Fishery guide · Hertfordshire
Cheshunt North Metropolitan Pit
Cheshunt North Metropolitan Pit is a proper mature gravel-pit syndicate near Cheshunt and Waltham Cross. Big water, clever features and carp reportedly over 50 lb — but you’ll need membership or a season permit, not a casual day ticket.
“7.0/10 — A mature 58-acre pit with specimen carp, varied features and several additional species offers plenty to work out.”
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The lowdown
North Met Pit sits in the Lee Valley near Cheshunt and Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire. It’s a mature former gravel pit covering about 58 acres, so there’s plenty of water to get your head around. Proper big-pit country, with the sort of space where a bit of homework can make all the difference.
- 2 lakes: Main lake, Northern section
- Fish: carp, tench, pike, bream, roach, eel
- Find it: Cheshunt · EN9 2EE
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Fishery map of Cheshunt North Metropolitan Pit
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Fishery
Cheshunt North Metropolitan Pit
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Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Cheshunt North Metropolitan Pit
North Met Pit sits in the Lee Valley near Cheshunt and Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire. It’s a mature former gravel pit covering about 58 acres, so there’s plenty of water to get your head around. Proper big-pit country, with the sort of space where a bit of homework can make all the difference.
The main lake covers roughly 45 acres, while the northern section adds another 13 acres. A causeway separates the two sections, but fish can move between them through a large connecting pipe. That’s worth keeping in mind when you’re looking at the water and trying to work out where the fish might be travelling.
There’s loads of natural-looking structure to investigate, too. Islands, bays, channels, spits and reed beds are all part of the layout, with gravel bars, silty areas, snags and underwater channels adding more wrinkles to the puzzle. The main lake is fished from numbered swims, so have a proper look before getting settled. A quick recce of the margins and visible features could save a fair bit of faff later.
The headline attraction is the carp, with the fishery reporting carp over 50lb. Tench and pike are also present, while older Lee Valley fishery information lists bream, roach and large eels. So although it’s primarily aimed at the specimen carp angler, there’s a decent mix of pit life in the water. The carp might be the target, but it certainly isn’t the only thing that could put a bend in the rod.
This isn’t a normal casual day-ticket venue. The current fishery is members-only, with access by season permit and membership. Lee Valley Fisheries asks prospective anglers to make contact for current pricing, availability and waiting-list details. Enquiries go direct to fisheries@aquamaintain.co.uk, so that’s the place to start rather than relying on older ticket information.
Day-and-night fishing is available with the appropriate permit, and access to the Fishers Green anglers’ car park is reportedly controlled by a combination code supplied with the permit. Some swims involve a long barrow walk from the car park, so keep the kit sensible and take only what you genuinely need. Before heading down, ask about the current access arrangements, preferred parking procedure and any swim restrictions. A barrow, clean fish-care kit and a plan for moving around the pit should all be on the checklist.
Approach-wise, this is a venue for taking your time. Study the islands, bays, reed beds, gravel bars and channels, then build a plan around what you can actually find on the day. Keep your rods attended, follow the venue rules, remove all litter and make sure fish-care equipment is clean and dry. With up to three rods permitted, there’s scope to cover more than one type of feature, but don’t let extra rods turn a straightforward session into a proper faff.
We're not sure on ticket prices here — we couldn't find reliable, up-to-date prices online, so give the fishery a ring or check their own site before you go.
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.
Cheshunt North Metropolitan Pit FAQs
Is Cheshunt North Metropolitan Pit a day-ticket fishery?
No. The current fishery is members-only rather than a normal casual day-ticket venue.
How do I ask about joining or availability?
Contact Lee Valley Fisheries directly at fisheries@aquamaintain.co.uk for current pricing, availability and waiting-list information.
Are current prices published?
No current public ticket price was found on the official operator website.
Is there a published daily opening time?
No. Fishing availability is permit-controlled rather than based on unrestricted opening hours.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Cheshunt North Metropolitan Pit. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Cheshunt.
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?
