Fishery guide · Staffordshire
Stafford and District Angling Club Lakes
A broad Staffordshire club ticket covering Hopton Pools, smaller pool venues, canals and river stretches. Hopton is the main carp draw, with carp over 20 lb reported, while the wider waters offer plenty of roach, perch, bream, pike and river species.
“7.6/10 — A strong spread of pool, canal and river fishing with carp, silverfish, predators and occasional barbel.”
Tackle Index scorecard
Free — we'll tell you when rules, prices or notices change here.
The lowdown
If you’re searching for Stafford and District Angling Club Lakes, the likely match is Izaak Walton (Stafford) Anglers Association. It controls a proper spread of pools, canals and river stretches around Stafford and Staffordshire, so there’s plenty to get your teeth into rather than just one small pond.
- 4 lakes: Hopton Pools, Little Gem, Brick Kiln Pits, Uni Pool
- Fish: carp, perch, roach, bream, rudd, tench, pike
- Tickets from: 2026/27 full adult membership — £40
- Find it: Stafford · ST18 0AW
Plan your session
Fishery map of Stafford and District Angling Club Lakes
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Live at the lake
Stafford and District Angling Club Lakes
Stafford · ST18 0AW
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Photos courtesy of Photo: Stafford and District Angling Club 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 Stafford and District Angling Club Lakes
If you’re searching for Stafford and District Angling Club Lakes, the likely match is Izaak Walton (Stafford) Anglers Association. It controls a proper spread of pools, canals and river stretches around Stafford and Staffordshire, so there’s plenty to get your teeth into rather than just one small pond. A members’ handbook comes with maps, directions, parking information and site-specific rules, which is well worth having in the bag before setting off.
The headline venue is Hopton Pools, roughly two miles north-east of Stafford. There are two large, mature pools here, and Hopton is the association’s main carp fishery, with carp over 20 lb reported. Perch, roach and bream are also in the mix, so you’re not tied to one approach. Depending on the conditions, that could mean sitting it out for a lump, fishing a feeder line or keeping things simple with lighter gear and seeing what turns up.
A few practical bits need sorting before a Hopton session. The pools close every year from 1 June to 30 June inclusive, and they reopened on 10 September 2026 after a temporary closure notice. Vehicle access is currently closed until further notice, so anglers should park in the grass-verge area outside the main gate. Night fishing is available, but it needs separate Hopton Night Syndicate membership. That costs £30 for adults and £30 for OAP members, with valid full membership required too. Juniors may fish Hopton only when accompanied by an adult member.
There are smaller pool options as well. Little Gem at Bradley has approximately 10 pegs and contains carp, roach, perch, gudgeon, skimmer bream and rudd. Brick Kiln Pits at Milwich has approximately six pegs, with roach, rudd, perch, carp, occasional tench and small pike. It closes from 15 March to 15 June inclusive each year. Uni Pool holds carp, tench, roach and perch, and is spring-fed, so water levels vary with the water table. A quick check of the current rules and conditions before travelling should save a wasted journey.
The ticket also gives access to canal and river stretches, subject to the relevant venue rules and closures. The Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal section runs for over two miles from Roseford Bridge to Milford Aqueduct and must be fished from the towpath side. It has gudgeon, roach, perch, ruffe, bream, pike and some large carp. The Trent and Mersey Canal runs from Shugborough Lock to Pasturefields Bridge, with roach, rudd, perch, bream, pike, occasional carp and zander. Shropshire Union Canal sections are at Cowley and Little Onn.
For flowing water, the River Sow sections at Brancote and Milford include roach, bream, chub, pike, perch, dace and occasional barbel. The River Trent section near the A513 east of Stafford holds perch, roach, dace and chub. That’s a cracking spread for changing your plans with the seasons. Full 2026/27 membership costs £40 for adults, £20 for OAP members and £15 for juniors under 16, running from 1 April to 31 March. Winter membership is £25 for adults and £15 for OAP members. Tickets are available from Stafford Angling Centre and Carthys Tackle in Rugeley. Carry the licence, check the handbook, pack tackle for the target species and ask the bailiff about the best current areas when you arrive — bob on and far less faff.
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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Stafford and District Angling Club Lakes FAQs
What does the membership cover?
Memberships include access to the association waters covered by the licence, subject to venue rules and closures.
When does membership run?
Membership tickets run from 1 April to 31 March the following year.
Can I book ordinary fishing online?
No online booking is provided for ordinary fishing; membership is bought through the listed tackle shops.
Which canals and rivers are covered?
The association controls sections of the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal, Trent and Mersey Canal, Shropshire Union Canal, River Sow and River Trent.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Stafford and District Angling Club Lakes. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Stafford.
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?
Yes — members’ handbook with maps, directions, parking information and site-specific rules. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
ST18 0AW.
How much is a ticket?
