Fishery guide · Kent
Fordwich Lake
Fordwich Lakes is a cracking four-water complex near Canterbury, with the 33-acre Fordwich Lake offering proper gravel-pit features and reported carp to about 40lb. Coarse access is through Canterbury and District Angling Association membership, with night fishing available to eligible members.
“7.3/10 — A mature 33-acre gravel pit with proper bars, islands, ridges, depth variation and reported carp to about 40lb.”
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The lowdown
Fordwich Lakes is a cracking four-water complex tucked away at the end of The Drove. There’s Fordwich Lake, Trenley Lake, Stour Lake and a Trout Pool, plus access to a substantial stretch of the River Stour. So, there’s plenty to get your head around before you even clip up. Stour Lake is available in full, while most of Trenley Lake can be fished apart from a marked restricted section.
- 4 lakes: Fordwich Lake, Trenley Lake, Stour Lake, Trout Pool
- Fish: carp, bream, tench, pike, trout
- Tickets from: Trout Pool whole-day ticket — £12
- Find it: Canterbury · CT2 0DB
Plan your session
Fishery map of Fordwich Lake
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Fishery
Fordwich 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 Fordwich Lake
Fordwich Lakes is a cracking four-water complex tucked away at the end of The Drove. There’s Fordwich Lake, Trenley Lake, Stour Lake and a Trout Pool, plus access to a substantial stretch of the River Stour. So, there’s plenty to get your head around before you even clip up. Stour Lake is available in full, while most of Trenley Lake can be fished apart from a marked restricted section.
Fordwich Lake is the main coarse water, covering approximately 33 acres. It’s a mature former gravel-extraction lake, with constructed fishing places and platforms making access a bit more straightforward. Underwater, it’s got plenty going on too — gravel bars, ridges, islands and deep troughs. Depths range from just a few centimetres to occasional 3–6 metre holes, with an average depth of about 1.6 metres.
That mix gives you loads of options on the bank. The shallow bars and margins are obvious areas to investigate, while the islands, ridges and deeper troughs could offer something different as conditions change. On a new water, it pays to spend a bit of time looking before chucking out. Have a good plumb around, watch for signs, and ask the bailiff which features have been producing recently. A couple of marker casts could save a right faff later.
Reported Fordwich Lake species include carp, bream, tench and pike, with specimen carp available to about 40lb. The association also reports an extensive fish-stocking programme in Stour and Trenley Lakes. Those waters have had landscaping, tree planting and upgraded swims, and they’re reached by following the river-adjacent footpath from the Fordwich car park. Pack light enough for the walk, but don’t leave the useful stuff behind — a proper unhooking setup, landing net and water bucket are still essential.
Access is through the CDAA car park at the end of The Drove. It’s a private access road with a 5mph speed restriction, and the gate must be closed and locked after entering and leaving. Night fishing is permitted for eligible CDAA members under the association rules. There’s no separate public coarse-fishing day-ticket price published for Fordwich Lake, so coarse access is presented as association-member fishing rather than a turn-up-and-pay session. Check your membership and permissions before loading the van.
The Trout Pool gives the complex a fly-fishing-only option. A whole-day ticket costs £12, allows a maximum catch of four fish, with two retainable, and can be booked through association headquarters up to one week ahead. An accompanied junior member may book a half-price ticket for one fish. It generally opens for much of the year but can close during very hot weather, particularly in July and August, and the association currently states it is closed while the other waters are open. Give headquarters a ring with the fishery before travelling — that’s the bob-on way to confirm the position and plan your day properly.
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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Fordwich Lake FAQs
Where is access for Fordwich Lakes?
Use the CDAA car park at the end of The Drove. The gate must be closed and locked after entering and leaving.
Is there a public coarse day ticket for Fordwich Lake?
No separate public coarse-fishing day-ticket price was found. Coarse access is presented as association-member fishing.
What number should I call about Trout Pool closures?
Contact association headquarters with the fishery to confirm closure dates.
What is the lead limit on Fordwich Lake?
