Fishery guide · Surrey
Korda Thorpe Lea
Thorpe Lea Fishery near Egham is an 18-acre, day-ticket carp venue with 38 swims, plenty of proper lumps and a published lake record of 39lb 8oz. It is a tightly controlled syndicate-style sprint: book ahead, follow the kit rules and settle in for a 24-hour session.
“7.3/10 — A strong carp proposition, with a published 39lb 8oz record, more than 2,000 carp claimed and over 70 stated to exceed 30lb.”
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The lowdown
Thorpe Lea Fishery sits on Thorpe Lea Road, near Egham in Surrey. It is a day-ticket carp venue, but the booking setup feels nicely organised rather than turn-up-and-hope. Every swim must be booked in advance, with a minimum booking of 24 hours.
- 1 lake: Main Lake
- Fish: carp, perch
- Tickets from: 24-hour booking — £30
- Find it: Egham · TW20 8LH
Plan your session
Fishery map of Korda Thorpe Lea
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Photos courtesy of Photo: Korda Thorpe Lea (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 Korda Thorpe Lea
Thorpe Lea Fishery sits on Thorpe Lea Road, near Egham in Surrey. It is a day-ticket carp venue, but the booking setup feels nicely organised rather than turn-up-and-hope. Every swim must be booked in advance, with a minimum booking of 24 hours.
The main lake covers approximately 18 acres and has 38 swims, including five double-sized pegs. That gives anglers a decent spread of water to work with, while the islands and other lake features provide obvious target areas. The lakebed is gravel with weed patches, so there should be plenty to think about when clipping up and positioning a couple of rods.
The carp headcount is the big draw. The fishery states that the lake contains more than 2,000 carp, with more than 70 over 30lb. Both mirrors and commons are present, and the published lake record stands at 39lb 8oz. Perch are also reported, so there is a bit more going on than carp alone.
The venue suits anglers after a proper overnight carp session without a long minimum stay. A 24-hour booking allows night fishing, and the £30 ticket is straightforward. One guest is allowed per angler for an extra £5 per 24-hour booking, provided the guest is booked and arrives in the same vehicle.
Tactics need to stay within the rules. Only carp pellets and boilies are currently permitted, with particles, maggots, surface fishing and zig fishing prohibited. Barbed hooks are required, while barbless hooks are not allowed. Braided main line, bait boats and castable electronic fish-finders are also banned.
There is no closed season, with tickets available 363 days per year. The fishery closes only on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Entry is through one of three short morning windows at 8:00am, 9:00am or 10:00am; after the 10:00am window, the gates stay closed until the following day. Worth getting that bit bob on before travelling.
Facilities include secure parking, refreshments, a tackle and bait shop, toilets and disabled transport to swims when conditions permit. Just remember the more serious bits of the ticket: fish must be returned quickly, large padded unhooking mats or carp cradles are required, landing nets must be at least 42 inches, and all relevant kit must be dipped in the biosecurity tanks on arrival and departure.
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.
Korda Thorpe Lea FAQs
How do I contact Thorpe Lea Fishery?
Booking and enquiries can be made with the fishery.
How many rods are allowed?
The official rod limit is two rods.
Can under-18s fish the venue?
Yes, but under-18 anglers must be accompanied by an adult over 21.
Are there any closed-season dates?
There is no closed season. Tickets are available 363 days per year, with closure only on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
There's tackle and bait shop 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.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
Yes — secure parking. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
TW20 8LH.
How much is a ticket?
24-hour booking: £30; Guest ticket, per 24-hour booking: £5. Prices last checked 2026-10-11 — they can change, so check before you go.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Some lakes need booking ahead. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in there?
Across the lakes you'll find carp, perch. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
1 — Main Lake (Approximately 18 acres).
Is night fishing allowed?
Yes — Twenty-four-hour minimum bookings allow overnight fishing sessions.
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?
No — Both are prohibited.
Do I need barbless hooks?
No — Barbed hooks only; barbless hooks are prohibited.
Do I need my own unhooking mat or cradle?
Yes, it's required — Large padded unhooking mats or carp cradles are required. Landing nets must be at least 42 inches.
Is it suitable for disabled anglers?
The fishery lists disabled transport to swims when conditions permit. Ring ahead to check which swims suit you.
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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Pre-book only
Main Lake: a feature-packed 18-acre carp lake with a serious head of bigger fish.
