Fishery guide · Nottinghamshire
Gunthorpe Lakes
Gunthorpe Lakes is the Gunthorpe Complex controlled by Ashfield Angling Club, with four all-year lakes plus a River Trent section. It is not a standard day-ticket venue: access is through club membership, with guest tickets requested via the club membership system.
“7.3/10 — Four lakes plus a River Trent section and a broad coarse species mix give anglers plenty to target.”
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The lowdown
Gunthorpe Lakes is the Gunthorpe Complex, controlled by Ashfield Angling Club. There are four lakes here: Dollar, FP, Duffers and Tench Lake, plus a River Trent section. It’s a proper mixed bag of venue, with stillwaters and river fishing all sitting in the same complex. Handy if you fancy changing things up without making a full day of the travel.
- 4 lakes: Dollar Lake, FP Lake, Duffers Lake, Tench Lake
- Fish: carp, tench, bream, zander, pike, barbel, chub, roach
- Tickets from: 2025/26 full membership renewal — £114
- Find it: Gunthorpe · NG14 7ER
Plan your session
Fishery map of Gunthorpe Lakes
Pick a pin or venue to see live bank-side conditions.
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
Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Photos courtesy of Photo: Gunthorpe Lakes (official website). Catch dates not confirmed.
Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Gunthorpe Lakes
Gunthorpe Lakes is the Gunthorpe Complex, controlled by Ashfield Angling Club. There are four lakes here: Dollar, FP, Duffers and Tench Lake, plus a River Trent section. It’s a proper mixed bag of venue, with stillwaters and river fishing all sitting in the same complex. Handy if you fancy changing things up without making a full day of the travel.
Dollar Lake is the big one at approximately 28 acres. It’s a gravel pit with deep areas, shallows, underwater bars, islands and weed, so there’s plenty to get your head around. That sort of water can really reward a bit of looking before casting. Spend time spotting features, finding depth changes and watching for signs of fish rather than lobbing straight in and hoping for the best.
The named Dollar Lake species include quality carp, tench, bream, zander and pike. Across the wider complex, reported species also include barbel, chub and roach, with the River Trent section holding the same broad range of coarse fish. There’s scope for different styles here, from patient carp work and methodical tench fishing to keeping mobile for river species. Bring a few options and let the conditions dictate the plan.
FP Lake and Duffers Lake are both stillwaters on the Gunthorpe complex. Their individual sizes and stock details aren’t published, so it’s best to keep expectations sensible and avoid arriving with a rigid game plan. A quick chat with the club or bailiff before fishing could help with current pegs, features, bait choices and any local watercraft tips. On a new lake, simple rigs, accurate plumbing and a watchful first hour are usually a bob-on starting point.
Tench Lake is the small lake on the complex, but it comes with a couple of important rules. You’re limited to a maximum of two rods, and keepnets aren’t allowed. That makes it a more controlled option for anglers who are happy keeping things tidy and fishing within tighter limits. All four lakes are open all year round, while night fishing is allowed on the lakes and river section. The River Trent follows the applicable coarse-fishing close-season rules, so check the current position before planning a river session.
This is club water rather than a standard day-ticket setup. Standard day tickets aren’t advertised for the lakes, and fishing is for Ashfield Angling Club members. Guest tickets can be requested through the club membership system, while access and applications are handled through the club website. A valid Environment Agency rod licence is also required. On the specimen waters, pack an unhooking mat, large landing net and carp-care medication. Bait boats are allowed on a trial basis but may be monitored, so check the latest club position before bringing one.
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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Gunthorpe Lakes FAQs
Is Gunthorpe Lakes a day-ticket fishery?
Not in the usual sense. Standard day tickets are not advertised; fishing is for Ashfield Angling Club members. Guest tickets can be requested through the club membership system.
Is the club waiting list open?
No. The club waiting list is currently closed.
Can I fish all year?
All four lakes are open all year round. The River Trent section follows the applicable coarse-fishing close-season rules.
Is there a toilet on site?
No on-site toilet facility is confirmed on the official venue information.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Gunthorpe Lakes. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Gunthorpe.
Do I need to bring food?
We haven't seen any food on site, so bring your own grub and drinks. A flask and a stove (where allowed) make a long day much better.
Are there toilets on site?
Yes — the fishery lists no confirmed on-site toilet facility.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
Yes — designated club parking. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
NG14 7ER.
How much is a ticket?
