Fishery guide · Norfolk
Shallowbrook Lakes
Shallowbrook Lakes in Old Costessey gives you four different waters, from the 11-peg Carp Lake to mixed coarse fishing on Meadow, Snipe and Horseshoe. Day, night and 24-hour tickets are available, but check availability and get there before dusk if you're staying overnight.
“7.1/10 — Four waters and a broad species mix give plenty of choice, without needing to promise unconfirmed fish sizes or catches.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Shallowbrook Lakes sits on Town House Road in Old Costessey, Norwich, NR5 0LA. There are four named lakes here, and they're not all doing the same job. You've got a Carp Lake, a bigger mixed-species water in Meadow, deeper coarse fishing on Snipe and the smaller Horseshoe. That's a handy choice if your idea of a good session isn't always sitting behind carp rods.
- 4 lakes: Carp Lake, Meadow Lake, Snipe Lake, Horseshoe Lake
- Fish: carp, pike, bream, tench, rudd, roach, perch, eel
- Tickets from: Day ticket — £12
- Find it: Norwich · NR5 0LA
Plan your session
Fishery map of Shallowbrook Lakes
Pick a pin or venue to see live bank-side conditions.
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Photos courtesy of DKsaunds. See the originals. Catch dates not confirmed.
Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Shallowbrook Lakes
Shallowbrook Lakes sits on Town House Road in Old Costessey, Norwich, NR5 0LA. There are four named lakes here, and they're not all doing the same job. You've got a Carp Lake, a bigger mixed-species water in Meadow, deeper coarse fishing on Snipe and the smaller Horseshoe. That's a handy choice if your idea of a good session isn't always sitting behind carp rods. Pick the water around what you fancy catching, rather than just heading for the first empty peg.
The Carp Lake is approximately two acres, with 11 pegs and depths of 6–10ft. Carp are joined by pike, bream and tench, so the name doesn't tell the whole story. No carp weights are supplied, though, so don't read this as a promise of lumps or a new PB. What you do have is a clearly described water with relatively few pegs compared with the other lakes. Worth knowing before you decide where to spend your session.
Meadow is the biggest of the four at approximately 3.5 acres, with 46 pegs and depths running from 6–14ft. Its species list covers carp, bream, rudd, roach, perch and pike. That's a cracking spread for anglers who like mixed coarse fishing rather than one target species. If you're thinking about a match, don't assume those pegs mean an event can simply be slotted in. Match availability needs confirming directly, so a quick call saves a fair bit of faff.
Snipe brings something different: approximately 2.5 acres, 20 swims and depths of 10–18ft. Its listed fish are tench, bream, roach, rudd, eels and perch. Horseshoe is smaller at approximately one acre, with 18 pegs and rudd, bream, perch and smaller carp. Those depth and species differences give you something useful to work with when choosing a lake. Snipe is the deeper option on the supplied figures; Horseshoe is the compact choice with smaller carp specifically mentioned.
There are day, night and 24-hour ticket options, plus a ticket for non-fishing visitors. The important overnight detail is arrival: night and 24-hour anglers must be inside before the gates lock at dusk. Toilets are available, and vehicle access to swims depends on ground conditions. Don't bank on driving your kit right round to your chosen swim. Opening, season dates and availability need a direct check; the enquiry number is the fishery.
Pack with the rules in mind and you'll avoid an awkward rethink on the bank. It's two rods maximum per swim, with no more than two people and one bivvy. Bring an unhooking mat and use micro-barbed or barbless hooks. Braided mainline, surface fishing, floating bait, livebait and nuts are out. Lures are restricted to Snipe during the stated season, and under-16s need an accompanying adult aged 18 or over.
Straight from anglers online
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Shallowbrook Lakes FAQs
Where is Shallowbrook Lakes?
Town House Road, Old Costessey, Norwich, NR5 0LA.
What tickets are available?
Day ticket: £12, covering 07:00–19:00. Night ticket: £14, covering 19:00–07:00. 24-hour ticket: £22, starting at purchase. Non-fishing visitor ticket: £5.
Are there toilets, and can I drive to my swim?
Toilets are available. Vehicle access to swims depends on ground conditions, so don't assume you'll be able to drive straight to your peg.
How do I check availability?
Call the fishery for booking and availability enquiries. Confirm opening and any match plans directly, and arrive before dusk gate-locking for night or 24-hour fishing.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Shallowbrook Lakes. 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?
Yes — the fishery lists toilets.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off. Bring a barrow in case it's a walk.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
NR5 0LA.
How much is a ticket?
Day ticket: £12; Night ticket: £14; 24-hour ticket: £22; Non-fishing visitor ticket: £5. Prices last checked 2026-10-03 — they can change, so check before you go.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Day tickets are available on Carp Lake, Meadow Lake, Snipe Lake, Horseshoe Lake. Busy weekends can fill up, so ring ahead if you've got your heart set on a swim.
What fish are in there?
