
Fishery guide · Kent
Sutton-at-Hone Lakes
Sutton-at-Hone is a proper DDAPS syndicate venue with two mixed coarse lakes and a section of the River Darent. Big carp, chunky tench and a handy stalking area make it a cracking members-only complex.
“7.6/10 — Big carp, double-figure-class tench, big bream, pike and a river section give the venue excellent fishing variety.”
Tackle Index scorecard
Free — we'll tell you when rules, prices or notices change here.
The lowdown
Sutton-at-Hone sits on Gravel Road in Sutton-at-Hone, Dartford, Kent, around 50 yards beyond the village shops on the A225. The access postcode given by DDAPS is DA4 9HQ, with the published entrance grid reference TQ 55703 70128. Handy enough, but it’s worth having the maps ready before setting off rather than relying on a last-minute phone signal faff.
- 4 lakes: Sutton Big Lake, Car Park/Small Lake, The Banjo, River Darent
- Fish: carp, tench, bream, pike, eel, roach, perch, chub
- Find it: Sutton-at-Hone · DA4 9HQ
Plan your session
Fishery map of Sutton-at-Hone 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
Fishery
Sutton-at-Hone 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 Sutton-at-Hone Lakes
Sutton-at-Hone sits on Gravel Road in Sutton-at-Hone, Dartford, Kent, around 50 yards beyond the village shops on the A225. The access postcode given by DDAPS is DA4 9HQ, with the published entrance grid reference TQ 55703 70128. Handy enough, but it’s worth having the maps ready before setting off rather than relying on a last-minute phone signal faff.
This is a members-only venue, run by Dartford and District Angling and Preservation Society. Only existing DDAPS members can access Sutton-at-Hone, and it isn’t a day-ticket water, so there’s no cheeky one-off session or online booking to sort. Before travelling, check your membership details and ask the club about any current access arrangements. The official site also has downloadable maps for Sutton Big Lake and Sutton Small Lake, which are well worth looking over before choosing a swim.
The complex includes two lakes and a section of the River Darent. Sutton Big Lake was formed from a disused strip-mined gravel pit and is described by DDAPS as a mature mixed coarse fishery and its top carp venue. That gives you plenty to think about: carp anglers can look for a proper campaign swim, while lighter tackle could come into play when tench, bream, roach or perch are the target. Take time to understand the water, watch for signs of fish and don’t rush into piling bait on.
Big Lake contains mirror and common carp to over 34lb, tench over 9lb, bream over 8lb and pike over 20lb, along with eels, roach and perch. It’s a broad mix, so your kit will depend on the plan for the day. A sensible approach is to arrive with a couple of options rather than boxing yourself into one method. Ask DDAPS members or the bailiff what has been showing, which areas are worth a look and whether the fish are being caught on the deck or higher in the water.
The Car Park/Small Lake has produced carp over 40lb, with DDAPS stating that it currently holds carp to the mid-thirties. There are also tench over 9lb, bream to 9lb, roach over 1lb, perch over 2lb and eels over 4lb. Match weights have reached 100lb, so there’s clearly potential for a busy session when the fish get on the munch. The Banjo is an extended, more accessible part of Small Lake, described as suitable for stalking and family fishing, with lots of smaller carp, tench, perch and bream. It sounds bob on for close-range work, keeping mobile and watching the margins.
Round the back of Big Lake, the River Darent offers chub over 4lb, plus perch and dace, giving members another style of fishing to consider. Whatever your target, nets must be dipped on arrival at the car park, gates must be locked when entering and leaving, and peanuts are banned. Opening hours, a closed season and a separate night-fishing policy aren’t published on the venue page, so check the latest club arrangements before packing the barrow. Keep the first visit simple: bring the right unhooking kit, study the maps, speak to the club and let the swim tell you what to do.
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.
Sutton-at-Hone Lakes FAQs
Can I buy a day ticket for Sutton-at-Hone?
