Fishery guide · Norfolk
Taverham Mill Fishery
Taverham Mill is a cracking Norfolk fishery with four lakes plus nearly a mile of River Wensum fishing. There’s a proper mix of carp, coarse and river options, from beginner-friendly day-ticket water to syndicate lakes with mid-30s lumps.
“7.6/10 — A strong mix of reported 35lb carp, big tench, mixed species and nearly a mile of river fishing.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Taverham Mill sits in Taverham, Norfolk, right beside the River Wensum, and is operated by Anglian Water Parks. It’s a proper varied setup, with four fishing lakes on site plus nearly a mile of river fishing. So whether you fancy carp gear, mixed fishing or a more traditional river session, there’s plenty to get your head around before clipping up.
- 4 lakes: The Mills, Costessey No.1, Costessey No.2 / Ski Pit, Costessey No.3
- Fish: carp, tench, pike, chub, roach, perch, barbel, eel
- Tickets from: 2026/27 Taverham Gold season ticket — £1,100
- Find it: Taverham · NR8 6TA
Plan your session
Fishery map of Taverham Mill Fishery
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Photos courtesy of Ajay Tegala. 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 Taverham Mill Fishery
Taverham Mill sits in Taverham, Norfolk, right beside the River Wensum, and is operated by Anglian Water Parks. It’s a proper varied setup, with four fishing lakes on site plus nearly a mile of river fishing. So whether you fancy carp gear, mixed fishing or a more traditional river session, there’s plenty to get your head around before clipping up.
The Mills is the headline water. At approximately 22 acres, it’s a sizeable lake with room to spread out and work things out. It’s fully otter-fenced and contains about 350 mirror and common carp, with carp reported to reach 35lb. Tench are reported to reach 9lb too, and pike are also present. Big-water basics will be the order of the day here: take time to look, find the features and avoid launching straight into a swim without a proper scan around.
Costessey No.1 is the more approachable option. This three-acre mixed-fishing lake is described as suitable for beginners and is available with a day permit. That makes it a handy shout if you’re just getting going, taking someone fishing or fancy a session without the full big-lake faff. Keep the first visit simple, take a sensible selection of bait and ask about the most reliable methods before setting everything up.
Costessey No.2, also called Ski Pit, is a mature gravel pit with around 80 mirror and common carp. The carp reach the mid-30lb range, while chub, dace, roach, perch, pike and small barbel add plenty of variety. Other recorded species include eel, rudd, bream, gudgeon, ghost carp and common carp. It’s the sort of mixed bag that rewards keeping your options open rather than turning up with one rigid plan.
The River Wensum brings a completely different rhythm. There’s nearly a mile of fishing, with river season tickets permitting two rods from dawn to dusk. The river season runs from 16 June to 14 March, so it offers a proper seasonal change from sitting over carp gear on the lakes. Before heading down, check the current permit details, ask about access and local conditions, then pack light enough to move swims if the river gives you a nudge.
Permit-wise, the 2026/27 options range from the £350 Costessey No.3 syndicate season ticket to the £1,100 Taverham Gold season ticket, which covers all Taverham waters including syndicates. The Taverham Mill Lake season ticket is £600 and permits fishing at any time of day for up to 72 consecutive hours. There’s also a £950 Dual Lake ticket covering Taverham Mills and the Ski Lake syndicate, plus a £600 Ski Pit syndicate ticket. Check the exact ticket, access and any current arrangements before travelling — saves a proper faff at the gate.
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.
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Taverham Mill Fishery FAQs
Where is Taverham Mill Fishery?
It is in Taverham, Norfolk, beside the River Wensum.
How many lakes are at Taverham Mill?
The site includes four fishing lakes.
Is there river fishing?
Yes. The site has nearly one mile of River Wensum fishing.
What is the cheapest listed 2026/27 ticket?
The Costessey No.3 syndicate season ticket, at £350.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Taverham Mill Fishery. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Taverham.
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?
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?
NR8 6TA.
How much is a ticket?
2026/27 Taverham Gold season ticket: £1,100; 2026/27 Taverham Mill Lake season ticket: £600; 2026/27 Dual Lake ticket: £950; 2026/27 Ski Pit syndicate season ticket: £600; 2026/27 Costessey No.3 syndicate season ticket: £350; River Wensum adult season ticket: £105; River Wensum senior season ticket: £75; River Wensum junior season ticket: £50. 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?
Day tickets are available on Costessey No.1. Costessey No.2 / Ski Pit, Costessey No.3 are members only. 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, tench, pike, chub, roach, perch, barbel, eel, rudd, bream. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
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?
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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Pre-book only
The Mills: a sizeable, otter-fenced carp lake with reported fish to 35lb.