2026/27 full adult membership: £40; 2026/27 full OAP membership: £20; 2026/27 full junior membership under 16: £15; 2026/27 winter adult membership: £25; 2026/27 winter OAP membership: £15; Hopton Night Syndicate adult membership: £30; Hopton Night Syndicate OAP membership: £30. Prices last checked 2026-10-09 — they can change, so check before you go.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Stafford and District Angling Club Lakes isn't day-ticket water — Hopton Pools, Little Gem, Brick Kiln Pits, Uni Pool are members or syndicate only.
What fish are in there?
Across the lakes you'll find carp, perch, roach, bream, rudd, tench, pike. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
4 — Hopton Pools (Not published), Little Gem (Not published), Brick Kiln Pits (Not published), Uni Pool (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
No — Night fishing requires separate Hopton Night Syndicate membership, alongside valid full membership.
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?
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.
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Syndicate · invite only
Hopton Pools: the association’s main carp water, with two mature pools and carp over 20 lb reported.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, perch, roach, bream
Hopton Pools is the principal venue, sitting around two miles north-east of Stafford. The two large mature pools are the club’s primary carp fishery, with carp over 20 lb reported alongside perch, roach and bream.
There’s night fishing, but it needs the separate Hopton Night Syndicate plus valid full membership. Vehicle access is currently closed until further notice, so anglers should park in the grass-verge area outside the main gate.
Carp to over 20 lb are reported at Hopton Pools.
Lake photographs
A look around Hopton Pools
Stafford and District Angling Club Lakes
Hopton Pools
We’re checking the fishery’s Hopton Pools pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Carp anglers after a proper mature-water session
- Anglers wanting night fishing, subject to the separate syndicate membership
Maybe not for
- Anyone needing vehicle access right up to the venue
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Hopton Pools
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.
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.
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
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.
Hopton Pools FAQs
Can you night fish Hopton Pools?
Yes, with Hopton Night Syndicate membership and valid full membership.
When are Hopton Pools closed?
They are closed annually from 1 June to 30 June inclusive.
What's the lake record on Hopton Pools?
Going by what the fishery says: Carp to over 20 lb are reported at Hopton Pools. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Hopton Pools?
carp, perch, roach, bream. Carp to over 20 lb are reported at Hopton Pools.
How big is Hopton Pools and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The association’s main carp water, with two mature pools and carp over 20 lb reported..
Which baits work well on Hopton Pools?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Hopton Pools 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 Hopton Pools get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Hopton Pools?
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 Stafford and District Angling Club Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Hopton Pools?
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 Hopton Pools on a day ticket?
No — Hopton Pools is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Hopton Pools?
No — Night fishing requires separate Hopton Night Syndicate membership, alongside valid full membership.
Who does Hopton Pools suit?
Good for: Carp anglers after a proper mature-water session; Anglers wanting night fishing, subject to the separate syndicate membership. Less suited to: Anyone needing vehicle access right up to the venue.
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
Little Gem: a compact bradley pool with approximately 10 pegs and a mixed coarse line-up.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, roach, perch, bream, rudd
Little Gem is at Bradley and has approximately 10 pegs. It offers a tidy mixed bag of carp, roach, perch, gudgeon, skimmer bream and rudd.
That mix gives anglers plenty of ways to fish it, whether you fancy working the margins for carp or keeping busy with smaller silverfish.
Lake photographs
A look around Little Gem
Stafford and District Angling Club Lakes
Little Gem
We’re checking the fishery’s Little Gem pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Mixed-bag anglers
- Those after a smaller pool venue with around 10 pegs
Maybe not for
- Anglers specifically chasing the larger carp focus of Hopton Pools
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Little Gem
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.
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.
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.
Little Gem FAQs
Where is Little Gem?
Little Gem is at Bradley.
How many pegs does Little Gem have?
Approximately 10 pegs.
What's the lake record on Little Gem?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Little Gem 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 Little Gem?
carp, roach, perch, bream, rudd.
How big is Little Gem and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A compact Bradley pool with approximately 10 pegs and a mixed coarse line-up..
Which baits work well on Little Gem?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Little Gem 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 Little Gem get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Little Gem?
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 Stafford and District Angling Club Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Little Gem?
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 Little Gem on a day ticket?
No — Little Gem is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Little Gem?
No — Night fishing requires separate Hopton Night Syndicate membership, alongside valid full membership.
Who does Little Gem suit?
Good for: Mixed-bag anglers; Those after a smaller pool venue with around 10 pegs. Less suited to: Anglers specifically chasing the larger carp focus of Hopton Pools.
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
Brick Kiln Pits: a small milwich venue with around six pegs and a varied coarse mix.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- roach, rudd, perch, carp, tench, pike
Brick Kiln Pits at Milwich has approximately six pegs. The pool contains roach, rudd, perch, carp, occasional tench and small pike.
It’s a compact option with a good spread of species, but keep an eye on the annual closure dates before planning a session.
