River Wensum

Wensum Fisheries sits off Taverham Lane, Costessey, Norwich, NR8 6TA. It’s a proper club-style setup, not a stroll-up-and-pay day-ticket water, with access controlled through membership or syndicate arrangements. Local listings describe it as working by membership and waiting-list application, so it’s worth getting that side nailed down before loading the gear in the motor.

• 2 lakes: Clearwater Lake, River Wensum section
• Fish: carp, tench, bream, roach, rudd, perch, chub
• Find it: Norwich · NR8 6TA

Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.

Wensum Fisheries sits off Taverham Lane, Costessey, Norwich, NR8 6TA. It’s a proper club-style setup, not a stroll-up-and-pay day-ticket water, with access controlled through membership or syndicate arrangements. Local listings describe it as working by membership and waiting-list application, so it’s worth getting that side nailed down before loading the gear in the motor. No point turning up with a barrow and a brew if the gate stays firmly shut, is there?

The fishery includes six mature lakes, formed from former gravel workings excavated during or around the wartime period, along with more than a mile of the River Wensum. Local fishery listings put the river section at roughly 0.75 mile, so there’s a fair old stretch to explore. It’s a varied setup, too. You’ve got stillwaters for a more settled session, then proper running-water options when you fancy a wander and a bit of watercraft.

Clearwater Lake is the named water, covering approximately 7 acres and generally running between 8 and 12 feet deep. The feature list is a proper angler’s playground: lily beds, gravel bars, a small island and snaggy bays. That gives you plenty to look for before casting. Take a few minutes to study the water, spot anything showing and work out where the fish can feed or tuck themselves away. The margins deserve a good look as well. They often get overlooked while everyone lobs for the horizon.

It’s described as a traditional mixed-species fishery, with carp, tench, bream, roach, rudd and perch in Clearwater Lake. Carp have historically reached into the mid-thirties, but this isn’t just a chuck-a-big-boilie-and-wait sort of place. A float, feeder or margin approach could all have a part to play, depending on the lake rules and what you’re targeting. Bring a sensible spread of tackle, including lighter gear for the silverfish and sturdier kit if you’re fishing close to the snags.

The River Wensum brings a completely different feel. Its features include weir pools, deeper pools, shallow gravel runs, lilies, reeds and snaggy stretches, with chub reported to exceed 7lb. That’s proper river-fishing territory: walk the bank, watch the pace of the water and keep your approach tidy. A short roving session can be a cracking way to learn the river, with a few simple baits and tackle that won’t have you clattering through every swim. Keep an eye on those snags, mind — big chub know exactly where the sanctuary is.

Night fishing is reported as allowed on Clearwater Lake, although availability may depend on the relevant membership or lake rules. The fishery is described as secure and tree-lined, with entry through a locked, padlocked double gate. Before travelling, confirm the current membership route, waiting-list position, lake access, permitted rods and night-fishing arrangements. Fishing rules may vary between lakes. A tackle shop is associated with the wider Taverham Mills facility nearby, while toilets and refreshments are linked with Taverham Mills rather than independently confirmed for every Wensum Fisheries water. Pack the basics, carry a valid Environment Agency rod licence where legally applicable, and you’ll be starting off bob on.

We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

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

• Our read

  Checked Sept '26 — “Wensum Fisheries is a members-oriented mixed fishery near Costessey and Taverham, with six mature gravel lakes and a stretch of the River Wensum. Clearwater Lake and the river section are the named waters in the checked details.”

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.