- Size
- Approximately 22 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, tench, pike
The Mills covers approximately 22 acres and is fully otter-fenced. It contains about 350 mirror and common carp, with carp reported to reach 35lb.
Tench and pike are also present, with tench reported to reach 9lb. This is the lake for anglers after a bigger-water carp challenge, rather than a quick little bagging session.
About 350 mirror and common carp; carp reported to reach 35lb and tench reported to reach 9lb.
Lake photographs
A look around The Mills
Taverham Mill Fishery
The Mills
We’re checking the fishery’s The Mills pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Carp anglers happy fishing a larger lake
- Anglers after reported 30lb-plus carp and a chance of a big tench
Maybe not for
- Anyone wanting a simple beginner session or guaranteed fast action
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish The Mills
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.
pike
Static deadbaits for the pike
A smelly deadbait on the bottom near drop-offs or reed lines is the classic, reliable way to find a lake's pike, especially in the colder months.
- Sardine, smelt or mackerel on a wire trace with semi-barbless trebles.
- Strike early — never let a pike run off with the bait.
- Have a long forceps, unhooking mat and big net ready before you cast.
The Mills FAQs
How big is The Mills?
Approximately 22 acres.
What fish are in The Mills?
Mirror and common carp, tench and pike.
What's the lake record on The Mills?
Going by what the fishery says: About 350 mirror and common carp; carp reported to reach 35lb and tench reported to reach 9lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
Which baits work well on The Mills?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for The Mills 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 Mills 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 Mills?
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 Taverham Mill Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on The Mills?
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 Mills on a day ticket?
You'll need to book The Mills in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on The Mills?
We haven't seen a clear night-fishing rule for this lake. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Who does The Mills suit?
Good for: Carp anglers happy fishing a larger lake; Anglers after reported 30lb-plus carp and a chance of a big tench. Less suited to: Anyone wanting a simple beginner session or guaranteed fast action.
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.
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Day ticket · turn up
Costessey No.1: a three-acre mixed-fishing lake described as suitable for beginners.
- Size
- 3 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Costessey No.1 is a three-acre mixed-fishing lake and is specifically described as suitable for beginners. It’s available with a day permit, making it one of the simpler ways into the Taverham Mill complex.
For a first session, it sounds like the bob-on option: smaller than The Mills and less daunting for someone learning the basics of rigs, feeding and playing fish.
Lake photographs
A look around Costessey No.1
Taverham Mill Fishery
Costessey No.1
We’re checking the fishery’s Costessey No.1 pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Beginners and newer anglers
- Anyone wanting a mixed-fishing session on a day permit
Maybe not for
- Anglers specifically chasing the biggest carp in the complex
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Costessey No.1
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.
Costessey No.1 FAQs
Is Costessey No.1 suitable for beginners?
Yes. It is described as suitable for beginners.
Can you fish Costessey No.1 on a day permit?
Yes, it is available with a day permit.
What's the lake record on Costessey No.1?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Costessey No.1 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 Costessey No.1?
carp.
How big is Costessey No.1 and how many swims?
Around 3 acres acres. A three-acre mixed-fishing lake described as suitable for beginners..
Which baits work well on Costessey No.1?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Costessey No.1 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 Costessey No.1 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 Costessey No.1?
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 Taverham Mill Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Costessey No.1?
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 Costessey No.1 on a day ticket?
Yes — Costessey No.1 is on the day ticket. Tickets: 2026/27 Taverham Gold season ticket £1,100; 2026/27 Taverham Mill Lake season ticket £600; 2026/27 Dual Lake ticket £950; 2026/27 Ski Pit syndicate season ticket £600; 2026/27 Costessey No.3 syndicate season ticket £350; River Wensum adult season ticket £105; River Wensum senior season ticket £75; River Wensum junior season ticket £50 (last checked 2026-10-06).
Is night fishing allowed on Costessey No.1?
We haven't seen a clear night-fishing rule for this lake. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Who does Costessey No.1 suit?
Good for: Beginners and newer anglers; Anyone wanting a mixed-fishing session on a day permit. Less suited to: Anglers specifically chasing the biggest carp in the complex.
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
Costessey No.2 / Ski Pit: a mature gravel pit with mid-30lb carp and a proper mixed species list.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, chub, roach, perch, pike, barbel, eel, rudd, bream
Costessey No.2, also called Ski Pit, is a mature gravel pit holding around 80 mirror and common carp. The carp are reported to reach the mid-30lb range, so there are some serious lumps in the lake.
It’s not just a carp water, either. Chub, dace, roach, perch, pike and small barbel are present, with eel, rudd, bream, ghost carp and common carp also recorded. A tasty mix for anglers who like a bit of variety.
Around 80 mirror and common carp, with carp reported to reach the mid-30lb range.
