Fishery guide · Kent
Brooklands Lake
Brooklands Lake is a DDAPS day-ticket gravel-pit complex beside Princes Road, south of Dartford. Four named waters, proper mixed fishing and night tickets make it a handy Kent option for a day out or a longer session.
“7.6/10 — A strong mixed-species venue with carp, pike, tench, bream, perch, roach and eels listed.”
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The lowdown
Brooklands Lake is a DDAPS day-ticket fishery beside Princes Road, just south of Dartford town centre. The complex is an approximately 17-acre gravel-pit fishery, with four named waters to get your head around: Baldwins Lake, A2 Lake, Homebase Lake and Competition Lake. Handy enough if you fancy a proper session without heading miles into the sticks.
- 4 lakes: Baldwins Lake, A2 Lake, Homebase Lake, Competition Lake
- Fish: carp, tench, bream, roach, pike, perch, eel
- Tickets from: Standard day ticket — £15
- Find it: Dartford · DA1 1LA
Plan your session
Fishery map of Brooklands Lake
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Fishery
Brooklands Lake
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 Brooklands Lake
Brooklands Lake is a DDAPS day-ticket fishery beside Princes Road, just south of Dartford town centre. The complex is an approximately 17-acre gravel-pit fishery, with four named waters to get your head around: Baldwins Lake, A2 Lake, Homebase Lake and Competition Lake. Handy enough if you fancy a proper session without heading miles into the sticks.
The fishing is nicely mixed, with carp, tench, bream, roach, perch, pike and eels listed across the complex. Baldwins Lake is the smallest water and sits next to the River Darent. It can accommodate matches of up to 30 pegs and has a two-rod limit. Competition Lake is described as the largest area of water, so there’s a bit of variety in how you can tackle the complex.
There are some proper lumps in the details, too. Baldwins Lake carp exceed 20 lb, while its bream exceed 7 lb. Competition Lake holds carp and pike exceeding 30 lb, plus tench and bream over 7 lb. Perch reach about 3 lb 12 oz there. That gives you scope for a cheeky mixed bag, but also the chance of something with a bit more shoulder if the swim comes alive.
A standard day ticket costs £15 and covers fishing from dawn until dusk. One-night tickets are £25 for 24 hours, while two-night tickets cost £45 for 48 hours. Children under 15 cost £5, with up to two rods. Tickets are bought on the bank from a DDAPS bailiff, so it’s worth having the right cash and checking the current arrangements before setting off. The DDAPS office is open at approximately 9:30 am and 1:30 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, but confirm before travelling.
If it’s your first drop-in, spend a few minutes looking for signs before clipping up. Watch the margins, give the open water a proper scan and ask the bailiff where anglers have been finding fish and which baits are currently allowed. Pack a large landing net and unhooking mat for carp or pike fishing. Ledgering needs at least 500 mm of tubing and a carp-care kit. Bait boats are banned, as are plastic or artificial baits, peanuts and leaders, so keep the tackle box simple and rules-friendly.
Pike fishing is allowed from 1 October to 31 March and requires at least 30 lb braid. Night fishing is available with the applicable ticket, although it’s prohibited on the house side of Texas Bay behind B&M. Open fires, bank fires, barbecues, swimming, boating, wading, camping and tents are all prohibited, and fish must not be sacked, retained or removed. Parking is available from Princes Road and Powder Mill Lane, so get your kit sorted, keep the session tidy and you’ll be bob on for a proper day on the bank.
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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Brooklands Lake FAQs
Where is Brooklands Lake?
Beside Princes Road, south of Dartford town centre, Kent. Parking is available from Princes Road and Powder Mill Lane.
How do I buy a ticket?
Tickets are purchased on the bank from a DDAPS bailiff.
What are the standard ticket hours?
The £15 standard day ticket covers fishing from dawn until dusk.
Are there restrictions on bait and shelters?
Plastic or artificial baits, peanuts and leaders are not allowed. Only purpose-made fishing shelters are permitted.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Brooklands Lake. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Dartford.
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 — car parking in two areas, with access from princes road and powder mill lane. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
DA1 1LA.
How much is a ticket?
Standard day ticket: £15; One-night ticket: £25 for 24 hours; Two-night ticket: £45 for 48 hours; Children under 15: £5, with up to two rods. Prices last checked 2026-10-11 — they can change, so check before you go.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Day tickets are available on Baldwins Lake, A2 Lake, Homebase Lake, Competition 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, tench, bream, roach, pike, perch, eel. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
4 — Baldwins Lake (Not published), A2 Lake (Not published), Homebase Lake (Not published), Competition Lake (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
Yes — Night fishing is available with the applicable night ticket, but is prohibited on the house side of Texas Bay behind B&M.
