Top 25 best fishing lakes in Kent for a great day out
My dad always used to take me fishing when I was little, and I have so many memories of sitting in nature for hours, listening to the crickets chirp and the birds sing as the sun sets along the horizon. Needless to say, I have fond memories.
Seeing as Kent is so close to our home in the South East, I have been writing a series of blog posts on breaks away in the Garden of England and decided to include one on the 25 best fishing lakes in Kent!
We have ventured up and down the county and I thought I’d share some expertise with you! If you’re looking for a Kent lake with some of the best catch; there are plenty of places with everything you need; from yellow perch to common carp, look no further. Here are 25+ fishing lakes across Kent you might want to consider fishing at.
Whilst I don’t pretend to be a fishing expert, this is all my dad’s knowledge on the subject matter, and I have his well rounded experiences and advice for all the other fishermen out there!
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25 best fishing lakes in Kent
Look no further for 25 of the best fishing lakes in Kent!
Monk Lakes, Kent
Monk Lakes is comprised of 7 Main lakes – 4 Match lakes, Mallard Lakes, Bridges Lake and Puma Lake and one river to fish in; it is a day ticket fishery, located south of Maidstone, Kent. One of the best fishing lakes in Kent.
They have a little van on site selling teas, coffees and some food, perfect for when you get snackish. Monk lakes now charge for fishing, it costs £10 for 1 adult with 1 rod, £15 for 2 rods and £18.50 for 3 rods.
There are also 24-hour tickets available, perfect for night fishing. The fishery spans over 120 acres and consists of 8 waters. There is a diverse mix of fish species, including good-sized catfish up to around 48lb and carp up to 45lb.
The Mallard lake is for the more experienced passionate angler with proper equipment; they have also limited the match angler to 10 at a time. They have a lot of info on their Facebook page, have a look for recent information, it is one of the most iconic fishing lakes in Kent.
There’s plenty of nearby pubs to eat at:
- The Lord Raglan, Chart Hill Road, Staplehurst
- The Stile Bridge, Staplehurst Road, Marden
- The Unicorn, High Street, Marden
The Cock Inn, Heath Road, Boughton Monchelsea - The Kings Head, High Street, Staplehurst
- The Red House, Hermitage Road, Boughton Monchelsea
- The Star, 74 Linton Road, Loose
- The White House, Heath Road, Hunton
Majors Fishing Lakes, near Maidstone
Majors Lakes are situated in the village of Bearsted, Kent. These mature lakes date back to 1894 (originally were used for duck shooting!) and are now a long loved fishing destination.
The lakes are surrounded by scenic woodland. This is a mixed lake; there are both coarse and trout fishing lakes at the fishery with a mix of fish species including the common carp, barbel, rainbow trout and more.
One of the best fishing lakes in Kent!
Mousehole Lakes, near East Peckham
Mousehole Lakes, one of the best fishing lakes in Kent, purchased in 2011 by a team who always had a dream of owning beautifully kept lakes for people to enjoy fishing and there will always be a warm welcome.
Carp up to 38lb. This nine acre site currently includes three lakes (two Specimen and one Match) and is their pride and joy which they love to share with other anglers; you’ll be sure to have a good time.
Also, they have delicious home cooked food at their eatery, the Mousehole Kitchen, and is one of the top fishing lakes in Kent.
It comes with easy access to toilet facilities and shower facilities so you can keep clean and tidy whilst on the lakes.
Claygate Lakes, near Marden
These are some great lakes professionally run in the picturesque and charming countryside of Kent, with lush greenery and natural woodlands all around. It provides anglers with an extremely relaxing environment to enjoy their hobby surrounded by beautiful lakes; expect to have a great time. The lakes are open all year round to clubs, day ticket water, and night anglers.
Hartley Lands Fishery, near Cranbrook
Hartley lands fishery is a great little place with carp up to 36lb.
Hartley Lands Fishery is a day ticket fishery in Cranbrook, Kent. They have 6 lakes and 1 ponds that are available to day or night fish, cater to most anglers, whether you want big perch, to bag up on carp.
Manor Fisheries, Headcorn
A friendly welcome awaits you at Manor Fisheries making it one of the best fishing lakes in Kent, which offers both accommodation and coarse fishing (Carp up to 30lbs+, Catfish up to 50lbs+) in three different lakes.
It is abundantly stocked that are “Never knowingly over crowded”; all of this in a picturesque setting in the Weald of Kent.
The accommodation features secure landscaped surroundings and a paved car park for cars and vans. The cosy lakeside Cabin is furnished with clean toilets, invigorating hot and cold running water, sturdy tables and chairs, convenient microwave, kettle, and toaster.