Lake photographs
A look around Costessey No.2 / Ski Pit
Taverham Mill Fishery
Costessey No.2 / Ski Pit
We’re checking the fishery’s Costessey No.2 / Ski Pit pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Carp anglers after a reported mid-30lb fish
- Anglers who enjoy mixed species and mature gravel-pit fishing
Maybe not for
- Beginners looking specifically for a day-ticket lake
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Costessey No.2 / Ski Pit
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.
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.
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.
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.
Costessey No.2 / Ski Pit FAQs
What is Costessey No.2 also called?
It is also known as Ski Pit.
How many carp are reported in Ski Pit?
Around 80 mirror and common carp are reported, reaching the mid-30lb range.
What's the lake record on Costessey No.2 / Ski Pit?
Going by what the fishery says: Around 80 mirror and common carp, with carp reported to reach the mid-30lb range. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Costessey No.2 / Ski Pit?
carp, chub, roach, perch, pike, barbel, eel, rudd, bream. Around 80 mirror and common carp, with carp reported to reach the mid-30lb range.
How big is Costessey No.2 / Ski Pit and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A mature gravel pit with mid-30lb carp and a proper mixed species list..
Which baits work well on Costessey No.2 / Ski Pit?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Costessey No.2 / Ski Pit 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 Costessey No.2 / Ski Pit get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Costessey No.2 / Ski Pit?
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 Taverham Mill Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Costessey No.2 / Ski Pit?
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 Costessey No.2 / Ski Pit on a day ticket?
No — Costessey No.2 / Ski Pit is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Costessey No.2 / Ski Pit?
We haven't seen a clear night-fishing rule for this lake. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Who does Costessey No.2 / Ski Pit suit?
Good for: Carp anglers after a reported mid-30lb fish; Anglers who enjoy mixed species and mature gravel-pit fishing. Less suited to: Beginners looking specifically for a day-ticket lake.
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
Costessey No.3: a syndicate lake with a 2026/27 season ticket listed at £350.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Costessey No.3 is named in the current ticket information as a syndicate water. The 2026/27 syndicate season ticket is listed at £350.
No further lake details are supplied in the checked information, so anglers will want to confirm the fish list, rules and access arrangements before committing.
Lake photographs
A look around Costessey No.3
Taverham Mill Fishery
Costessey No.3
We’re checking the fishery’s Costessey No.3 pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers looking at a lower-priced syndicate option
- Those happy to check the current arrangements before joining
Maybe not for
- Anyone needing full lake details before choosing a venue
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Costessey No.3
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.
Costessey No.3 FAQs
What does the Costessey No.3 syndicate ticket cost?
The 2026/27 season ticket costs £350.
Are fish species for Costessey No.3 listed?
No fish list is supplied in the checked information.
What's the lake record on Costessey No.3?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Costessey No.3 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 Costessey No.3?
carp.
How big is Costessey No.3 and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A syndicate lake with a 2026/27 season ticket listed at £350..
Which baits work well on Costessey No.3?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Costessey No.3 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 Costessey No.3 get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Costessey No.3?
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 Taverham Mill Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Costessey No.3?
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 Costessey No.3 on a day ticket?
No — Costessey No.3 is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Costessey No.3?
We haven't seen a clear night-fishing rule for this lake. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Who does Costessey No.3 suit?
Good for: Anglers looking at a lower-priced syndicate option; Those happy to check the current arrangements before joining. Less suited to: Anyone needing full lake details before choosing a 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
Venue Rule Checker
- Yes
Is a day permit available?
Costessey No.1 is available with a day permit.
- Yes
Can the Taverham Mill Lake ticket be used at any time of day?
The ticket permits fishing at any time of day, for up to 72 consecutive hours.
- Yes
Are two rods permitted on the river?
River season tickets permit two rods from dawn to dusk.
- Seasonal
Is river fishing seasonal?
The river season runs from 16 June to 14 March.
- Yes
Does the Taverham Gold ticket cover syndicate waters?
The Gold ticket covers all Taverham waters, including syndicates.
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.
The Mills
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.
pike
Static deadbaits for the pike
A smelly deadbait on the bottom near drop-offs or reed lines is the classic, reliable way to find a lake's pike, especially in the colder months.
- Sardine, smelt or mackerel on a wire trace with semi-barbless trebles.
- Strike early — never let a pike run off with the bait.
- Have a long forceps, unhooking mat and big net ready before you cast.
Costessey No.1
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.
Costessey No.2 / Ski Pit
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.
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.
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.
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.
Costessey No.3
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.
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: A strong mix of reported 35lb carp, big tench, mixed species and nearly a mile of river fishing.
Straight from anglers online
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Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “Taverham Mill is a cracking Norfolk fishery with four lakes plus nearly a mile of River Wensum fishing. There’s a proper mix of carp, coarse and river options, from beginner-friendly day-ticket water to syndicate lakes with mid-30s lumps.”
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