Fishery guide · East Yorkshire
Star Carr Lakes
Star Carr Lakes in East Yorkshire. How you get on isn't confirmed yet. Check the access and rules before heading out.
Background is an illustrative lake photo, not Star Carr Lakes.
Star Carr Lakes at a glance
- Fish here
- carp, tench, bream, perch, roach, rudd
- How you get on
- Not confirmed. Check with the fishery
- Tickets
- Price not published
- Ask the fishery before you travel.
- Rules
- Bait, hook and night rules for each lake.
Details last checked 21 October 2026. Rules and prices can change, so check with the fishery before you travel.
Not confirmed yet
How you get on (day ticket, booking or syndicate) · Ticket prices · Venue rules
The venue's own website doesn't say yet, so we've left these blank rather than guess. Some of it may be in the fishing directory details below, but the venue hasn't confirmed them. Check with the fishery before you go. Run this fishery? Claim it and fill the gaps
Free with an account. We'll let you know when rules, prices or notices change here, and you'll find it under My Waters.
Planning a session is free and unlimited with a free account. Saving plans to look back on later is part of Angler Plus.
Our quick take
“—/10 — Star Carr Lakes in East Yorkshire. How you get on isn't confirmed yet. Check the access and rules before heading out.”
Our own summary and venue score from the details we checked. It isn't a customer rating, and angler reviews are kept separate.
From a fishing directory · not confirmed by the venue
- Fish listed
- carp, tench, bream, roach, rudd, barbel, perch
- Postcode listed
- YO25 8RU
- Prices listed
- The minimum accommodation stay is three nights. · The larger lodge costs £150 per night and the annex costs £100 per night.
- Rules listed
- A current EA rod licence is required. · No pike fishing is allowed. · No bait boats are allowed in Mirror Pool. · Only marked swims may be fished in Mirror Pool.
- Also listed
- The site provides toilets, a shower and parking for day-ticket anglers. · Fishing is free for guests staying at the venue. · The main lodge has three bedrooms. · The annex contains one bedroom and sleeps two. · The lodge and annex together accommodate up to eight people.
Put in our own words from a fishing directory listing, checked 21 October 2026. Directories can be out of date, so double-check with the fishery before you go.
The lowdown
Here's the useful stuff for Star Carr Lakes, as listed on the venue's own website when checked on 2026-10-21.
- 2 lakes: The Clay Pool, The Mirror Pool
- Fish: carp, tench, bream, perch, roach, rudd, pike
- Find it: Brandesburton · YO25 8RU
Popular general approaches · plus anything the venue documents
How to fish here
We haven't found verified local tips for this water yet, so what's below is general practical advice for the fish listed — not reports from here.
Target species
Rigs & methods
- General technique — not verified here
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.
How to set it 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.
Typical kit: Boilies: 15mm boilies · Hook: wide gape size 6–8 · Hooklink: coated braid or fluoro · Main line: 15lb mono. Starting points only — match line and hook to the venue rules and the fish present.
Bait to consider
- Boilies or wafters
- Pellet
- Sweetcorn or tiger nuts (only where nuts are allowed)
- Bread on the surface in warm weather
Common starting baits, not a local "top bait". Bait bans override everything here.
When it suits
Usually most active late spring to autumn; slower in deep winter. Warm, settled spells often see fish higher in the water.
General seasonal pattern, not a forecast.
Check the rules
No method or bait rules published that we've checked. Always confirm on the day.
Rigs & methods
- General technique — not verified here
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.
How to set it up
- 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.
Typical kit: Feeder line: 6–8lb feeder mono · Reel: 4000-size front drag. Starting points only — match line and hook to the venue rules and the fish present.
Bait to consider
- Dead red maggot or caster
- Sweetcorn
- Small wafters or 6–8mm pellet
- Worm
Common starting baits, not a local "top bait". Bait bans override everything here.
