Fishing at Horcott Lakes – Advice & Experiences?

Venues
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Horcott-Lakes
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Hey everyone,

I’m planning a fishing trip to Horcott Lakes and was hoping to get some insights from those who’ve fished there before. I’ve heard it’s a great venue, but I’d love to know more details before I head down.

A few questions I have:

  1. Lakes & Stock – I know there’s a main lake and a smaller one. What’s the main difference between them in terms of stock, size of fish, and difficulty?
  2. Carp Size & Best Tactics – I’ve heard there are some decent carp in there. What’s the average size, and what tactics/baits tend to work best?
  3. Other Species – Besides carp, are there any good opportunities for tench, bream, or pike?
  4. Best Pegs/Spots – Are there any particular pegs that consistently produce?
  5. Rules & Facilities – Anything important to know about rules, facilities, parking, or booking?
  6. Time of Year – When is the best time to fish Horcott? Does it fish well in winter, or is it more of a spring/summer venue?

Any personal experiences, tips, or recent catch reports would be massively appreciated! Looking forward to hearing what you all have to say.

Tight lines! :fishing_pole:

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:fishing_pole: Lakes & Stock

Main Lake (22 acres):

  • Stock: Around 800 carp, including Leenies and Sutton-strain fish.
  • Size of Fish: Most carp average 20lb+, with many pushing upper 20s. Roughly 50 fish exceed 30lb, and the lake record is over 40lb.
  • Difficulty: A well-stocked water relatively hard. Features gravel bars, gullies, and weed beds, so location and presentation are important.

Tench Lake (3 acres):

  • Stock: Around 250 tench up to 11lb, plus rudd, roach, perch, pike, and a small number of bream. Also holds some carp to mid-20s.
  • Difficulty: Great for beginners or those after a peaceful float session. Designed for a relaxed, mixed-species experience.

Scout Lake:

  • Stock: A newer and smaller venue that holds a growing number of carp, mostly doubles and low 20s, with the odd better fish.
  • Size of Fish: Mainly mid-doubles with some over 20lb. Stock is younger but growing steadily.
  • Difficulty: Ideal for anglers looking for bites and action. Less pressured than the Main Lake and good for building confidence or trying new rigs.

:fish: Carp Size & Best Tactics

Carp Size:

  • Main Lake: 20–30lb average range; lake record over 40lb.
  • Scout Lake: Mostly doubles, some over 20lb.
  • Tench Lake: Smaller number of carp, but can reach mid-20s.

Best Tactics:

  • Boilies and Pellets: Consistently produce fish across all three lakes.
  • PVA Bags: Especially effective in the Main Lake and Scout Lake, particularly when fishing over weed or targeting features.
  • Particles (e.g., corn, hemp): Great for tench and silver fish in the Tench Lake.
  • Location: Watch for showing fish early and late in the day. Look for gravel patches, silt gullies, and clear spots in the weed.

:tropical_fish: Other Species

  • Tench Lake: Best mixed-species action, including tench, roach, rudd, perch, and pike.
  • Scout Lake: Primarily carp, but other species may be present in low numbers.
  • Main Lake: Mainly carp-focused, but some silver fish and the odd predator may be encountered.

:round_pushpin: Best Pegs/Spots

Main Lake:

  • 45 pegs, with a 28-angler limit for space and comfort.
  • Pegs 1–15: Shallow side (~4ft), known as “Bungalow Bay” — productive in warmer months.
  • Pegs 16–24: Deeper water (~6ft); good for year-round fishing.
  • Look for clear areas among weed beds and fish to gravel bars.

Tench Lake:

  • 16 swims, maximum of 10 anglers — always feels quiet and uncrowded.
  • No bad spots; float fishing close to the margin or lily beds tends to produce well.

Scout Lake:

  • Smaller, more intimate water with fewer swims.
  • Less pressure means more mobile fishing can pay off — don’t be afraid to move if bites slow down.

:clipboard: Rules & Facilities

Rules:

  • All fishery rules must be followed — including correct unhooking mats, landing nets, and mainline strength.
  • Barbless or micro-barbed hooks preferred.
  • Particles must be properly prepared.
  • Alcohol in moderation and fires not permitted. Respect the venue and other anglers.
  • Anglers can be asked to leave without refund for rule breaches.

Facilities:

  • Parking: Secure on-site parking available near each lake.
  • Toilets: Portable toilets (portaloos) provided.
  • Booking: Online or phone booking is required in advance.

:date: Time of Year

Spring/Summer:

  • Best time for action. Fish are active, especially early mornings and late evenings. Weed growth increases in summer — find clear areas.

Autumn:

  • Great time for a big hit or personal best. Fish feed hard before winter.

Winter:

  • More difficult, especially on the Main Lake, but fish can still be caught with careful baiting and location. Scout and Tench lakes may produce more consistent bites in colder conditions.