
Fishery guide · Norfolk
Lenwade Pits
Lenwade Pits — officially Charity Lakes Fishery — is a sizeable Norfolk syndicate complex with three very different lakes and around half a mile of River Wensum. Properly limited membership, chunky carp and some cracking mixed-fish options make it one for anglers happy to join the waiting list.
“7.7/10 — Three lakes and a Wensum stretch offer carp, tench, bream, pike, roach, chub and barbel, including some sizeable reported fish.”
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The lowdown
Lenwade Pits is the local name for Charity Lakes Fishery, tucked away on Common Lane off the A1067 Fakenham Road at Lenwade/Great Witchingham. The complex covers about 32 acres and includes three lakes plus roughly half a mile of River Wensum. That is a fair bit of water to get your head around.
- 4 lakes: Main Lake / Church Lake / Church Lakes, Tench Lake, Long Lake, River Wensum
- Fish: carp, tench, bream, pike, roach, chub, barbel
- Tickets from: Gold membership, 2026-2027 season — Main Lake, Tench Lake, Long Lake and River Wensum; up to three rods — £500
- Find it: Lenwade · NR9 5QH
Plan your session
Fishery map of Lenwade Pits
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Fishery
Lenwade Pits
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 Lenwade Pits
Lenwade Pits is the local name for Charity Lakes Fishery, tucked away on Common Lane off the A1067 Fakenham Road at Lenwade/Great Witchingham. The complex covers about 32 acres and includes three lakes plus roughly half a mile of River Wensum. That is a fair bit of water to get your head around.
The Main Lake is the big-ticket water. At approximately 5.7 acres, it has depths from around 9ft to 20ft, a small central island and gravel features. Carp over 40lb are present, with fish reported to 45lb, while tench to 12.12lb, bream to 16lb and pike to 30.08lb add plenty of interest.
Tench Lake is around 4 acres with more than 14 swims, so there is a decent spread of pegs to explore. Tench commonly run at 5-6lb, with double-figure fish present. There are also carp over 40lb, reported grass carp to 39.12lb and pike to 24lb. A proper mixed bag of possibilities.
Long Lake is a different kettle of fish. It is a narrow, tree-lined lake with bays, overhanging branches and reed margins, generally 8-12ft deep. Tench commonly weigh 3-5lb, with fish over 9lb, while bream reach double figures and carp run into the upper thirties. The margins look like the sort of spots worth giving a good look.
The River Wensum stretch runs for approximately half a mile and includes roach, chub and barbel, with quality roach reported over 1lb. That gives the fishery a nice change of pace, especially for anyone who enjoys quieter river fishing rather than sitting behind carp rods.
This is a membership venue rather than an ordinary day-ticket water. Membership is limited and handled through an application and waiting-list process. Gold membership covers all three lakes and the river, with up to three rods, while Long Lake-only and River Wensum-only options are also available.
There is a solid set of controls around the place. Secure parking, serviced toilets and otter fencing are provided, while the fishery supplies the landing nets, cradles, mats and weight slings. Night fishing is allowed, but access is normally shut between 10pm and 5am. Check the seasonal closure dates carefully, as the lakes normally close around spawning time.
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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Lenwade Pits FAQs
Can I buy a normal day ticket?
The site does not advertise ordinary day tickets. Membership is limited and handled through an online application and waiting-list process.
What membership covers the whole complex?
Gold membership covers Main Lake, Tench Lake, Long Lake and the River Wensum, with up to three rods.
Are there fishery facilities?
Yes. The fishery has secure parking, clean fully serviced toilet facilities and otter fencing.
What is the main tackle restriction to remember?
Braided mainline is prohibited, mainline must be at least 15lb breaking strain, and only safe fixed-lead rigs are allowed.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Lenwade Pits. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Lenwade.
Do I need to bring food?
We haven't seen any food on site, so bring your own grub and drinks. A flask and a stove (where allowed) make a long day much better.
Are there toilets on site?
Yes — the fishery lists clean, fully serviced toilet facilities.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
Yes — secure parking. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
NR9 5QH.
How much is a ticket?
Gold membership, 2026-2027 season — Main Lake, Tench Lake, Long Lake and River Wensum; up to three rods: £500; Long Lake-only membership, 2026-2027 season — two rods; maximum 48-hour stay: £180; River Wensum-only membership, 2026-2027 season — two rods: £70; Birdwatching/walking permit, 2026-2027: £30. Prices last checked 2026-10-13 — they can change, so check before you go.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Lenwade Pits isn't day-ticket water — Main Lake / Church Lake / Church Lakes, Tench Lake, Long Lake, River Wensum are members or syndicate only.
