Fishery guide · South Yorkshire
Hayfield Lakes
A long-running, large (120-acre) Doncaster commercial complex with three lakes and 160+ pegs, home to the Maver Mega Match This final — but recent Tripadvisor reviews are notably poor, with several complaints about a change of management.
“5.8/10 — Carp and mixed coarse fishing across three lakes.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Hayfield Lakes opened in 1991 and has built a genuinely big match-fishing reputation, hosting events including the Maver Mega Match This Grand Final and attracting well-known match names according to its own site. The complex sits on roughly 120 acres and currently lists three lakes (Dannie's Island and Adam's are named on the official lakes page) with a combined total the fishery states as 160+ pegs.
- 2 lakes: Dannie's Island, Adam's Lake
- Fish: carp
- Tickets from: Day ticket — unconfirmed — buy on arrival at the Maver Boutique
- Find it: Auckley, near Doncaster · DN9 3NP
Plan your session
Fishery map of Hayfield Lakes
Pick a pin or venue to see live bank-side conditions.
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How busy was it?
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Water updates from anglers
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Photos courtesy of Hayfield Lakes. See the originals. Catch dates not confirmed.
Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Hayfield Lakes
Hayfield Lakes opened in 1991 and has built a genuinely big match-fishing reputation, hosting events including the Maver Mega Match This Grand Final and attracting well-known match names according to its own site. The complex sits on roughly 120 acres and currently lists three lakes (Dannie's Island and Adam's are named on the official lakes page) with a combined total the fishery states as 160+ pegs.
All visitors report to the Maver Boutique — the fishery's own tackle and bait shop — to buy a day ticket before fishing; there's no online booking indicated on the official site, so phone or email ahead for match enquiries.
It's worth being upfront that recent online reviews are considerably more mixed than the official copy suggests: Hayfield Lakes sits at around 2.4–2.6 out of 5 on Tripadvisor from recent reviews, with more than one 2026 reviewer specifically blaming a change of ownership/management for a drop in standards — one described it as 'the worst experience I've had at a fishery' and said fish condition had suffered, while another reported being turned away over a visitor-access issue. We've included this because it's a real and recent pattern, not an isolated grumble.
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.
“This used to be a great fishery until the new owner took over. She needs to learn some people skills. The condition of the fish is shocking as most look like aquatic parrots There's a lot of other fisheries close by with better facilities and fish in great condition.”
— Mark H, Jul 2026 · Tripadvisor
“What's allowed on site only come to see grandad with my daughter. Was told it wasn't allowed even though there was people walking around with dogs. Which I have photos of people walking. I WON'T RECOMMEND TO ANYONE. TRAVEL HOUR TO GET THERE BUT TURN AWAY. TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE”
— Danny L, Jul 2026 · Tripadvisor
Hayfield Lakes FAQs
How many lakes are there at Hayfield Lakes?
The official site currently lists three lakes totalling 160+ pegs, with Dannie's Island and Adam's named on the lakes page.
Has Hayfield Lakes changed hands recently?
We can't confirm ownership history ourselves, but several 2026 Tripadvisor reviews specifically blame a change of management for a drop in standards — worth bearing in mind alongside the official site's own description.
Do I need to book in advance?
No online booking is indicated on the official site — day tickets are bought on arrival at the Maver Boutique, the on-site tackle and bait shop.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
There's maver boutique — tackle shop and bait bar (check in here first) on site, so you can grab bits on the day. For anything bigger, stock up before you leave home — or order online in advance.
Do I need to bring food?
There's hayfield shooting & fishing lodge (food, drink) listed, but opening times vary, so pack snacks and plenty of water just in case — especially on a long session.
Are there toilets on site?
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?
DN9 3NP. DN9 3NP covers the wider Hayfield Lakes site on Hayfield Lane, Auckley — the complex includes camping, a shooting-and-fishing lodge and the fishery itself, so follow signage to the Maver Boutique (the tackle/bait shop) to check in rather than heading straight for a peg.
How much is a ticket?
Day ticket: unconfirmed — buy on arrival at the Maver Boutique. Prices last checked 2026-10-01 — they can change, so check before you go.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Day tickets are available on Dannie's Island, Adam's Lake. Busy weekends can fill up, so ring ahead if you've got your heart set on a swim.