When it suits
A classic warm-weather fish — late spring through summer, often best at dawn and dusk.
General seasonal pattern, not a forecast.
Check the rules
No method or bait rules published that we've checked. Always confirm on the day.
Rigs & methods
- General technique — not verified here
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.
How to set it up
- 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.
Typical kit: Feeder line: 6lb mono. Starting points only — match line and hook to the venue rules and the fish present.
Bait to consider
- Groundbait with casters/chopped worm
- Maggot
- Worm
- Small pellet or corn
Common starting baits, not a local "top bait". Bait bans override everything here.
When it suits
Summer and autumn, often better in low light or coloured water.
General seasonal pattern, not a forecast.
Check the rules
No method or bait rules published that we've checked. Always confirm on the day.
Rigs & methods
- General technique — not verified here
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.
How to set it up
- 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.
Bait to consider
- Lobworm or dendrobaena
- Prawn (where allowed)
- Small lures
Common starting baits, not a local "top bait". Bait bans override everything here.
When it suits
All year; overcast or coloured-water days and dusk are worth trying.
General seasonal pattern, not a forecast.
Check the rules
No method or bait rules published that we've checked. Always confirm on the day.
Rigs & methods
No general method set for roach yet — ask the venue or a local shop.
Bait to consider
- Maggot or caster
- Hemp and tare (where allowed)
- Bread punch or flake
Common starting baits, not a local "top bait". Bait bans override everything here.
When it suits
All year on stillwaters; autumn and winter often bring the better fish.
General seasonal pattern, not a forecast.
Check the rules
No method or bait rules published that we've checked. Always confirm on the day.
Rigs & methods
No general method set for rudd yet — ask the venue or a local shop.
Bait to consider
- Maggot or caster fished shallow
- Floating bread in summer
Common starting baits, not a local "top bait". Bait bans override everything here.
When it suits
Warm, still days when fish rise near cover.
General seasonal pattern, not a forecast.
Check the rules
No method or bait rules published that we've checked. Always confirm on the day.
These are mainstream angling methods chosen from the species, water type and published rules — not rankings, catch rates or proof they work here.
Fished Star Carr Lakes? Share what worked (or what didn't). Blanks count too — they help other anglers more than you'd think. No swim spots or private details are shown publicly.
Plan your session
Fishery map of Star Carr Lakes
Pick a pin or venue to see live bank-side conditions.
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
Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Fishery
Star Carr Lakes
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. Tap a lake for its full details.
The full rundown on Star Carr Lakes
Here's the useful stuff for Star Carr Lakes, as listed on the venue's own website when checked on 2026-10-21.
Not confirmed yet: How you get on (day ticket, booking or syndicate), Ticket prices, Venue rules. We'd rather leave a gap than guess, so check these with the fishery before you go.
We've also popped in a few extra bits listed in a fishing directory. They're in our own words, marked clearly and not confirmed by the venue, so treat them as a heads-up rather than gospel.
The details below are the venue's published information, not catch statistics or a ranking of baits. General starting methods are labelled separately; they aren't proof of what works best here.
Check the rod licence you need for your age, tackle and target fish in England. A venue ticket does not replace a rod licence. Check any local close season before fishing.
Before you load the car, confirm current opening, permission, ticket availability and any restrictions with the rights holder.
Working towards a fishing goal?Use this for my fishing goal
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.
Star Carr Lakes FAQs
What should I check before travelling?
Confirm current permission, opening, tickets and the venue rules with the rights holder.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Star Carr Lakes. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Brandesburton.
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?
Not that we've seen listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off. Bring a barrow in case it's a walk.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
YO25 8RU. Map position is the centre of the officially listed postcode, not a verified entrance or fishing peg. Use the venue's directions before travelling.
How much is a ticket?
We haven't got current prices. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
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, tench, bream, perch, roach, rudd, pike. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
2 — The Clay Pool (Not published), The Mirror Pool (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
We haven't seen a clear night-fishing rule. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
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?