Yes — fishers green anglers’ car park access for permit holders. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
EN9 2EE.
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?
Cheshunt North Metropolitan Pit isn't day-ticket water — Main lake, Northern section are members or syndicate only.
What fish are in there?
Across the lakes you'll find carp, tench, pike, bream, roach, eel. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
2 — Main lake (Approximately 45 acres), Northern section (Approximately 13 acres).
Is night fishing allowed?
Yes — Day-and-night fishing is available with the appropriate permit.
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 — Boats are prohibited under the reported venue rules.
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?
The fishery lists some swims accessible by barrow walk. Ring ahead to check which swims suit you.
Do I need a rod licence?
Yes — anyone 13 or over fishing in England and Wales needs an Environment Agency rod licence (or Natural Resources Wales in Wales), on top of your fishery ticket.
When's the best time of year to fish here?
Late spring through autumn is prime for most species. Check our live weather edge for this venue before you go — it updates daily.
Anglers' photos
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Syndicate · invite only
Main lake: the 45-acre main lake is the main event, with specimen carp, numbered swims and a cracking mix of gravel, silt, snags and channels.
- Size
- Approximately 45 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, tench, pike, bream, roach, eel
This is the larger section of North Met Pit, covering approximately 45 acres and fished from numbered swims. The mature gravel-pit setting gives it a varied bottom, with gravel bars, silty areas, snags and underwater channels to pick apart.
Islands, bays, spits and reed beds add even more options. Carp are the main target, reportedly reaching over 50 lb, but tench, pike and other species listed in older Lee Valley information are also present.
Carp reportedly reach over 50 lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Main lake
Cheshunt North Metropolitan Pit
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
- Specimen carp anglers who enjoy reading a big, feature-filled pit
- Anglers happy to investigate bars, channels, snags and margins
Maybe not for
- Casual day-ticket anglers, as access is members-only and permit-controlled
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Main lake
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.
- Spread the bait with a spod or throwing stick — 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.
carp
Solid PVA bag over the snaggy bits
With the reed lines and a busy bottom, a solid bag keeps the hook point masked on the drop and sat neatly in a little pile of bait however rough the lakebed is.
- Tie a short, stiff hooklink (4–6in) so it packs into the bag without kinking.
- Fill the bag with a damp crumb mix and pack it tight — loose bags spill on the cast.
- Nick a wafter or small pop-up on the hair so it settles over the mix, not under it.
- Cast a few yards short of the feature, recast every couple of hours with a fresh bag.
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. Perfect for fishing tight to the cover here.
- 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.
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.
Main lake FAQs
How big is the main lake?
The main lake covers approximately 45 acres.
What fish are in the main lake?
It is primarily a specimen carp fishery, with tench and pike present. Older Lee Valley information also lists bream, roach and large eels.
What's the lake record on Main lake?
Going by what the fishery says: Carp reportedly reach over 50 lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Main lake?
carp, tench, pike, bream, roach, eel. Carp reportedly reach over 50 lb.
How big is Main lake and how many swims?
Around Approximately 45 acres acres. The 45-acre main lake is the main event, with specimen carp, numbered swims and a cracking mix of gravel, silt, snags and channels..
Which baits work well on Main lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Main lake further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: with the fish the fishery lists here, a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Main lake get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Main lake?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for Cheshunt North Metropolitan Pit 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?
No — Main lake is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Main lake?
Yes — Day-and-night fishing is available with the appropriate permit.
Who does Main lake suit?
Good for: Specimen carp anglers who enjoy reading a big, feature-filled pit; Anglers happy to investigate bars, channels, snags and margins. Less suited to: Casual day-ticket anglers, as access is members-only and permit-controlled.
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
Syndicate · invite only
Northern section: the smaller northern section covers about 13 acres and connects to the main lake through a large pipe beneath the causeway.
- Size
- Approximately 13 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, tench, pike, bream, roach, eel
The northern section covers approximately 13 acres and is separated from the main lake by a causeway. Despite that split, fish can move between the two sections through a large connecting pipe.