Marshside Fishery, Near Canterbury
Nestled in the peaceful Kent countryside, surrounded by fields and marshland, are the charming lakes of Marshside Fishery. There are 2 lakes covering 7.5 acres. The fishing lakes are stocked with coarse fish including tench (12lb+), bream, chub, barbel, carp (38lb+), and rudd.n
Elphicks Fishery
This hidden gem aims to provide sport for anglers of all ages and abilities and there’s acres of water, choose between a large lake or a small pond; they’ve got something for successful fishing for everyone, making it one of the best fishing lakes in Kent.
Anyone from the serious specimen hunter looking for a new personal best, to a family out for an afternoon’s fun is provided for here at Elphicks and as such our lakes are set out to suit different requirements and abilities.
Carp available up to 50lb and each lake has a car park nearby and excellent facilities are available. They have a toilet block that’s suitable for ladies, gents and are disability friendly too.
Orchard Place Farm Fishing Lakes, Paddock Wood
Nestled in the charming Kent countryside and just a stone’s throw from Royal Tunbridge Wells, Orchard Place Farm is a family-run fishery with 11 fishing lakes dedicated to carp, catfish, and pleasure/match anglers. One of the best fishing lakes in Kent.
The waters hold some impressive specimen fish, with catfish up to 100lb and carp reaching around 50lb. Many of the picturesque lakes feature islands and numerous fishing opportunities.
Park Farm Reservoir, Cranbrook Angling Club
A peaceful 1 1/2 acre reservoir fringed with reeds. Stocked with good-sized Carp, a variety of Roach, Tench, and notable Rudd specimens.
Park Farm Reservoir is conveniently located next to an charming orchard, perfect for afternoon walks, earning it a spot on this list as one of the best fishing lakes in Kent.
Tenterden Trout Waters
Tenterden Trout Waters situated in the picturesque heart of Kent and is very popular with anglers and is in the top 50 Stillwater fisheries in the UK. Popular catches atnTenterden Trout Waters include Damsels, Gold Head Patterns, Montanas, Buzzers, Diawl Bach and Coopers Yellow.
Pattenden Lane Reservoir
Pattenden Lane is a 2-acre reservoir surrounded by overhanging willow trees. The water was restocked with fish in 2013 and 2014. Current fish species include Carp up to double figures, Tench, bream, rudd, roach, and perch, earning it a spot on this list as one of the best fishing lakes in Kent.
River Eden
River Eden is a tributary of the River Medway, flowing from the edge of Surrey through Kent until it joins the river Medway at Penshurst. Some of the popular fish species found here include eels, pike, carp, roach, rudd, perch, and chub, earning it a spot on this list as one of the best fishing lakes in Kent.
Sizes of fish may vary, as rivers always hold an element of surprise. The river has a narrow size.n
River Medway
River Medway is a stunning river spanning around 70 miles, flowing from Sussex through Kent until it meets the Thames Estuary. Among the popular fish species found here are good-sized carp, eels, pike, tench, roach, rudd, perch, and chub. Sizes of fish may vary, as rivers always hold a hint of mystery, and who knows, there might even be a river monster lurking!
Rosemary Lakes, Cranbrook Angling Club
Rosemary fishery comprises of 3 well-stocked coarse fishing lakes that house carp, perch, tench, and rudd. Each water is less than an acre in size and offers various features, including lily pads, overhanging trees, and shrubs. These waters are ideal for a spot of match fishing.
Sandwich Lakes
The fishery is nestled in a serene countryside setting with expansive views and has a tackle shop to boot. It caters to anglers of all levels, from dedicated carp enthusiasts to novices and beginners. The waters provide an excellent environment for match fishing, earning it a spot on this list as one of the best fishing lakes in Kent.
Saw Lodge Farm Lakes
Saw Lodge Farm Lakes is a popular fishing venue for both match and carp anglers. The fishery consists of two lakes, the largest being a 2-acre lake, along with two ponds. Carp can be found in all four waters, ranging up to 20lb+. Though most are in single figures, there are some impressive specimens.
Shirkoak Fishing Lake, Woodchurch
A charming day ticket fishing lake located in the village of Woodchurch, amidst the picturesque Kent countryside, the perfect pleasure lakes. The lake offers numerous fishing features, including two large islands adorned with overhanging plants and shrubs.
The water is favored by serious carp anglers as well as pleasure anglers, earning it a spot on this list as one of the best fishing lakes in Kent.
Spring Hill Trout Lakes, Penbury
Spring Hill Trout fishery is situated near the village of Penbury, Kent. The venue comprises three spring-fed fishing lakes stocked with Rainbow and Brown trout, some weighing up to 18lb.