Leads must not exceed 3.5oz.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Fordwich Lake. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Canterbury.
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 — cdaa car park at the end of the drove. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
CT2 0DB.
How much is a ticket?
Trout Pool whole-day ticket: £12; Accompanied junior Trout Pool ticket: Half-price. 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?
Fordwich Lake isn't day-ticket water — Fordwich Lake, Trenley Lake, Stour Lake are members or syndicate only.
What fish are in there?
Across the lakes you'll find carp, bream, tench, pike, trout. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
4 — Fordwich Lake (Approximately 33 acres), Trenley Lake (Not published), Stour Lake (Not published), Trout Pool (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
Yes — Night fishing is permitted for eligible CDAA members under the association rules.
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 — Swimming and boating are prohibited on association fisheries.
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?
Yes, it's required — All nets, mats, slings and water buckets must be dipped for 15 minutes before fishing. Bailiffs may carry out rig checks.
Is it suitable for disabled anglers?
We haven't seen disabled access listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Do I need a rod licence?
Yes — anyone 13 or over fishing in England and Wales needs an Environment Agency rod licence (or Natural Resources Wales in Wales), on top of your fishery ticket.
When's the best time of year to fish here?
Late spring through autumn is prime for most species. Check our live weather edge for this venue before you go — it updates daily.
Anglers' photos
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Syndicate · invite only
Fordwich Lake: a mature 33-acre gravel pit with bars, islands, ridges and reported carp to about 40lb.
- Size
- Approximately 33 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, bream, tench, pike
Fordwich Lake is the main coarse water in the complex. It’s a mature former gravel-extraction lake of approximately 33 acres, with constructed fishing places and platforms.
Features include gravel bars, ridges, islands and deep troughs. Depths range from a few centimetres to occasional 3–6 metre areas, with an average depth of about 1.6 metres.
Lake photographs
A look around Fordwich Lake
Fordwich Lake
Fordwich Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Fordwich Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Carp anglers looking for varied gravel-pit features and reported fish to about 40lb
- Anglers who enjoy working out bars, islands, margins and deeper troughs
Maybe not for
- Anyone after a simple public day-ticket water, as coarse access is presented as association-member fishing
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Fordwich Lake
carp
Light baiting tight to the island margins
Carp patrol the island margins on most venues. A handful of bait right on the edge often beats a heavy bed in open water, especially later in the day.
- Walk the bank first and look for bubbling, swirls or coloured water by the cover.
- Bait two or three spots with a few handfuls of chopped and whole boilies.
- Lower or flick the rig in quietly and back your line off with a back lead.
- Keep the drag set tight-ish — fish hooked by cover need turning quickly.
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.
bream
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
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.
Fordwich Lake FAQs
How big is Fordwich Lake?
It is approximately 33 acres.
What fish are reported in Fordwich Lake?
Carp, bream, tench and pike are reported, with specimen carp available to about 40lb.
What's the lake record on Fordwich Lake?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Fordwich 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 Fordwich Lake?
carp, bream, tench, pike.
Which baits work well on Fordwich Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Fordwich 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 Fordwich 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 Fordwich 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 Fordwich Lake before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Fordwich 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 Fordwich Lake on a day ticket?
No — Fordwich Lake is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Fordwich Lake?
Yes — Night fishing is permitted for eligible CDAA members under the association rules.
Who does Fordwich Lake suit?
Good for: Carp anglers looking for varied gravel-pit features and reported fish to about 40lb; Anglers who enjoy working out bars, islands, margins and deeper troughs. Less suited to: Anyone after a simple public day-ticket water, as coarse access is presented as association-member fishing.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Syndicate · invite only
Trenley Lake: a member-access water reached by the footpath from fordwich car park.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Most of Trenley Lake is available for fishing, apart from a marked restricted section.
It is reached by following the river-adjacent footpath from Fordwich car park. The lake has benefited from landscaping, tree planting and upgraded swims.
The association reports an extensive fish-stocking programme in Stour and Trenley Lakes.
