Fishery guide · West Sussex
Alderwood Ponds
Alderwood Ponds is a family-run coarse fishery near Steyning, with three waters, reported carp to 38lb 8oz and day tickets from £15. There’s disabled access at Dave’s Pond, proper facilities on site and a clear set of carp-care rules.
“7.8/10 — Reported carp to 38lb 8oz plus sizeable tench, perch and roach give the venue plenty of fishing appeal.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Alderwood Ponds is a family-run coarse fishery near Steyning, with three waters to pick from: Island Lake, Corsican Pond and Dave’s Pond. So there’s a decent bit of choice, whether you fancy targeting carp, having a mixed bag or simply want a straightforward day on the bank. Day tickets are available, with prices from £15.
- 3 lakes: Island Lake, Corsican Pond, Dave's Pond
- Fish: carp, tench, perch, roach, rudd
- Tickets from: Island Lake day ticket, 2026 — £20 per angler
- Find it: Steyning · BN44 3AA
Plan your session
Fishery map of Alderwood Ponds
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Photos courtesy of Photo: Alderwood Ponds (official website). See the originals. Catch dates not confirmed.
Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Alderwood Ponds
Alderwood Ponds is a family-run coarse fishery near Steyning, with three waters to pick from: Island Lake, Corsican Pond and Dave’s Pond. So there’s a decent bit of choice, whether you fancy targeting carp, having a mixed bag or simply want a straightforward day on the bank. Day tickets are available, with prices from £15.
Island Lake is the biggest of the three listed waters, with approximately 26 pegs, and it’s the one for anglers bringing the full carp set-up. Carp are reported to 38lb 8oz, so there are some proper lumps in the mix. The fishery specifically asks Island Lake anglers to bring a cradle, along with the usual carp-care kit. A 40- to 42-inch landing net is preferred here too, so don’t skimp on the gear.
Corsican Pond has approximately 15 pegs and is the smaller water with a stated peg count. The reported species list includes carp, tench, perch, roach, rudd and golden orfe, giving it a more mixed-coarse feel on paper. It’s £15 per angler for a 2026 day ticket, with up to two rods covered. A nice option if you fancy keeping things varied rather than setting up for one species only.
Dave’s Pond is the most accessible of the three waters. It has disabled fishing access, hard-standing parking at the pond and access to the swims, making the practical side of a session that bit easier. The 2026 day ticket is £15 per angler and covers up to two rods. There are also proper facilities on site, including toilets, a disabled toilet, drinking-water taps and a coin-operated shower.
For a longer stay, Alderwood Ponds also has cabins, camping and fishing shelters with reserved swims. Cabin fishing is included with the reserved swim, and advance booking is needed. Anglers Rest is listed at £65 per person per night, while Robins Retreat is £60. Fishing shelters and reserved swims are handy if you want to take a bit of the faff out of sorting a session.
The rules are properly fish-first. Barbless hooks are mandatory, while barbed, micro-barbed and crushed-barbed hooks are banned. Bring a minimum 14-inch carp-safe landing net, carp-safe mat, forceps and disgorger, with a cradle required on Island Lake. Nets, mats, cradles and weigh slings must be dipped before fishing, and fish must be landed carefully and returned promptly.
Bait restrictions are worth checking before you load the car: live bait, nuts, bread, spinners, spodding and bait boats are all prohibited. Payment on the bank is cash only, night fishing needs advance booking, and up to two tethered dogs are allowed for fishing owners. Give the rules a proper read, pack the right carp-care kit and ask the fishery about your chosen swim before setting off. Then you should be bob on for a tidy session.
Straight from anglers online
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Alderwood Ponds FAQs
Where is Alderwood Ponds?
It is on Horsham Road near Steyning, West Sussex, opposite Chanctonfold Industrial Estate, about 200 yards along the B2135 from the A283 Steyning bypass.
Do day tickets need to be booked?
Day fishing normally does not require advance booking. Night fishing, cabins and applicable guest tickets need booking.
How many rods are covered by a day ticket?
Day tickets cover up to two rods per angler.
What is the booking number?
The booking and enquiry number is the fishery. The booking line is listed as Monday to Friday, 9am to midday.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Alderwood Ponds. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Steyning.
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 disabled toilet.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
Yes — hard-standing parking at dave’s pond. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
BN44 3AA.
How much is a ticket?
Island Lake day ticket, 2026: £20 per angler; Corsican Pond day ticket, 2026: £15 per angler; Dave's Pond day ticket, 2026: £15 per angler; 24-hour fishing session: £40 per angler; Day guest: £3; 24-hour guest ticket: £35; Dogs, 2026 price list: £2.50; Anglers Rest cabin: £65 per person per night; Robins Retreat cabin: £60 per person per night. 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 Island Lake, Corsican Pond, Dave's Pond. 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, rudd. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
3 — Island Lake (Not published), Corsican Pond (Not published), Dave's Pond (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
It depends — Night fishing requires advance booking.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes — Fishing owners may bring a maximum of two dogs, tethered on the bank. Dogs cost £2.50 on the 2026 price list.