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
Been to Star Carr Lakes? Share a snap
No angler photos yet. Be the first!
Fished here, or run this fishery?
- Run Star Carr Lakes? Claim this listing (free, no card)
Choose a lake
Each lake has its own details, rules and tactics. Your choice stays put as you move around the page.
Access not confirmed yet
The Clay Pool: the clay pool: the documented details
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, tench, bream, perch, roach, rudd
How you get on here isn't confirmed yet — check with the fishery.
Lake photographs
A look around The Clay Pool
Star Carr Lakes
The Clay Pool
We’re checking the fishery’s The Clay Pool pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
Maybe not for
Popular general approaches · plus anything the venue documents
How to fish The Clay Pool
We haven't found verified local tips for this water yet, so what's below is general practical advice for the fish listed — not reports from here.
Target species
Rigs & methods
- General technique — not verified here
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.
How to set it 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.
Typical kit: Boilies: 15mm boilies · Hook: wide gape size 6–8 · Hooklink: coated braid or fluoro · Main line: 15lb mono. Starting points only — match line and hook to the venue rules and the fish present.
Bait to consider
- Boilies or wafters
- Pellet
- Sweetcorn or tiger nuts (only where nuts are allowed)
- Bread on the surface in warm weather
Common starting baits, not a local "top bait". Bait bans override everything here.
When it suits
Usually most active late spring to autumn; slower in deep winter. Warm, settled spells often see fish higher in the water.
General seasonal pattern, not a forecast.
Check the rules
No method or bait rules published that we've checked. Always confirm on the day.
Rigs & methods
- General technique — not verified here
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.
How to set it up
- 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.
Typical kit: Feeder line: 6–8lb feeder mono · Reel: 4000-size front drag. Starting points only — match line and hook to the venue rules and the fish present.
Bait to consider
- Dead red maggot or caster
- Sweetcorn
- Small wafters or 6–8mm pellet
- Worm
Common starting baits, not a local "top bait". Bait bans override everything here.
When it suits
A classic warm-weather fish — late spring through summer, often best at dawn and dusk.
General seasonal pattern, not a forecast.
Check the rules
No method or bait rules published that we've checked. Always confirm on the day.
Rigs & methods
- General technique — not verified here
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.
How to set it up
- 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.
Typical kit: Feeder line: 6lb mono. Starting points only — match line and hook to the venue rules and the fish present.
Bait to consider
- Groundbait with casters/chopped worm
- Maggot
- Worm
- Small pellet or corn
Common starting baits, not a local "top bait". Bait bans override everything here.
When it suits
Summer and autumn, often better in low light or coloured water.
General seasonal pattern, not a forecast.
Check the rules
No method or bait rules published that we've checked. Always confirm on the day.
Rigs & methods
- General technique — not verified here
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.
How to set it up
- 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.
Bait to consider
- Lobworm or dendrobaena
- Prawn (where allowed)
- Small lures
Common starting baits, not a local "top bait". Bait bans override everything here.
When it suits
All year; overcast or coloured-water days and dusk are worth trying.
General seasonal pattern, not a forecast.
Check the rules
No method or bait rules published that we've checked. Always confirm on the day.
Rigs & methods
No general method set for roach yet — ask the venue or a local shop.
Bait to consider
- Maggot or caster
- Hemp and tare (where allowed)
- Bread punch or flake
Common starting baits, not a local "top bait". Bait bans override everything here.
When it suits
All year on stillwaters; autumn and winter often bring the better fish.
General seasonal pattern, not a forecast.
Check the rules
No method or bait rules published that we've checked. Always confirm on the day.
Rigs & methods
No general method set for rudd yet — ask the venue or a local shop.
Bait to consider
- Maggot or caster fished shallow
- Floating bread in summer
Common starting baits, not a local "top bait". Bait bans override everything here.
