Fishery guide · Suffolk
Hawstead Fisheries
Hawstead Fisheries is a cracking Suffolk day-ticket venue with two medieval terraced lakes, around 25 pegs and carp reported to 33lb. Willow Lake is the bigger carp option, while Spring Head Lake brings a smaller-water feel with crucians and mixed coarse fish.
“7.4/10 — Carp are reported to 33lb, with tench, perch and other coarse species adding good variety.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Hawstead Fisheries, also known as Hawstead Lakes or Hawstead Place Lakes, is tucked away at Hawstead Place near Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk. The fishing is set across two upper lakes, with the whole place sitting in historic parkland around medieval terraced lakes. A bit of proper old-school character there, then — not just a dug-out puddle with a few pegs round it.
- 2 lakes: Willow Lake, Spring Head Lake
- Fish: carp, tench, perch, roach, bream, rudd, crucian
- Tickets from: Adult, one rod — £7
- Find it: Bury St Edmunds · IP29 4AB
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Fishery map of Hawstead Fisheries
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Fishery
Hawstead Fisheries
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Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Hawstead Fisheries
Hawstead Fisheries, also known as Hawstead Lakes or Hawstead Place Lakes, is tucked away at Hawstead Place near Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk. The fishing is set across two upper lakes, with the whole place sitting in historic parkland around medieval terraced lakes. A bit of proper old-school character there, then — not just a dug-out puddle with a few pegs round it.
There’s approximately 3.5 acres of coarse-fishing water in total, with around 25 fishing places or pegs available. That gives you two waters to weigh up without the faff of trying to cover a huge venue. Willow Lake is the larger one, described at roughly 2.5–2.7 acres, while Spring Head Lake is less than an acre and has its own more intimate feel.
Willow Lake is the obvious starting point if carp are on your mind. Common and mirror carp are present, with fish reported from around 5lb to 33lb, and the larger carp lake has reportedly held fish over 20lb. There’s no need to ignore the rest of the water, though. Tench to around 5lb, specimen-size perch, roach and bream are all part of the mix, with rudd also reported.
Spring Head Lake is particularly associated with crucian carp, so it could be the cheeky choice for a lighter mixed-fishing session. On a new venue, it’s worth taking a few minutes to watch the water before clipping up. Look for signs of fish, give the margins a proper look and have a quick word with the fishery before deciding whether to target carp or keep things more general.
Day fishing runs from 6:30am to 6:30pm, and day anglers do not need to book. Tickets are bought on arrival at the black kiosk by the entrance. Put the correct money in an envelope and post it into the honesty box before setting up. Adult fishing is £7 for one rod or £12 for two rods. Under-16 and OAP fishing is £5 for one rod or £8 for two rods.
Keep the kit sensible and fish-friendly: barbless hooks, a minimum 5lb line, and an unhooking mat are required. An Environment Agency rod licence is also needed. Large carp must not be retained in keepnets. Night fishing is only available by prior arrangement with the lake owner, so that needs sorting before you turn up. For a straightforward day around Bury St Edmunds, with carp, crucians and a decent mixed coarse spread, Hawstead looks bob on.
Straight from anglers online
Short, unedited extracts from public reviews, credited to the person who posted them. Not checked by us and not a Tackle Index view.
We haven’t found any public angler reviews of this venue yet. Fished it? Add yours below.
Hawstead Fisheries FAQs
Where do I buy a day ticket?
Buy it on arrival at the black kiosk by the entrance. Put the correct money in an envelope and post it into the honesty box before setting up your rods.
What line strength is required?
The official rules specify a minimum line size of 5lb.
Is there a closed season?
No separate closed season is stated on the official rules-and-prices page.
How do I contact the fishery?
Email enquiries@coarsefishingsuffolk.co.uk or text the fishery for enquiries and group or match discussions.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Hawstead Fisheries. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Bury St Edmunds.
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 basic on-site toilet facilities reported by third-party listings.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
Yes — car park. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
IP29 4AB.
How much is a ticket?
Adult, one rod: £7; Adult, two rods: £12; Under-16 and OAP, one rod: £5; Under-16 and OAP, two rods: £8. Prices last checked 2026-10-08 — they can change, so check before you go.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Day tickets are available on Willow Lake, Spring Head 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, tench, perch, roach, bream, rudd, crucian. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
2 — Willow Lake (Approximately 2.5–2.7 acres), Spring Head Lake (Less than one acre).
Is night fishing allowed?
Yes, it's required — Night fishing is only available by prior arrangement with the lake owner; arrange it by text to the fishery.
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?
Yes, it's required — The official site requires barbless hooks.
Do I need my own unhooking mat or cradle?
Yes, it's required — Unhooking mats must be used at all times.
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
Willow Lake: the bigger lake and the main carp draw.
- Size
- Approximately 2.5–2.7 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, tench, perch, roach, bream, rudd
Willow Lake is the larger of Hawstead’s two upper lakes, set among historic parkland on the medieval terraces. Directory descriptions put it at approximately 2.5–2.7 acres.
