Fishery guide · North Yorkshire
Forest Lane Fishery
Forest Lane Fishery at Alne has five lakes, more than 130 pegs and a proper mix of pleasure and match fishing. Pick from mixed coarse fishing, carp and barbel, or match-only water with an island to work towards.
“7.4/10 — Five lakes offer a broad coarse-fishing mix, with pleasure options and dedicated match water.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Forest Lane Fishery is on Forest Lane at Alne, near York, just off the A19. Pop YO61 1TT into the satnav rather than relying on the broader Easingwold location. There are five lakes and more than 130 fishing pegs here, so this is a proper mixed coarse and match setup. The important bit before loading the car: three lakes allow pleasure fishing, while two are reserved for matches.
- 5 lakes: The Don, The Oaklands, The Furlong, The Vale, The Arena
- Fish: carp, chub, tench, bream, roach, perch, barbel
- Tickets from: One-rod day ticket, advertised for 2024–2025; confirm current rate — £10
- Find it: Easingwold · YO61 1TT
Plan your session
Fishery map of Forest Lane Fishery
Pick a pin or venue to see live bank-side conditions.
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How busy was it?
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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
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Fishery
Forest Lane Fishery
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 Forest Lane Fishery
Forest Lane Fishery is on Forest Lane at Alne, near York, just off the A19. Pop YO61 1TT into the satnav rather than relying on the broader Easingwold location. There are five lakes and more than 130 fishing pegs here, so this is a proper mixed coarse and match setup. The important bit before loading the car: three lakes allow pleasure fishing, while two are reserved for matches. Pick your water around the sort of day you fancy.
The Don is a cracking starting point if you like a mixed bag with the chance of a lump. Its 24 pegs serve pleasure and match anglers, with carp exceeding 20lb alongside chub, tench, skimmers, roach, perch and goldfish. Depths are around 4–5 feet, with 2–3 feet generally in the margins. That gives you useful depth close in as well as out in front. It is not simply a case of bringing carp gear and ignoring everything else.
The Oaklands also has 24 pegs for pleasure and match fishing, but the depth profile is different. It reaches roughly 6 feet, while the margins run from just 12 inches to 2 feet. The fishery lists mirror and common carp to 15lb, ghost carp to 10lb and barbel to 6lb. Those shallow edges are worth keeping in mind when choosing an approach, though the published depths are a guide to the lake, not a promise of fish sitting under your feet.
Then there is The Furlong: a canal-style lake with 35 pegs, roughly 13 metres across and 6 feet deep. As the name suggests, it is described as a furlong long. Carp, F1s, barbel, tench, skimmers, roach, perch and goldfish make this another mixed option rather than a carp-only affair. The narrow layout is useful context for pole anglers planning their kit. Just remember that a quoted lake width is not an exact fishing distance from every platform.
For match anglers, The Vale and The Arena add two distinct choices. The Vale has 24 pegs, depths to 7 feet and a mix of carp, barbel, chub, tench and goldfish. The Arena has 30 pegs around a doughnut-shaped lake, with a central island, depths to 6 feet and mirror and common carp. Club bookings are available, with minimum peg numbers depending on the lake. The Arena and The Furlong can also be split for smaller clubs.
The practical bits are handy too: an onsite tackle shop sells terminal tackle and bait, and parking and toilets are reported. The café is match-day only, so check the availability calendar before banking on breakfast. The advertised £10 one-rod day ticket is explicitly dated 2024–2025; confirm the current price and fishing hours before travelling. Pack barbless hooks no larger than size 12, leave the braid behind and keep it to one rod. A little prep saves a load of faff.
Straight from anglers online
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Forest Lane Fishery FAQs
Where is Forest Lane Fishery?
On Forest Lane, Alne, near York, just off the A19. The official postcode is YO61 1TT.
How much is a day ticket?
The official lake pages advertise £10 for one rod, but that price is explicitly dated 2024–2025. Confirm the 2026 rate before travelling.
What are the fishing hours, and is night fishing allowed?
Confirm fishing hours directly. Current official hours, an annual opening calendar and night-fishing availability are not confirmed, so do not plan an overnight session without checking.
Can I get breakfast and bait onsite?
The café opens 07:30–09:30 on match days only; check the availability calendar. The small tackle shop sells terminal tackle, maggots, casters, worms, pellets and groundbait.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
There's onsite tackle and bait shop on site, so you can grab bits on the day. For anything bigger, stock up before you leave home — or order online in advance.
Do I need to bring food?
There's match-day café: 07:30–09:30 listed, but opening times vary, so pack snacks and plenty of water just in case — especially on a long session.