When it suits
Warm, still days when fish rise near cover.
General seasonal pattern, not a forecast.
Check the rules
No method or bait rules published that we've checked. Always confirm on the day.
These are mainstream angling methods chosen from the species, water type and published rules — not rankings, catch rates or proof they work here.
Fished The Clay Pool? Share what worked (or what didn't). Blanks count too — they help other anglers more than you'd think. No swim spots or private details are shown publicly.
The Clay Pool FAQs
Which species are documented for this water?
carp, tench, bream, perch, roach, rudd
How is access arranged?
Not confirmed yet — check with the fishery.
What's the lake record on The Clay Pool?
The fishery hasn't published a record for The Clay Pool that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in The Clay Pool?
carp, tench, bream, perch, roach, rudd.
How big is The Clay Pool and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The Clay Pool: the documented details.
Which baits work well on The Clay Pool?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for The Clay Pool further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does The Clay Pool get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on The Clay Pool?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for Star Carr Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on The Clay Pool?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Can I fish The Clay Pool on a day ticket?
You'll need to book The Clay Pool in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on The Clay Pool?
We haven't seen a clear night-fishing rule for this lake. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Who does The Clay Pool suit?
The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
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
Access not confirmed yet
The Mirror Pool: the mirror pool: the documented details
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, pike
How you get on here isn't confirmed yet — check with the fishery.
Lake photographs
A look around The Mirror Pool
Star Carr Lakes
The Mirror Pool
We’re checking the fishery’s The Mirror Pool pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
Maybe not for
Popular general approaches · plus anything the venue documents
How to fish The Mirror Pool
We haven't found verified local tips for this water yet, so what's below is general practical advice for the fish listed — not reports from here.
Target species
Rigs & methods
- General technique — not verified here
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.
How to set it 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.
Typical kit: Boilies: 15mm boilies · Hook: wide gape size 6–8 · Hooklink: coated braid or fluoro · Main line: 15lb mono. Starting points only — match line and hook to the venue rules and the fish present.
Bait to consider
- Boilies or wafters
- Pellet
- Sweetcorn or tiger nuts (only where nuts are allowed)
- Bread on the surface in warm weather
Common starting baits, not a local "top bait". Bait bans override everything here.
When it suits
Usually most active late spring to autumn; slower in deep winter. Warm, settled spells often see fish higher in the water.
General seasonal pattern, not a forecast.
Check the rules
No method or bait rules published that we've checked. Always confirm on the day.
Rigs & methods
- General technique — not verified here
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.
How to set it up
- Sardine, smelt or mackerel on a wire trace with trebles set up the way the venue rules say (many insist on barbless or semi-barbed), and only where deadbaits are allowed.
- Strike early — never let a pike run off with the bait.
- Have a long forceps, unhooking mat and big net ready before you cast.
Typical kit: Rod: 12ft 3lb deadbait rod · Weights: quick-change leads. Starting points only — match line and hook to the venue rules and the fish present.
- General technique — not verified here
Lure fishing for the pike
Lures let you cover water and find active pike fast.
How to set it up
- Spinners, jerkbaits and 4–6in soft shads on a 20–30g rod.
- Always use a wire trace — pike bite through mono and fluoro.
- Move every 10–15 casts till you find them; work drop-offs and edges.
Typical kit: Trace: 18in wire trace · Line: 30lb braid. Starting points only — match line and hook to the venue rules and the fish present.
Bait to consider
- Sea deadbaits (sardine, smelt, mackerel) where deadbaits are allowed
- Lures: spinners, shads, jerkbaits
- Livebait ONLY where the venue and law allow
Common starting baits, not a local "top bait". Bait bans override everything here.
When it suits
Autumn and winter are the traditional season; many venues restrict pike fishing in summer — check.
General seasonal pattern, not a forecast.
Check the rules
No method or bait rules published that we've checked. Always confirm on the day.