Are bait boats allowed?
No — All are prohibited.
Do I need barbless hooks?
Yes, it's required — Barbless hooks are mandatory. Barbed, micro-barbed and crushed-barbed hooks are prohibited.
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?
The fishery lists toilets and disabled toilet. 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.
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Day ticket · turn up
Island Lake: the biggest listed water, with approximately 26 pegs and the venue’s most specialist carp-care requirements.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, tench, perch, roach, rudd
Island Lake is the largest of the three listed waters, with approximately 26 pegs. The 2026 day ticket is £20 per angler and covers up to two rods.
Carp anglers need to bring a cradle as well as a minimum 14-inch carp-safe landing net, mat, forceps and disgorger. A 40- to 42-inch net is preferred here, so don’t skimp on the kit.
The fishery reports carp to 38lb 8oz, tench to approximately 9lb to 10lb, perch to approximately 5lb 1oz to 5lb 10oz, roach to approximately 3lb, plus rudd and golden orfe.
Lake photographs
A look around Island Lake
Alderwood Ponds
Island Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Island Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers targeting the reported carp stocks
- Well-prepared anglers happy to use full carp-care equipment
Maybe not for
- Anyone arriving without a cradle, suitable landing net and carp-care kit
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Island 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.
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.
Island Lake FAQs
How much is Island Lake?
The 2026 day-ticket price is £20 per angler.
How many pegs does Island Lake have?
Approximately 26 pegs are listed.
What's the lake record on Island Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: The fishery reports carp to 38lb 8oz, tench to approximately 9lb to 10lb, perch to approximately 5lb 1oz to 5lb 10oz, roach to approximately 3lb, plus rudd and golden orfe. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Island Lake?
carp, tench, perch, roach, rudd. The fishery reports carp to 38lb 8oz, tench to approximately 9lb to 10lb, perch to approximately 5lb 1oz to 5lb 10oz, roach to approximately 3lb, plus rudd and golden orfe.
How big is Island Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The biggest listed water, with approximately 26 pegs and the venue’s most specialist carp-care requirements..
Which baits work well on Island Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Island 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 Island 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 Island 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 Alderwood Ponds before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Island 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 Island Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Island Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Island Lake day ticket, 2026 £20 per angler; Corsican Pond day ticket, 2026 £15 per angler; Dave's Pond day ticket, 2026 £15 per angler; 24-hour fishing session £40 per angler; Day guest £3; 24-hour guest ticket £35; Dogs, 2026 price list £2.50; Anglers Rest cabin £65 per person per night; Robins Retreat cabin £60 per person per night (last checked 2026-10-06).
Is night fishing allowed on Island Lake?
It depends — Night fishing requires advance booking.
Who does Island Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers targeting the reported carp stocks; Well-prepared anglers happy to use full carp-care equipment. Less suited to: Anyone arriving without a cradle, suitable landing net and carp-care kit.
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
Corsican Pond: a smaller listed water with approximately 15 pegs and a £15 2026 day ticket.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, tench, perch, roach, rudd
Corsican Pond has approximately 15 pegs, making it the smaller of the two waters with a stated peg count. The 2026 day ticket is £15 per angler.
The fishery lists carp, tench, perch, roach, rudd and golden orfe among its reported species. Two rods are covered per angler on a day ticket.
The fishery reports carp to 38lb 8oz, tench to approximately 9lb to 10lb, perch to approximately 5lb 1oz to 5lb 10oz, roach to approximately 3lb, plus rudd and golden orfe.
Lake photographs
A look around Corsican Pond
Alderwood Ponds
Corsican Pond
We’re checking the fishery’s Corsican Pond pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers after a lower-cost day ticket
- Mixed-coarse and carp anglers with the required fish-care kit
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting a published lake acreage or a half-day ticket
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Corsican Pond
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.
Corsican Pond FAQs
How much is Corsican Pond?
The 2026 day-ticket price is £15 per angler.
How many pegs are on Corsican Pond?
Approximately 15 pegs are listed.
What's the lake record on Corsican Pond?
Going by what the fishery says: The fishery reports carp to 38lb 8oz, tench to approximately 9lb to 10lb, perch to approximately 5lb 1oz to 5lb 10oz, roach to approximately 3lb, plus rudd and golden orfe. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Corsican Pond?
carp, tench, perch, roach, rudd. The fishery reports carp to 38lb 8oz, tench to approximately 9lb to 10lb, perch to approximately 5lb 1oz to 5lb 10oz, roach to approximately 3lb, plus rudd and golden orfe.
How big is Corsican Pond and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A smaller listed water with approximately 15 pegs and a £15 2026 day ticket..
Which baits work well on Corsican Pond?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Corsican Pond 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 Corsican Pond 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 Corsican Pond?
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 Alderwood Ponds before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Corsican Pond?
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 Corsican Pond on a day ticket?
