provided.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Horton Kirby Angling Club Lakes. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Dartford.
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 — car park shown in third-party location information near horton road. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
DA4 9BS.
How much is a ticket?
Adult day membership: £120; Junior membership: £40; OAP/5E day membership: £60; Adult/OAP/5E night permit: £60; Refundable key deposit for enclosed waters including Horton Kirby: £50; Joining fee — gentlemen: £60; Joining fee — ladies: £60; Joining fee — juniors: £25; Adult guest ticket: £15; Junior guest ticket: £5. 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?
Horton Kirby Angling Club Lakes isn't day-ticket water — Viaduct Lake, Westminster Lake, West Lake, Silt Pond are members or syndicate only.
What fish are in there?
Across the lakes you'll find carp, tench, bream, pike, perch, roach, eel, rudd, crucian. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
4 — Viaduct Lake (Not published), Westminster Lake (Not published), West Lake (Not published), Silt Pond (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
Yes, it's required — Night fishing requires the relevant night permit and key access to the enclosed water.
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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Syndicate · invite only
Viaduct Lake: a mixed-species lake with carp over 30lb and pike over 20lb.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, tench, bream, pike, perch, roach, eel
Viaduct Lake is on the right as you enter Horton Kirby. Its measured acreage isn’t published, but the fish list is a proper mixed bag.
The headline fish include carp exceeding 30lb, tench exceeding 7lb, bream exceeding 6lb and pike exceeding 20lb. Eel, perch and roach are also present.
Lake photographs
A look around Viaduct Lake
Horton Kirby Angling Club Lakes
Viaduct Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Viaduct Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers after a broad coarse mix with some serious carp, tench, bream and pike potential
- Those who like having several target species available in one lake
Maybe not for
- Anyone wanting a straightforward day-ticket session or a published lake size
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Viaduct 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.
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.
bream
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
pike
Lure fishing for the pike
Lures let you cover water and find active pike fast.
- Spinners, jerkbaits and 4–6in soft shads on a 20–30g rod.
- Always use a wire trace — pike bite through mono and fluoro.
- Move every 10–15 casts till you find them; work drop-offs and edges.
Viaduct Lake FAQs
What fish are in Viaduct Lake?
Carp, tench, bream, pike, eel, perch and roach are listed.
How big are the headline fish?
Carp exceed 30lb, tench exceed 7lb, bream exceed 6lb and pike exceed 20lb.
What's the lake record on Viaduct Lake?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Viaduct 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 Viaduct Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A mixed-species lake with carp over 30lb and pike over 20lb..
Which baits work well on Viaduct Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Viaduct 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 Viaduct 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 Viaduct 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 Horton Kirby Angling Club Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Viaduct 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 Viaduct Lake on a day ticket?
No — Viaduct Lake is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Viaduct Lake?
Yes, it's required — Night fishing requires the relevant night permit and key access to the enclosed water.
Who does Viaduct Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers after a broad coarse mix with some serious carp, tench, bream and pike potential; Those who like having several target species available in one lake. Less suited to: Anyone wanting a straightforward day-ticket session or a published lake size.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
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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
No active water updates.
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Syndicate · invite only
Westminster Lake: the big-fish option, with carp over 37lb and double-figure bream.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, tench, bream
Westminster Lake is on the left when entering the fishery. Like the other Horton Kirby lakes, its measured acreage is not published.
The listed stock is all about quality targets: carp exceeding 37lb, tench approaching double figures and double-figure bream.
Lake photographs
A look around Westminster Lake
Horton Kirby Angling Club Lakes
Westminster Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Westminster Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Carp anglers chasing a 30lb-plus target
- Anglers keen on big tench and bream as well as carp
Maybe not for
- Those looking for a small-fish mixed fishery or normal day-ticket access
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Westminster 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.
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.
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
Westminster Lake FAQs
What is Westminster Lake known for?
Carp exceeding 37lb, tench approaching double figures and double-figure bream.