2025/26 full membership renewal: £114; 2025/26 full membership — new member: £224; 2025/26 senior or disabled renewal: £72; 2025/26 senior or disabled — new member: £182; 2025/26 youth renewal, ages 18–21: £51.50; 2025/26 youth — new member, ages 18–21: £125; 2025/26 junior price, ages 16–17: £10; Children under 16: Free when accompanied by a fully paid-up adult member. Prices last checked 2026-10-10 — they can change, so check before you go.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Some lakes need booking ahead. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in there?
Across the lakes you'll find carp, tench, bream, zander, pike, barbel, chub, roach. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
4 — Dollar Lake (Approximately 28 acres), FP Lake (Not published), Duffers Lake (Not published), Tench Lake (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
Yes — Night fishing is allowed on the Gunthorpe lakes and river section.
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?
It depends — Bait boats are allowed on a trial basis but may be monitored.
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
Dollar Lake: a 28-acre gravel pit packed with proper features.
- Size
- Approximately 28 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, tench, bream, zander, pike
Dollar Lake is the biggest named water in the complex, at approximately 28 acres. It is a gravel pit with deep and shallow areas, underwater bars, islands and weed.
The lake contains quality carp, tench, bream, zander and pike. With that mix of depths and features, there is plenty to think about whether you are targeting carp or fishing for a broader bag.
Lake photographs
A look around Dollar Lake
Gunthorpe Lakes
Dollar Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Dollar Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers who enjoy reading a large gravel-pit water and fishing to bars, islands or weed.
- Carp and specimen anglers after a lake with a mixed species list.
Maybe not for
- Anyone wanting a simple, small-water session with every detail and stock figure published.
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Dollar Lake
carp
Chod or helicopter style over soft weed and silt
Where the bottom drops in and out of holes or there might be soft silt or weed, a pop-up that slides up the leader sits over the muck instead of disappearing into it — no need to find a perfectly clean spot.
- Single pop-up, 2–3in off the bottom.
- Fish it as a single hookbait or with a light scattering of freebies — a big bed defeats the point.
- Cast to likely holes and let the lead settle; don't drag it back.
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.
tench
Method or maggot feeder for tench
Tench love margins and weedy patches. A feeder puts a small, tight patch of bait right by the hookbait.
- Fish 10–20 yards out, or tight to the cover where it's safe to land fish.
- Recast every 10–15 minutes early on to build the swim.
- Short hooklink with a dead red maggot, corn or a 8mm wafter.
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.
Dollar Lake FAQs
How big is Dollar Lake?
It is approximately 28 acres.
What features does Dollar Lake have?
Deep and shallow areas, underwater bars, islands and weed.
What's the lake record on Dollar Lake?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Dollar 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 Dollar Lake?
carp, tench, bream, zander, pike.
Which baits work well on Dollar Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Dollar 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 Dollar 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 Dollar 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 Gunthorpe Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Dollar 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 Dollar Lake on a day ticket?
You'll need to book Dollar Lake in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on Dollar Lake?
Yes — Night fishing is allowed on the Gunthorpe lakes and river section.
Who does Dollar Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers who enjoy reading a large gravel-pit water and fishing to bars, islands or weed.; Carp and specimen anglers after a lake with a mixed species list.. Less suited to: Anyone wanting a simple, small-water session with every detail and stock figure published..
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
FP Lake: a stillwater on the gunthorpe complex.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, pike, zander, barbel, chub, roach, bream, tench
FP Lake is one of the four stillwaters on the Gunthorpe complex. Its size and individual lake details are not published in the checked information.
Reported species across the complex include carp, pike, zander, barbel, chub, roach, bream and tench, giving the venue a broad coarse-fishing feel.
Lake photographs
A look around FP Lake
Gunthorpe Lakes
FP Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s FP Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Members looking for a stillwater session within the Gunthorpe complex.
- Anglers happy to work out the water on the day.
Maybe not for
- Anyone needing published lake dimensions or a detailed individual stock breakdown before fishing.
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish FP Lake
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
pike
Lure fishing for the pike
Lures let you cover water and find active pike fast.
- Spinners, jerkbaits and 4–6in soft shads on a 20–30g rod.
- Always use a wire trace — pike bite through mono and fluoro.
- Move every 10–15 casts till you find them; work drop-offs and edges.
zander
Small deadbaits or lures at dusk for zander
Zander hunt in low light and are fussy about resistance, so light, low-resistance rigs and small baits work best.
- Roach or smelt sections on a wire trace with small trebles.
- Use a running rig with a drop-off indicator so they feel nothing.
- On lures, slow soft shads bumped along the bottom at dusk.
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.
FP Lake FAQs
Is FP Lake a stillwater?
