Fishery guide · Somerset
Hunstrete Lakes
Hunstrete Lakes, also known as Dave Crookes Fishery, is a three-lake Bathampton Angling Association complex near Pensford, Somerset. It’s a proper syndicate-style setup with loads of platforms, a £5 day ticket and carp, match and mixed-species options.
“8.0/10 — Three waters offer a carp lake, a hard-fighting carp pool and a well-stocked mixed-species match lake.”
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The lowdown
Hunstrete Lakes, also known as Dave Crookes Fishery at Hunstrete, sits near Hunstrete, Pensford, Bristol, Somerset. The complex is controlled by Bathampton Angling Association and has three lakes, with approximately 115 swims or fishing platforms across the venue. That’s a fair bit of choice, whether you’re after a carp chuck or fancy a more traditional session.
- 4 lakes: Hunstrete Lake, Withy Pool, Murfet's Pool, Bridge Pool
- Fish: carp, bream, roach, perch, tench, rudd, crucian
- Tickets from: Listed day ticket — £5
- Find it: Hunstrete · BS39 4NT
Plan your session
Fishery map of Hunstrete Lakes
Pick a pin or venue to see live bank-side conditions.
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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
Photos courtesy of Photo: Hunstrete 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 Hunstrete Lakes
Hunstrete Lakes, also known as Dave Crookes Fishery at Hunstrete, sits near Hunstrete, Pensford, Bristol, Somerset. The complex is controlled by Bathampton Angling Association and has three lakes, with approximately 115 swims or fishing platforms across the venue. That’s a fair bit of choice, whether you’re after a carp chuck or fancy a more traditional session.
The original Hunstrete Lake has recently been restocked with carp to about 25lb, giving it a clear carp angle. Withy Pool and Murfet’s Pool offer something different, so it’s worth having a look at the lake options before you set off. On a new venue, a quick chat with the bailiff or association can be handy for finding out which areas have been fishing well and what approach is behaving on the day.
Withy Pool is approximately 3 acres, with two islands and about 40 fishing platforms. It contains carp, bream, roach and perch, with many doubles and some twenties among the carp. They’re described as hard fighting, so bring suitable tackle and make sure your landing kit is properly sorted. Islands and the margins are the obvious features to look at, but don’t ignore quieter water if the bank is busy.
Murfet’s Pool covers approximately 2.5 acres and has three islands or prominent features, along with 34 wooden fishing platforms. It’s a well-stocked match lake holding bream, perch, tench, rudd and crucian carp, and it’s available for match hire. If you’re planning a mixed-species day, pack a flexible selection of rigs and baits, then watch the water before committing to one line. Keepnets are generally restricted to Murfet’s Pool and may be prohibited seasonally, so check the current position first.
The practical side is pretty bob on. The car park adjoins the lakes, toilets are available and disabled access is provided, with some platforms especially suitable for disabled or elderly anglers. Fishing is limited to designated swims or platforms, and swims normally can’t be reserved, so it’s first come, first served. Arrive sensibly too, as the association warns against causing noise or obstruction on the narrow access road.
There’s a bit of admin to sort before loading the barrow. The listed day-ticket price is £5, but Bathampton Angling Association membership is also required: current listed membership is £40 for adults for 12 months and £15 for juniors. Day tickets and memberships can be purchased through the Clubmate app, and the day ticket must be dated and include your membership number. Only members may fish, and an EA rod licence is required for anglers over 12.
Before you go, check the Clubmate app, website and venue notice boards for opening and closing times. The lakes can close temporarily for spawning, maintenance, matches or other authorised events. You’re limited to two rods, night fishing needs specific authorisation, nuts including tiger nuts are banned, and carp must be handled with suitable carp-care gear. Bring a proper mat, sling and net, be ready to dip kit where tanks are provided, and you’ll be set for a tidy session.
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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Hunstrete Lakes FAQs
How much is a day ticket?
The listed day-ticket price is £5, but membership is also required.
How much is membership?
Current listed membership is £40 for adults and £15 for juniors, both for 12 months.
Where can tickets and membership be bought?
Through the Clubmate app. Day tickets must be dated and include the member’s membership number, then be deposited in the ticket box or purchased through Clubmate.
Can non-fishing guests visit?
Non-fishing guests require a guest pass obtained from the membership secretary.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Hunstrete Lakes. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Hunstrete.
Do I need to bring food?
We haven't seen any food on site, so bring your own grub and drinks. A flask and a stove (where allowed) make a long day much better.
Are there toilets on site?
Yes — the fishery lists toilets available.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
Yes — car park adjoining the lakes. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
BS39 4NT.
How much is a ticket?
