Fishery guide · Norfolk
Swangey Lakes
Swangey Lakes is a family-run, two-lake fishery near Attleborough, with a roughly 5-acre Main Lake, a smaller four-swim lake, day tickets, 24-hour sessions and night fishing. Proper useful facilities too, including food, showers and an on-site tackle shop.
“7.7/10 — Two lakes, a central island, other features, carp to approximately 38 lb reported and several listed species give anglers plenty to aim at.”
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The lowdown
Swangey Lakes sits on Swangey Lane near Attleborough, Norfolk. The place started life as a gravel works in the 1950s and 1960s before becoming a fishing lake in 1976. It’s now been owned by the same local farming family for over 40 years, so there’s a proper long-running fishery feel to it.
- 2 lakes: Main Lake, Small Lake
- Fish: carp, catfish, bream, tench, roach
- Tickets from: Main Lake day single-peg ticket — £12 for one angler
- Find it: Attleborough · NR17 1XJ
Plan your session
Fishery map of Swangey Lakes
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Photos courtesy of Photo: Swangey Lakes (official website). Catch dates not confirmed.
Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Swangey Lakes
Swangey Lakes sits on Swangey Lane near Attleborough, Norfolk. The place started life as a gravel works in the 1950s and 1960s before becoming a fishing lake in 1976. It’s now been owned by the same local farming family for over 40 years, so there’s a proper long-running fishery feel to it.
There are two lakes to choose from: the Main Lake and Small Lake. The Main is around 5 acres, with 18 pegs, a central island and other fishing features to pick apart. That gives you a few options rather than just plonking down and fishing the same bit of open water all day.
Main Lake carp are reported to reach approximately 38 lb, and the fishery lists carp, catfish, bream, tench and small silver fish. If you’re after a bigger carp water with a few different species in the mix, the Main Lake is the obvious draw. Island lines and margin work should be worth thinking about, depending on the peg and conditions.
The Small Lake is a more compact option with four large swims. It’s priced lower for day fishing and could suit anglers wanting a shorter, simpler session without the extra faff of a bigger lake. Just remember that the Small Lake has its own tackle rules, including barbless hooks and a 12 lb minimum line.
There’s decent support around the fishing, too. Angie’s Kafe runs seven days a week during the main season, serving hot and cold food and drinks. During peak season, anglers can use a shower and two toilets, while the on-site supply store stocks terminal tackle, bait, batteries and some fishing gear. A hand-washing sink is provided, but bring your own soap or sanitiser.
Day and 24-hour sessions need booking through the official website or by phone. A 24-hour session runs from 8am to 8am unless agreed otherwise, and night fishing is available through those sessions. You can’t reserve a specific peg, so it’s a case of choosing your swim when you arrive. Whole-lake bookings may be considered for corporate or social events.
There are clear fish-care rules in place. Cradles are required on both lakes, all fish must go back unharmed, and anglers need to bring the right tackle for the lake they’re fishing. Follow the rules, keep rods attended and look after the swim, and Swangey Lakes offers a flexible Norfolk option for day sessions, longer trips and a cheeky night 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.
We haven’t found any public angler reviews of this venue yet. Fished it? Add yours below.
Swangey Lakes FAQs
Where is Swangey Lakes?
It is on Swangey Lane near Attleborough, Norfolk.
Can I fish overnight?
Yes. Night fishing is available through 24-hour sessions, which run from 8am to 8am unless otherwise agreed.
Can I book a specific peg?
No. Specific pegs cannot be booked; anglers choose a peg on arrival.
Do I need to book?
Yes. Day and 24-hour bookings must be made through the official website or by phone.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
There's on-site supply store selling terminal tackle, bait, batteries and some fishing gear on site, so you can grab bits on the day. For anything bigger, stock up before you leave home — or order online in advance.
Do I need to bring food?
There's hot and cold food and drinks listed, but opening times vary, so pack snacks and plenty of water just in case — especially on a long session.
Are there toilets on site?
Yes — the fishery lists shower and two toilets during peak season.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off. Bring a barrow in case it's a walk.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
NR17 1XJ.