Yes, FP Lake is a stillwater on the Gunthorpe complex.
What size is FP Lake?
Its size is not published in the checked information.
What's the lake record on FP Lake?
The fishery hasn't published a record for FP 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 FP Lake?
carp, pike, zander, barbel, chub, roach, bream, tench.
How big is FP Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A stillwater on the Gunthorpe complex..
Which baits work well on FP Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for FP 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 FP 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 FP 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 Gunthorpe Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on FP 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 FP Lake on a day ticket?
You'll need to book FP Lake in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on FP Lake?
Yes — Night fishing is allowed on the Gunthorpe lakes and river section.
Who does FP Lake suit?
Good for: Members looking for a stillwater session within the Gunthorpe complex.; Anglers happy to work out the water on the day.. Less suited to: Anyone needing published lake dimensions or a detailed individual stock breakdown before fishing..
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
Duffers Lake: another stillwater in the four-lake complex.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, pike, zander, barbel, chub, roach, bream, tench
Duffers Lake is a stillwater on the Gunthorpe complex, alongside Dollar, FP and Tench Lake. The checked details do not publish its acreage or specific stock information.
The wider complex has reported carp, pike, zander, barbel, chub, roach, bream and tench. Access rules include a prohibition on fishing from the high bank between Duffers Lake and FP Lake.
Lake photographs
A look around Duffers Lake
Gunthorpe Lakes
Duffers Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Duffers Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Club members wanting another stillwater option within the complex.
- Anglers targeting a broad coarse species mix.
Maybe not for
- Anyone planning to fish from the prohibited high-bank stretch between Duffers and FP.
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Duffers Lake
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
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.
zander
Small deadbaits or lures at dusk for zander
Zander hunt in low light and are fussy about resistance, so light, low-resistance rigs and small baits work best.
- Roach or smelt sections on a wire trace with small trebles.
- Use a running rig with a drop-off indicator so they feel nothing.
- On lures, slow soft shads bumped along the bottom at dusk.
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.
Duffers Lake FAQs
Is Duffers Lake a stillwater?
Yes, it is a stillwater on the Gunthorpe complex.
Can you fish from the high bank between Duffers and FP?
No. Fishing from that high bank is prohibited.
What's the lake record on Duffers Lake?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Duffers 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 Duffers Lake?
carp, pike, zander, barbel, chub, roach, bream, tench.
How big is Duffers Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. Another stillwater in the four-lake complex..
Which baits work well on Duffers Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Duffers 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 Duffers 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 Duffers 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 Gunthorpe Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Duffers 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 Duffers Lake on a day ticket?
You'll need to book Duffers Lake in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on Duffers Lake?
Yes — Night fishing is allowed on the Gunthorpe lakes and river section.
Who does Duffers Lake suit?
Good for: Club members wanting another stillwater option within the complex.; Anglers targeting a broad coarse species mix.. Less suited to: Anyone planning to fish from the prohibited high-bank stretch between Duffers and FP..
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
Tench Lake: the small lake, with tighter tackle rules.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, pike, zander, barbel, chub, roach, bream, tench
Tench Lake is the small lake on the Gunthorpe complex. It has a maximum limit of two rods, so keep the setup within that restriction.
Keepnets are not allowed on Tench Lake. The wider complex has a broad reported coarse species list, including carp, pike, zander, barbel, chub, roach, bream and tench.
Lake photographs
A look around Tench Lake
Gunthorpe Lakes
Tench Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Tench Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers happy fishing a smaller water with a two-rod limit.
- Those who prefer a session without using a keepnet.
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting to fish more than two rods or use a keepnet.
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Tench Lake
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
pike
Lure fishing for the pike
Lures let you cover water and find active pike fast.
- Spinners, jerkbaits and 4–6in soft shads on a 20–30g rod.
- Always use a wire trace — pike bite through mono and fluoro.
- Move every 10–15 casts till you find them; work drop-offs and edges.
zander
Small deadbaits or lures at dusk for zander
Zander hunt in low light and are fussy about resistance, so light, low-resistance rigs and small baits work best.
- Roach or smelt sections on a wire trace with small trebles.
- Use a running rig with a drop-off indicator so they feel nothing.
- On lures, slow soft shads bumped along the bottom at dusk.
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 Lake FAQs
How many rods are allowed on Tench Lake?
A maximum of two rods.
Are keepnets allowed on Tench Lake?
No, keepnets are not allowed.
What's the lake record on Tench Lake?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Tench 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 Tench Lake?
carp, pike, zander, barbel, chub, roach, bream, tench.
