River Yare

Fishery guide · Norfolk

River Yare

Bawburgh Fisheries gives syndicate members seven lakes plus roughly 1.5 miles of the upper River Yare near Bawburgh, Lodge and Colney. It’s a proper mixed fishery, with specimen-water options and a rarely fished, overgrown river stretch for roving anglers.

“7.1/10 — Seven lakes plus roughly 1.5 miles of river offer a strong mix of specimen and exploratory fishing.”

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The lowdown

Bawburgh Fisheries gives you a proper mix of stillwater and river angling around Bawburgh, Lodge and Colney, near Norwich. The full ticket covers seven lakes as well as approximately 1.5 miles of the upper River Yare, so there’s plenty of water to get your head around. It’s not a day-ticket venue, either. This one is syndicate-only, with membership applications made by email or telephone.

  • 9 lakes: Bawburgh Lake, Colney Lake, Lodge Farm Lake, Lennys, Works, Seamons, Finger Pool, River Yare stretch, River Yare
  • Fish: carp, tench, bream, pike, roach, rudd, chub, eel
  • Tickets from: 2026/27 full ticket — £400
  • Find it: Norwich · NR9 3LZ

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River Yare

Norwich · NR9 3LZ

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The full rundown on River Yare

Bawburgh Fisheries gives you a proper mix of stillwater and river angling around Bawburgh, Lodge and Colney, near Norwich. The full ticket covers seven lakes as well as approximately 1.5 miles of the upper River Yare, so there’s plenty of water to get your head around. It’s not a day-ticket venue, either. This one is syndicate-only, with membership applications made by email or telephone.

The River Yare stretch sounds like a cracking option for anglers who enjoy moving about and finding their own bites. It’s described as rarely fished, weedy and overgrown, with the fishing mainly suited to roving and close-in exploratory work. In other words, travel light, keep your eyes open and don’t be afraid to have a good look at the margins and likely-looking cover before settling in.

Reported river species include chub, roach and dace, with chub over 6 lb reported from the stretch. That’s a proper incentive to creep along quietly and check out the nearside spots. Barbel have also been stocked into the river, although recent catches have not been reported, so it’s best approached as an exploratory water rather than somewhere with guaranteed barbel action.

For stillwater anglers, the three main specimen lakes are Bawburgh Lake, Colney Lake and Lodge Farm Lake. Lodge Farm Lake is reported elsewhere as just under 30 acres, while sizes for all the lakes are not published on the official site. The four smaller waters are Lennys, Works, Seamons and Finger Pool, giving the small-lakes-and-river ticket a very different feel from the full setup.

The fish listed by the official site make for a decent spread of targets. Tench go to 12 lb 7 oz, carp to 43 lb 12 oz, bream to 18 lb 15 oz and pike to 33 lb 8 oz. Roach, rudd, chub and eels are also listed. On a first visit, it pays to have a quick chat with the fishery before packing the van. Ask about recent areas, preferred approaches and any local points that could save a bit of faff.

The 2026/27 full ticket is £400. The 2026/27 small-lakes-and-river ticket is £200 and covers Lennys, Works, Seamons, Finger Pool and the River Yare stretch. A non-angling guest key costs £30, while a bird-watching permit costs £30 and a replacement lost key costs £20. There are no regular daily opening hours published, so sort the practical bits before heading off, check the rules carefully and bring the right unhooking kit for the fish you’re targeting.

Straight from anglers online

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River Yare FAQs

Does Bawburgh Fisheries sell day tickets?

No. It is syndicate-only, with no day tickets.

What does the 2026/27 small-lakes-and-river ticket cover?

Lennys, Works, Seamons, Finger Pool and the River Yare stretch.

When do new permits and membership run from?

New permits and membership run from April 1, 2026.

How do I apply for membership?

Contact the fishery by email or telephone.

Where's the nearest tackle shop?

We haven't found a tackle shop on site at River Yare. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Norwich.

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 — designated car parks. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.

What's the postcode for the sat nav?

NR9 3LZ.

How much is a ticket?

2026/27 full ticket: £400; 2026/27 small-lakes-and-river ticket: £200; Non-angling guest key: £30; Bird-watching permit: £30; Replacement lost key: £20. Prices last checked 2026-10-08 — they can change, so check before you go.

Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?

River Yare isn't day-ticket water — Bawburgh Lake, Colney Lake, Lodge Farm Lake, Lennys, Works, Seamons, Finger Pool, River Yare stretch, River Yare are members or syndicate only.

What fish are in there?

Across the lakes you'll find carp, tench, bream, pike, roach, rudd, chub, eel. See each lake tab for which fish live where.

How many lakes are there?

9 — Bawburgh Lake (Not published), Colney Lake (Not published), Lodge Farm Lake (Just under 30 acres reported elsewhere; official site does not publish all lake sizes), Lennys (Not published), Works (Not published), Seamons (Not published), Finger Pool (Not published), River Yare stretch (Approximately 1.5 miles), River Yare (Approximately 1.5 miles).

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?

Yes — Bait boats may deliver feed only; hook baits and rigs must be cast.

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.

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