Listed day ticket: £5; Adult Bathampton Angling Association membership, 12 months: £40; Junior Bathampton Angling Association membership, 12 months: £15. Prices last checked 2026-10-12 — they can change, so check before you go.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Hunstrete Lakes isn't day-ticket water — Hunstrete Lake, Withy Pool, Murfet's Pool are members or syndicate only.
What fish are in there?
Across the lakes you'll find carp, bream, roach, perch, tench, rudd, crucian. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
4 — Hunstrete Lake (Not published), Withy Pool (Approximately 3 acres), Murfet's Pool (Approximately 2.5 acres), Bridge Pool (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
It depends — Night fishing is not permitted unless specifically authorised by Bathampton Angling Association.
Can I bring my dog?
No — No dogs are allowed except guide dogs.
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?
The fishery lists disabled access. Ring ahead to check which swims suit you.
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
Hunstrete Lake: the original lake, with a clear carp focus.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Hunstrete Lake is the original lake in the complex and has recently been restocked with carp to about 25lb.
It’s the obvious water to consider if carp are the main target, although the checked details do not publish its acreage, platform count or any further lake features.
Recently restocked with carp to about 25lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Hunstrete Lake
Hunstrete Lakes
Hunstrete Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Hunstrete Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers targeting carp
- Members wanting to fish the original Hunstrete water
Maybe not for
- Anglers looking specifically for a published lake size or detailed feature map
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Hunstrete 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.
Hunstrete Lake FAQs
What carp size is mentioned for Hunstrete Lake?
The lake has recently been restocked with carp to about 25lb.
Can non-members fish Hunstrete Lake?
No. Only Bathampton Angling Association members may fish at Hunstrete.
What's the lake record on Hunstrete Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: Recently restocked with carp to about 25lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Hunstrete Lake?
carp. Recently restocked with carp to about 25lb.
How big is Hunstrete Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The original lake, with a clear carp focus..
Which baits work well on Hunstrete Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Hunstrete 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: with the fish the fishery lists here, a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Hunstrete 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 Hunstrete 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 Hunstrete Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Hunstrete 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 Hunstrete Lake on a day ticket?
No — Hunstrete Lake is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Hunstrete Lake?
It depends — Night fishing is not permitted unless specifically authorised by Bathampton Angling Association.
Who does Hunstrete Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers targeting carp; Members wanting to fish the original Hunstrete water. Less suited to: Anglers looking specifically for a published lake size or detailed feature map.
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
Withy Pool: a feature-packed pool with hard-fighting carp.
- Size
- Approximately 3 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, bream, roach, perch
Withy Pool is approximately 3 acres, with two islands and about 40 fishing platforms. That gives the pool plenty of visible structure to fish around.
The mix includes carp, bream, roach and perch. Its carp are described as hard fighting, with many doubles and some twenties in the lake.
Contains many double-figure carp and some twenties.
Lake photographs
A look around Withy Pool
Hunstrete Lakes
Withy Pool
We’re checking the fishery’s Withy Pool pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Carp anglers after hard-fighting fish
- Anglers who enjoy mixed-species fishing around islands
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting a match lake specifically described as well stocked
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Withy Pool
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.
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.
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.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
Withy Pool FAQs
How big is Withy Pool?
It is approximately 3 acres.
What fish are in Withy Pool?
Carp, bream, roach and perch, including many double-figure carp and some twenties.
What's the lake record on Withy Pool?
Going by what the fishery says: Contains many double-figure carp and some twenties. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
Which baits work well on Withy Pool?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Withy Pool 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 Withy Pool get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Withy Pool?
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 Hunstrete Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Withy Pool?
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 Withy Pool on a day ticket?
No — Withy Pool is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Withy Pool?
It depends — Night fishing is not permitted unless specifically authorised by Bathampton Angling Association.
Who does Withy Pool suit?
Good for: Carp anglers after hard-fighting fish; Anglers who enjoy mixed-species fishing around islands. Less suited to: Anglers wanting a match lake specifically described as well stocked.
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
Murfet's Pool: the match-style pool with islands, platforms and mixed silverfish.
- Size
- Approximately 2.5 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- bream, perch, tench, rudd, crucian
Murfet’s Pool covers approximately 2.5 acres and has three islands or prominent features. There are 34 wooden fishing platforms around the lake.
It is described as a well-stocked match lake and contains bream, perch, tench, rudd and crucian carp. It is also available for match hire.
Described as a well-stocked match lake.
Lake photographs
A look around Murfet's Pool
Hunstrete Lakes
Murfet's Pool
We’re checking the fishery’s Murfet's Pool pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Match anglers and mixed-species sessions
- Anglers after tench, bream, rudd or crucian carp
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting unrestricted keepnet use, as restrictions can apply
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Murfet's Pool
bream
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
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.
rudd
Floating baits and shallow float for rudd
Rudd feed high in the water, often near reeds and lilies on warm days. Fish up in the water to them, not on the bottom.