That makes it another piece of the overall pit puzzle. The checked information confirms the same broad fishery species are present across North Met Pit, with carp the primary target.
Lake photographs
A look around Northern section
Cheshunt North Metropolitan Pit
Northern section
We’re checking the fishery’s Northern section pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Syndicate anglers who like quieter-looking sections and fish movement puzzles
- Carp anglers willing to keep an eye on watercraft and connecting features
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting a straightforward, unrestricted day ticket
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Northern section
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 wide, open water the fish move about a lot — a decent bed of bait at range holds a passing group long enough to get a bite.
- Find a clean, hard spot with a marker float and clip up so every cast lands on it.
- Spread the bait with a spod or throwing stick — 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.
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.
pike
Lure fishing for the pike
Lures let you cover water and find active pike fast.
- 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.
Northern section FAQs
How large is the northern section?
It covers approximately 13 acres.
Can fish move between the sections?
Yes. Fish can move through a large connecting pipe beneath the causeway.
What's the lake record on Northern section?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Northern section 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 Northern section?
carp, tench, pike, bream, roach, eel.
How big is Northern section and how many swims?
Around Approximately 13 acres acres. The smaller northern section covers about 13 acres and connects to the main lake through a large pipe beneath the causeway..
Which baits work well on Northern section?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Northern section 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 Northern section get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Northern section?
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 Cheshunt North Metropolitan Pit before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Northern section?
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 Northern section on a day ticket?
No — Northern section is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Northern section?
Yes — Day-and-night fishing is available with the appropriate permit.
Who does Northern section suit?
Good for: Syndicate anglers who like quieter-looking sections and fish movement puzzles; Carp anglers willing to keep an eye on watercraft and connecting features. Less suited to: Anglers wanting a straightforward, unrestricted 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
Venue Rule Checker
- Must
Is membership or a season permit required?
The current fishery is members-only, with access by season permit and membership.
- Yes
Are up to three rods allowed?
Up to three rods per angler are permitted.
- Yes
Is day-and-night fishing available?
Day-and-night fishing is available with the appropriate permit.
- No
Are swimming and wading allowed?
Swimming and wading are prohibited under the reported venue rules.
- No
Are boats allowed?
Boats are prohibited under the reported venue rules.
- No
Are open fires and barbecues allowed?
Open fires and barbecues are prohibited.
- Must
Do rods need to be attended?
Rods must be attended and litter must be removed.
- Must
Does fish-care equipment need to be clean and dry?
Fish-care equipment must be clean and dry.
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.
Main lake
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.
- Spread the bait with a spod or throwing stick — 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.
carp
Solid PVA bag over the snaggy bits
With the reed lines and a busy bottom, a solid bag keeps the hook point masked on the drop and sat neatly in a little pile of bait however rough the lakebed is.
- Tie a short, stiff hooklink (4–6in) so it packs into the bag without kinking.
- Fill the bag with a damp crumb mix and pack it tight — loose bags spill on the cast.
- Nick a wafter or small pop-up on the hair so it settles over the mix, not under it.
- Cast a few yards short of the feature, recast every couple of hours with a fresh bag.
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. Perfect for fishing tight to the cover here.
- 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.
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.
Northern section
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 wide, open water the fish move about a lot — a decent bed of bait at range holds a passing group long enough to get a bite.
- Find a clean, hard spot with a marker float and clip up so every cast lands on it.
- Spread the bait with a spod or throwing stick — 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.
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.
pike
Lure fishing for the pike
Lures let you cover water and find active pike fast.
- 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.
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
7.0/10 from Tackle Index: A mature 58-acre pit with specimen carp, varied features and several additional species offers plenty to work 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 — “Cheshunt North Metropolitan Pit is a proper mature gravel-pit syndicate near Cheshunt and Waltham Cross. Big water, clever features and carp reportedly over 50 lb — but you’ll need membership or a season permit, not a casual day ticket.”
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 Cheshunt North Metropolitan Pit
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