Fishery guide · Northamptonshire
Thrapston Pits
Thrapston Pits is the commonly used name for a group of flooded gravel pits near Thrapston, with several separate lakes and lagoons. Fishing access, prices and current syndicate arrangements are not published in the checked facts, so this is one to investigate properly before setting off.
“5.3/10 — Historical roach and bream records plus traditional Nene Valley coarse species give it a decent base, but current stock details are missing.”
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The lowdown
Thrapston Pits is the usual name for the Thrapston Gravel Pits complex in Northamptonshire. It sits in the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits area, made up of flooded former sand-and-gravel workings. Proper old-school gravel-pit country, then, with open water, lagoons and plenty of wetland character.
- 3 lakes: North Lake, Town Lake, Aldwincle Lake
- Fish: roach, bream
- Find it: Thrapston · NN14 3EE
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Fishery map of Thrapston Pits
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Fishery
Thrapston Pits
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 Thrapston Pits
Thrapston Pits is the usual name for the Thrapston Gravel Pits complex in Northamptonshire. It sits in the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits area, made up of flooded former sand-and-gravel workings. Proper old-school gravel-pit country, then, with open water, lagoons and plenty of wetland character.
The complex is not just one neat little lake. It includes several separate waters, with North Lake, Town Lake and Aldwincle Lake among the named pits reported in the area. The wider site also mixes fishing waters with nature-reserve water, so it is worth knowing exactly which lake and access point your permission covers.
Aldwincle Lake is the biggest lake at Titchmarsh Nature Reserve. That reserve forms part of the wider Thrapston Gravel Pits complex and covers roughly 72 hectares. It is managed by the Wildlife Trust and sits within the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Fish-wise, the checked historical records mention roach and bream at Thrapston gravel pits. The wider Nene Valley is known for traditional coarse-fishing species, but there is no verified current stock list, lake-by-lake breakdown or headline weights here. So keep expectations sensible and don’t bank on mystery lumps turning up on cue.
For the angler, this looks like a venue where doing the homework matters. Gravel pits can fish very differently from peg to peg, with features, depth changes and patrol routes often dictating the result. A careful first look, quiet margin work and a bit of plumbing would be the sensible starting point rather than charging straight in with a big spread.
There is also a current wrinkle around the wider area. Nene Anglers announced its Nine Arches Fishery complex, covering three stillwaters around the Thrapston/Islip area, but said that complex would not open for the 2026 season while land improvement and safety work was carried out. That is not confirmation of the status of every Thrapston Pit water, so check the exact lake and permission before travelling.
The reserve itself is open at all times and has no entry fee, but that does not mean the fishing waters are freely available. No verified day-ticket or season-ticket price, opening hours, fishing dates, night-fishing permission, booking method or fishery rules are available in the checked facts. In short: cracking-looking gravel-pit country, but a proper check is essential before you clip up and head for a swim.
We're not sure on ticket prices here — we couldn't find reliable, up-to-date prices online, so give the fishery a ring or check their own site before you go.
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.
We haven’t found any public angler reviews of this venue yet. Fished it? Add yours below.
Thrapston Pits FAQs
Where is Thrapston Pits?
The complex is near Thrapston, Northamptonshire, in the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits area.
How much does it cost to fish Thrapston Pits?
No verified current day-ticket or season-ticket price is available in the checked facts.
How do I book a fishing session?
No verified current booking procedure has been found.
Is the Nine Arches Fishery open in 2026?
Nene Anglers stated that its Nine Arches stillwater complex would not open for the 2026 season because of land improvement and safety work. That does not confirm the status of every Thrapston Pits water.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Thrapston Pits. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Thrapston.
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?
NN14 3EE.
How much is a ticket?
We haven't got current prices. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Thrapston Pits isn't day-ticket water — North Lake, Town Lake, Aldwincle Lake are members or syndicate only.
What fish are in there?
Across the lakes you'll find roach, bream. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
3 — North Lake (Not published), Town Lake (Not published), Aldwincle Lake (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
It depends — No verified current night-fishing price or permission was found.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, it's required — Dogs are required to be kept on a lead at the nature reserve.
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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Syndicate · invite only
North Lake: a named thrapston water, but current fishing details are thin on the ground.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- roach, bream
North Lake is one of the named waters reported within the wider Thrapston Gravel Pits complex. It is part of a group of flooded former sand-and-gravel excavations, rather than an isolated commercial day-ticket lake.
Historical Thrapston gravel-pit records refer to roach and bream. There is no verified current size, stock information, peg map or ruleset for North Lake, so the practical details need checking before fishing.
Lake photographs
A look around North Lake
Thrapston Pits
North Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s North Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers happy to do a bit of homework and fish traditional coarse-water tactics
- Those who enjoy working out a gravel-pit swim rather than fishing from a fixed recipe
Maybe not for
- Anyone wanting confirmed prices, facilities and detailed current stock information before booking
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish North Lake
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.
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
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.
North Lake FAQs
How big is North Lake?
The acreage is not published in the checked facts.
What fish are reported from North Lake?
Historical records for Thrapston gravel pits refer to roach and bream, but there is no verified current lake-specific stock list.
What's the lake record on North Lake?
The fishery hasn't published a record for North 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 North Lake?
roach, bream.
Which baits work well on North Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for North 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 North Lake get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on North 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 Thrapston Pits before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on North 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 North Lake on a day ticket?