No. Sutton-at-Hone is not a day-ticket venue; access is restricted to existing DDAPS members.
Where is the entrance?
The entrance is approximately 50 yards beyond the village shops on the A225, via Gravel Road. The access postcode is DA4 9HQ.
Are opening hours published?
No Sutton-at-Hone opening hours are published on the official venue page.
Are lake maps available?
Yes. The official site provides downloadable Sutton Big Lake and Sutton Small Lake maps.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Sutton-at-Hone Lakes. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Sutton-at-Hone.
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. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
DA4 9HQ.
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?
Sutton-at-Hone Lakes isn't day-ticket water — Sutton Big Lake, Car Park/Small Lake, The Banjo, River Darent are members or syndicate only.
What fish are in there?
Across the lakes you'll find carp, tench, bream, pike, eel, roach, perch, chub. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
4 — Sutton Big Lake (Not published), Car Park/Small Lake (Not published), The Banjo (Not published), River Darent (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
It depends — No separate night-fishing policy is stated on the official venue page.
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
Been to Sutton-at-Hone Lakes? Share a snap
No angler photos yet. Be the first!
Syndicate · invite only
Sutton Big Lake: a mature mixed coarse lake with serious carp and plenty of backup targets.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, tench, bream, pike, eel, roach, perch
Big Lake was formed from a disused strip-mined gravel pit and is described by DDAPS as its top carp venue. Mirror and common carp over 34 lb give it proper lump potential.
It is not all about carp, either. Tench over 9 lb, bream over 8 lb and pike over 20 lb are listed, with eels, roach and perch rounding out the mix. A versatile lake for anglers who like changing gears through the year.
DDAPS describes Big Lake as a mature mixed coarse fishery and its top carp venue; mirror and common carp are over 34 lb, tench over 9 lb, bream over 8 lb and pike over 20 lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Sutton Big Lake
Sutton-at-Hone Lakes
Sutton Big Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Sutton Big Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Carp anglers after a proper target fish
- Mixed anglers targeting tench, bream or pike
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting a casual day-ticket session
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Sutton Big 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
A bigger bed of bait at range
On a big lake with gravel bars, a good bed of bait on or behind a bar gives roaming fish a reason to stop and feed for longer.
- Find a clean, hard spot with a marker float and clip up so every cast lands on it.
- Spread the bait with a spod or throwing stick — little and often.
- Mix boilies, pellet and particles so there's always something left for the fish to graze.
- Match the hookbait to the freebies.
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.
Sutton Big Lake FAQs
What carp are in Big Lake?
DDAPS lists mirror and common carp over 34 lb.
What other species are listed?
Tench, bream, pike, eels, roach and perch are listed alongside carp.
What's the lake record on Sutton Big Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: DDAPS describes Big Lake as a mature mixed coarse fishery and its top carp venue; mirror and common carp are over 34 lb, tench over 9 lb, bream over 8 lb and pike over 20 lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Sutton Big Lake?
carp, tench, bream, pike, eel, roach, perch. DDAPS describes Big Lake as a mature mixed coarse fishery and its top carp venue; mirror and common carp are over 34 lb, tench over 9 lb, bream over 8 lb and pike over 20 lb.
How big is Sutton Big Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A mature mixed coarse lake with serious carp and plenty of backup targets..
Which baits work well on Sutton Big Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Sutton Big 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 Sutton Big 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 Sutton Big 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 Sutton-at-Hone Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Sutton Big 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 Sutton Big Lake on a day ticket?
No — Sutton Big Lake is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Sutton Big Lake?
It depends — No separate night-fishing policy is stated on the official venue page.
Who does Sutton Big Lake suit?
Good for: Carp anglers after a proper target fish; Mixed anglers targeting tench, bream or pike. Less suited to: Anglers wanting a casual 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
Car Park/Small Lake: a busy mixed lake with big carp, strong match potential and plenty of smaller targets.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, tench, bream, roach, perch, eel
The Car Park/Small Lake has produced carp over 40 lb, while DDAPS currently puts the carp to the mid-thirties. That is a handy combination of target-fish appeal and match-style action.