Where is it in the venue?
It is on the left when entering Horton Kirby.
What's the lake record on Westminster Lake?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Westminster 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 Westminster Lake?
carp, tench, bream.
How big is Westminster Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The big-fish option, with carp over 37lb and double-figure bream..
Which baits work well on Westminster Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Westminster 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 Westminster 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 Westminster 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 Horton Kirby Angling Club Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Westminster 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 Westminster Lake on a day ticket?
No — Westminster Lake is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Westminster Lake?
Yes, it's required — Night fishing requires the relevant night permit and key access to the enclosed water.
Who does Westminster Lake suit?
Good for: Carp anglers chasing a 30lb-plus target; Anglers keen on big tench and bream as well as carp. Less suited to: Those looking for a small-fish mixed fishery or normal day-ticket access.
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
West Lake: a varied lake with around 300 carp reported after stocking.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, tench, perch, rudd, roach
West Lake is reached by walking between Viaduct and Westminster lakes. There is no published measured acreage for the lake.
It contains small and larger carp, tench, perch, rudd and roach. The official site records 141 carp, approximately 2lb to 5lb, being stocked.
West Lake was reported to hold around 300 carp after stocking. The official site records 141 carp weighing approximately 2lb to 5lb stocked into West Lake.
Lake photographs
A look around West Lake
Horton Kirby Angling Club Lakes
West Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s West Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers after a mixed session with carp, tench and silverfish options
- Those happy targeting both smaller and larger carp
Maybe not for
- Anglers specifically chasing the biggest listed carp in the venue
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish West 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.
tench
Method or maggot feeder for tench
Tench love margins and weedy patches. A feeder puts a small, tight patch of bait right by the hookbait.
- Fish 10–20 yards out, or tight to the cover where it's safe to land fish.
- Recast every 10–15 minutes early on to build the swim.
- Short hooklink with a dead red maggot, corn or a 8mm wafter.
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.
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.
West Lake FAQs
What species are in West Lake?
Carp, tench, perch, rudd and roach.
How many carp were stocked?
The official site records 141 carp weighing approximately 2lb to 5lb.
What's the lake record on West Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: West Lake was reported to hold around 300 carp after stocking. The official site records 141 carp weighing approximately 2lb to 5lb stocked into West Lake. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in West Lake?
carp, tench, perch, rudd, roach. West Lake was reported to hold around 300 carp after stocking. The official site records 141 carp weighing approximately 2lb to 5lb stocked into West Lake.
How big is West Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A varied lake with around 300 carp reported after stocking..
Which baits work well on West Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for West 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 West 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 West 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 Horton Kirby Angling Club Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on West 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 West Lake on a day ticket?
No — West Lake is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on West Lake?
Yes, it's required — Night fishing requires the relevant night permit and key access to the enclosed water.
Who does West Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers after a mixed session with carp, tench and silverfish options; Those happy targeting both smaller and larger carp. Less suited to: Anglers specifically chasing the biggest listed carp in the venue.
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
Silt Pond: a quieter-style mixed lake with tench, crucians and specimen perch listed.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- tench, roach, crucian, perch
Silt Pond lies between the River Darent and Westminster Lake. Its measured acreage is not published.
The listed fish are tench, roach to 2lb, crucian carp and specimen perch, giving it a different feel from the venue’s bigger carp waters.
Lake photographs
A look around Silt Pond
Horton Kirby Angling Club Lakes
Silt Pond
We’re checking the fishery’s Silt Pond pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers targeting tench, crucians, perch and roach
- Those who enjoy a varied coarse-fishing target list
Maybe not for
- Carp anglers wanting the venue’s biggest stated carp
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Silt Pond
tench
Method or maggot feeder for tench
Tench love margins and weedy patches. A feeder puts a small, tight patch of bait right by the hookbait.
- Fish 10–20 yards out, or tight to the cover where it's safe to land fish.