Are there toilets on site?
Yes — the fishery lists onsite toilets reported.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
Yes — parking reported. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
YO61 1TT.
How much is a ticket?
One-rod day ticket, advertised for 2024–2025; confirm current rate: £10; Club bookings per peg; lake-specific minimums apply: £10. Prices last checked 2026-10-05 — they can change, so check before you go.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Day tickets are available on The Don, The Oaklands, The Furlong. 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, chub, tench, bream, roach, perch, barbel. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
5 — The Don (Not published), The Oaklands (Not published), The Furlong (Not published), The Vale (Not published), The Arena (Not published).
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?
No — All four are prohibited.
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 — Use barbless hooks; size 12 is the largest permitted.
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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Day ticket · turn up
The Don: mixed fishing with carp exceeding 20lb
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, chub, tench, bream, roach, perch
The Don has 24 pegs and allows both pleasure and match fishing. There is a proper spread of species, with bigger carp alongside chub, tench and smaller coarse fish.
Depths are approximately 4–5 feet, with the margins generally 2–3 feet deep. That is useful close-in depth to consider when planning your swim, rather than overlooking the edges.
Carp exceeding 20lb, plus chub, tench, skimmers, roach, perch and goldfish.
Lake photographs
A look around The Don
Forest Lane Fishery
The Don
We’re checking the fishery’s The Don pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Pleasure anglers after a mixed bag
- Match anglers who want carp and other coarse species
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting a carp-only lake
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish The Don
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.
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.
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.
The Don FAQs
How many pegs does The Don have?
There are 24 pegs, with pleasure and match fishing permitted.
How deep are the margins?
Generally 2–3 feet, compared with approximately 4–5 feet elsewhere.
What's the lake record on The Don?
Going by what the fishery says: Carp exceeding 20lb, plus chub, tench, skimmers, roach, perch and goldfish. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in The Don?
carp, chub, tench, bream, roach, perch. Carp exceeding 20lb, plus chub, tench, skimmers, roach, perch and goldfish.
How big is The Don and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. Mixed fishing with carp exceeding 20lb.
Which baits work well on The Don?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for The Don 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 Don 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 The Don?
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 Forest Lane Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on The Don?
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 Don on a day ticket?
Yes — The Don is on the day ticket. Tickets: One-rod day ticket, advertised for 2024–2025; confirm current rate £10; Club bookings per peg; lake-specific minimums apply £10 (last checked 2026-10-05).
Is night fishing allowed on The Don?
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 Don suit?
Good for: Pleasure anglers after a mixed bag; Match anglers who want carp and other coarse species. Less suited to: Anglers wanting a carp-only 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
Day ticket · turn up
The Oaklands: carp and barbel with shallow margins
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, barbel
The Oaklands offers 24 pegs for pleasure and match fishing. The fishery lists mirror, common and ghost carp, plus barbel to add a different target.
The lake reaches approximately 6 feet deep, but the margins are only 12 inches to 2 feet. Keep that contrast in mind when plumbing up: the edges are a different proposition from the deeper water.
Mirror and common carp to 15lb, ghost carp to 10lb and barbel to 6lb.
Lake photographs
A look around The Oaklands
Forest Lane Fishery
The Oaklands
We’re checking the fishery’s The Oaklands pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Pleasure anglers interested in carp and barbel
- Match anglers who like contrasting depths
Maybe not for
- Anglers choosing a lake specifically for a listed silverfish mix
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish The Oaklands
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
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.
barbel
Pellet and boilie for the lake barbel
Lake barbel feed hard and fight harder. Use a strong rod and line, and rest them properly in the net before release.
- Halibut pellet or small boilie over a bed of pellet.
- Strong hooklink and a size 10–12 hook.
- Never hold barbel out of water long — keep them in the net until they've recovered.
The Oaklands FAQs
What carp sizes are listed?
Mirror and common carp to 15lb, with ghost carp to 10lb.
Is The Oaklands match-only?
No. Both pleasure and match fishing are permitted.
What's the lake record on The Oaklands?
Going by what the fishery says: Mirror and common carp to 15lb, ghost carp to 10lb and barbel to 6lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in The Oaklands?
carp, barbel. Mirror and common carp to 15lb, ghost carp to 10lb and barbel to 6lb.
How big is The Oaklands and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. Carp and barbel with shallow margins.
Which baits work well on The Oaklands?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for The Oaklands 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 Oaklands 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 The Oaklands?
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 Forest Lane Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on The Oaklands?
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 Oaklands on a day ticket?
