Fishery guide · Suffolk
Waveney Valley Lakes
Waveney Valley Lakes is a 60-acre park near Wortwell, with nearly 25 acres of well-stocked lakes. There’s day-ticket fishing for carp, catfish and coarse fish, with both 24-hour waters and a small float-or-feeder pool.
“7.4/10 — Carp, catfish and roach are listed, including substantial headline sizes on Marsh Lake.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Waveney Valley Lakes is tucked away at Wortwell, just off High Road near the village centre. It’s around 6 miles from Bungay and roughly 15 miles north of Diss, right on the Norfolk–Suffolk border. The wider park covers about 60 acres, with nearly 25 acres made up of well-stocked lakes. Handy location, decent choice of waters and no need for a military-style expedition to get there.
- 3 lakes: Heartsmere, Marsh Lake, Kingfisher Pool
- Fish: catfish, carp, roach
- Tickets from: Standard 24-hour ticket, 1 March to 31 October — £30
- Find it: Bungay · IP20 0EJ
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Fishery map of Waveney Valley Lakes
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Fishery
Waveney Valley Lakes
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Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Waveney Valley Lakes
Waveney Valley Lakes is tucked away at Wortwell, just off High Road near the village centre. It’s around 6 miles from Bungay and roughly 15 miles north of Diss, right on the Norfolk–Suffolk border. The wider park covers about 60 acres, with nearly 25 acres made up of well-stocked lakes. Handy location, decent choice of waters and no need for a military-style expedition to get there.
Day-ticket fishing is available on Heartsmere, Marsh Lake and Kingfisher Pool. Each lake has its own car park, but parking behind the swims isn’t allowed, so pack with a bit of common sense in mind. The 24-hour tickets run from midday to midday on the bookable day-ticket waters, subject to availability and the individual lake rules. Night fishing is available on those waters when booked.
Heartsmere is a horseshoe-shaped lake with three day-ticket swims, alongside designated swims for three holiday homes. It’s one of the lakes containing catfish, so it clearly offers something a little different from a straightforward carp-only session. With just three day-ticket pegs, booking ahead is a proper sensible move rather than turning up and hoping for a result.
Marsh Lake also has three day-ticket swims and looks the mixed-bag option of the three. Catfish to approximately 70 lb are listed, along with carp to approximately 35 lb and good roach fishing. That gives you plenty to think about before setting up: heavier tackle and big-fish preparation if you’re targeting the larger residents, or lighter gear if the roach are more your cup of tea. Ask about the current lake restrictions and best approach when booking, then keep the kit suited to the swim you’re allocated.
Kingfisher Pool is the compact, heavily stocked choice. It has two swims, accommodates a maximum of two anglers and is restricted to float or feeder fishing. Sessions run from 8:00am to 8:00pm, with one rod costing £6 or two rods costing £10. No overnight faff here. It’s a neat option for a focused day session, but with only two swims, checking availability before loading the car is bob on.
For the 24-hour waters, the standard ticket is £30 from 1 March to 31 October, dropping to £20 from 1 November to 1 March. Book through the Swimbooker app or ring the fishery. Bring a valid Environment Agency rod licence, suitable landing net and unhooking mat or cradle. You’ll need to fish only from your allocated swim, keep fish wet during handling and reel in if you leave the peg. No nuts, dogs, pets, visitors, fires, dinghies, tents or gazebos are allowed, while bait boats and off-the-ground barbecues are permitted. Toilets and rubbish bins are provided, with wi-fi available across the wider park.
Straight from anglers online
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Waveney Valley Lakes FAQs
Where is Waveney Valley Lakes?
It is at Wortwell, Harleston, Norfolk, near Bungay and the Norfolk–Suffolk border. The entrance is off High Road, close to the centre of Wortwell village.
How do I book?
Bookings can be made through the Swimbooker app or by telephone with the fishery.
Is night fishing available?
Yes, on the 24-hour ticket waters, subject to booking and the lake rules.
Can I bring a partner or visitor?
Visitors are not allowed. Partners must be included when booking.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Waveney Valley Lakes. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Bungay.
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.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
Yes — each lake has its own car park. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
IP20 0EJ.
How much is a ticket?
Standard 24-hour ticket, 1 March to 31 October: £30; Winter 24-hour ticket, 1 November to 1 March: £20; Kingfisher Pool, one rod per session: £6; Kingfisher Pool, two rods per session: £10. Prices last checked 2026-10-06 — they can change, so check before you go.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Day tickets are available on Heartsmere, Marsh Lake, Kingfisher Pool. 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 catfish, carp, roach. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
3 — Heartsmere (Not published), Marsh Lake (Not published), Kingfisher Pool (Not published).
