Fishery guide · West Yorkshire
Birkwood Fisheries
Five lakes, mixed coarse fishing and a couple of proper snake-lake options make Birkwood a handy shout near Normanton. There’s variety for a pleasure session or a match, with bankside payment and the option to change lakes when space allows.
“7.5/10 — Five waters offer mixed coarse fishing, F1s and listed carp approaching 30lb.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Birkwood Farm Fisheries sits on Birkwood Road in Altofts, near Normanton, with WF6 2JE getting you to the right patch. There are five lakes and more than 100 fishing stations, so this isn’t a one-water affair. The big draw is choice: mixed coarse lakes, canal-style snake lakes and an island lake all sit within the same fishery.
- 5 lakes: Main Lake, Frog Hall, Emily's Lake, Oscar's Lake, Molly's Lake
- Fish: carp, roach, rudd, tench, bream, perch, chub
- Tickets from: Day ticket — £12 per angler
- Find it: Normanton · WF6 2JE
Plan your session
Fishery map of Birkwood Fisheries
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Fishery
Birkwood Fisheries
We haven’t got permission to show venue photos here yet. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Birkwood Fisheries
Birkwood Farm Fisheries sits on Birkwood Road in Altofts, near Normanton, with WF6 2JE getting you to the right patch. There are five lakes and more than 100 fishing stations, so this isn’t a one-water affair. The big draw is choice: mixed coarse lakes, canal-style snake lakes and an island lake all sit within the same fishery. Handy if your idea of a cracking day isn’t always chasing the same species.
Main Lake is the biggest published water here at three acres, with 28 pegs and a maximum depth of four metres. Its carp are listed at approximately 28–30lb, alongside roach, rudd, tench and bream. That gives it appeal beyond the lumps. Frog Hall offers a different scale: just 10 pegs, around three metres deep in the centre, and carp to 26lb sharing the water with roach, rudd, perch and tench.
Emily’s and Oscar’s are the canal-style snake lakes, carrying 37 and 32 pegs respectively. Both contain common, mirror and F1 carp, with the largest carp approaching 20lb. If that style of water is your thing, these are the obvious pair to look at first. Don’t confuse them with the separate canal fishing, though: that is permanently closed. The two named snake lakes remain part of the five-lake line-up.
Molly’s adds another option, with approximately two acres, three islands and 25 pegs. Its mix includes carp, rudd, roach, bream and chub, giving the fishery a bit more species variety. Those islands are the standout layout feature, rather than the snake shape of Emily’s and Oscar’s. Picking between the lakes is really about the sort of water and fish you fancy, rather than treating every peg across the site as the same proposition.
Getting started is refreshingly low-faff. Choose an available platform and start fishing; staff collect payment bankside and accept cash or card. Paid anglers can change lakes when space permits. Toilets are available around the site, and there’s hard parking near each lake. Parking behind many pegs is also possible when conditions allow, although that’s not a promise of parking right behind whichever swim you choose on the day.
A couple of practical bits are worth sorting before loading the car. This is day fishing only, and Mondays are closed except bank holidays. Last entry is 15:00. Check the closing time directly, because the seasonal timetable conflicts with a blanket 20:00 notice. Under-16s need adult supervision. For matches, speak to Dick or Sandra; Main Lake match bookings are Sundays only. That little bit of planning should save unnecessary faff at the gate.
Straight from anglers online
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Birkwood Fisheries FAQs
Where is Birkwood Farm Fisheries?
On Birkwood Road, Altofts, near Normanton, West Yorkshire. The postcode is WF6 2JE.
How do you pay for fishing?
Choose an available platform and start fishing. Staff collect payment bankside, accepting cash or card.
Can a child fish free with an adult?
One child aged 10 or under fishes free with an adult on the same platform. Under-16s require adult supervision.
Who handles match bookings?
Contact Dick or Sandra with the fishery. Main Lake match bookings are Sundays only.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Birkwood Fisheries. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Normanton.
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 around the lake site.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
Yes — hard parking near each lake. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
WF6 2JE.
How much is a ticket?
Day ticket: £12 per angler; Concession and children aged 10–16 day tickets: £12; After-1pm ticket: £12 for everyone; Child sharing with an adult: One child aged 10 or under fishes free with an adult on the same platform.. Prices last checked 2026-10-05 — they can change, so check before you go.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Day tickets are available on Main Lake, Frog Hall, Emily's Lake, Oscar's Lake, Molly's 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, roach, rudd, tench, bream, perch, chub. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
5 — Main Lake (3), Frog Hall (Not published), Emily's Lake (Not published), Oscar's Lake (Not published), Molly's Lake (Approximately 2).