Can I bring my dog?
No — Dogs must be kept on a lead.
Are bait boats allowed?
No — Bait boats are prohibited on all lakes.
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
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Day ticket · turn up
Baldwins Lake: the smallest water, with a handy mixed-species spread and some proper bream and carp.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, tench, bream, roach, pike, perch, eel
Baldwins Lake is the smallest of the four named waters and sits adjacent to the River Darent. It can accommodate matches of up to 30 pegs, so it has a clear match-fishing angle too.
There’s a good all-round list here: carp, tench, bream, roach, perch, pike and eels. The carp exceed 20 lb and bream exceed 7 lb, so don’t assume small-water fishing means small fish.
Baldwins Lake carp exceed 20 lb and bream exceed 7 lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Baldwins Lake
Brooklands Lake
Baldwins Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Baldwins Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers after mixed fishing with the chance of a decent carp or bream
- Match anglers, with space for up to 30 pegs
Maybe not for
- Anyone wanting a published lake size or a venue focused on one single target species
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Baldwins 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.
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.
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.
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.
Baldwins Lake FAQs
How many rods are allowed on Baldwins Lake?
Baldwins Lake has a two-rod limit.
What fish are in Baldwins Lake?
Carp, tench, bream, roach, perch, pike and eels are listed.
What's the lake record on Baldwins Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: Baldwins Lake carp exceed 20 lb and bream exceed 7 lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
How big is Baldwins Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The smallest water, with a handy mixed-species spread and some proper bream and carp..
Which baits work well on Baldwins Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Baldwins 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 Baldwins 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 Baldwins 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 Brooklands Lake before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Baldwins 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 Baldwins Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Baldwins Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Standard day ticket £15; One-night ticket £25 for 24 hours; Two-night ticket £45 for 48 hours; Children under 15 £5, with up to two rods (last checked 2026-10-11).
Is night fishing allowed on Baldwins Lake?
Yes — Night fishing is available with the applicable night ticket, but is prohibited on the house side of Texas Bay behind B&M.
Who does Baldwins Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers after mixed fishing with the chance of a decent carp or bream; Match anglers, with space for up to 30 pegs. Less suited to: Anyone wanting a published lake size or a venue focused on one single target species.
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
A2 Lake: one of brooklands’ four named waters, within the wider gravel-pit complex.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
A2 Lake is one of the four named waters making up the approximately 17-acre Brooklands complex.
The checked details don’t give a separate size, species list or specific features for A2 Lake, so it’s best treated as part of the wider day-ticket venue rather than guessed at.
Lake photographs
A look around A2 Lake
Brooklands Lake
A2 Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s A2 Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers happy fishing a multi-water complex
- Those booking a standard Brooklands day ticket
Maybe not for
- Anyone needing detailed lake-by-lake stock or feature information before choosing a swim
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish A2 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.
- 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.
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.
A2 Lake FAQs
Is A2 Lake part of Brooklands Lake?
Yes. It is one of four named waters in the complex.
What fish are listed for A2 Lake?
No separate species list is given in the checked details.
What's the lake record on A2 Lake?
The fishery hasn't published a record for A2 Lake 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 A2 Lake?
carp.
How big is A2 Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. One of Brooklands’ four named waters, within the wider gravel-pit complex..
Which baits work well on A2 Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for A2 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: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does A2 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 A2 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 Brooklands Lake before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on A2 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 A2 Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — A2 Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Standard day ticket £15; One-night ticket £25 for 24 hours; Two-night ticket £45 for 48 hours; Children under 15 £5, with up to two rods (last checked 2026-10-11).
Is night fishing allowed on A2 Lake?
Yes — Night fishing is available with the applicable night ticket, but is prohibited on the house side of Texas Bay behind B&M.
Who does A2 Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers happy fishing a multi-water complex; Those booking a standard Brooklands day ticket. Less suited to: Anyone needing detailed lake-by-lake stock or feature information before choosing a swim.
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
Homebase Lake: a named brooklands water with the wider complex’s day-ticket access.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Homebase Lake is one of the four named waters at Brooklands, beside Princes Road south of Dartford.
No separate lake size, stock details or peg information are given for Homebase Lake, so there’s no point inventing a swim plan. Check locally when buying your ticket.
Lake photographs
A look around Homebase Lake
Brooklands Lake
Homebase Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Homebase Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers exploring a multi-water complex
- Day-ticket anglers looking for a flexible Brooklands session
Maybe not for
- Those wanting confirmed lake-specific features or target weights
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Homebase 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.
Homebase Lake FAQs
Is Homebase Lake included in the Brooklands complex?
Yes. It is one of the four named waters.