Tench over 9 lb, bream to 9 lb, roach over 1 lb, perch over 2 lb and eels over 4 lb add plenty of options. Published match weights have reached 100 lb, suggesting the lake can really switch on.
DDAPS says the lake has produced carp over 40 lb and currently holds carp to the mid-thirties; match weights have reached 100 lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Car Park/Small Lake
Sutton-at-Hone Lakes
Car Park/Small Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Car Park/Small Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Carp anglers and match-minded coarse anglers
- Anglers after a varied mixed bag
Maybe not for
- Anyone looking for a quiet, lightly stocked water
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Car Park/Small Lake
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
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.
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.
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.
Car Park/Small Lake FAQs
What is the biggest carp claim for Small Lake?
The lake has produced carp over 40 lb, with current fish to the mid-thirties according to DDAPS.
Can you fish the lake on a day ticket?
No. Sutton-at-Hone is not a day-ticket venue and access is for existing DDAPS members.
What's the lake record on Car Park/Small Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: DDAPS says the lake has produced carp over 40 lb and currently holds carp to the mid-thirties; match weights have reached 100 lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Car Park/Small Lake?
carp, tench, bream, roach, perch, eel. DDAPS says the lake has produced carp over 40 lb and currently holds carp to the mid-thirties; match weights have reached 100 lb.
How big is Car Park/Small Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A busy mixed lake with big carp, strong match potential and plenty of smaller targets..
Which baits work well on Car Park/Small Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Car Park/Small Lake further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: with the fish the fishery lists here, a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Car Park/Small 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 Car Park/Small Lake?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for Sutton-at-Hone Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Car Park/Small Lake?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Can I fish Car Park/Small Lake on a day ticket?
No — Car Park/Small Lake is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Car Park/Small Lake?
It depends — No separate night-fishing policy is stated on the official venue page.
Who does Car Park/Small Lake suit?
Good for: Carp anglers and match-minded coarse anglers; Anglers after a varied mixed bag. Less suited to: Anyone looking for a quiet, lightly stocked 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
Syndicate · invite only
The Banjo: the accessible stalking and family-fishing area of small lake.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, tench, perch, bream
The Banjo is an extended, more accessible area of Small Lake. It is specifically described as suitable for stalking and family fishing.
Expect lots of smaller carp, tench, perch and bream. Close-range tactics and keeping things simple look like the natural fit here.
DDAPS describes The Banjo as holding lots of smaller carp, tench, perch and bream.
Lake photographs
A look around The Banjo
Sutton-at-Hone Lakes
The Banjo
We’re checking the fishery’s The Banjo pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Stalking anglers
- Family fishing and shorter sessions
Maybe not for
- Anglers focused solely on heavyweight carp
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish The Banjo
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.
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.
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.
The Banjo FAQs
What is The Banjo?
It is an extended, more accessible area of Small Lake.
Which species are listed?
Smaller carp, tench, perch and bream are listed.
What's the lake record on The Banjo?
Going by what the fishery says: DDAPS describes The Banjo as holding lots of smaller carp, tench, perch and bream. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in The Banjo?
carp, tench, perch, bream. DDAPS describes The Banjo as holding lots of smaller carp, tench, perch and bream.
How big is The Banjo and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The accessible stalking and family-fishing area of Small Lake..
Which baits work well on The Banjo?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for The Banjo 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 The Banjo get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on The Banjo?
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 Sutton-at-Hone Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on The Banjo?
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 The Banjo on a day ticket?
No — The Banjo is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on The Banjo?
It depends — No separate night-fishing policy is stated on the official venue page.
Who does The Banjo suit?