The lakes are teeming with a wide array of insects, including Sedge, Midge, Mayfly, Caddis, Damsels, and many others commonly found in Southern England. Making it onto this list as one of the best fishing lakes in Kent.
Springwood Fishery
Nestled within woodland, Springwood Fishery features four fishing lakes, with the largest being a 3-acre lake reaching depths of up to 14 feet.
The lakes are stocked with large carp up to 30lb, catfish up to 72lbs, and a variety of other fish species, including tench, bream, and orfe. Definitely one of the most iconic fishing lakes in Kent.
Strawberry Fields Carp Fishing Lakes
Strawberry Fields is a renowned carp fishery situated in the heart of the Kent countryside. The fishery comprises two fishing lakes surrounded by mature trees and an array of stunning wildlife.
The lakes are stocked with match fish and carp, with several carp exceeding 40lb. One of the more celebrated residents of the lake is ‘Lee Jackson,’ a common carp weighing over 60lb. One of the best fishing lakes in Kent.
Tenterden Trout Fishing Lakes
A delightful family-run trout fishery located in the picturesque Weald of Kent. This popular fishing venue has been recognized as one of the top 100 still waters by The ‘Trout Fisherman Magazine’.
The fishery consists of three lakes spanning 5.5 acres, predominantly holding Rainbow trout (85%-90% Rainbow) along with some Brown Trout. Definitely one of the most iconic fishing lakes in Kent.
Trevor’s Fishing Lake, Club water|
Situated in an ideal setting near the village of Groombridge, close to Tonbridge Wells, is Trevor’s Lake. The water accommodates common and mirror carp, some weighing nearly 10lb, along with perch. It is an ideal fishing venue for novice anglers, guaranteeing a catch on this lake.
Tricklebrook Fishery, near Paddock Wood
Located in the charming village of Five Oak Green, Kent, Tricklebrook coarse fishery is a well-established fishing venue that was first established in 1996 and there are plenty of hiking trails nearby. The fishery features two lakes, including a 4-acre specimen lake with good-sized perch up to 6lb, catfish over 30lb, and carp exceeding 40lb. Definitely one of the most iconic fishing lakes in Kent.
Windsurf Gravel Pit
A reed-fringed gravel pit reaching depths of up to 10 feet. This 8-acre stillwater accommodates pike, eels, sizable tench, and bream that grow well into double figures. Carp weighing over 30lb (a 32lb common carp was recorded in 2012) can be found, along with large roach and rudd.
That’s it! I hope you find it useful!
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Weather in Kent
Kent Weather in January
- Average Temperature: 4°C (39°F)
- Rainy Days: 10
- Daylight Hours: 8
- Sunrise Time: Around 7:50 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 4:30 PM
Kent Weather in February
- Average Temperature: 4°C (39°F)
- Rainy Days: 8
- Daylight Hours: 10
- Sunrise Time: Around 7:10 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 5:20 PM
Kent Weather in March
- Average Temperature: 6°C (43°F)
- Rainy Days: 9
- Daylight Hours: 12
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:20 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:10 PM
Kent Weather in April
- Average Temperature: 8°C (46°F)
- Rainy Days: 9
- Daylight Hours: 14
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:00 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 8:00 PM
Kent Weather in May
- Average Temperature: 12°C (54°F)
- Rainy Days: 8
- Daylight Hours: 16
- Sunrise Time: Around 5:10 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 8:50 PM
Kent Weather in June
- Average Temperature: 15°C (59°F)
- Rainy Days: 8
- Daylight Hours: 16
- Sunrise Time: Around 4:50 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 9:20 PM
Kent Weather in July
- Average Temperature: 17°C (63°F)
- Rainy Days: 7
- Daylight Hours: 16
- Sunrise Time: Around 5:00 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 9:00 PM
Kent Weather in August
- Average Temperature: 17°C (63°F)
- Rainy Days: 7
- Daylight Hours: 14
- Sunrise Time: Around 5:40 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 8:20 PM
Kent Weather in September
- Average Temperature: 14°C (57°F)
- Rainy Days: 8
- Daylight Hours: 12
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:20 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 7:00 PM
Kent Weather in October
- Average Temperature: 11°C (52°F)
- Rainy Days: 10
- Daylight Hours: 10
- Sunrise Time: Around 7:00 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:00 PM
Kent Weather in November
- Average Temperature: 7°C (45°F)
- Rainy Days: 10
- Daylight Hours: 8
- Sunrise Time: Around 7:40 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 4:20 PM
Kent Weather in December
- Average Temperature: 5°C (41°F)
- Rainy Days: 10
- Daylight Hours: 8
- Sunrise Time: Around 8:00 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 4:00 PM
Quick links
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