These are mainstream angling methods chosen from the species, water type and published rules — not rankings, catch rates or proof they work here.
Fished The Mirror Pool? Share what worked (or what didn't). Blanks count too — they help other anglers more than you'd think. No swim spots or private details are shown publicly.
The Mirror Pool FAQs
Which species are documented for this water?
carp, pike
How is access arranged?
Not confirmed yet — check with the fishery.
What's the lake record on The Mirror Pool?
The fishery hasn't published a record for The Mirror Pool that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in The Mirror Pool?
carp, pike.
How big is The Mirror Pool and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The Mirror Pool: the documented details.
Which baits work well on The Mirror Pool?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for The Mirror Pool further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does The Mirror Pool get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on The Mirror Pool?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for Star Carr Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on The Mirror Pool?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Can I fish The Mirror Pool on a day ticket?
You'll need to book The Mirror Pool in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on The Mirror Pool?
We haven't seen a clear night-fishing rule for this lake. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Who does The Mirror Pool suit?
The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
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
- Only if
Licence, permission and seasons
Check the rod licence you need for your age, tackle and target fish in England. A venue ticket does not replace a rod licence. Check any local close season before fishing.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 21 October 2026. Rules change — always check with the fishery before you go.
Tickets
No ticket prices published yet. Ask the fishery before you travel.
Rules and prices change through the season. Follow this water (free) and we'll let you know when the fishery or other anglers report a change.
How to fish here
Popular general approaches · plus anything the venue documents
How to fish The Clay Pool
We haven't found verified local tips for this water yet, so what's below is general practical advice for the fish listed — not reports from here.
Target species
Rigs & methods
- General technique — not verified here
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.
How to set it 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.
Typical kit: Boilies: 15mm boilies · Hook: wide gape size 6–8 · Hooklink: coated braid or fluoro · Main line: 15lb mono. Starting points only — match line and hook to the venue rules and the fish present.
Bait to consider
- Boilies or wafters
- Pellet
- Sweetcorn or tiger nuts (only where nuts are allowed)
- Bread on the surface in warm weather
Common starting baits, not a local "top bait". Bait bans override everything here.
When it suits
Usually most active late spring to autumn; slower in deep winter. Warm, settled spells often see fish higher in the water.
General seasonal pattern, not a forecast.
Check the rules
No method or bait rules published that we've checked. Always confirm on the day.
Rigs & methods
- General technique — not verified here
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.
How to set it up
- 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.
Typical kit: Feeder line: 6–8lb feeder mono · Reel: 4000-size front drag. Starting points only — match line and hook to the venue rules and the fish present.
Bait to consider
- Dead red maggot or caster
- Sweetcorn
- Small wafters or 6–8mm pellet
- Worm
Common starting baits, not a local "top bait". Bait bans override everything here.
When it suits
A classic warm-weather fish — late spring through summer, often best at dawn and dusk.
General seasonal pattern, not a forecast.
Check the rules
No method or bait rules published that we've checked. Always confirm on the day.
Rigs & methods
- General technique — not verified here
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.
How to set it up
- 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.
Typical kit: Feeder line: 6lb mono. Starting points only — match line and hook to the venue rules and the fish present.
Bait to consider
- Groundbait with casters/chopped worm
- Maggot
- Worm
- Small pellet or corn
Common starting baits, not a local "top bait". Bait bans override everything here.
When it suits
Summer and autumn, often better in low light or coloured water.
General seasonal pattern, not a forecast.
Check the rules
No method or bait rules published that we've checked. Always confirm on the day.
Rigs & methods
- General technique — not verified here
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.
How to set it up
- 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.
Bait to consider
- Lobworm or dendrobaena
- Prawn (where allowed)
- Small lures
Common starting baits, not a local "top bait". Bait bans override everything here.
When it suits
All year; overcast or coloured-water days and dusk are worth trying.
General seasonal pattern, not a forecast.