What fish are in there?
Across the lakes you'll find carp, tench, bream, pike, roach, chub, barbel. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
4 — Main Lake / Church Lake / Church Lakes (Approximately 5.7 acres), Tench Lake (Approximately 4 acres), Long Lake (Approximately 2.5 acres), River Wensum (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
Yes — Night fishing is permitted, but under-16s may night fish only when accompanied by a responsible adult.
Can I bring my dog?
Not covered in the rules we've checked. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Are bait boats allowed?
No — Bait boats and drones are prohibited.
Do I need barbless hooks?
Yes, it's required — Only barbless or semi-barbed hooks are allowed.
Do I need my own unhooking mat or cradle?
No — Fishery-provided landing nets, unhooking cradles, mats and weight slings must be used. Anglers must not bring these items or stink/wet bags onto the site.
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.
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Syndicate · invite only
Main Lake / Church Lake / Church Lakes: the headline syndicate water, with deep water, gravel features and serious carp potential.
- Size
- Approximately 5.7 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, tench, bream, pike
Main Lake, also known as Church Lake or Church Lakes, covers approximately 5.7 acres. Depths range from about 9ft to around 20ft, with a small central island and gravel features.
Carp over 40lb are present, with fish reported to 45lb. Tench to 12.12lb, bream to 16lb and pike to 30.08lb mean there is more than one way to nick a result.
Carp reported to 45lb; tench to 12.12lb; bream to 16lb; pike to 30.08lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Main Lake / Church Lake / Church Lakes
Lenwade Pits
Main Lake / Church Lake / Church Lakes
We’re checking the fishery’s Main Lake / Church Lake / Church Lakes pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers chasing big carp and happy working out a deeper lake.
- Mixed-fish anglers who fancy tench, bream or pike as alternatives.
Maybe not for
- Anyone wanting a simple day-ticket session or guaranteed easy access.
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Main Lake / Church Lake / Church Lakes
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.
- 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.
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.
Main Lake / Church Lake / Church Lakes FAQs
How many rods are allowed on Main Lake?
Gold membership allows up to three rods.
What is the maximum stay on Main Lake?
A maximum 72-hour stay applies to Main Lake swims.
What's the lake record on Main Lake / Church Lake / Church Lakes?
Going by what the fishery says: Carp reported to 45lb; tench to 12.12lb; bream to 16lb; pike to 30.08lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Main Lake / Church Lake / Church Lakes?
carp, tench, bream, pike. Carp reported to 45lb; tench to 12.12lb; bream to 16lb; pike to 30.08lb.
How big is Main Lake / Church Lake / Church Lakes and how many swims?
Around Approximately 5.7 acres acres. The headline syndicate water, with deep water, gravel features and serious carp potential..
Which baits work well on Main Lake / Church Lake / Church Lakes?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Main Lake / Church Lake / Church Lakes 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 / Church Lake / Church Lakes 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 / Church Lake / Church Lakes?
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 Lenwade Pits before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Main Lake / Church Lake / Church Lakes?
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 / Church Lake / Church Lakes on a day ticket?
No — Main Lake / Church Lake / Church Lakes is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Main Lake / Church Lake / Church Lakes?
Yes — Night fishing is permitted, but under-16s may night fish only when accompanied by a responsible adult.
Who does Main Lake / Church Lake / Church Lakes suit?
Good for: Anglers chasing big carp and happy working out a deeper lake.; Mixed-fish anglers who fancy tench, bream or pike as alternatives.. Less suited to: Anyone wanting a simple day-ticket session or guaranteed easy access..
Community reported
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How busy was it?
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No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
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Syndicate · invite only
Tench Lake: a four-acre mixed lake with plenty of tench and some very useful carp.
- Size
- Approximately 4 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- tench, carp, pike
Tench Lake is approximately 4 acres and has more than 14 swims. Tench commonly run at 5-6lb, with double-figure fish present.
There are also carp over 40lb, reported grass carp to 39.12lb and pike reported to 24lb, so it is not just a tench-only proposition.