Yes — The Oaklands is on the day ticket. Tickets: One-rod day ticket, advertised for 2024–2025; confirm current rate £10; Club bookings per peg; lake-specific minimums apply £10 (last checked 2026-10-05).
Is night fishing allowed on The Oaklands?
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 Oaklands suit?
Good for: Pleasure anglers interested in carp and barbel; Match anglers who like contrasting depths. Less suited to: Anglers choosing a lake specifically for a listed silverfish mix.
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
The Furlong: a long, narrow mixed coarse lake
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, barbel, tench, bream, roach, perch
The Furlong has 35 pegs and welcomes pleasure and match fishing. It is canal-style, described as a furlong long, approximately 13 metres wide and 6 feet deep.
The mix includes carp and F1s alongside barbel, tench and smaller coarse fish. That narrow layout is worth a look for pole anglers, while clubs can ask about splitting the lake for a smaller booking.
Carp, F1s, barbel, tench, skimmers, roach, perch and goldfish.
Lake photographs
A look around The Furlong
Forest Lane Fishery
The Furlong
We’re checking the fishery’s The Furlong pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers who like canal-style layouts
- Clubs looking for a lake that can be split
Maybe not for
- Anglers after a broad, open-water layout
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish The Furlong
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
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.
barbel
Pellet and boilie for the lake barbel
Lake barbel feed hard and fight harder. Use a strong rod and line, and rest them properly in the net before release.
- Halibut pellet or small boilie over a bed of pellet.
- Strong hooklink and a size 10–12 hook.
- Never hold barbel out of water long — keep them in the net until they've recovered.
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.
The Furlong FAQs
How wide is The Furlong?
Approximately 13 metres, with depths of around 6 feet.
What is the club booking minimum?
The published minimum is 20 pegs at £10 each. The lake can also be split for smaller clubs; ask about arrangements.
What's the lake record on The Furlong?
Going by what the fishery says: Carp, F1s, barbel, tench, skimmers, roach, perch and goldfish. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in The Furlong?
carp, barbel, tench, bream, roach, perch. Carp, F1s, barbel, tench, skimmers, roach, perch and goldfish.
How big is The Furlong and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A long, narrow mixed coarse lake.
Which baits work well on The Furlong?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for The Furlong 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 Furlong 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 The Furlong?
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 Forest Lane Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on The Furlong?
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 Furlong on a day ticket?
Yes — The Furlong is on the day ticket. Tickets: One-rod day ticket, advertised for 2024–2025; confirm current rate £10; Club bookings per peg; lake-specific minimums apply £10 (last checked 2026-10-05).
Is night fishing allowed on The Furlong?
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 Furlong suit?
Good for: Anglers who like canal-style layouts; Clubs looking for a lake that can be split. Less suited to: Anglers after a broad, open-water layout.
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
Pre-book only
The Vale: match-only mixed fishing to 7 feet
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, barbel, chub, tench
The Vale is for match fishing only, with 24 pegs. Its listed mix brings together carp, barbel, chub, tench and goldfish.
Depths reach 7 feet, the deepest maximum quoted among these five lakes. Club bookings require at least 14 pegs, so this is one to arrange as a match rather than choose for a casual pleasure session.
Carp, barbel, chub, tench and goldfish.
Lake photographs
A look around The Vale
Forest Lane Fishery
The Vale
We’re checking the fishery’s The Vale pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Clubs booking organised matches
- Match anglers after a mixed-species water
Maybe not for
- Pleasure anglers
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish The Vale
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.
barbel
Pellet and boilie for the lake barbel
Lake barbel feed hard and fight harder. Use a strong rod and line, and rest them properly in the net before release.
- Halibut pellet or small boilie over a bed of pellet.
- Strong hooklink and a size 10–12 hook.
- Never hold barbel out of water long — keep them in the net until they've recovered.
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.
The Vale FAQs
Can I pleasure fish The Vale?
No. The Vale is available for match fishing only.
What is the club booking minimum?
At least 14 pegs, at £10 per peg.
What's the lake record on The Vale?
Going by what the fishery says: Carp, barbel, chub, tench and goldfish. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in The Vale?
carp, barbel, chub, tench. Carp, barbel, chub, tench and goldfish.
How big is The Vale and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. Match-only mixed fishing to 7 feet.
Which baits work well on The Vale?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for The Vale 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 Vale 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 Vale?
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 Forest Lane Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on The Vale?
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 Vale on a day ticket?
You'll need to book The Vale in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on The Vale?
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 Vale suit?
Good for: Clubs booking organised matches; Match anglers after a mixed-species water. Less suited to: Pleasure anglers.