Across the lakes you'll find carp, pike, bream, tench, rudd, roach, perch, eel. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
4 — Carp Lake (Approximately 2), Meadow Lake (Approximately 3.5), Snipe Lake (Approximately 2.5), Horseshoe Lake (Approximately 1).
Is night fishing allowed?
Yes, it's required — Night and 24-hour anglers must arrive before dusk gate-locking.
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?
Yes, it's required — Unhooking mats are required. Hooks must be micro-barbed or barbless.
Do I need my own unhooking mat or cradle?
Yes, it's required — Unhooking mats are required. Hooks must be micro-barbed or barbless.
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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Day ticket · turn up
Carp Lake: an 11-peg carp option with more than carp in it
- Size
- Approximately 2 acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, pike, bream, tench
Carp Lake covers approximately two acres, with 11 pegs and depths of 6–10ft. It's the obvious one to look at if carp are your main interest, although no stock weights are supplied.
Pike, bream and tench are also listed. Keep the venue's method restrictions in mind: surface fishing and floating bait aren't allowed, and lures are reserved for Snipe during its stated season.
Lake photographs
A look around Carp Lake
Shallowbrook Lakes
Carp Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Carp Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers choosing a carp-focused water
- Those interested in carp alongside tench and bream
Maybe not for
- Surface-fishing fans
- Anyone choosing a venue around confirmed specimen weights
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Carp Lake
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.
Venue rule: Leadcore is banned here, so run it on a mono or tubing leader with the top bead set to release — never fixed.
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.
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.
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.
Carp Lake FAQs
How many pegs does Carp Lake have?
There are 11 pegs across approximately two acres, with depths of 6–10ft.
Is it just carp?
No. Pike, bream and tench are listed too.
What's the lake record on Carp Lake?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Carp 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 Carp Lake?
carp, pike, bream, tench.
How big is Carp Lake and how many swims?
Around Approximately 2 acres. An 11-peg carp option with more than carp in it.
Which baits work well on Carp Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Carp 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 Carp Lake get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Carp 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 Shallowbrook Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Carp 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 Carp Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Carp Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Day ticket £12; Night ticket £14; 24-hour ticket £22; Non-fishing visitor ticket £5 (last checked 2026-10-03).
Is night fishing allowed on Carp Lake?
Yes, it's required — Night and 24-hour anglers must arrive before dusk gate-locking.
Who does Carp Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers choosing a carp-focused water; Those interested in carp alongside tench and bream. Less suited to: Surface-fishing fans; Anyone choosing a venue around confirmed specimen weights.
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
Day ticket · turn up
Meadow Lake: the biggest lake, with a proper mixed-species spread
- Size
- Approximately 3.5 acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, bream, rudd, roach, perch, pike
Meadow covers approximately 3.5 acres and has 46 pegs. Depths range from 6–14ft, making it a different proposition from the smaller Horseshoe.
Carp, bream, rudd, roach, perch and pike give mixed coarse anglers plenty of choice on the species list. Thinking of organising a match? Ring first, because match availability needs confirmation.
Lake photographs
A look around Meadow Lake
Shallowbrook Lakes
Meadow Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Meadow Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Mixed coarse anglers
- Match organisers happy to confirm availability first
Maybe not for
- Anyone expecting a carp-only lake
- Groups relying on unconfirmed match availability
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Meadow Lake
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.
Venue rule: Leadcore is banned here, so run it on a mono or tubing leader with the top bead set to release — never fixed.
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.
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.
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.
Meadow Lake FAQs
How big is Meadow Lake?
Approximately 3.5 acres, with 46 pegs and depths of 6–14ft.
Can we arrange a match?
Match availability needs confirming directly with the fishery.
What's the lake record on Meadow Lake?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Meadow 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 Meadow Lake?
carp, bream, rudd, roach, perch, pike.
Which baits work well on Meadow Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Meadow 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 Meadow Lake get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Meadow 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 Shallowbrook Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Meadow 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 Meadow Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Meadow Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Day ticket £12; Night ticket £14; 24-hour ticket £22; Non-fishing visitor ticket £5 (last checked 2026-10-03).
Is night fishing allowed on Meadow Lake?
Yes, it's required — Night and 24-hour anglers must arrive before dusk gate-locking.
Who does Meadow Lake suit?
Good for: Mixed coarse anglers; Match organisers happy to confirm availability first. Less suited to: Anyone expecting a carp-only lake; Groups relying on unconfirmed match availability.
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
Day ticket · turn up
Snipe Lake: deeper coarse fishing and a seasonal lure option
- Size
- Approximately 2.5 acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- tench, bream, roach, rudd, eel, perch
Snipe is approximately 2.5 acres, with 20 swims and depths of 10–18ft. It's the deepest of the lakes with supplied depth figures, so don't treat it as a shallow-water option.
Tench, bream, roach, rudd, eels and perch are listed. It's also the only lake where lures are permitted, and only from 31 October–1 March.