What fish are in there?
Across the lakes you'll find carp. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
Is night fishing allowed?
No — No night fishing and no fires.
Can I bring my dog?
Not covered in the rules we've checked. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Are bait boats allowed?
We haven't seen a bait-boat rule listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Do I need barbless hooks?
No — Barbless hooks only, maximum size 12.
Do I need my own unhooking mat or cradle?
Bring one either way — most fisheries expect it and the fish deserve it.
Is it suitable for disabled anglers?
We haven't seen disabled access listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Do I need a rod licence?
Yes — anyone 13 or over fishing in England and Wales needs an Environment Agency rod licence (or Natural Resources Wales in Wales), on top of your fishery ticket.
When's the best time of year to fish here?
Late spring through autumn is prime for most species. Check our live weather edge for this venue before you go — it updates daily.
Anglers' photos
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Day ticket · turn up
Dannie's Island: the older of the two main lakes, home of the mega match this final
A big, deep lake with a major match pedigree, let down by recent review sentiment.
- Fishing Quality
- 7/10
- Swims & Banks
- 7/10
- Facilities
- 6/10
- Ease of Access
- 7/10
- Value for Money
- 5/10
Mixed carp to 20lb, good skimmers and bream, depths to 20ft.
79-angler capacity, the venue for the Mega Match This final.
Maver Boutique tackle/bait shop and lodge, but recent reviews flag a drop in standards.
Day ticket bought on arrival, no booking needed.
Current day-ticket price unconfirmed; recent reviews raise value-for-money doubts.
- Size
- unconfirmed acres
- Swims
- 79
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Dannie's Island first opened in 1991 and the fishery markets it as the 'Home of the Mega Match This Final' — it's a big water (79 anglers capacity per the official lakes page) with depths to around 20ft in places and a heavily mixed carp stock.
A third-party 2018 write-up described this as a popular summer water for carp with a good head of skimmers and bream in winter — broadly consistent with what the official site says today.
The fishery describes large stocks of mirror, common, koi, ghost and grass carp and Carrasio from 10oz to 20lb, plus skimmers and bream to 4lb, with depths to around 20ft in places.
Lake photographs
A look around Dannie's Island
Photos courtesy of Hayfield Lakes. See the originals. Catch dates not confirmed.
Suits
- Match anglers wanting a big, deep, competitive water
- Pleasure anglers wanting plenty of carp
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting a small, intimate pool
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Dannie's Island
carp
Zigs in the warmer months
In clear, deep water carp often sit up in the layers on warm days. A zig is the only way to get a bait in front of them.
- Start at half depth and move up or down a foot at a time until you get bites.
- Black or foam hookbaits work well on bright days.
- Keep it simple — no freebies needed.
carp
Chod or helicopter style over soft weed and silt
Where the bottom drops in and out of holes or there might be soft silt or weed, a pop-up that slides up the leader sits over the muck instead of disappearing into it — no need to find a perfectly clean spot.
- Single pop-up, 2–3in off the bottom.
- Fish it as a single hookbait or with a light scattering of freebies — a big bed defeats the point.
- Cast to likely holes and let the lead settle; don't drag it back.
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.
Dannie's Island FAQs
What's the lake record on Dannie's Island?
Going by what the fishery says: The fishery describes large stocks of mirror, common, koi, ghost and grass carp and Carrasio from 10oz to 20lb, plus skimmers and bream to 4lb, with depths to around 20ft in places. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Dannie's Island?
carp. The fishery describes large stocks of mirror, common, koi, ghost and grass carp and Carrasio from 10oz to 20lb, plus skimmers and bream to 4lb, with depths to around 20ft in places.
How big is Dannie's Island and how many swims?
Around unconfirmed acres with 79 swims. The older of the two main lakes, home of the Mega Match This final.
Which baits work well on Dannie's Island?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Dannie's Island 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 Dannie's Island get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Dannie's Island?
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 Hayfield Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Dannie's Island?
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 Dannie's Island on a day ticket?