Lake photographs
A look around Brick Kiln Pits
Stafford and District Angling Club Lakes
Brick Kiln Pits
We’re checking the fishery’s Brick Kiln Pits pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers happy fishing a small, varied pool
- Those targeting mixed coarse species, with the chance of tench or carp
Maybe not for
- Anyone planning a session between 15 March and 15 June
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Brick Kiln Pits
carp
A bigger bed of bait at range
On wide, open water the fish move about a lot — a decent bed of bait at range holds a passing group long enough to get a bite.
- Find a clean, hard spot with a marker float and clip up so every cast lands on it.
- Spread the bait with a spod or throwing stick — little and often.
- Mix boilies, pellet and particles so there's always something left for the fish to graze.
- Match the hookbait to the freebies.
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.
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.
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.
Brick Kiln Pits FAQs
When is Brick Kiln Pits closed?
It is closed from 15 March to 15 June inclusive each year.
How many pegs are at Brick Kiln Pits?
Approximately six pegs.
What's the lake record on Brick Kiln Pits?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Brick Kiln Pits 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 Brick Kiln Pits?
roach, rudd, perch, carp, tench, pike.
How big is Brick Kiln Pits and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A small Milwich venue with around six pegs and a varied coarse mix..
Which baits work well on Brick Kiln Pits?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Brick Kiln Pits 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 Brick Kiln Pits get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Brick Kiln Pits?
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 Stafford and District Angling Club Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Brick Kiln Pits?
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 Brick Kiln Pits on a day ticket?
No — Brick Kiln Pits is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Brick Kiln Pits?
No — Night fishing requires separate Hopton Night Syndicate membership, alongside valid full membership.
Who does Brick Kiln Pits suit?
Good for: Anglers happy fishing a small, varied pool; Those targeting mixed coarse species, with the chance of tench or carp. Less suited to: Anyone planning a session between 15 March and 15 June.
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
Uni Pool: a spring-fed pool holding carp, tench, roach and perch.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, tench, roach, perch
Uni Pool contains carp, tench, roach and perch. It’s spring-fed, so water levels vary with the water table.
That changing water level is worth factoring into your approach. The venue suits anglers who like a straightforward mixed-species pool and are happy to adapt on the bank.
Lake photographs
A look around Uni Pool
Stafford and District Angling Club Lakes
Uni Pool
We’re checking the fishery’s Uni Pool pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Mixed-species anglers
- Those comfortable adjusting tactics to changing water levels
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting fixed water conditions every visit
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Uni 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.
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.
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.
Uni Pool FAQs
What species are in Uni Pool?
Carp, tench, roach and perch.
Why can Uni Pool water levels vary?
Uni Pool is spring-fed, so levels vary with the water table.
What's the lake record on Uni Pool?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Uni 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 Uni Pool?
carp, tench, roach, perch.
How big is Uni Pool and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A spring-fed pool holding carp, tench, roach and perch..
Which baits work well on Uni Pool?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Uni 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 Uni 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 Uni 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 Stafford and District Angling Club Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Uni 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 Uni Pool on a day ticket?
No — Uni Pool is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Uni Pool?
No — Night fishing requires separate Hopton Night Syndicate membership, alongside valid full membership.
Who does Uni Pool suit?
Good for: Mixed-species anglers; Those comfortable adjusting tactics to changing water levels. Less suited to: Anglers wanting fixed water conditions every visit.
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
- Yes
Is Hopton Pools closed from 1 June to 30 June?
Hopton Pools are closed annually from 1 June to 30 June inclusive.
- Yes
Is Brick Kiln Pits closed from 15 March to 15 June?
Brick Kiln Pits is closed from 15 March to 15 June inclusive each year.
- No
Can juniors fish Hopton Pools alone?
Junior members may fish Hopton Pools only when accompanied by an adult member.
- No
Can you night fish Hopton Pools on ordinary full membership alone?
Night fishing requires separate Hopton Night Syndicate membership, alongside valid full membership.
- No
Can you fish the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal from either bank?
Fishing on the association’s section is from the towpath side only.
- Must
Must anglers carry a valid licence?
Anglers must carry and show a valid licence when requested by bailiffs.
- No
Is vehicle access currently available at Hopton Pools?
Vehicle access is currently closed until further notice; park in the grass-verge area outside the main gate.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 9 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.
Hopton Pools
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.
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.
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
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.
Little Gem
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.
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.
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.
Brick Kiln Pits
carp
A bigger bed of bait at range
On wide, open water the fish move about a lot — a decent bed of bait at range holds a passing group long enough to get a bite.
- Find a clean, hard spot with a marker float and clip up so every cast lands on it.
- Spread the bait with a spod or throwing stick — little and often.
- Mix boilies, pellet and particles so there's always something left for the fish to graze.
- Match the hookbait to the freebies.
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.
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.
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.
Uni 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.
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.
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.
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
7.6/10 from Tackle Index: A strong spread of pool, canal and river fishing with carp, silverfish, predators and occasional barbel.
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 — “A broad Staffordshire club ticket covering Hopton Pools, smaller pool venues, canals and river stretches. Hopton is the main carp draw, with carp over 20 lb reported, while the wider waters offer plenty of roach, perch, bream, pike and river species.”
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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