Is night fishing allowed?
No — Day fishing only; night fishing is prohibited.
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?
No — Main Lake match bookings are Sundays only.
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
Main Lake: mixed coarse fishing with the biggest listed carp on site
- Size
- 3 acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, roach, rudd, tench, bream
Main Lake gives you three acres, 28 pegs and a maximum depth of four metres. It’s the largest lake by the published sizes, with a proper mixed coarse line-up.
Carp to approximately 28–30lb are the headline, but roach, rudd, tench and bream broaden the appeal. Match organisers should note that bookings on this lake are Sundays only.
Carp to approximately 28–30lb, roach, rudd, tench and bream.
Lake photographs
A look around Main Lake
Birkwood Fisheries
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
- Anglers interested in larger carp
- Mixed coarse pleasure sessions
Maybe not for
- Match organisers needing a non-Sunday booking
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Main 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.
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.
rudd
Floating baits and shallow float for rudd
Rudd feed high in the water, often near reeds and lilies on warm days. Fish up in the water to them, not on the bottom.
- A light waggler set 1–2ft deep with a single maggot or caster on a size 18.
- Loose-feed little and often to bring them up.
- Floating bread flake works brilliantly in summer.
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.
Main Lake FAQs
How deep is Main Lake?
Its maximum depth is four metres.
When can Main Lake be booked for matches?
Main Lake match bookings are Sundays only; arrange them with Dick or Sandra.
What's the lake record on Main Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: Carp to approximately 28–30lb, roach, rudd, tench and bream. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Main Lake?
carp, roach, rudd, tench, bream. Carp to approximately 28–30lb, roach, rudd, tench and bream.
How big is Main Lake and how many swims?
Around 3 acres. Mixed coarse fishing with the biggest listed carp on site.
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. 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 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 Birkwood Fisheries 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?
Yes — Main Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Day ticket £12 per angler; Concession and children aged 10–16 day tickets £12; After-1pm ticket £12 for everyone; Child sharing with an adult One child aged 10 or under fishes free with an adult on the same platform. (last checked 2026-10-05).
Is night fishing allowed on Main Lake?
No — Day fishing only; night fishing is prohibited.
Who does Main Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers interested in larger carp; Mixed coarse pleasure sessions. Less suited to: Match organisers needing a non-Sunday booking.
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
Frog Hall: ten pegs and a mixed bag, with carp to 26lb
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, roach, rudd, perch, tench
Frog Hall has just 10 pegs and is approximately three metres deep centrally. It’s the smallest peg line-up of the five lakes.
There are carp to 26lb, plus roach, rudd, perch and tench. A handy option if you like a mixed coarse water without a long roster of pegs.
Carp to 26lb, roach, rudd, perch and tench.
Lake photographs
A look around Frog Hall
Birkwood Fisheries
Frog Hall
We’re checking the fishery’s Frog Hall pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers who prefer fewer pegs
- Mixed coarse anglers interested in carp and tench
Maybe not for
- Groups needing more than 10 pegs
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Frog Hall
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.
carp
Zigs in the warmer months
In clear, deep water carp often sit up in the layers on warm days. A zig is the only way to get a bait in front of them.
- Start at half depth and move up or down a foot at a time until you get bites.
- Black or foam hookbaits work well on bright days.
- Keep it simple — no freebies needed.
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.
rudd
Floating baits and shallow float for rudd
Rudd feed high in the water, often near reeds and lilies on warm days. Fish up in the water to them, not on the bottom.
- A light waggler set 1–2ft deep with a single maggot or caster on a size 18.
- Loose-feed little and often to bring them up.
- Floating bread flake works brilliantly in summer.
Frog Hall FAQs
How many pegs does Frog Hall have?
There are 10 pegs.
Does Frog Hall contain perch?
Yes, alongside carp, roach, rudd and tench.
What's the lake record on Frog Hall?
Going by what the fishery says: Carp to 26lb, roach, rudd, perch and tench. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Frog Hall?
carp, roach, rudd, perch, tench. Carp to 26lb, roach, rudd, perch and tench.
How big is Frog Hall and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. Ten pegs and a mixed bag, with carp to 26lb.
Which baits work well on Frog Hall?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Frog Hall 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 Frog Hall 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 Frog Hall?
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 Birkwood Fisheries before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Frog Hall?