Lake photographs
A look around Snipe Lake
Shallowbrook Lakes
Snipe Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Snipe Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers interested in tench, bream and mixed coarse species
- Lure anglers visiting within the permitted season
Maybe not for
- Anglers specifically seeking shallow water
- Lure anglers visiting outside the permitted season
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Snipe Lake
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.
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.
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.
Snipe Lake FAQs
How deep is Snipe Lake?
The supplied depth range is 10–18ft, across approximately 2.5 acres.
When can I use lures?
Lures are allowed on Snipe only, from 31 October–1 March.
What's the lake record on Snipe Lake?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Snipe 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 Snipe Lake?
tench, bream, roach, rudd, eel, perch.
How big is Snipe Lake and how many swims?
Around Approximately 2.5 acres. Deeper coarse fishing and a seasonal lure option.
Which baits work well on Snipe Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Snipe 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 Snipe Lake get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Snipe 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 Shallowbrook Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Snipe 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 Snipe Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Snipe Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Day ticket £12; Night ticket £14; 24-hour ticket £22; Non-fishing visitor ticket £5 (last checked 2026-10-03).
Is night fishing allowed on Snipe Lake?
Yes, it's required — Night and 24-hour anglers must arrive before dusk gate-locking.
Who does Snipe Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers interested in tench, bream and mixed coarse species; Lure anglers visiting within the permitted season. Less suited to: Anglers specifically seeking shallow water; Lure anglers visiting outside the permitted season.
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
Day ticket · turn up
Horseshoe Lake: a compact mixed water with smaller carp
- Size
- Approximately 1 acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- rudd, bream, perch, carp
Horseshoe is the smallest of the four named lakes at approximately one acre, with 18 pegs. A compact option if you don't fancy choosing one of the bigger waters.
Its listed fish are rudd, bream, perch and smaller carp. That's a mixed coarse line-up rather than a supplied big-carp claim; depths and individual fish weights aren't given.
Lake photographs
A look around Horseshoe Lake
Shallowbrook Lakes
Horseshoe Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Horseshoe Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers who prefer a smaller lake
- Mixed coarse anglers interested in smaller carp as well as other species
Maybe not for
- Anglers prioritising a large expanse of water
- Anyone selecting a lake for confirmed big-carp weights
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Horseshoe 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.
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.
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.
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.
Horseshoe Lake FAQs
How many pegs are on Horseshoe?
There are 18 pegs on approximately one acre.
What fish are listed?
Rudd, bream, perch and smaller carp.
What's the lake record on Horseshoe Lake?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Horseshoe 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 Horseshoe Lake?
rudd, bream, perch, carp.
How big is Horseshoe Lake and how many swims?
Around Approximately 1 acres. A compact mixed water with smaller carp.
Which baits work well on Horseshoe Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Horseshoe 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 Horseshoe Lake get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Horseshoe 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 Shallowbrook Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Horseshoe 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 Horseshoe Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Horseshoe Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Day ticket £12; Night ticket £14; 24-hour ticket £22; Non-fishing visitor ticket £5 (last checked 2026-10-03).
Is night fishing allowed on Horseshoe Lake?
Yes, it's required — Night and 24-hour anglers must arrive before dusk gate-locking.
Who does Horseshoe Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers who prefer a smaller lake; Mixed coarse anglers interested in smaller carp as well as other species. Less suited to: Anglers prioritising a large expanse of water; Anyone selecting a lake for confirmed big-carp weights.
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
Are there limits per swim?
Maximum two rods, two people and one bivvy per swim.
- Must
Do I need an unhooking mat and particular hooks?
Unhooking mats are required. Hooks must be micro-barbed or barbless.
- No
Can I use braided mainline?
Braided mainline is not allowed.
- No
Can I surface fish or use floating bait, livebait or nuts?
No surface fishing, floating bait, livebait or nuts.
- Seasonal
Can I use lures?
Snipe only, 31 October–1 March.
- Must
Must overnight anglers arrive before dusk?
Night and 24-hour anglers must arrive before dusk gate-locking.
- Must
Do under-16s need an adult?
Under-16s require an accompanying adult aged 18+.
- Only if
Should I confirm opening and match availability?
Season dates are unspecified; confirm opening and availability directly. Match availability also requires confirmation.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 3 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.
Carp Lake
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.
Venue rule: Leadcore is banned here, so run it on a mono or tubing leader with the top bead set to release — never fixed.
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.
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.
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.
Meadow Lake
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.
Venue rule: Leadcore is banned here, so run it on a mono or tubing leader with the top bead set to release — never fixed.
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.
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.
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.
Snipe Lake
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.
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.
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.
Horseshoe 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.
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.
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.
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
7.1/10 from Tackle Index: Four waters and a broad species mix give plenty of choice, without needing to promise unconfirmed fish sizes or catches.
Straight from anglers online
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Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “Shallowbrook Lakes in Old Costessey gives you four different waters, from the 11-peg Carp Lake to mixed coarse fishing on Meadow, Snipe and Horseshoe. Day, night and 24-hour tickets are available, but check availability and get there before dusk if you're staying overnight.”
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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