Can I bring my dog?
No — No dogs or pets are allowed.
Are bait boats allowed?
Yes — Bait boats and off-the-ground barbecues are allowed.
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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Day ticket · turn up
Heartsmere: a horseshoe-shaped day-ticket lake with three swims and catfish among its residents.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- catfish
Heartsmere is a horseshoe-shaped lake with three day-ticket swims. There are also designated swims for three holiday homes, so anglers need to book the correct water and swim.
It’s one of the lakes containing catfish. The checked details don’t publish a size or full stock list, so the sensible approach is to check the lake restrictions when booking.
Lake photographs
A look around Heartsmere
Waveney Valley Lakes
Heartsmere
We’re checking the fishery’s Heartsmere pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers after a quieter three-swim water.
- Catfish anglers using the 24-hour ticket waters.
Maybe not for
- Anyone wanting lots of spare pegs or a published lake size.
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Heartsmere
catfish
Big hookbaits after dark for the cats
Catfish come out at night and like strong smells. A big halibut pellet or fish-based bait over a small bed of pellet is the usual approach.
- Fish strong — 20lb+ line and a big strong hook.
- Use an unhooking mat and a big net; cats are long and heavy.
- Check the venue's rules on cat tackle before you set up.
Heartsmere FAQs
How many day-ticket swims are on Heartsmere?
Heartsmere has three day-ticket swims.
Does Heartsmere contain catfish?
Yes. Heartsmere is one of the lakes containing catfish.
What's the lake record on Heartsmere?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Heartsmere 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 Heartsmere?
catfish.
How big is Heartsmere and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A horseshoe-shaped day-ticket lake with three swims and catfish among its residents..
Which baits work well on Heartsmere?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Heartsmere 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 Heartsmere 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 Heartsmere?
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 Waveney Valley Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Heartsmere?
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 Heartsmere on a day ticket?
Yes — Heartsmere is on the day ticket. Tickets: Standard 24-hour ticket, 1 March to 31 October £30; Winter 24-hour ticket, 1 November to 1 March £20; Kingfisher Pool, one rod per session £6; Kingfisher Pool, two rods per session £10 (last checked 2026-10-06).
Is night fishing allowed on Heartsmere?
We haven't seen a clear night-fishing rule for this lake. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Who does Heartsmere suit?
Good for: Anglers after a quieter three-swim water.; Catfish anglers using the 24-hour ticket waters.. Less suited to: Anyone wanting lots of spare pegs or a published lake size..
Community reported
Recent angler updates
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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.
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Day ticket · turn up
Marsh Lake: the mixed coarse and carp option, with catfish to approximately 70 lb and carp to approximately 35 lb.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- catfish, carp, roach
Marsh Lake has three day-ticket swims and is the most varied water in the checked details. It contains catfish to approximately 70 lb, carp to approximately 35 lb and offers good roach fishing.
That gives anglers plenty to aim at, from bigger fish tactics through to a more traditional roach approach. The limited number of swims makes booking ahead a bob-on idea.
Lake photographs
A look around Marsh Lake
Waveney Valley Lakes
Marsh Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Marsh Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers after a mix of carp, catfish and roach.
- Those who fancy switching between bigger-fish and lighter coarse tactics.
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting a venue with lots of available swims.
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Marsh 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.
catfish
Big hookbaits after dark for the cats
Catfish come out at night and like strong smells. A big halibut pellet or fish-based bait over a small bed of pellet is the usual approach.
- Fish strong — 20lb+ line and a big strong hook.
- Use an unhooking mat and a big net; cats are long and heavy.
- Check the venue's rules on cat tackle before you set up.
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.
Marsh Lake FAQs
How many day-ticket swims does Marsh Lake have?
Marsh Lake has three day-ticket swims.
What fish are listed for Marsh Lake?
Marsh Lake contains catfish to approximately 70 lb, carp to approximately 35 lb and offers good roach fishing.
What's the lake record on Marsh Lake?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Marsh 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 Marsh Lake?
catfish, carp, roach.
How big is Marsh Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The mixed coarse and carp option, with catfish to approximately 70 lb and carp to approximately 35 lb..