How much is a ticket?
Main Lake day single-peg ticket: £12 for one angler; Main Lake day double-peg ticket: £24 for up to two anglers; Small Lake day single-peg ticket: £7 for one angler; Small Lake day double-peg ticket: £14 for up to two anglers; Guest day pass: £5; Guest 24-hour pass: £10; Winter ticket: £180, valid from 2 November 2026 to 2 April 2027. 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?
Day tickets are available on Main Lake, Small 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, catfish, bream, tench, roach. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
2 — Main Lake (Approximately 5 acres), Small Lake (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
We haven't seen a clear night-fishing rule. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes — Well-behaved dogs are permitted on short leads within the angler’s swim.
Are bait boats allowed?
Yes — They are allowed if used responsibly and kept to the angler’s own water.
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 — Cradles are required on both lakes.
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
Main Lake: the bigger, feature-filled lake, with 18 pegs, a central island and carp reported to approximately 38 lb.
- Size
- Approximately 5 acres acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, catfish, bream, tench, roach
Main Lake is approximately 5 acres and has 18 pegs, giving anglers a decent spread of swims to choose from. The central island and other fishing features give you something to work towards, rather than just fishing into a featureless bowl.
The lake lists carp, catfish, bream, tench and small silver fish. With day tickets, double-peg options and 24-hour sessions available, it’s the more flexible choice for a proper session or a night on the bank.
Main Lake carp are reported to reach approximately 38 lb.
Lake photographs
A look around Main Lake
Swangey Lakes
Main Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Main Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Carp anglers wanting island and feature water to work at
- Anglers after day tickets or 24-hour sessions with a choice of 18 pegs
Maybe not for
- Anyone wanting to book a specific peg in advance, as pegs are chosen on arrival
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Main 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.
catfish
Big hookbaits after dark for the cats
Catfish come out at night and like strong smells. A big halibut pellet or fish-based bait over a small bed of pellet is the usual approach.
- Fish strong — 20lb+ line and a big strong hook.
- Use an unhooking mat and a big net; cats are long and heavy.
- Check the venue's rules on cat tackle before you set up.
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
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.
Main Lake FAQs
How big is Main Lake?
It is approximately 5 acres and has 18 pegs.
What tackle is required?
Minimum 15 lb line and a minimum 42-inch landing net are required; barbed hooks up to size 4 are permitted.
What's the lake record on Main Lake?
Going by what the fishery says: Main Lake carp are reported to reach approximately 38 lb. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Main Lake?
carp, catfish, bream, tench, roach. Main Lake carp are reported to reach approximately 38 lb.
Which baits work well on Main Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Main Lake further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: with the fish the fishery lists here, a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Main Lake get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. 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 Main Lake?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for Swangey Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Main Lake?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Can I fish Main Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Main Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Main Lake day single-peg ticket £12 for one angler; Main Lake day double-peg ticket £24 for up to two anglers; Small Lake day single-peg ticket £7 for one angler; Small Lake day double-peg ticket £14 for up to two anglers; Guest day pass £5; Guest 24-hour pass £10; Winter ticket £180, valid from 2 November 2026 to 2 April 2027 (last checked 2026-10-13).
Is night fishing allowed on Main Lake?
We haven't seen a clear night-fishing rule for this lake. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Who does Main Lake suit?
Good for: Carp anglers wanting island and feature water to work at; Anglers after day tickets or 24-hour sessions with a choice of 18 pegs. Less suited to: Anyone wanting to book a specific peg in advance, as pegs are chosen on arrival.
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
Small Lake: a compact lake with four large swims and lower-priced day tickets.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, catfish, bream, tench, roach
Small Lake has four large swims and offers a shorter, more compact fishing setup than the Main Lake. Double-peg day sessions run from 8am to 5pm, giving you an 11-hour session.
It’s the cheaper day-ticket option, with single- and double-peg tickets available. The rules are slightly different here, so make sure your tackle is set up properly before you arrive.