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 Frog Hall on a day ticket?
Yes — Frog Hall is on the day ticket. Tickets: Day ticket £12 per angler; Concession and children aged 10–16 day tickets £12; After-1pm ticket £12 for everyone; Child sharing with an adult One child aged 10 or under fishes free with an adult on the same platform. (last checked 2026-10-05).
Is night fishing allowed on Frog Hall?
No — Day fishing only; night fishing is prohibited.
Who does Frog Hall suit?
Good for: Anglers who prefer fewer pegs; Mixed coarse anglers interested in carp and tench. Less suited to: Groups needing more than 10 pegs.
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
Emily's Lake: a 37-peg snake lake with commons, mirrors and f1s
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Emily’s is a canal-style snake lake with 37 pegs, the highest peg count of the five named waters. It’s one of the two clear choices for anglers who enjoy that layout.
The listed fish are common, mirror and F1 carp, with the largest approaching 20lb. Think carp-focused rather than choosing it for a published mixed-species line-up.
Common, mirror and F1 carp; largest carp approach 20lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Emily's Lake
Birkwood Fisheries
Emily's Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Emily's Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Snake-lake fans
- Anglers interested in carp and F1s
Maybe not for
- Anglers specifically seeking a listed mixed-species water
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Emily's 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.
Emily's Lake FAQs
How many pegs are on Emily’s Lake?
There are 37 pegs on its canal-style snake layout.
Is Emily’s affected by the canal closure?
Emily’s is a named snake lake in the five-lake fishery; the separate canal fishing is permanently closed.
What's the lake record on Emily's Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: Common, mirror and F1 carp; largest carp approach 20lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Emily's Lake?
carp. Common, mirror and F1 carp; largest carp approach 20lb.
How big is Emily's Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A 37-peg snake lake with commons, mirrors and F1s.
Which baits work well on Emily's Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Emily's 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 Emily's 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 Emily's 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 Birkwood Fisheries before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Emily's 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 Emily's Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Emily's Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Day ticket £12 per angler; Concession and children aged 10–16 day tickets £12; After-1pm ticket £12 for everyone; Child sharing with an adult One child aged 10 or under fishes free with an adult on the same platform. (last checked 2026-10-05).
Is night fishing allowed on Emily's Lake?
No — Day fishing only; night fishing is prohibited.
Who does Emily's Lake suit?
Good for: Snake-lake fans; Anglers interested in carp and F1s. Less suited to: Anglers specifically seeking a listed mixed-species water.
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
Oscar's Lake: another snake-lake option, with 32 pegs
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Oscar’s is a canal-style snake lake with 32 pegs. Alongside Emily’s, it gives the venue a second option for anglers who favour that shape of water.
Common, mirror and F1 carp make up its listed stock, with the largest carp approaching 20lb. It’s a carp-focused choice rather than one of Birkwood’s mixed coarse line-ups.
Common, mirror and F1 carp; largest carp approach 20lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Oscar's Lake
Birkwood Fisheries
Oscar's Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Oscar's Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers who enjoy snake lakes
- Carp and F1 anglers
Maybe not for
- Anglers choosing a lake specifically for listed tench or bream
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Oscar's 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.
Oscar's Lake FAQs
What carp are in Oscar’s Lake?
Common, mirror and F1 carp are listed, with the largest carp approaching 20lb.
How many pegs does Oscar’s have?
Oscar’s has 32 pegs.
What's the lake record on Oscar's Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: Common, mirror and F1 carp; largest carp approach 20lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Oscar's Lake?
carp. Common, mirror and F1 carp; largest carp approach 20lb.
How big is Oscar's Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. Another snake-lake option, with 32 pegs.
Which baits work well on Oscar's Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Oscar's 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 Oscar's 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 Oscar's 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 Birkwood Fisheries before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Oscar's 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 Oscar's Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Oscar's Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Day ticket £12 per angler; Concession and children aged 10–16 day tickets £12; After-1pm ticket £12 for everyone; Child sharing with an adult One child aged 10 or under fishes free with an adult on the same platform. (last checked 2026-10-05).
Is night fishing allowed on Oscar's Lake?
No — Day fishing only; night fishing is prohibited.
Who does Oscar's Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers who enjoy snake lakes; Carp and F1 anglers. Less suited to: Anglers choosing a lake specifically for listed tench or bream.
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
Molly's Lake: three islands and a mixed coarse line-up
- Size
- Approximately 2 acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, rudd, roach, bream, chub
Molly’s covers approximately two acres, with 25 pegs and three islands. Those islands give it a distinctly different layout from the two snake lakes.