Check the rules
No method or bait rules published that we've checked. Always confirm on the day.
Rigs & methods
No general method set for roach yet — ask the venue or a local shop.
Bait to consider
- Maggot or caster
- Hemp and tare (where allowed)
- Bread punch or flake
Common starting baits, not a local "top bait". Bait bans override everything here.
When it suits
All year on stillwaters; autumn and winter often bring the better fish.
General seasonal pattern, not a forecast.
Check the rules
No method or bait rules published that we've checked. Always confirm on the day.
Rigs & methods
No general method set for rudd yet — ask the venue or a local shop.
Bait to consider
- Maggot or caster fished shallow
- Floating bread in summer
Common starting baits, not a local "top bait". Bait bans override everything here.
When it suits
Warm, still days when fish rise near cover.
General seasonal pattern, not a forecast.
Check the rules
No method or bait rules published that we've checked. Always confirm on the day.
These are mainstream angling methods chosen from the species, water type and published rules — not rankings, catch rates or proof they work here.
Popular general approaches · plus anything the venue documents
How to fish The Mirror Pool
We haven't found verified local tips for this water yet, so what's below is general practical advice for the fish listed — not reports from here.
Target species
Rigs & methods
- General technique — not verified here
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.
How to set it 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.
Typical kit: Boilies: 15mm boilies · Hook: wide gape size 6–8 · Hooklink: coated braid or fluoro · Main line: 15lb mono. Starting points only — match line and hook to the venue rules and the fish present.
Bait to consider
- Boilies or wafters
- Pellet
- Sweetcorn or tiger nuts (only where nuts are allowed)
- Bread on the surface in warm weather
Common starting baits, not a local "top bait". Bait bans override everything here.
When it suits
Usually most active late spring to autumn; slower in deep winter. Warm, settled spells often see fish higher in the water.
General seasonal pattern, not a forecast.
Check the rules
No method or bait rules published that we've checked. Always confirm on the day.
Rigs & methods
- General technique — not verified here
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.
How to set it up
- Sardine, smelt or mackerel on a wire trace with trebles set up the way the venue rules say (many insist on barbless or semi-barbed), and only where deadbaits are allowed.
- Strike early — never let a pike run off with the bait.
- Have a long forceps, unhooking mat and big net ready before you cast.
Typical kit: Rod: 12ft 3lb deadbait rod · Weights: quick-change leads. Starting points only — match line and hook to the venue rules and the fish present.
- General technique — not verified here
Lure fishing for the pike
Lures let you cover water and find active pike fast.
How to set it up
- Spinners, jerkbaits and 4–6in soft shads on a 20–30g rod.
- Always use a wire trace — pike bite through mono and fluoro.
- Move every 10–15 casts till you find them; work drop-offs and edges.
Typical kit: Trace: 18in wire trace · Line: 30lb braid. Starting points only — match line and hook to the venue rules and the fish present.
Bait to consider
- Sea deadbaits (sardine, smelt, mackerel) where deadbaits are allowed
- Lures: spinners, shads, jerkbaits
- Livebait ONLY where the venue and law allow
Common starting baits, not a local "top bait". Bait bans override everything here.
When it suits
Autumn and winter are the traditional season; many venues restrict pike fishing in summer — check.
General seasonal pattern, not a forecast.
Check the rules
No method or bait rules published that we've checked. Always confirm on the day.
These are mainstream angling methods chosen from the species, water type and published rules — not rankings, catch rates or proof they work here.
Background reading
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
Reviews: what anglers reckon
—/10 from Tackle Index: Star Carr Lakes in East Yorkshire. How you get on isn't confirmed yet. Check the access and rules before heading out.
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 — “Star Carr Lakes in East Yorkshire. How you get on isn't confirmed yet. Check the access and rules before heading out.”
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 Star Carr Lakes
No angler score yet — nobody's reviewed Star Carr Lakes here. Be the first and get the score started.