Scenic UK carp lake at dawn

Fishery guide · Suffolk

Hintlesham Fisheries

Hintlesham Fisheries near Ipswich has four waters covering specimen carp, big catfish and mixed coarse fishing. There’s plenty of choice, but check current ticket prices, lake access and session times before loading the motor.

“7.1/10 — The advertised twenties, large catfish and mixed coarse stock make for an appealing range of targets.”

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The lowdown

Hintlesham Fisheries sits at Fenn Farm on Hadleigh Road, Burstall, near Ipswich. It’s a four-lake setup with a proper spread of fishing: Specimen 1, Specimen 2, Predator and Match. That gives you a useful starting point when choosing your session, whether you fancy sitting it out for a lump or heading for a mixed-species water.

  • 4 lakes: Specimen 1, Specimen 2, Predator, Match
  • Fish: carp, catfish, tench, perch, roach, rudd, crucian, bream
  • Tickets from: Undated directory: adult day ticket, two rods, Predator, Traditional or Specimen Lake; confirm current prices and lake names — £12
  • Find it: Ipswich · IP8 3EG

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Hintlesham Fisheries

Ipswich · IP8 3EG

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The full rundown on Hintlesham Fisheries

Hintlesham Fisheries sits at Fenn Farm on Hadleigh Road, Burstall, near Ipswich. It’s a four-lake setup with a proper spread of fishing: Specimen 1, Specimen 2, Predator and Match. That gives you a useful starting point when choosing your session, whether you fancy sitting it out for a lump or heading for a mixed-species water. We haven’t fished it ourselves, so this is a look at what’s advertised, not a bankside verdict.

The two specimen waters are the obvious starting point for carp anglers. The fishery says Specimen 1 holds over 80 carp exceeding 20lb, while Specimen 2 has numerous twenties following a four-year stocking programme. Those are appealing claims if you’re looking for a better fish rather than simply counting bites. They don’t tell you how easy either lake is, though, and there’s no checked basis here for promising a runs water or a cheeky PB.

Predator is the one to look at if catfish are your thing. The fishery reports cats to 80lb, alongside common and mirror carp to 29lb. That makes it a different proposition from the mixed coarse lake, not just another carp option with a different name. If you’re planning a catfish session, ask about the current tackle and bait requirements first; the supplied details don’t include those rules, and that’s not something worth guessing.

Match Lake brings the broader species mix: carp, tench, perch, roach, rudd, crucians and skimmers. It’s described as a purpose-built 30-peg water, and the fishery reports a five-hour match weight of 260lb. That’s a headline result, not a prediction for your next visit. Still, this is the clearest fit on paper for anglers who want mixed coarse fishing rather than making the whole session about one big carp or cat.

There’s a useful list of extras for longer stays. A canteen, small tackle shop, toilets and shower are listed, and fishery feeding pellets are sold on site. The business listing also describes bivvy hire with a BBQ and electric hookup, five caravan pitches with hookups, and camping space. Otter fencing, CCTV and controlled entry and exit are advertised too. Check availability before relying on any particular extra, especially if you’re organising an overnight trip.

The main bit of faff is sorting the current visiting details. Night fishing and 24-hour sessions are advertised, but the ticket figures supplied come from an undated directory that uses older lake names. Its daytime hours aren’t confirmed by the fishery either. Older descriptions also mention a Specimen Lake’s size, depths and swims without establishing today’s layout. Get those practical details straight before travelling, and don’t treat the listing coordinates as a verified entrance pin.

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Hintlesham Fisheries FAQs

Where is Hintlesham Fisheries?

At Fenn Farm, Hadleigh Road, Burstall, near Ipswich, Suffolk. The supplied listing coordinates aren’t a verified entrance pin.

Are the opening hours and prices current?

They aren’t confirmed. The displayed 07:00–18:00 hours and ticket prices come from an undated directory. A business listing last updated in September 2023 says seven days a week, 365 days a year; check directly before travelling.

Can I stay for a longer session?

Night fishing and 24-hour sessions are advertised. The business listing also mentions bivvy hire, camping and five caravan pitches with electric hookups. Check availability and current charges.

Is Traditional Lake a fifth water?

The current official description names four lakes: Specimen 1, Specimen 2, Predator and Match. Traditional appears in older ticket information, but its relationship to today’s names isn’t established.

Where's the nearest tackle shop?

There's small tackle shop selling fishery feeding pellets 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?

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 and shower.

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?

IP8 3EG.

How much is a ticket?

Undated directory: adult day ticket, two rods, Predator, Traditional or Specimen Lake; confirm current prices and lake names: £12; Undated directory: adult night ticket, two rods, Predator or Specimen Lake; confirm current price: £20; Undated directory: adult 24-hour ticket, two rods, Predator or Specimen Lake; confirm current price: £25; Undated directory: Traditional Lake, adult 24-hour ticket, two rods; confirm current price and lake name: £20. Prices last checked 2026-10-03 — they can change, so check before you go.

Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?

Day tickets are available on Specimen 1, Specimen 2, Predator, Match. 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, catfish, tench, perch, roach, rudd, crucian, bream. See each lake tab for which fish live where.

How many lakes are there?

4 — Specimen 1 (Not published), Specimen 2 (Not published), Predator (Not published), Match (Not published).

Is night fishing allowed?

Yes — Night fishing and 24-hour sessions are advertised. Check current lake availability and arrangements.

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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