Carp, rudd, roach, bream and chub are listed here. The chub add something different to the fishery’s published species mix, without needing to make the whole session about carp.
Carp, rudd, roach, bream and chub.
Lake photographs
A look around Molly's Lake
Birkwood Fisheries
Molly's Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Molly's Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Mixed coarse pleasure anglers
- Anglers who like island features
Maybe not for
- Anglers specifically seeking a snake-lake layout
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Molly's 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.
rudd
Floating baits and shallow float for rudd
Rudd feed high in the water, often near reeds and lilies on warm days. Fish up in the water to them, not on the bottom.
- A light waggler set 1–2ft deep with a single maggot or caster on a size 18.
- Loose-feed little and often to bring them up.
- Floating bread flake works brilliantly in summer.
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.
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
Molly's Lake FAQs
How many islands does Molly’s have?
There are three islands within approximately two acres.
Are chub listed in Molly’s?
Yes, alongside carp, rudd, roach and bream.
What's the lake record on Molly's Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: Carp, rudd, roach, bream and chub. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Molly's Lake?
carp, rudd, roach, bream, chub. Carp, rudd, roach, bream and chub.
How big is Molly's Lake and how many swims?
Around Approximately 2 acres. Three islands and a mixed coarse line-up.
Which baits work well on Molly's Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Molly's 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 Molly's 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 Molly's 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 Birkwood Fisheries before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Molly's 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 Molly's Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Molly's Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Day ticket £12 per angler; Concession and children aged 10–16 day tickets £12; After-1pm ticket £12 for everyone; Child sharing with an adult One child aged 10 or under fishes free with an adult on the same platform. (last checked 2026-10-05).
Is night fishing allowed on Molly's Lake?
No — Day fishing only; night fishing is prohibited.
Who does Molly's Lake suit?
Good for: Mixed coarse pleasure anglers; Anglers who like island features. Less suited to: Anglers specifically seeking a snake-lake layout.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
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How busy was it?
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Water updates from anglers
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Help other anglers
Venue Rule Checker
- No
Is night fishing allowed?
Day fishing only; night fishing is prohibited.
- Must
Do under-16s need adult supervision?
Under-16s require adult supervision.
- Yes
Can paid anglers change lakes?
You may change lakes when space permits.
- No
Can you fish the canal?
Canal fishing is permanently closed.
- No
Is the fishery open on Mondays?
Closed Mondays except bank holidays.
- Only if
Should you confirm the closing time?
The seasonal timetable conflicts with a blanket 20:00 closing notice. Last entry is 15:00.
- No
Can Main Lake matches be booked any day?
Main Lake match bookings are Sundays only.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 5 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.
Main 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.
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.
rudd
Floating baits and shallow float for rudd
Rudd feed high in the water, often near reeds and lilies on warm days. Fish up in the water to them, not on the bottom.
- A light waggler set 1–2ft deep with a single maggot or caster on a size 18.
- Loose-feed little and often to bring them up.
- Floating bread flake works brilliantly in summer.
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.
Frog Hall
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.
carp
Zigs in the warmer months
In clear, deep water carp often sit up in the layers on warm days. A zig is the only way to get a bait in front of them.
- Start at half depth and move up or down a foot at a time until you get bites.
- Black or foam hookbaits work well on bright days.
- Keep it simple — no freebies needed.
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.
rudd
Floating baits and shallow float for rudd
Rudd feed high in the water, often near reeds and lilies on warm days. Fish up in the water to them, not on the bottom.
- A light waggler set 1–2ft deep with a single maggot or caster on a size 18.
- Loose-feed little and often to bring them up.
- Floating bread flake works brilliantly in summer.
Emily's 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.
Oscar's 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.
Molly's 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.
rudd
Floating baits and shallow float for rudd
Rudd feed high in the water, often near reeds and lilies on warm days. Fish up in the water to them, not on the bottom.
- A light waggler set 1–2ft deep with a single maggot or caster on a size 18.
- Loose-feed little and often to bring them up.
- Floating bread flake works brilliantly in summer.
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.
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
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
7.5/10 from Tackle Index: Five waters offer mixed coarse fishing, F1s and listed carp approaching 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.
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Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “Five lakes, mixed coarse fishing and a couple of proper snake-lake options make Birkwood a handy shout near Normanton. There’s variety for a pleasure session or a match, with bankside payment and the option to change lakes when space allows.”
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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