Lake photographs
A look around Trenley Lake
Fordwich Lake
Trenley Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Trenley Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- CDAA members wanting access to an improved lake with reported stocking
- Anglers happy to explore rather than fish a fixed day-ticket circuit
Maybe not for
- Anyone wanting the full lake, as a marked restricted section is out of bounds
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Trenley 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.
Trenley Lake FAQs
Is all of Trenley Lake available?
No. Most is available, except for a marked restricted section.
How do you reach Trenley Lake?
Follow the river-adjacent footpath from Fordwich car park.
What's the lake record on Trenley Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: The association reports an extensive fish-stocking programme in Stour and Trenley Lakes. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Trenley Lake?
carp. The association reports an extensive fish-stocking programme in Stour and Trenley Lakes.
How big is Trenley Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A member-access water reached by the footpath from Fordwich car park..
Which baits work well on Trenley Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Trenley 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 Trenley 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 Trenley 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 Fordwich Lake before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Trenley 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 Trenley Lake on a day ticket?
No — Trenley Lake is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Trenley Lake?
Yes — Night fishing is permitted for eligible CDAA members under the association rules.
Who does Trenley Lake suit?
Good for: CDAA members wanting access to an improved lake with reported stocking; Anglers happy to explore rather than fish a fixed day-ticket circuit. Less suited to: Anyone wanting the full lake, as a marked restricted section is out of bounds.
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
Stour Lake: the whole of stour lake is available for fishing, with access via the footpath.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
The whole of Stour Lake is available for fishing. It forms part of the wider Fordwich Lakes complex managed by Canterbury and District Angling Association.
Access is via the river-adjacent footpath from Fordwich car park, and the lakes have been improved with landscaping, tree planting and upgraded swims.
The association reports an extensive fish-stocking programme in Stour and Trenley Lakes.
Lake photographs
A look around Stour Lake
Fordwich Lake
Stour Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Stour Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- CDAA members looking for another water within the complex
- Anglers keen to explore improved swims and a reported stocked water
Maybe not for
- Casual visitors after a straightforward public day ticket
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Stour 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.
Stour Lake FAQs
Is the whole of Stour Lake fishable?
Yes, the whole of Stour Lake is available for fishing.
How is Stour Lake reached?
Follow the river-adjacent footpath from Fordwich car park.
What's the lake record on Stour Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: The association reports an extensive fish-stocking programme in Stour and Trenley Lakes. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Stour Lake?
carp. The association reports an extensive fish-stocking programme in Stour and Trenley Lakes.
How big is Stour Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The whole of Stour Lake is available for fishing, with access via the footpath..
Which baits work well on Stour Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Stour 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 Stour 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 Stour 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 Fordwich Lake before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Stour 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 Stour Lake on a day ticket?
No — Stour Lake is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Stour Lake?
Yes — Night fishing is permitted for eligible CDAA members under the association rules.
Who does Stour Lake suit?
Good for: CDAA members looking for another water within the complex; Anglers keen to explore improved swims and a reported stocked water. Less suited to: Casual visitors after a straightforward public 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
Pre-book only
Trout Pool: a fly-only pool with a £12 whole-day ticket and limited take-home allowance.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- trout
The Trout Pool is fly-fishing only and operates separately from the coarse lakes. Tickets are available from association headquarters and may be booked up to one week ahead.
The whole-day ticket costs £12, allows a maximum catch of four fish, and permits two fish to be retained. An accompanied junior member can book a half-price ticket for one fish.
Lake photographs
A look around Trout Pool
Fordwich Lake
Trout Pool
We’re checking the fishery’s Trout Pool pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Fly anglers wanting a dedicated trout pool
- Anglers happy with a controlled catch limit and advance booking
Maybe not for
- Coarse anglers, as the Trout Pool is fly-fishing only
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Trout Pool
trout
Fly fishing for the trout
Stocked lake trout cruise and feed up in the water, so you need to find the depth they're at. Start just under the surface and go deeper if nothing's happening.
- A 9ft 6–7 weight rod with a floating line covers most days; carry an intermediate or sinking line for cold or bright spells.
