Fishery guide · Berkshire
Horton Church Lake
Horton Church Lake is a mature, tree-lined gravel-pit syndicate water and a proper specimen carp venue. Membership is pricey, but the published claims of 100-plus carp, including 16 over 40 lb, make it a serious big-fish proposition.
“7.4/10 — The reported carp head, including 16 over 40 lb, gives this water a serious specimen-fishing pull.”
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The lowdown
Horton Church Lake sits on Stanwell Road near Horton, Berkshire, and forms part of the RK Leisure Horton Complex. The published entrance grid reference is TQ 01884 75722. It’s a mature, tree-lined gravel-pit lake, excavated in the 1960s as part of Kingsmead Quarry.
- 1 lake: Horton Church Lake
- Fish: carp, pike, tench, eel
- Tickets from: Gold Card annual membership — £2,250 per year
- Find it: Horton · SL3 9PJ
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Fishery map of Horton Church Lake
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Photos courtesy of Photo: Horton Church Lake (official website). Catch dates not confirmed.
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The full rundown on Horton Church Lake
Horton Church Lake sits on Stanwell Road near Horton, Berkshire, and forms part of the RK Leisure Horton Complex. The published entrance grid reference is TQ 01884 75722. It’s a mature, tree-lined gravel-pit lake, excavated in the 1960s as part of Kingsmead Quarry.
The water is approximately 15 acres according to the fishery listing, although some angling guides describe it as around 16 acres. Either way, it’s a sizeable lake with plenty of room for proper watercraft, feature-finding and working out where the carp are having it.
This is best known as a specimen carp venue. RK Leisure states that Church Lake holds more than 100 carp, with 16 exceeding 40 lb and at least 31 over 35 lb. That’s a serious head of lumps on paper. Common and mirror carp are the main targets, with grass carp also present.
There’s plenty of history attached to the place, too. The lake was formerly used for trout-rearing pens and has a long connection with famous UK carp fishing. A grass carp formerly associated with the lake exceeded 52 lb and held a British record before the species was non-classified.
It isn’t just a carp-only water. Pike, tench and eels are also reported, with published guide weights of carp to about 52 lb, pike to about 26 lb, tench to about 11 lb and eels to about 7 lb. Still, if your game is chasing a big mirror or common, that’s clearly where Church Lake earns its keep.
This is a syndicate sprint rather than a cheeky day-ticket trip. The current membership page doesn’t advertise day tickets, and fishing access is by annual membership. The Gold Card is £2,250 per year and the Black Card £2,850, with non-refundable waiting-list deposits required. Proper commitment, then, but the ticket covers a serious group of waters.
Night fishing is permitted, and the published season generally runs from 1 April to 15 March. There’s a Lodge sign-in and sign-out system, catch logging, and a tight fish-care rulebook. Bait boats are out, barbed hooks and minimum 15 lb mainline are in, and you’ll need two landing nets plus suitable unhooking mats. A venue for organised, big-fish anglers who fancy putting in the graft.
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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Horton Church Lake FAQs
Where is Horton Church Lake?
It is on Stanwell Road near Horton, Berkshire. The published entrance grid reference is TQ 01884 75722.
What membership options are published?
The Gold Card costs £2,250 per year and includes Horton Church, Kingsmead 1, Boat Pool, Crayfish Pool and Island Lake. The Black Card costs £2,850 per year and includes Horton Church plus the wider RK Leisure group of listed lakes.
Are there facilities at the complex?
The Horton Lodge has a fitted kitchen, games room, fish tank, television, three shower/toilet rooms and decking overlooking Horton Church Lake. The complex also has secure card access and CCTV covering the car parks and Lodge.
What equipment rules matter most?
Anglers must use barbed hooks, at least 15 lb breaking-strain mainline, two landing nets and suitable unhooking mats. Fish sacks and buoyancy-retention slings are prohibited, and fish must be returned as soon as possible.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Horton Church Lake. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Horton.
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 three shower/toilet rooms in the lodge.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
Yes — cctv covering the car parks and lodge. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
SL3 9PJ.
How much is a ticket?
Gold Card annual membership: £2,250 per year; Black Card annual membership: £2,850 per year; Gold Card waiting-list deposit: 10% deposit; non-refundable; Black Card waiting-list deposit: 10% deposit; non-refundable. Prices last checked 2026-10-12 — they can change, so check before you go.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Horton Church Lake isn't day-ticket water — Horton Church Lake is members or syndicate only.
What fish are in there?
Across the lakes you'll find carp, pike, tench, eel. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
1 — Horton Church Lake (Approximately 15 acres; some angling guides describe it as approximately 16 acres).
Is night fishing allowed?
Yes — Night fishing is permitted according to the published venue guide.
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 — Bait boats are prohibited.
Do I need barbless hooks?
Yes, it's required — Barbed hooks are required.
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.
Anglers' photos
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Syndicate · invite only
Horton Church Lake: a mature, tree-lined gravel-pit lake with a serious specimen carp reputation.