- A light waggler set 1–2ft deep with a single maggot or caster on a size 18.
- Loose-feed little and often to bring them up.
- Floating bread flake works brilliantly in summer.
Murfet's Pool FAQs
How many platforms are on Murfet’s Pool?
There are 34 wooden fishing platforms.
Can Murfet’s Pool be hired for matches?
Yes. It is available for match hire.
What's the lake record on Murfet's Pool?
Going by what the fishery says: Described as a well-stocked match lake. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Murfet's Pool?
bream, perch, tench, rudd, crucian. Described as a well-stocked match lake.
How big is Murfet's Pool and how many swims?
Around Approximately 2.5 acres acres. The match-style pool with islands, platforms and mixed silverfish..
Which baits work well on Murfet's Pool?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Murfet's Pool 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 Murfet's Pool get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Murfet's Pool?
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 Hunstrete Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Murfet's Pool?
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 Murfet's Pool on a day ticket?
No — Murfet's Pool is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Murfet's Pool?
It depends — Night fishing is not permitted unless specifically authorised by Bathampton Angling Association.
Who does Murfet's Pool suit?
Good for: Match anglers and mixed-species sessions; Anglers after tench, bream, rudd or crucian carp. Less suited to: Anglers wanting unrestricted keepnet use, as restrictions can apply.
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
Bridge Pool: a pool available for match hire through the association.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Bridge Pool is named as an additional pool available for match hire at Hunstrete.
Booking enquiries should be made directly to Bathampton Angling Association. No acreage, species list or platform details are published in the checked facts.
Lake photographs
A look around Bridge Pool
Hunstrete Lakes
Bridge Pool
We’re checking the fishery’s Bridge Pool pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Organised matches and booked events
- Groups contacting the association about venue hire
Maybe not for
- Casual anglers looking for a standard day-ticket swim
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Bridge Pool
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.
Bridge Pool FAQs
Is Bridge Pool available for match hire?
Yes, Bridge Pool is available for match hire.
Who handles Bridge Pool booking enquiries?
Booking enquiries should be made to Bathampton Angling Association.
What's the lake record on Bridge Pool?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Bridge Pool 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 Bridge Pool?
carp.
How big is Bridge Pool and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A pool available for match hire through the association..
Which baits work well on Bridge Pool?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Bridge Pool 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 Bridge Pool get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Bridge Pool?
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 Hunstrete Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Bridge Pool?
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 Bridge Pool on a day ticket?
You'll need to book Bridge Pool in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on Bridge Pool?
It depends — Night fishing is not permitted unless specifically authorised by Bathampton Angling Association.
Who does Bridge Pool suit?
Good for: Organised matches and booked events; Groups contacting the association about venue hire. Less suited to: Casual anglers looking for a standard day-ticket swim.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Venue Rule Checker
- Must
Is Bathampton Angling Association membership required?
Only members may fish at Hunstrete. The £5 day ticket is additional to membership.
- Must
Is an EA rod licence required?
An EA rod licence is required for anglers over 12.
- No
Can more than two rods be used?
No more than two rods may be used at one time.
- Only if
Is night fishing allowed?
Night fishing is not permitted unless specifically authorised by Bathampton Angling Association.
- No
Can swims be reserved?
Swims cannot normally be reserved; fishing is first come, first served.
- No
Are nuts allowed?
Nuts, including tiger nuts, are prohibited.
- No
Are dogs allowed?
No dogs are allowed except guide dogs.
- Seasonal
Can the lakes close temporarily?
Closures may happen for spawning, maintenance, matches or other authorised events. Check the Clubmate app, website and venue notice boards.
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.
Hunstrete 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.
Withy Pool
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.
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.
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.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
Murfet's Pool
bream
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
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.
rudd
Floating baits and shallow float for rudd
Rudd feed high in the water, often near reeds and lilies on warm days. Fish up in the water to them, not on the bottom.
- A light waggler set 1–2ft deep with a single maggot or caster on a size 18.
- Loose-feed little and often to bring them up.
- Floating bread flake works brilliantly in summer.
Bridge Pool
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
Good background reading. Most of it is a few years old, so treat it as a starting point and ask on the day.
Videos linked by the fishery
What anglers reckon
8.0/10 from Tackle Index: Three waters offer a carp lake, a hard-fighting carp pool and a well-stocked mixed-species match lake.
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 — “Hunstrete Lakes, also known as Dave Crookes Fishery, is a three-lake Bathampton Angling Association complex near Pensford, Somerset. It’s a proper syndicate-style setup with loads of platforms, a £5 day ticket and carp, match and mixed-species options.”
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 Hunstrete Lakes
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