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
Pre-book only
The Arena: an island-centred carp match lake
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
The Arena has 30 pegs and is reserved for match fishing. It is doughnut-shaped with a central island, giving it a distinct layout within the fishery.
Depths reach 6 feet, and the listed fish are mirror and common carp. Clubs have a published 20-peg minimum, although the lake can be split for smaller groups.
Mirror and common carp.
Lake photographs
A look around The Arena
Forest Lane Fishery
The Arena
We’re checking the fishery’s The Arena pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Carp-focused match anglers
- Clubs interested in an island layout
Maybe not for
- Pleasure anglers
- Anglers seeking a published mixed-species list
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish The Arena
carp
Light baiting tight to the island margins
Carp patrol the island margins on most venues. A handful of bait right on the edge often beats a heavy bed in open water, especially later in the day.
- Walk the bank first and look for bubbling, swirls or coloured water by the cover.
- Bait two or three spots with a few handfuls of chopped and whole boilies.
- Lower or flick the rig in quietly and back your line off with a back lead.
- Keep the drag set tight-ish — fish hooked by cover need turning quickly.
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.
The Arena FAQs
What is The Arena's main feature?
A central island within a doughnut-shaped lake, with depths to 6 feet.
Can smaller clubs book it?
The lake can be split for smaller clubs. The published booking minimum is 20 pegs at £10 each, so check the split-lake arrangements directly.
What's the lake record on The Arena?
Going by what the fishery says: Mirror and common carp. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in The Arena?
carp. Mirror and common carp.
How big is The Arena and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. An island-centred carp match lake.
Which baits work well on The Arena?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for The Arena 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 Arena 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 Arena?
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 Forest Lane Fishery before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on The Arena?
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 Arena on a day ticket?
You'll need to book The Arena in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on The Arena?
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 Arena suit?
Good for: Carp-focused match anglers; Clubs interested in an island layout. Less suited to: Pleasure anglers; Anglers seeking a published mixed-species list.
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
- No
Can I use more than one rod?
Only one rod is allowed.
- Must
Must I fish from a platform?
Fishing must be from platforms.
- Must
Must hooks be barbless?
Use barbless hooks; size 12 is the largest permitted.
- No
Can I use braid?
Braid is prohibited.
- No
Can I use a keepnet when pleasure fishing?
Keepnets are prohibited except during organised matches.
- No
Can I use floating baits, bread, cat food or dog food?
All four are prohibited.
- No
Can I pleasure fish every lake?
The Don, The Oaklands and The Furlong permit pleasure fishing. The Vale and The Arena are match-only.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 5 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 Don
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.
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.
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.
The Oaklands
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
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.
barbel
Pellet and boilie for the lake barbel
Lake barbel feed hard and fight harder. Use a strong rod and line, and rest them properly in the net before release.
- Halibut pellet or small boilie over a bed of pellet.
- Strong hooklink and a size 10–12 hook.
- Never hold barbel out of water long — keep them in the net until they've recovered.
The Furlong
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
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.
barbel
Pellet and boilie for the lake barbel
Lake barbel feed hard and fight harder. Use a strong rod and line, and rest them properly in the net before release.
- Halibut pellet or small boilie over a bed of pellet.
- Strong hooklink and a size 10–12 hook.
- Never hold barbel out of water long — keep them in the net until they've recovered.
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.
The Vale
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.
barbel
Pellet and boilie for the lake barbel
Lake barbel feed hard and fight harder. Use a strong rod and line, and rest them properly in the net before release.
- Halibut pellet or small boilie over a bed of pellet.
- Strong hooklink and a size 10–12 hook.
- Never hold barbel out of water long — keep them in the net until they've recovered.
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.
The Arena
carp
Light baiting tight to the island margins
Carp patrol the island margins on most venues. A handful of bait right on the edge often beats a heavy bed in open water, especially later in the day.
- Walk the bank first and look for bubbling, swirls or coloured water by the cover.
- Bait two or three spots with a few handfuls of chopped and whole boilies.
- Lower or flick the rig in quietly and back your line off with a back lead.
- Keep the drag set tight-ish — fish hooked by cover need turning quickly.
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.
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
7.4/10 from Tackle Index: Five lakes offer a broad coarse-fishing mix, with pleasure options and dedicated match water.
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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Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “Forest Lane Fishery at Alne has five lakes, more than 130 pegs and a proper mix of pleasure and match fishing. Pick from mixed coarse fishing, carp and barbel, or match-only water with an island to work towards.”
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 Forest Lane Fishery
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