Voted in the top 10 of carp fisheries by Big Carp Magazine, the fishery is set in 45 acres of delightful wooded Kentish countryside, which compliments the lakes and provides habit for a wide diversity of animals and plantsThe setting and size and quality of the fish at Cottington Lakes, makes it an ideal venue for experienced carp anglers looking to beat their pbs, novice anglers wishing to learn and pleasure anglers looking to spend a few days fishing either individually or with family or friends.
The fishery provides a choice of five mixed coarse lakes, two specimen carp lakes and a snake-shaped match lake approximately 1.5 miles long. In addition to the lakes, there are several slow-running streams meandering though the complex, which can be fished between 16 June and 14 March. These hold good stocks of fish including carp well into double figures and pike to over 20lbs. Although parts of the dykes are densely weeded, they can be fished by anyone holding a day ticket to fish one of the Cottington Lakes waters. They are particularly popular with carp anglers looking for a different challenge and with pike anglers in the winter.
- The lakes are supervised by a team of bailiffs who are on site daily and are always willing to help anglers with a little bit of local knowledge and experience.
- The tackle shop, AKC Bait & Tackle, manages ticket sales for the general coarse lakes.
- Also on site is the Lake House Kitchen, which is open Wednesdays to Sundays from 9am–3pm for hot snacks and a variety of hot and cold drinks.
Cottington Lakes is improving the facilities for anglers using wheelchairs with the introduction of dedicated parking adjacent to Black Lake, wider and dedicated solid pathways and 2m2 fishing platforms, with more platforms to be added.
There are a variety of tickets available offering 24 hours, day, night or half-day options to suit most needs. Because restrictions are placed on the number of anglers allowed to fish the specimen carp lakes at any one time, please phone in advance to book these. Day tickets are available for the specimen lakes, but to avoid disappointment it is advisable to book in advance. There are sometimes cancellations, so do call to check availability.
The extensive facilities on site also include 32 caravan pitches spread over five designated areas, one of which is pictured right. Twenty two of the pitches have electric hook-ups. There are also five pitches reserved for Caravan Club members, four of which have electric hook-ups. These facilities mean that, for anyone wishing to spend more than a day, combining local sightseeing with a little fishing, are able to cater for touring caravans and camping alike.
Day ticket opening times:
7am daily (excl. Christmas Day & Boxing Day)
Closing times:
5pm from 1st November to 31st March
7pm from 1st April to 31st October
These times are subject to change, so please check the venue's website.