Tench commonly around 5-6lb with fish to double figures; carp over 40lb; grass carp reported to 39.12lb; pike reported to 24lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Tench Lake
Lenwade Pits
Tench Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Tench Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers who like a mixed lake with tench as the main attraction.
- Members wanting a choice of carp, tench and pike targets.
Maybe not for
- Anyone looking specifically for a small, shallow commercial-style water.
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Tench 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
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.
Tench Lake FAQs
How big are the tench in Tench Lake?
They commonly weigh around 5-6lb, with fish to double figures.
Are carp present?
Yes. Carp over 40lb are present, with grass carp reported to 39.12lb.
What's the lake record on Tench Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: Tench commonly around 5-6lb with fish to double figures; carp over 40lb; grass carp reported to 39.12lb; pike reported to 24lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Tench Lake?
tench, carp, pike. Tench commonly around 5-6lb with fish to double figures; carp over 40lb; grass carp reported to 39.12lb; pike reported to 24lb.
How big is Tench Lake and how many swims?
Around Approximately 4 acres acres. A four-acre mixed lake with plenty of tench and some very useful carp..
Which baits work well on Tench Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Tench 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 Tench 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 Tench 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 Lenwade Pits before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Tench 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 Tench Lake on a day ticket?
No — Tench Lake is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Tench Lake?
Yes — Night fishing is permitted, but under-16s may night fish only when accompanied by a responsible adult.
Who does Tench Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers who like a mixed lake with tench as the main attraction.; Members wanting a choice of carp, tench and pike targets.. Less suited to: Anyone looking specifically for a small, shallow commercial-style water..
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
Long Lake: a narrow, intimate lake built around tree-lined margins, bays and reeds.
- Size
- Approximately 2.5 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- tench, bream, carp
Long Lake is approximately 2.5 acres, narrow and tree-lined, with bays, overhanging branches and reed margins. It is generally 8-12ft deep.
Tench commonly weigh 3-5lb, with fish over 9lb, while bream reach double figures and carp run to the upper thirties.
Tench commonly around 3-5lb with fish over 9lb; bream to double figures; carp to the upper thirties.
Lake photographs
A look around Long Lake
Lenwade Pits
Long Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Long Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers who enjoy fishing tight to features and working the margins.
- Members after a smaller, more intimate lake with tench, bream and carp.
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting a long, unrestricted stay or more than two rods.
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Long Lake
carp
Chod or helicopter style over soft weed and silt
Where the bottom drops in and out of holes or there might be soft silt or weed, a pop-up that slides up the leader sits over the muck instead of disappearing into it — no need to find a perfectly clean spot.
- Single pop-up, 2–3in off the bottom.
- Fish it as a single hookbait or with a light scattering of freebies — a big bed defeats the point.
- Cast to likely holes and let the lead settle; don't drag it back.
carp
Light baiting tight to the reed lines
Carp patrol the reed lines 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.
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.
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.
Long Lake FAQs
How many rods can be used on Long Lake?
Long Lake-only membership allows two rods.
What is the maximum stay?
Long Lake has a maximum 48-hour stay.
What's the lake record on Long Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: Tench commonly around 3-5lb with fish over 9lb; bream to double figures; carp to the upper thirties. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Long Lake?
tench, bream, carp. Tench commonly around 3-5lb with fish over 9lb; bream to double figures; carp to the upper thirties.
How big is Long Lake and how many swims?
Around Approximately 2.5 acres acres. A narrow, intimate lake built around tree-lined margins, bays and reeds..
Which baits work well on Long Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Long 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 Long 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 Long 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 Lenwade Pits before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Long 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 Long Lake on a day ticket?
No — Long Lake is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Long Lake?
Yes — Night fishing is permitted, but under-16s may night fish only when accompanied by a responsible adult.
Who does Long Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers who enjoy fishing tight to features and working the margins.; Members after a smaller, more intimate lake with tench, bream and carp.. Less suited to: Anglers wanting a long, unrestricted stay or more than two rods..
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
River Wensum: around half a mile of wensum for a proper change of pace.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- roach, chub, barbel
The River Wensum stretch is approximately 0.5 mile long and forms part of the wider fishery complex. It offers a river option alongside the stillwaters.
Species mentioned include roach, chub and barbel, with quality roach reported to over 1lb.
Quality roach reported to over 1lb.
Lake photographs
A look around River Wensum
Lenwade Pits
River Wensum
We’re checking the fishery’s River Wensum pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers who fancy roach, chub and barbel in a river setting.