- Size
- Approximately 18 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, perch
The main lake is approximately 18 acres, with 38 swims in total and five double-sized pegs. The lakebed is gravel with weed patches, while islands and other features offer target areas to pick apart.
The published lake record is 39lb 8oz. Both mirror and common carp are present, and perch are also reported. With 24-hour minimum bookings, anglers can fish through the night rather than packing up when things get interesting.
The fishery states that the lake contains more than 2,000 carp, with more than 70 carp exceeding 30lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Main Lake
Korda Thorpe Lea
Main Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Main Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Carp anglers after a 24-hour day-ticket session with overnight water to work.
- Anglers who enjoy feature fishing around islands, gravel and weed patches.
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting particle, maggot, surface or zig fishing, as these methods are currently prohibited.
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Main 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
Solid PVA bag over the snaggy bits
With the island margins and a busy bottom, a solid bag keeps the hook point masked on the drop and sat neatly in a little pile of bait however rough the lakebed is.
- Tie a short, stiff hooklink (4–6in) so it packs into the bag without kinking.
- Fill the bag with a damp crumb mix and pack it tight — loose bags spill on the cast.
- Nick a wafter or small pop-up on the hair so it settles over the mix, not under it.
- Cast a few yards short of the feature, recast every couple of hours with a fresh bag.
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.
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.
Main Lake FAQs
How many swims are on the main lake?
There are 38 swims, including five double-sized swims.
What is the published lake record?
The published lake record is 39lb 8oz.
What's the lake record on Main Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: The fishery states that the lake contains more than 2,000 carp, with more than 70 carp exceeding 30lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Main Lake?
carp, perch. The fishery states that the lake contains more than 2,000 carp, with more than 70 carp exceeding 30lb.
How big is Main Lake and how many swims?
Around Approximately 18 acres acres. A feature-packed 18-acre carp lake with a serious head of bigger fish..
Which baits work well on Main Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Main 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 Main Lake get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Main 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 Korda Thorpe Lea before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Main 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 Main Lake on a day ticket?
You'll need to book Main Lake in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on Main Lake?
Yes — Twenty-four-hour minimum bookings allow overnight fishing sessions.
Who does Main Lake suit?
Good for: Carp anglers after a 24-hour day-ticket session with overnight water to work.; Anglers who enjoy feature fishing around islands, gravel and weed patches.. Less suited to: Anglers wanting particle, maggot, surface or zig fishing, as these methods are currently prohibited..
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
Does the swim need to be booked in advance?
All swims must be booked in advance, with a minimum booking of 24 hours.
- Yes
Can I fish overnight?
Twenty-four-hour minimum bookings allow overnight fishing sessions.
- No
Are barbless hooks allowed?
Barbed hooks only; barbless hooks are prohibited.
- No
Can I use particles, maggots, surface tactics or zig rigs?
Only carp pellets and boilies are currently permitted. Particles, maggots, surface fishing and zig fishing are prohibited.
- No
Are bait boats and castable electronic fish-finders allowed?
Both are prohibited.
- Must
Is a large unhooking mat or carp cradle required?
Large padded unhooking mats or carp cradles are required. Landing nets must be at least 42 inches.
- Yes
Can I bring a guest?
One pre-booked guest is allowed per angler, provided the guest arrives in the same vehicle. The guest ticket costs £5 per 24-hour booking.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 11 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.
Main 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
Solid PVA bag over the snaggy bits
With the island margins and a busy bottom, a solid bag keeps the hook point masked on the drop and sat neatly in a little pile of bait however rough the lakebed is.
- Tie a short, stiff hooklink (4–6in) so it packs into the bag without kinking.
- Fill the bag with a damp crumb mix and pack it tight — loose bags spill on the cast.
- Nick a wafter or small pop-up on the hair so it settles over the mix, not under it.
- Cast a few yards short of the feature, recast every couple of hours with a fresh bag.
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.
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
7.3/10 from Tackle Index: A strong carp proposition, with a published 39lb 8oz record, more than 2,000 carp claimed and over 70 stated to exceed 30lb.
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 — “Thorpe Lea Fishery near Egham is an 18-acre, day-ticket carp venue with 38 swims, plenty of proper lumps and a published lake record of 39lb 8oz. It is a tightly controlled syndicate-style sprint: book ahead, follow the kit rules and settle in for a 24-hour session.”
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 Korda Thorpe Lea
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