Carp are the headline target, with common and mirror carp reported from around 5lb to 33lb. Tench, perch, roach, bream and reported rudd give you plenty to go at when the carp aren’t on the munch.
Common carp and mirror carp are reported from approximately 5lb to 33lb; the larger carp lake has reportedly held fish over 20lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Willow Lake
Hawstead Fisheries
Willow Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Willow Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Carp anglers after a realistic chance of a double or bigger fish
- Anglers who like having mixed coarse species in the swim
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting a huge open-water venue with loads of room to roam
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Willow 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.
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.
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.
Willow Lake FAQs
How big is Willow Lake?
It is approximately 2.5–2.7 acres according to directory descriptions.
What fish are in Willow Lake?
Common and mirror carp, tench, perch, roach, bream and reported rudd are present.
What's the lake record on Willow Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: Common carp and mirror carp are reported from approximately 5lb to 33lb; the larger carp lake has reportedly held fish over 20lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
Which baits work well on Willow Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Willow 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 Willow 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 Willow 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 Hawstead Fisheries before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Willow 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 Willow Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Willow Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Adult, one rod £7; Adult, two rods £12; Under-16 and OAP, one rod £5; Under-16 and OAP, two rods £8 (last checked 2026-10-08).
Is night fishing allowed on Willow Lake?
Yes, it's required — Night fishing is only available by prior arrangement with the lake owner; arrange it by text to the fishery.
Who does Willow Lake suit?
Good for: Carp anglers after a realistic chance of a double or bigger fish; Anglers who like having mixed coarse species in the swim. Less suited to: Anglers wanting a huge open-water venue with loads of room to roam.
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
Spring Head Lake: a compact lake with crucians and mixed coarse fish.
- Size
- Less than one acre acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, tench, perch, roach, bream, rudd, crucian
Spring Head Lake is the smaller upper lake, covering less than one acre. It offers a more compact style of fishing than Willow Lake, with the historic parkland setting still part of the appeal.
Crucian carp are particularly associated with this lake. Carp, tench, perch, roach, bream and reported rudd are also listed across the fishery.
Lake photographs
A look around Spring Head Lake
Hawstead Fisheries
Spring Head Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Spring Head Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Light-tackle anglers who enjoy smaller-water fishing
- Anyone keen to target crucian carp
Maybe not for
- Anglers specifically chasing the biggest carp reported from the larger lake
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Spring Head 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.
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.
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.
Spring Head Lake FAQs
How big is Spring Head Lake?
It is less than one acre.
What is Spring Head Lake known for?
It is particularly associated with crucian carp, alongside other coarse species.
What's the lake record on Spring Head Lake?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Spring Head 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 Spring Head Lake?
carp, tench, perch, roach, bream, rudd, crucian.
Which baits work well on Spring Head Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Spring Head 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 Spring Head 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 Spring Head 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 Hawstead Fisheries before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Spring Head 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 Spring Head Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Spring Head Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Adult, one rod £7; Adult, two rods £12; Under-16 and OAP, one rod £5; Under-16 and OAP, two rods £8 (last checked 2026-10-08).
Is night fishing allowed on Spring Head Lake?
Yes, it's required — Night fishing is only available by prior arrangement with the lake owner; arrange it by text to the fishery.
Who does Spring Head Lake suit?
Good for: Light-tackle anglers who enjoy smaller-water fishing; Anyone keen to target crucian carp. Less suited to: Anglers specifically chasing the biggest carp reported from the larger lake.
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
Do I need to book for day fishing?
Day anglers do not need to book.
- Must
Is night fishing available?
Night fishing is only available by prior arrangement with the lake owner; arrange it by text to the fishery.
- Must
Do I need barbless hooks?
The official site requires barbless hooks.
- Must
Do I need an Environment Agency rod licence?
An Environment Agency rod licence is required.
- Must
Must I use an unhooking mat?
Unhooking mats must be used at all times.
- No
Can large carp go in a keepnet?
Large carp must not be retained in keepnets.
- No
Are pets allowed?
Pets are not allowed.
- Must
Do children under 16 need an adult?
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 8 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.
Willow 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.
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.
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.
Spring Head 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.
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.
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.
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
7.4/10 from Tackle Index: Carp are reported to 33lb, with tench, perch and other coarse species adding good variety.
Straight from anglers online
Short, unedited extracts from public reviews, credited to the person who posted them. Not checked by us and not a Tackle Index view.
We haven’t found any public angler reviews of this venue yet. Fished it? Add yours below.
Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “Hawstead Fisheries is a cracking Suffolk day-ticket venue with two medieval terraced lakes, around 25 pegs and carp reported to 33lb. Willow Lake is the bigger carp option, while Spring Head Lake brings a smaller-water feel with crucians and mixed coarse fish.”
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 Hawstead Fisheries
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