- Size
- Approximately 15 acres; some angling guides describe it as approximately 16 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, pike, tench, eel
Church Lake is a mature gravel-pit water excavated in the 1960s as part of Kingsmead Quarry. Formerly used for trout-rearing pens, it now has a long history tied to famous UK carp fishing and is best known for its big carp.
The main draw is the reported stock of common and mirror carp, plus grass carp. Pike, tench and eels are also reported, so there’s a bit more going on than just waiting for a lump to drop the bobbin.
RK Leisure states that Church Lake holds more than 100 carp, including 16 over 40 lb and at least 31 over 35 lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Horton Church Lake
Horton Church Lake
Horton Church Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Horton Church Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers chasing specimen common and mirror carp on a serious annual syndicate ticket
- Big-fish anglers happy to follow tight fish-care rules and put time into a mature gravel-pit water
Maybe not for
- Casual anglers wanting a one-off day ticket or a low-cost introduction to carp fishing
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Horton Church Lake
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.
carp
A bigger bed of bait at range
On a big lake with gravel bars, a good bed of bait on or behind a bar gives roaming fish a reason to stop and feed for longer.
- Find a clean, hard spot with a marker float and clip up so every cast lands on it.
- Bait boats aren't allowed, so spod or throwing-stick the bait out — little and often.
- Mix boilies, pellet and particles so there's always something left for the fish to graze.
- Match the hookbait to the freebies.
pike
Static deadbaits for the pike
A smelly deadbait on the bottom near drop-offs or reed lines is the classic, reliable way to find a lake's pike, especially in the colder months.
- Sardine, smelt or mackerel on a wire trace with semi-barbless trebles.
- Strike early — never let a pike run off with the bait.
- Have a long forceps, unhooking mat and big net ready before you cast.
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.
Horton Church Lake FAQs
How big are the carp reported to be?
Published information reports carp to about 52 lb. RK Leisure states that 16 carp exceed 40 lb and at least 31 exceed 35 lb.
Can you night fish Church Lake?
Yes. Night fishing is permitted according to the published venue guide.
What's the lake record on Horton Church Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: RK Leisure states that Church Lake holds more than 100 carp, including 16 over 40 lb and at least 31 over 35 lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Horton Church Lake?
carp, pike, tench, eel. RK Leisure states that Church Lake holds more than 100 carp, including 16 over 40 lb and at least 31 over 35 lb.
How big is Horton Church Lake and how many swims?
Around Approximately 15 acres; some angling guides describe it as approximately 16 acres acres. A mature, tree-lined gravel-pit lake with a serious specimen carp reputation..
Which baits work well on Horton Church Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Horton Church 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 Horton Church 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 Horton Church 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 Horton Church Lake before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Horton Church 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 Horton Church Lake on a day ticket?
No — Horton Church Lake is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Horton Church Lake?
Yes — Night fishing is permitted according to the published venue guide.
Who does Horton Church Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers chasing specimen common and mirror carp on a serious annual syndicate ticket; Big-fish anglers happy to follow tight fish-care rules and put time into a mature gravel-pit water. Less suited to: Casual anglers wanting a one-off day ticket or a low-cost introduction to carp fishing.
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
- No
Can you fish on a casual day ticket?
The current RK Leisure membership page does not advertise day tickets. Fishing access is by annual membership.
- Yes
Is night fishing allowed?
Night fishing is permitted according to the published venue guide.
- No
Can bait boats be used?
Bait boats are prohibited.
- Must
Are barbed hooks required?
Barbed hooks are required.
- Must
Do anglers need to sign in and record catches?
Sign in at the Lodge before fishing, sign out when leaving, and record all catches in the Lodge logbooks.
- No
Can rods be left unattended?
Rods with baited rigs must not be left unattended.
- Only if
Can visitors fish?
Visitors may not fish unless RK Leisure gives written permission.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 12 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.
Horton Church Lake
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.
carp
A bigger bed of bait at range
On a big lake with gravel bars, a good bed of bait on or behind a bar gives roaming fish a reason to stop and feed for longer.
- Find a clean, hard spot with a marker float and clip up so every cast lands on it.
- Bait boats aren't allowed, so spod or throwing-stick the bait out — little and often.
- Mix boilies, pellet and particles so there's always something left for the fish to graze.
- Match the hookbait to the freebies.
pike
Static deadbaits for the pike
A smelly deadbait on the bottom near drop-offs or reed lines is the classic, reliable way to find a lake's pike, especially in the colder months.
- Sardine, smelt or mackerel on a wire trace with semi-barbless trebles.
- Strike early — never let a pike run off with the bait.
- Have a long forceps, unhooking mat and big net ready before you cast.
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.
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: The reported carp head, including 16 over 40 lb, gives this water a serious specimen-fishing pull.
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 — “Horton Church Lake is a mature, tree-lined gravel-pit syndicate water and a proper specimen carp venue. Membership is pricey, but the published claims of 100-plus carp, including 16 over 40 lb, make it a serious big-fish proposition.”
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 Horton Church Lake
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