Lake photographs
A look around Small Lake
Swangey Lakes
Small Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Small Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers wanting a lower-cost day session
- Those who prefer a compact lake with four large swims
Maybe not for
- Anglers who want to use barbed hooks, as barbless hooks are required
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Small 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.
catfish
Big hookbaits after dark for the cats
Catfish come out at night and like strong smells. A big halibut pellet or fish-based bait over a small bed of pellet is the usual approach.
- Fish strong — 20lb+ line and a big strong hook.
- Use an unhooking mat and a big net; cats are long and heavy.
- Check the venue's rules on cat tackle before you set up.
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.
Small Lake FAQs
How many swims are on Small Lake?
There are four large swims.
What line and hooks are required?
Minimum 12 lb line is required and hooks must be barbless.
What's the lake record on Small Lake?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Small 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 Small Lake?
carp, catfish, bream, tench, roach.
How big is Small Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A compact lake with four large swims and lower-priced day tickets..
Which baits work well on Small Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Small 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 Small 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 Small 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 Swangey Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Small 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 Small Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Small Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Main Lake day single-peg ticket £12 for one angler; Main Lake day double-peg ticket £24 for up to two anglers; Small Lake day single-peg ticket £7 for one angler; Small Lake day double-peg ticket £14 for up to two anglers; Guest day pass £5; Guest 24-hour pass £10; Winter ticket £180, valid from 2 November 2026 to 2 April 2027 (last checked 2026-10-13).
Is night fishing allowed on Small Lake?
We haven't seen a clear night-fishing rule for this lake. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Who does Small Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers wanting a lower-cost day session; Those who prefer a compact lake with four large swims. Less suited to: Anglers who want to use barbed hooks, as barbless hooks are required.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Venue Rule Checker
- Must
Must all fish be returned unharmed?
Fish must not be removed, transferred, killed, eaten or sacked.
- Must
Are cradles required?
Cradles are required on both lakes.
- Must
Are there minimum tackle requirements?
Main Lake requires minimum 15 lb line and a minimum 42-inch landing net; Small Lake requires minimum 12 lb line.
- Yes
Are bait boats allowed?
They are allowed if used responsibly and kept to the angler’s own water.
- No
Are live baiting, nuts, high-oil pellets and halibut pellets allowed?
These baits are not permitted.
- No
Can rods be left unattended?
Rods must not be left unattended.
- Yes
Are dogs allowed?
Well-behaved dogs are permitted on short leads within the angler’s swim.
- Yes
Can rules breaches lead to removal?
Breaches can result in immediate removal without a ticket refund.
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
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.
catfish
Big hookbaits after dark for the cats
Catfish come out at night and like strong smells. A big halibut pellet or fish-based bait over a small bed of pellet is the usual approach.
- Fish strong — 20lb+ line and a big strong hook.
- Use an unhooking mat and a big net; cats are long and heavy.
- Check the venue's rules on cat tackle before you set up.
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
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.
Small 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.
catfish
Big hookbaits after dark for the cats
Catfish come out at night and like strong smells. A big halibut pellet or fish-based bait over a small bed of pellet is the usual approach.
- Fish strong — 20lb+ line and a big strong hook.
- Use an unhooking mat and a big net; cats are long and heavy.
- Check the venue's rules on cat tackle before you set up.
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.
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: Two lakes, a central island, other features, carp to approximately 38 lb reported and several listed species give anglers plenty to aim at.
Straight from anglers online
Short, unedited extracts from public reviews, credited to the person who posted them. Not checked by us and not a Tackle Index view.
We haven’t found any public angler reviews of this venue yet. Fished it? Add yours below.
Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “Swangey Lakes is a family-run, two-lake fishery near Attleborough, with a roughly 5-acre Main Lake, a smaller four-swim lake, day tickets, 24-hour sessions and night fishing. Proper useful facilities too, including food, showers and an on-site tackle shop.”
This is our own summary of recurring public feedback and the venue details we checked, not a copied customer review or a promise you’ll catch. Feedback changes, so we keep it separate from the Tackle Index score.
Angler score
What our readers rate Swangey Lakes
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