Yes — Corsican Pond is on the day ticket. Tickets: Island Lake day ticket, 2026 £20 per angler; Corsican Pond day ticket, 2026 £15 per angler; Dave's Pond day ticket, 2026 £15 per angler; 24-hour fishing session £40 per angler; Day guest £3; 24-hour guest ticket £35; Dogs, 2026 price list £2.50; Anglers Rest cabin £65 per person per night; Robins Retreat cabin £60 per person per night (last checked 2026-10-06).
Is night fishing allowed on Corsican Pond?
It depends — Night fishing requires advance booking.
Who does Corsican Pond suit?
Good for: Anglers after a lower-cost day ticket; Mixed-coarse and carp anglers with the required fish-care kit. Less suited to: Anglers wanting a published lake acreage or a half-day ticket.
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
Dave's Pond: the accessible option, with disabled fishing access, hard-standing parking and access to the swims.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, tench, perch, roach, rudd
Dave’s Pond is the most accessible of the three listed waters. It has disabled fishing access, hard-standing parking and disabled access to the swims.
The 2026 day ticket is £15 per angler, with up to two rods covered. The same fish-care and bait rules apply, so bring the proper kit and keep things tidy on the bank.
The fishery reports carp to 38lb 8oz, tench to approximately 9lb to 10lb, perch to approximately 5lb 1oz to 5lb 10oz, roach to approximately 3lb, plus rudd and golden orfe.
Lake photographs
A look around Dave's Pond
Alderwood Ponds
Dave's Pond
We’re checking the fishery’s Dave's Pond pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers needing disabled access to parking and swims
- Those looking for a £15 day ticket
Maybe not for
- Anyone wanting to use prohibited baits or methods such as bait boats and spodding
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Dave's Pond
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.
Dave's Pond FAQs
Does Dave’s Pond have disabled access?
Yes. Dave’s Pond has disabled fishing access, hard-standing parking and disabled access to swims.
How much is Dave’s Pond?
The 2026 day-ticket price is £15 per angler.
What's the lake record on Dave's Pond?
Going by what the fishery says: The fishery reports carp to 38lb 8oz, tench to approximately 9lb to 10lb, perch to approximately 5lb 1oz to 5lb 10oz, roach to approximately 3lb, plus rudd and golden orfe. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Dave's Pond?
carp, tench, perch, roach, rudd. The fishery reports carp to 38lb 8oz, tench to approximately 9lb to 10lb, perch to approximately 5lb 1oz to 5lb 10oz, roach to approximately 3lb, plus rudd and golden orfe.
How big is Dave's Pond and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The accessible option, with disabled fishing access, hard-standing parking and access to the swims..
Which baits work well on Dave's Pond?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Dave's Pond 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 Dave's Pond 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 Dave's Pond?
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 Alderwood Ponds before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Dave's Pond?
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 Dave's Pond on a day ticket?
Yes — Dave's Pond is on the day ticket. Tickets: Island Lake day ticket, 2026 £20 per angler; Corsican Pond day ticket, 2026 £15 per angler; Dave's Pond day ticket, 2026 £15 per angler; 24-hour fishing session £40 per angler; Day guest £3; 24-hour guest ticket £35; Dogs, 2026 price list £2.50; Anglers Rest cabin £65 per person per night; Robins Retreat cabin £60 per person per night (last checked 2026-10-06).
Is night fishing allowed on Dave's Pond?
It depends — Night fishing requires advance booking.
Who does Dave's Pond suit?
Good for: Anglers needing disabled access to parking and swims; Those looking for a £15 day ticket. Less suited to: Anyone wanting to use prohibited baits or methods such as bait boats and spodding.
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
Are barbless hooks required?
Barbless hooks are mandatory. Barbed, micro-barbed and crushed-barbed hooks are prohibited.
- Must
Is carp-care equipment required?
A minimum 14-inch carp-safe landing net, carp-safe mat, forceps and disgorger are required. Island Lake additionally requires a cradle and preferably a 40- to 42-inch landing net.
- Must
Must equipment be dipped?
Nets, mats, cradles and weigh slings must be dipped before fishing.
- No
Are live bait, nuts, bread, spinners, spodding and bait boats allowed?
All are prohibited.
- No
Can fish be retained?
Fish must be landed in a net, handled carefully and returned promptly.
- Only if
Is night fishing allowed?
Night fishing requires advance booking.
- No
Can you pay by card on the bank?
Payment on the bank is cash only; cards are not accepted.
- Yes
Are dogs allowed?
Fishing owners may bring a maximum of two dogs, tethered on the bank. Dogs cost £2.50 on the 2026 price list.
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.
Island 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.
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.
Corsican Pond
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.
Dave's Pond
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
7.8/10 from Tackle Index: Reported carp to 38lb 8oz plus sizeable tench, perch and roach give the venue plenty of fishing appeal.
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 — “Alderwood Ponds is a family-run coarse fishery near Steyning, with three waters, reported carp to 38lb 8oz and day tickets from £15. There’s disabled access at Dave’s Pond, proper facilities on site and a clear set of carp-care rules.”
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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