Yes — Dannie's Island is on the day ticket. Tickets: Day ticket unconfirmed — buy on arrival at the Maver Boutique (last checked 2026-10-01).
Is night fishing allowed on Dannie's Island?
No — No night fishing and no fires.
Who does Dannie's Island suit?
Good for: Match anglers wanting a big, deep, competitive water; Pleasure anglers wanting plenty of carp. Less suited to: Anglers wanting a small, intimate pool.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Day ticket · turn up
Adam's Lake: a deep, 82-peg lake good for winter silverfish as well as carp
A deep, high-capacity lake, good for winter silverfish as well as carp.
- Fishing Quality
- 7/10
- Swims & Banks
- 7/10
- Facilities
- 6/10
- Ease of Access
- 7/10
- Value for Money
- 5/10
Mixed carp to 20lb plus skimmers and bream; strong winter silverfish water.
82-angler capacity.
Same shared facilities and recent review concerns as Dannie's Island.
Day ticket bought on arrival, no booking needed.
Current day-ticket price unconfirmed; recent reviews raise value-for-money doubts.
- Size
- unconfirmed acres
- Swims
- 82
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Adam's Lake is the complex's other big named water, with a stated 82-angler capacity. A third-party guide describes it as a favourite winter venue for anglers fishing bloodworm and joker for silverfish, alongside the same carp stock as Dannie's Island.
The fishery describes the same large mixed carp stock as Dannie's Island (mirror, common, koi, ghost, grass, Carrasio from 10oz to 20lb) plus skimmers and bream, with depths to around 20ft.
Lake photographs
A look around Adam's Lake
Photos courtesy of Hayfield Lakes. See the originals. Catch dates not confirmed.
Suits
- Winter silverfish specialists
- Match and pleasure carp anglers
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting a shallower, more intimate water
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Adam's Lake
carp
Light baiting tight to the island margins
Carp patrol the island margins on most venues. A handful of bait right on the edge often beats a heavy bed in open water, especially later in the day.
- Walk the bank first and look for bubbling, swirls or coloured water by the cover.
- Bait two or three spots with a few handfuls of chopped and whole boilies.
- Lower or flick the rig in quietly and back your line off with a back lead.
- Keep the drag set tight-ish — fish hooked by cover need turning quickly.
carp
Chod or helicopter style over soft weed and silt
Where the bottom drops in and out of holes or there might be soft silt or weed, a pop-up that slides up the leader sits over the muck instead of disappearing into it — no need to find a perfectly clean spot.
- Single pop-up, 2–3in off the bottom.
- Fish it as a single hookbait or with a light scattering of freebies — a big bed defeats the point.
- Cast to likely holes and let the lead settle; don't drag it back.
carp
Zigs in the warmer months
In clear, deep water carp often sit up in the layers on warm days. A zig is the only way to get a bait in front of them.
- Start at half depth and move up or down a foot at a time until you get bites.
- Black or foam hookbaits work well on bright days.
- Keep it simple — no freebies needed.
Adam's Lake FAQs
What's the lake record on Adam's Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: The fishery describes the same large mixed carp stock as Dannie's Island (mirror, common, koi, ghost, grass, Carrasio from 10oz to 20lb) plus skimmers and bream, with depths to around 20ft. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Adam's Lake?
carp. The fishery describes the same large mixed carp stock as Dannie's Island (mirror, common, koi, ghost, grass, Carrasio from 10oz to 20lb) plus skimmers and bream, with depths to around 20ft.
How big is Adam's Lake and how many swims?
Around unconfirmed acres with 82 swims. A deep, 82-peg lake good for winter silverfish as well as carp.
Which baits work well on Adam's Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Adam's 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 Adam's Lake get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Adam's 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 Hayfield Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Adam's 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 Adam's Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Adam's Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Day ticket unconfirmed — buy on arrival at the Maver Boutique (last checked 2026-10-01).
Is night fishing allowed on Adam's Lake?
No — No night fishing and no fires.
Who does Adam's Lake suit?
Good for: Winter silverfish specialists; Match and pleasure carp anglers. Less suited to: Anglers wanting a shallower, more intimate water.
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
Do I need to check in anywhere?
All visitors must report to the Maver Boutique on arrival and buy a day ticket before fishing.