- Early season and cold days: lures like a Cat's Whisker, Blob or Damsel, pulled back in steady strips.
- Warmer days with fish rising: buzzers, Diawl Bachs or a dry fly fished slowly, or static under an indicator.
- Count your fly down (5, 10, 15 seconds) and change depth till you get a pull — then repeat that count.
- Use 6–8lb fluorocarbon tippet, and check the fishery's rules on catch-and-release, bag limits and barbless hooks before you start.
Trout Pool FAQs
How much is a Trout Pool ticket?
A whole-day ticket costs £12. An accompanied junior member may book a half-price ticket for one fish.
Is the Trout Pool always open?
It is generally open most of the year but may close in very hot weather, especially July and August. The CDAA website currently states it is closed while other waters are open.
What's the lake record on Trout Pool?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Trout 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 Trout Pool?
trout.
How big is Trout Pool and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A fly-only pool with a £12 whole-day ticket and limited take-home allowance..
Which baits work well on Trout Pool?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Trout 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 Trout 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 Trout 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 Fordwich Lake before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Trout 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 Trout Pool on a day ticket?
You'll need to book Trout Pool in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on Trout Pool?
Yes — Night fishing is permitted for eligible CDAA members under the association rules.
Who does Trout Pool suit?
Good for: Fly anglers wanting a dedicated trout pool; Anglers happy with a controlled catch limit and advance booking. Less suited to: Coarse anglers, as the Trout Pool is fly-fishing only.
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
- Yes
Is night fishing allowed?
Night fishing is permitted for eligible CDAA members under the association rules.
- Must
Is a minimum mainline diameter required on Fordwich Lake?
A minimum 0.35mm mainline is required.
- No
Are braided mainlines allowed?
Braided mainlines are prohibited.
- No
Are leaders allowed?
Leaders of any kind are prohibited.
- Must
Is there a bait limit?
Bait is limited to 1kg per person per day. Trout and halibut pellets, and plastic baits, are prohibited.
- Must
Do nets and mats need dipping?
All nets, mats, slings and water buckets must be dipped for 15 minutes before fishing. Bailiffs may carry out rig checks.
- No
Are swimming and boating allowed?
Swimming and boating are prohibited on association fisheries.
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.
Fordwich Lake
carp
Light baiting tight to the island margins
Carp patrol the island margins on most venues. A handful of bait right on the edge often beats a heavy bed in open water, especially later in the day.
- Walk the bank first and look for bubbling, swirls or coloured water by the cover.
- Bait two or three spots with a few handfuls of chopped and whole boilies.
- Lower or flick the rig in quietly and back your line off with a back lead.
- Keep the drag set tight-ish — fish hooked by cover need turning quickly.
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.
bream
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
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.
Trenley 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.
Stour 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.
Trout Pool
trout
Fly fishing for the trout
Stocked lake trout cruise and feed up in the water, so you need to find the depth they're at. Start just under the surface and go deeper if nothing's happening.
- A 9ft 6–7 weight rod with a floating line covers most days; carry an intermediate or sinking line for cold or bright spells.
- Early season and cold days: lures like a Cat's Whisker, Blob or Damsel, pulled back in steady strips.
- Warmer days with fish rising: buzzers, Diawl Bachs or a dry fly fished slowly, or static under an indicator.
- Count your fly down (5, 10, 15 seconds) and change depth till you get a pull — then repeat that count.
- Use 6–8lb fluorocarbon tippet, and check the fishery's rules on catch-and-release, bag limits and barbless hooks before you start.
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
7.3/10 from Tackle Index: A mature 33-acre gravel pit with proper bars, islands, ridges, depth variation and reported carp to about 40lb.
Straight from anglers online
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Checked Sept '26 — “Fordwich Lakes is a cracking four-water complex near Canterbury, with the 33-acre Fordwich Lake offering proper gravel-pit features and reported carp to about 40lb. Coarse access is through Canterbury and District Angling Association membership, with night fishing available to eligible members.”
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