How big is Tench Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The small lake, with tighter tackle rules..
Which baits work well on Tench Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Tench 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 Tench 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 Tench 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 Gunthorpe Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Tench 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 Tench Lake on a day ticket?
You'll need to book Tench Lake in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on Tench Lake?
Yes — Night fishing is allowed on the Gunthorpe lakes and river section.
Who does Tench Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers happy fishing a smaller water with a two-rod limit.; Those who prefer a session without using a keepnet.. Less suited to: Anglers wanting to fish more than two rods or use a keepnet..
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
Is standard day-ticket fishing available?
Standard day tickets are not advertised for the lakes. Fishing is for Ashfield Angling Club members, with guest tickets requested through the club membership system.
- Yes
Is night fishing allowed?
Night fishing is allowed on the Gunthorpe lakes and river section.
- Seasonal
Does the River Trent have a close season?
The river section follows the applicable coarse-fishing close-season rules. The four lakes are open all year round.
- Must
Is an Environment Agency rod licence required?
A valid Environment Agency rod licence is additionally required.
- Must
Are specimen-water fish-care items required?
An unhooking mat, large landing net and carp-care medication are required on the specimen waters.
- Only if
Are bait boats allowed?
Bait boats are allowed on a trial basis but may be monitored.
- No
Are fires allowed?
No fires are allowed except for authorised caretaking purposes.
- No
Can vehicles use every track?
Vehicles must use the entrance gate off the A6097 and observe the 10 mph limit. The left-hand track near the river is foot traffic only.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 10 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.
Dollar Lake
carp
Chod or helicopter style over soft weed and silt
Where the bottom drops in and out of holes or there might be soft silt or weed, a pop-up that slides up the leader sits over the muck instead of disappearing into it — no need to find a perfectly clean spot.
- Single pop-up, 2–3in off the bottom.
- Fish it as a single hookbait or with a light scattering of freebies — a big bed defeats the point.
- Cast to likely holes and let the lead settle; don't drag it back.
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.
tench
Method or maggot feeder for tench
Tench love margins and weedy patches. A feeder puts a small, tight patch of bait right by the hookbait.
- Fish 10–20 yards out, or tight to the cover where it's safe to land fish.
- Recast every 10–15 minutes early on to build the swim.
- Short hooklink with a dead red maggot, corn or a 8mm wafter.
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.
FP Lake
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
pike
Lure fishing for the pike
Lures let you cover water and find active pike fast.
- Spinners, jerkbaits and 4–6in soft shads on a 20–30g rod.
- Always use a wire trace — pike bite through mono and fluoro.
- Move every 10–15 casts till you find them; work drop-offs and edges.
zander
Small deadbaits or lures at dusk for zander
Zander hunt in low light and are fussy about resistance, so light, low-resistance rigs and small baits work best.
- Roach or smelt sections on a wire trace with small trebles.
- Use a running rig with a drop-off indicator so they feel nothing.
- On lures, slow soft shads bumped along the bottom at dusk.
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.
Duffers Lake
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
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.
zander
Small deadbaits or lures at dusk for zander
Zander hunt in low light and are fussy about resistance, so light, low-resistance rigs and small baits work best.
- Roach or smelt sections on a wire trace with small trebles.
- Use a running rig with a drop-off indicator so they feel nothing.
- On lures, slow soft shads bumped along the bottom at dusk.
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 Lake
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
pike
Lure fishing for the pike
Lures let you cover water and find active pike fast.
- Spinners, jerkbaits and 4–6in soft shads on a 20–30g rod.
- Always use a wire trace — pike bite through mono and fluoro.
- Move every 10–15 casts till you find them; work drop-offs and edges.
zander
Small deadbaits or lures at dusk for zander
Zander hunt in low light and are fussy about resistance, so light, low-resistance rigs and small baits work best.
- Roach or smelt sections on a wire trace with small trebles.
- Use a running rig with a drop-off indicator so they feel nothing.
- On lures, slow soft shads bumped along the bottom at dusk.
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.
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
7.3/10 from Tackle Index: Four lakes plus a River Trent section and a broad coarse species mix give anglers plenty to target.
Straight from anglers online
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Checked Sept '26 — “Gunthorpe Lakes is the Gunthorpe Complex controlled by Ashfield Angling Club, with four all-year lakes plus a River Trent section. It is not a standard day-ticket venue: access is through club membership, with guest tickets requested via the club membership system.”
This is our own summary of recurring public feedback and the venue details we checked, not a copied customer review or a promise you’ll catch. Feedback changes, so we keep it separate from the Tackle Index score.
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