- Members wanting a break from longer stillwater sessions.
Maybe not for
- Anyone seeking the venue’s biggest reported carp.
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish River Wensum
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.
chub
Bread or worm tight to cover for chub
Chub sit under overhanging trees and snags and are cautious, so a quiet approach and a natural bait near cover catches them.
- Bread flake or lobworm on a size 8 hook with a link leger.
- Keep low and quiet on the bank.
- In summer, try a free-lined slug or floating crust.
barbel
Pellet and boilie for the lake barbel
Lake barbel feed hard and fight harder, and this lake runs alongside the river. Use a strong rod and line, and rest them properly in the net before release.
- Halibut pellet or small boilie over a bed of pellet.
- Strong hooklink and a size 10–12 hook.
- Never hold barbel out of water long — keep them in the net until they've recovered.
River Wensum FAQs
When does River Wensum membership run?
The River Wensum membership season runs from 16 June to 14 March.
How many rods are allowed?
River Wensum-only membership allows two rods.
What's the lake record on River Wensum?
Going by what the fishery says: Quality roach reported to over 1lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in River Wensum?
roach, chub, barbel. Quality roach reported to over 1lb.
How big is River Wensum and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. Around half a mile of Wensum for a proper change of pace..
Which baits work well on River Wensum?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for River Wensum 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.
What weather suits bigger catches on River Wensum?
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 Lenwade Pits before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on River Wensum?
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 River Wensum on a day ticket?
No — River Wensum is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on River Wensum?
Yes — Night fishing is permitted, but under-16s may night fish only when accompanied by a responsible adult.
Who does River Wensum suit?
Good for: Anglers who fancy roach, chub and barbel in a river setting.; Members wanting a break from longer stillwater sessions.. Less suited to: Anyone seeking the venue’s biggest reported carp..
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, but under-16s may night fish only when accompanied by a responsible adult.
- Must
Are there access restrictions overnight?
No access to or from the fishery is normally permitted between 10pm and 5am.
- Must
Are barbless or semi-barbed hooks required?
Only barbless or semi-barbed hooks are allowed.
- No
Can anglers bring their own landing nets, mats or slings?
Fishery-provided landing nets, unhooking cradles, mats and weight slings must be used. Anglers must not bring these items or stink/wet bags onto the site.
- No
Are bait boats and drones allowed?
Bait boats and drones are prohibited.
- No
Is pre-baiting allowed?
Pre-baiting is prohibited. Only pre-prepared shop-bought particles may be used, in small quantities.
- Only if
Are visitors and guests allowed?
Visitors and guests require prior authorisation and a valid permit.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 13 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 / Church Lake / Church Lakes
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.
- 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.
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.
Tench 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
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.
Long Lake
carp
Chod or helicopter style over soft weed and silt
Where the bottom drops in and out of holes or there might be soft silt or weed, a pop-up that slides up the leader sits over the muck instead of disappearing into it — no need to find a perfectly clean spot.
- Single pop-up, 2–3in off the bottom.
- Fish it as a single hookbait or with a light scattering of freebies — a big bed defeats the point.
- Cast to likely holes and let the lead settle; don't drag it back.
carp
Light baiting tight to the reed lines
Carp patrol the reed lines 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.
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.
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.
River Wensum
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.
chub
Bread or worm tight to cover for chub
Chub sit under overhanging trees and snags and are cautious, so a quiet approach and a natural bait near cover catches them.
- Bread flake or lobworm on a size 8 hook with a link leger.
- Keep low and quiet on the bank.
- In summer, try a free-lined slug or floating crust.
barbel
Pellet and boilie for the lake barbel
Lake barbel feed hard and fight harder, and this lake runs alongside the river. Use a strong rod and line, and rest them properly in the net before release.
- Halibut pellet or small boilie over a bed of pellet.
- Strong hooklink and a size 10–12 hook.
- Never hold barbel out of water long — keep them in the net until they've recovered.
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
7.7/10 from Tackle Index: Three lakes and a Wensum stretch offer carp, tench, bream, pike, roach, chub and barbel, including some sizeable reported fish.
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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Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “Lenwade Pits — officially Charity Lakes Fishery — is a sizeable Norfolk syndicate complex with three very different lakes and around half a mile of River Wensum. Properly limited membership, chunky carp and some cracking mixed-fish options make it one for anglers happy to join the waiting list.”
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.
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