Good for: Stalking anglers; Family fishing and shorter sessions. Less suited to: Anglers focused solely on heavyweight 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
Syndicate · invite only
River Darent: a bonus river section with chub, perch and dace around the back of big lake.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- chub, perch
The River Darent flows around the back of Big Lake and forms part of the Sutton-at-Hone venue. It gives members a different style of fishing from the two stillwaters.
Chub over 4 lb are listed, along with perch and dace. It could be a lovely change of pace when you fancy lighter gear and river features rather than sitting it out for a lake carp.
The river offers chub over 4 lb, plus perch and dace.
Lake photographs
A look around River Darent
Sutton-at-Hone Lakes
River Darent
We’re checking the fishery’s River Darent pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- River anglers after chub and dace
- Anglers wanting a change from stillwater fishing
Maybe not for
- Those only interested in heavyweight carp
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish River Darent
chub
Bread or worm tight to cover for chub
Chub sit under overhanging trees and snags and are cautious, so a quiet approach and a natural bait near cover catches them.
- Bread flake or lobworm on a size 8 hook with a link leger.
- Keep low and quiet on the bank.
- In summer, try a free-lined slug or floating crust.
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.
River Darent FAQs
Where does the River Darent run?
It flows around the back of Big Lake.
What fish are listed in the river?
Chub over 4 lb, plus perch and dace.
What's the lake record on River Darent?
Going by what the fishery says: The river offers chub over 4 lb, plus perch and dace. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in River Darent?
chub, perch. The river offers chub over 4 lb, plus perch and dace.
How big is River Darent and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A bonus river section with chub, perch and dace around the back of Big Lake..
Which baits work well on River Darent?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for River Darent 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 River Darent get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on River Darent?
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 Sutton-at-Hone Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on River Darent?
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 River Darent on a day ticket?
No — River Darent is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on River Darent?
It depends — No separate night-fishing policy is stated on the official venue page.
Who does River Darent suit?
Good for: River anglers after chub and dace; Anglers wanting a change from stillwater fishing. Less suited to: Those only interested in heavyweight 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
- Must
Is access members-only?
Only existing DDAPS members can access Sutton-at-Hone lakes.
- Must
Must nets be dipped?
All nets must be dipped on arrival at the car park.
- Must
Must the gates be locked?
Members must lock the gates when entering and leaving.
- No
Are peanuts allowed?
Peanuts are banned.
- Only if
Is there a stated closed season?
No closed season is stated on the official venue page.
- Only if
Is separate night fishing allowed?
No separate night-fishing policy is stated on the official venue page.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 12 October 2026. Rules change — always check with the fishery before you go.
Rules and prices change through the season. Follow and we'll flag changes the fishery or other anglers report.
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.
Sutton Big 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
A bigger bed of bait at range
On a big lake with gravel bars, a good bed of bait on or behind a bar gives roaming fish a reason to stop and feed for longer.
- Find a clean, hard spot with a marker float and clip up so every cast lands on it.
- Spread the bait with a spod or throwing stick — little and often.
- Mix boilies, pellet and particles so there's always something left for the fish to graze.
- Match the hookbait to the freebies.
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.
Car Park/Small Lake
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
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.
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.
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.
The Banjo
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.
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.
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.
River Darent
chub
Bread or worm tight to cover for chub
Chub sit under overhanging trees and snags and are cautious, so a quiet approach and a natural bait near cover catches them.
- Bread flake or lobworm on a size 8 hook with a link leger.
- Keep low and quiet on the bank.
- In summer, try a free-lined slug or floating crust.
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
7.6/10 from Tackle Index: Big carp, double-figure-class tench, big bream, pike and a river section give the venue excellent fishing variety.
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 — “Sutton-at-Hone is a proper DDAPS syndicate venue with two mixed coarse lakes and a section of the River Darent. Big carp, chunky tench and a handy stalking area make it a cracking members-only complex.”
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 Sutton-at-Hone Lakes
No angler score yet — nobody's reviewed Sutton-at-Hone Lakes here. Be the first and get the score started.