What are the target species in Homebase Lake?
The checked details do not provide a separate species list.
What's the lake record on Homebase Lake?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Homebase Lake 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 Homebase Lake?
carp.
How big is Homebase Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A named Brooklands water with the wider complex’s day-ticket access..
Which baits work well on Homebase Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Homebase 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: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Homebase 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 Homebase 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 Brooklands Lake before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Homebase 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 Homebase Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Homebase Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Standard day ticket £15; One-night ticket £25 for 24 hours; Two-night ticket £45 for 48 hours; Children under 15 £5, with up to two rods (last checked 2026-10-11).
Is night fishing allowed on Homebase Lake?
Yes — Night fishing is available with the applicable night ticket, but is prohibited on the house side of Texas Bay behind B&M.
Who does Homebase Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers exploring a multi-water complex; Day-ticket anglers looking for a flexible Brooklands session. Less suited to: Those wanting confirmed lake-specific features or target weights.
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
Competition Lake: the largest area of water, with serious carp and pike potential alongside mixed fishing.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, bream, perch, tench, roach, pike, eel
Competition Lake is described as the largest area of water at Brooklands. It holds carp and pike exceeding 30 lb, so this is the place where heavier tackle and proper fish-care kit really matter.
Tench and bream exceed 7 lb, while perch reach about 3 lb 12 oz. Other listed species include roach and eels, giving you plenty to aim for depending on the season and swim.
Competition Lake holds carp and pike exceeding 30 lb; tench and bream exceed 7 lb; perch reach about 3 lb 12 oz.
Lake photographs
A look around Competition Lake
Brooklands Lake
Competition Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Competition Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers targeting bigger carp or pike
- Those who enjoy mixed species, with tench, bream, perch and roach also listed
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting a tiny, intimate water or a guaranteed easy bag
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Competition 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.
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.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
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.
Competition Lake FAQs
How big are the carp and pike in Competition Lake?
Both carp and pike are stated to exceed 30 lb.
What other species are listed?
Tench, bream, perch, roach and eels are also listed. Tench and bream exceed 7 lb, and perch reach about 3 lb 12 oz.
What's the lake record on Competition Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: Competition Lake holds carp and pike exceeding 30 lb; tench and bream exceed 7 lb; perch reach about 3 lb 12 oz. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Competition Lake?
carp, bream, perch, tench, roach, pike, eel. Competition Lake holds carp and pike exceeding 30 lb; tench and bream exceed 7 lb; perch reach about 3 lb 12 oz.
How big is Competition Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The largest area of water, with serious carp and pike potential alongside mixed fishing..
Which baits work well on Competition Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Competition 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 Competition 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 Competition 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 Brooklands Lake before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Competition 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 Competition Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Competition Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Standard day ticket £15; One-night ticket £25 for 24 hours; Two-night ticket £45 for 48 hours; Children under 15 £5, with up to two rods (last checked 2026-10-11).
Is night fishing allowed on Competition Lake?
Yes — Night fishing is available with the applicable night ticket, but is prohibited on the house side of Texas Bay behind B&M.
Who does Competition Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers targeting bigger carp or pike; Those who enjoy mixed species, with tench, bream, perch and roach also listed. Less suited to: Anglers wanting a tiny, intimate water or a guaranteed easy bag.
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
Are bait boats allowed?
Bait boats are prohibited on all lakes.
- Yes
Is night fishing available?
Night fishing is available with the applicable night ticket, but is prohibited on the house side of Texas Bay behind B&M.
- No
Can fish be retained or removed?
Fish must not be sacked, retained or removed. Keepnets are permitted only in official matches.
- Seasonal
Is pike fishing allowed all year?
Pike fishing is allowed only from 1 October to 31 March and requires at least 30 lb braid.
- No
Are open fires, barbecues, camping and tents allowed?
Open fires, bank fires and barbecues are prohibited. Swimming, boating, wading, camping and tents are also prohibited.
- Must
Are special fish-care items compulsory?
A large landing net and unhooking mat are compulsory for pike or carp fishing. Ledger-style fishing requires at least 500 mm of tubing and a carp-care kit.
- No
Can dogs run loose?
Dogs must be kept on a lead.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 11 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.
Baldwins 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.
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.
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.
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.
A2 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.
- 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.
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.
Homebase 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.
Competition 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.
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.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
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
7.6/10 from Tackle Index: A strong mixed-species venue with carp, pike, tench, bream, perch, roach and eels listed.
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Checked Sept '26 — “Brooklands Lake is a DDAPS day-ticket gravel-pit complex beside Princes Road, south of Dartford. Four named waters, proper mixed fishing and night tickets make it a handy Kent option for a day out or a longer session.”
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