- Only if
What landing nets are allowed?
Anglers must provide their own round landing net; triangular specimen carp landing net types are strictly prohibited.
- No
Barbed hooks?
Barbless hooks only, maximum size 12.
- Must
What feeders are allowed?
Inline method-type feeders only; all rigs must be free-running, no bolt rigs, no float stops or beads above the feeder.
- No
Night fishing?
No night fishing and no fires.
- No
Surface or artificial baits?
No surface baits and no artificial baits (including superglue or varnished pellets).
- Must
Pole length limit?
16m pole limit.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 1 October 2026. Rules change — always check with the fishery before you go.
Tips & guides worth reading
How we'd fish each lake
Our own suggestions, worked out from each lake's features, its main fish and the venue rules. They're tried-and-tested methods, not reports from this venue, so watch the water and ask in the tackle shop on the day.
Dannie's Island
carp
Zigs in the warmer months
In clear, deep water carp often sit up in the layers on warm days. A zig is the only way to get a bait in front of them.
- Start at half depth and move up or down a foot at a time until you get bites.
- Black or foam hookbaits work well on bright days.
- Keep it simple — no freebies needed.
carp
Chod or helicopter style over soft weed and silt
Where the bottom drops in and out of holes or there might be soft silt or weed, a pop-up that slides up the leader sits over the muck instead of disappearing into it — no need to find a perfectly clean spot.
- Single pop-up, 2–3in off the bottom.
- Fish it as a single hookbait or with a light scattering of freebies — a big bed defeats the point.
- Cast to likely holes and let the lead settle; don't drag it back.
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.
Adam's Lake
carp
Light baiting tight to the island margins
Carp patrol the island margins on most venues. A handful of bait right on the edge often beats a heavy bed in open water, especially later in the day.
- Walk the bank first and look for bubbling, swirls or coloured water by the cover.
- Bait two or three spots with a few handfuls of chopped and whole boilies.
- Lower or flick the rig in quietly and back your line off with a back lead.
- Keep the drag set tight-ish — fish hooked by cover need turning quickly.
carp
Chod or helicopter style over soft weed and silt
Where the bottom drops in and out of holes or there might be soft silt or weed, a pop-up that slides up the leader sits over the muck instead of disappearing into it — no need to find a perfectly clean spot.
- Single pop-up, 2–3in off the bottom.
- Fish it as a single hookbait or with a light scattering of freebies — a big bed defeats the point.
- Cast to likely holes and let the lead settle; don't drag it back.
carp
Zigs in the warmer months
In clear, deep water carp often sit up in the layers on warm days. A zig is the only way to get a bait in front of them.
- Start at half depth and move up or down a foot at a time until you get bites.
- Black or foam hookbaits work well on bright days.
- Keep it simple — no freebies needed.
Good background reading. Most of it is a few years old, so treat it as a starting point and ask on the day.
- Hayfield Lakes reviews — Tripadvisor, reviews to Jul 2026, rated 2.4–2.6/5
- Hayfield Lakes Fishery, Bawtry, Doncaster — Looks Fishy, 2018-08-27, describes an older two-lake layout
Videos linked by the fishery
What anglers reckon
5.8/10 from Tackle Index: Carp and mixed coarse fishing across three lakes.
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.
“This used to be a great fishery until the new owner took over. She needs to learn some people skills. The condition of the fish is shocking as most look like aquatic parrots There's a lot of other fisheries close by with better facilities and fish in great condition.”
— Mark H, Jul 2026 · Tripadvisor
“What's allowed on site only come to see grandad with my daughter. Was told it wasn't allowed even though there was people walking around with dogs. Which I have photos of people walking. I WON'T RECOMMEND TO ANYONE. TRAVEL HOUR TO GET THERE BUT TURN AWAY. TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE”
— Danny L, Jul 2026 · Tripadvisor
Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “A long-running, large (120-acre) Doncaster commercial complex with three lakes and 160+ pegs, home to the Maver Mega Match This final — but recent Tripadvisor reviews are notably poor, with several complaints about a change of management.”
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 Hayfield Lakes
No angler score yet — nobody's reviewed Hayfield Lakes here. Be the first and get the score started.