- Recast every 10–15 minutes early on to build the swim.
- Short hooklink with a dead red maggot, corn or a 8mm wafter.
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.
crucian
Delicate float for crucians
Crucian bites are tiny dips and lifts, so a sensitive float shotted right down is what catches them.
- Fish a small insert waggler or pole float over-depth by an inch.
- Corn, maggot or a 4mm pellet on a size 16–18.
- Strike at any small movement — crucians rarely bury the float.
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.
Silt Pond FAQs
What fish are in Silt Pond?
Tench, roach to 2lb, crucian carp and specimen perch.
Where is Silt Pond?
It lies between the River Darent and Westminster Lake.
What's the lake record on Silt Pond?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Silt Pond 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 Silt Pond and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A quieter-style mixed lake with tench, crucians and specimen perch listed..
Which baits work well on Silt Pond?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Silt Pond 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 Silt Pond get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Silt Pond?
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 Horton Kirby Angling Club Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Silt Pond?
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 Silt Pond on a day ticket?
No — Silt Pond is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Silt Pond?
Yes, it's required — Night fishing requires the relevant night permit and key access to the enclosed water.
Who does Silt Pond suit?
Good for: Anglers targeting tench, crucians, perch and roach; Those who enjoy a varied coarse-fishing target list. Less suited to: Carp anglers wanting the venue’s biggest stated carp.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Venue Rule Checker
- No
Is Horton Kirby a day-ticket fishery?
It is members-only; DDAPS’s regular day-ticket water is Brooklands Lakes.
- Must
Is DDAPS membership required?
A current DDAPS membership and Environment Agency rod licence are required before fishing Society waters.
- Must
Is a night permit required for night fishing?
Night fishing requires the relevant night permit and key access to the enclosed water.
- No
Can fish be moved between the lakes?
Fish must not be moved between lakes without DDAPS committee permission.
- Seasonal
Does the freshwater close season apply?
The club observes the statutory freshwater close season where applicable.
- Seasonal
Can new members night fish in their first year?
New members may fish at night in their first year from 1 July.
- No
Is there an online swim booking system?
No online swim or lake booking system is advertised; membership is applied for by post using the club form.
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.
Viaduct 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.
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.
bream
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
pike
Lure fishing for the pike
Lures let you cover water and find active pike fast.
- Spinners, jerkbaits and 4–6in soft shads on a 20–30g rod.
- Always use a wire trace — pike bite through mono and fluoro.
- Move every 10–15 casts till you find them; work drop-offs and edges.
Westminster 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.
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.
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
West 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.
tench
Method or maggot feeder for tench
Tench love margins and weedy patches. A feeder puts a small, tight patch of bait right by the hookbait.
- Fish 10–20 yards out, or tight to the cover where it's safe to land fish.
- Recast every 10–15 minutes early on to build the swim.
- Short hooklink with a dead red maggot, corn or a 8mm wafter.
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.
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.
Silt Pond
tench
Method or maggot feeder for tench
Tench love margins and weedy patches. A feeder puts a small, tight patch of bait right by the hookbait.
- Fish 10–20 yards out, or tight to the cover where it's safe to land fish.
- Recast every 10–15 minutes early on to build the swim.
- Short hooklink with a dead red maggot, corn or a 8mm wafter.
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.
crucian
Delicate float for crucians
Crucian bites are tiny dips and lifts, so a sensitive float shotted right down is what catches them.
- Fish a small insert waggler or pole float over-depth by an inch.
- Corn, maggot or a 4mm pellet on a size 16–18.
- Strike at any small movement — crucians rarely bury the float.
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.
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: Four lakes and a River Darent section offer a strong spread of carp, tench, bream, pike and mixed coarse species.
Straight from anglers online
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Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “Horton Kirby is DDAPS’s members-only venue in Dartford, with four named lakes and a section of the River Darent. There’s proper variety here, from 30lb-plus carp and big tench to pike, bream, perch and roach.”
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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