No — North Lake is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on North Lake?
It depends — No verified current night-fishing price or permission was found.
Who does North Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers happy to do a bit of homework and fish traditional coarse-water tactics; Those who enjoy working out a gravel-pit swim rather than fishing from a fixed recipe. Less suited to: Anyone wanting confirmed prices, facilities and detailed current stock information before booking.
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
Town Lake: another named water in the thrapston gravel-pit complex.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- roach, bream
Town Lake is reported as one of the separate lakes within Thrapston Pits. Like the rest of the complex, it is a flooded former excavation and forms part of a wider mix of fishing and nature-reserve waters.
The checked facts do not publish current access arrangements, lake dimensions or a detailed stock list. Roach and bream are mentioned in historical Thrapston gravel-pit records, giving a traditional coarse-fishing angle.
Lake photographs
A look around Town Lake
Thrapston Pits
Town Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Town Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Coarse anglers who enjoy exploring a mixed gravel-pit complex
- Those prepared to keep things quiet and adapt to the swim
Maybe not for
- Anglers after a fully documented commercial fishery with confirmed facilities and booking details
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Town Lake
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.
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
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.
Town Lake FAQs
Is Town Lake a day-ticket water?
That is not verified in the checked facts. Current access and permission should be confirmed first.
Are there toilets or a tackle shop at Town Lake?
No current fishery facilities are verified for Thrapston Pits.
What's the lake record on Town Lake?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Town 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 Town Lake?
roach, bream.
How big is Town Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. Another named water in the Thrapston gravel-pit complex..
Which baits work well on Town Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Town 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 Town Lake get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Town 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 Thrapston Pits before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Town 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 Town Lake on a day ticket?
No — Town Lake is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Town Lake?
It depends — No verified current night-fishing price or permission was found.
Who does Town Lake suit?
Good for: Coarse anglers who enjoy exploring a mixed gravel-pit complex; Those prepared to keep things quiet and adapt to the swim. Less suited to: Anglers after a fully documented commercial fishery with confirmed facilities and booking details.
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
Aldwincle Lake: the biggest lake at titchmarsh nature reserve.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- roach, bream
Aldwincle Lake is reported as the biggest lake at Titchmarsh Nature Reserve, which forms part of the wider Thrapston Gravel Pits complex. The setting is very much wetland and gravel-pit country, with the reserve important for overwintering wildfowl and other wetland birds.
Historical records mention roach and bream at Thrapston gravel pits, while the wider Nene Valley supports traditional coarse-fishing species. There is no verified current Aldwincle stock list, size or fishing schedule in the checked facts.
Lake photographs
A look around Aldwincle Lake
Thrapston Pits
Aldwincle Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Aldwincle Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers who like larger, open gravel-pit-style water and a wildlife-rich setting
- Coarse anglers comfortable building a plan around conditions and features
Maybe not for
- Anyone expecting confirmed night fishing, current prices or a published peg-by-peg guide
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Aldwincle Lake
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.
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
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.
Aldwincle Lake FAQs
Is Aldwincle Lake the biggest water in the area?
It is reported as the biggest lake at Titchmarsh Nature Reserve.
Can anglers fish all of Titchmarsh Nature Reserve?
No such permission is confirmed. The wider complex includes both fishing waters and nature-reserve waters, so the exact fishing access must be checked.
What's the lake record on Aldwincle Lake?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Aldwincle 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 Aldwincle Lake?
roach, bream.
How big is Aldwincle Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The biggest lake at Titchmarsh Nature Reserve..
Which baits work well on Aldwincle Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Aldwincle 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 Aldwincle Lake get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Aldwincle 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 Thrapston Pits before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Aldwincle 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 Aldwincle Lake on a day ticket?
No — Aldwincle Lake is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Aldwincle Lake?
It depends — No verified current night-fishing price or permission was found.
Who does Aldwincle Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers who like larger, open gravel-pit-style water and a wildlife-rich setting; Coarse anglers comfortable building a plan around conditions and features. Less suited to: Anyone expecting confirmed night fishing, current prices or a published peg-by-peg guide.
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
- Only if
Are current fishery rules published?
No verified current fishery rules were found.
- Only if
Is a current fishing season confirmed?
No verified current fishing-season dates were found.
- Only if
Is night fishing confirmed?
No verified current night-fishing price or permission was found.
- Must
Do dogs need to be on a lead at Titchmarsh Nature Reserve?
Dogs are required to be kept on a lead at the nature reserve.
- Yes
Is the nature reserve open at all times?
Titchmarsh Nature Reserve itself is open at all times.
- No
Is there an entry fee for the nature reserve?
The reserve has no entry fee, but that does not confirm free fishing access.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 12 October 2026. Rules change — always check with the fishery before you go.
Rules and prices change through the season. Follow and we'll flag changes the fishery or other anglers report.
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.
North Lake
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.
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
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.
Town Lake
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.
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
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.
Aldwincle Lake
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.
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
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.
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
5.3/10 from Tackle Index: Historical roach and bream records plus traditional Nene Valley coarse species give it a decent base, but current stock details are missing.
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.
We haven’t found any public angler reviews of this venue yet. Fished it? Add yours below.
Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “Thrapston Pits is the commonly used name for a group of flooded gravel pits near Thrapston, with several separate lakes and lagoons. Fishing access, prices and current syndicate arrangements are not published in the checked facts, so this is one to investigate properly before setting off.”
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 Thrapston Pits
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