Which baits work well on Marsh Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Marsh 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 Marsh 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 Marsh 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 Waveney Valley Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Marsh 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 Marsh Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Marsh Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Standard 24-hour ticket, 1 March to 31 October £30; Winter 24-hour ticket, 1 November to 1 March £20; Kingfisher Pool, one rod per session £6; Kingfisher Pool, two rods per session £10 (last checked 2026-10-06).
Is night fishing allowed on Marsh Lake?
We haven't seen a clear night-fishing rule for this lake. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Who does Marsh Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers after a mix of carp, catfish and roach.; Those who fancy switching between bigger-fish and lighter coarse tactics.. Less suited to: Anglers wanting a venue with lots of available swims..
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
Kingfisher Pool: a small, heavily stocked pool for float or feeder fishing, with just two swims.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Kingfisher Pool is a small, heavily stocked pool with two swims and space for a maximum of two anglers. It’s restricted to float or feeder fishing, making it the neat, simple day-session option.
Sessions run from 8:00am to 8:00pm. The price is £6 for one rod or £10 for two rods, and that covers the day session only rather than overnight fishing.
Lake photographs
A look around Kingfisher Pool
Waveney Valley Lakes
Kingfisher Pool
We’re checking the fishery’s Kingfisher Pool pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Float and feeder anglers after a short session.
- Small groups of up to two anglers.
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting night fishing or a full 24-hour session.
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Kingfisher 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.
Kingfisher Pool FAQs
What methods are allowed on Kingfisher Pool?
Fishing is restricted to float or feeder fishing.
How many anglers can use Kingfisher Pool?
Kingfisher Pool has two swims and accommodates a maximum of two anglers.
What's the lake record on Kingfisher Pool?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Kingfisher 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 Kingfisher Pool?
carp.
How big is Kingfisher Pool and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A small, heavily stocked pool for float or feeder fishing, with just two swims..
Which baits work well on Kingfisher Pool?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Kingfisher 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 Kingfisher Pool 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 Kingfisher 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 Waveney Valley Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Kingfisher 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 Kingfisher Pool on a day ticket?
Yes — Kingfisher Pool is on the day ticket. Tickets: Standard 24-hour ticket, 1 March to 31 October £30; Winter 24-hour ticket, 1 November to 1 March £20; Kingfisher Pool, one rod per session £6; Kingfisher Pool, two rods per session £10 (last checked 2026-10-06).
Is night fishing allowed on Kingfisher Pool?
We haven't seen a clear night-fishing rule for this lake. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Who does Kingfisher Pool suit?
Good for: Float and feeder anglers after a short session.; Small groups of up to two anglers.. Less suited to: Anglers wanting night fishing or a full 24-hour session..
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 an Environment Agency rod licence?
Anglers must hold a valid Environment Agency rod licence.
- No
Can under-16s fish?
Fishing is for adults aged 16 and over; no under-16s are permitted.
- No
Can I fish from any swim?
Anglers must fish only from their allocated swim.
- No
Are dogs or pets allowed?
No dogs or pets are allowed.
- No
Can I use nuts?
No nuts of any kind are allowed, and particles must be used in moderation.
- Yes
Can I use a bait boat or off-the-ground barbecue?
Bait boats and off-the-ground barbecues are allowed.
- No
Can I leave rods out when leaving the swim?
Rods must be reeled in whenever an angler leaves the swim.
- No
Are bivvies, tents, gazebos or fires allowed?
Bivvies must be positioned in the swim and not on the path. Dinghies, tents, gazebos and fires are prohibited.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 6 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.
Heartsmere
catfish
Big hookbaits after dark for the cats
Catfish come out at night and like strong smells. A big halibut pellet or fish-based bait over a small bed of pellet is the usual approach.
- Fish strong — 20lb+ line and a big strong hook.
- Use an unhooking mat and a big net; cats are long and heavy.
- Check the venue's rules on cat tackle before you set up.
Marsh 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.
catfish
Big hookbaits after dark for the cats
Catfish come out at night and like strong smells. A big halibut pellet or fish-based bait over a small bed of pellet is the usual approach.
- Fish strong — 20lb+ line and a big strong hook.
- Use an unhooking mat and a big net; cats are long and heavy.
- Check the venue's rules on cat tackle before you set up.
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.
Kingfisher 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
7.4/10 from Tackle Index: Carp, catfish and roach are listed, including substantial headline sizes on Marsh 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.
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 — “Waveney Valley Lakes is a 60-acre park near Wortwell, with nearly 25 acres of well-stocked lakes. There’s day-ticket fishing for carp, catfish and coarse fish, with both 24-hour waters and a small float-or-feeder pool.”
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 Waveney Valley Lakes
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