Coarse &
Carp Fishing
Set in the peaceful Essex countryside, Chigborough Farm and Fisheries offers a truly rewarding Carp and Coarse Fishing experience for anglers of all levels. Surrounded by natural beauty our carefully managed waters provide the perfect balance of challenge and relaxation, whether you’re targeting our beautiful Chigboro’ Carp or enjoying a leisurely day of coarse fishing.
The Carp at Chigborough have been breeding naturally since the late 1970’s when they were introduced from Woburn Abbey. We offer majestic Carp to over 44lb, enormous Catfish (including two National records), SpecimenTench and Bream and Roach, Rudd, Pike, Perch and Eels.
Whether you're seeking a peaceful escape into nature for a family day out or a thrilling pursuit of the ultimate catch and a new pb, our coarse and carp fishing lakes offer the perfect blend of relaxation, excitement and quality angling.
Heybridge North Match lake will also be available to book soon.
The course lakes are open all year round except for Christmas Day
New for Spring 2026! - We are trialling Swimbooker.
We hope that this will have the following advantages, but please bear with us whilst we get all of the information online. For Trout Fishing tickets please select the lake you’d like to start on (you will still be able to move around both lakes as you please) For Coarse and Carp Lakes please select the ‘Watercraft ticket’ for the lake you’d ideally like to fish you will be able choose any swim on arrival. Only the Longchuck swims will be available to book before arrival.
Book swims/pegs in advance
Avoid arriving at fully booked lakes
Discover new fishing venues
View availability calendars
Access fish stock and lake information
Plan sessions more effectively
Manage bookings in one place
Track memberships and tickets
Log and review catch reports
Learn patterns (bait, weather, timing)
Connect with other anglers
Access tips, articles, and updates
Get discounts and rewards (premium users)
Hello, World!
Please pre-book your fishing ticket using the booking system in the section above. Please scroll down to FAQ’s for further lake and stock info.
If you are struggling or have any questions please call Sam on 07702 244440
As long as you have booked online, you are welcome to turn up and make a start at your allotted time. Our team will come round on a quad bike to check your booking throughout the day.
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£15 PER PERSON FOR AN ADULT DAY TICKET
£10 PER PERSON FOR A JUNIOR DAY TICKET
£28 PER PERSON, 24 HRS 11.30AM-11.30AM, OR 5PM-5PM
£48 PER PERSON WEEKEND TICKET FRIDAY 5PM - SUNDAY 5PM
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1. Max 3 rods (2 rods if sharing a swim)
2. Particle baits must be prepared properly, tiger nuts to be used as hook baits only.
3. Minimum 15lb mainline to be used for carp and not braid, braided mainline for catfish and for spod and markers is ok.
4. Large nets, mats and slings must be used, they must be bone dry and clean to prevent the spread of disease. Nets of 40-50” are recommended for carp.
5. Please use the bins provided, any litter left in the swims or on site will result in an instant ban.
6. Anglers are not permitted to be more than one swim away from their rods.
7. No fish to be introduced or removed, we will prosecute anyone found breaking this rule.
8. Strictly NO Fires. BBQ’s are fine but must be off the ground.
9. No loud music or noise.
10. No fixed leads to be used.
11. Toilets can be found in the Lodge by the trout lake, as well as next to the entrance gate. Please try to keep them clean and report any problems.
12. Environment Agency Rod Licences must be purchased before fishing.
13.No keep-nets
14. Bait Boats May be used considerately. We suggest attaching a spare line to them so that they can be retrieved if they get stuck or run out of power.
15. Well behaved dogs are permitted, but they must be kept on a short lead and within the space of the swim. All mess must be cleared up.
16. All anglers must have a carp care kits including propolis or equivalent.
17. Anglers are not permitted to use a dinghy, kayak or any other floating vessel unless authorised by fishery staff.
18. Drones are not permitted.
19. Swims may not be saved for friends and family, they are allocated on a first come first served basis.
20. No sharing of nets and mats. Each swim must have their own.
21. All guests must be booked in. Sharing of the gate code will result in an instant ban.
22. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
PIKE RULES
1. Pike fishing is available between October and March only.
2. A minimum of an 18 inch trace and of 20lb plus wire should be used.
3. Large forceps are to be used when necessary.
4. Pike anglers must use effective back drop indicators.
5. All pike anglers must have an adequately sized net and mat.
Failure to comply with any of the rules will result in being ask to leave or suffer a ban where appropriate.
FAQs
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The Chigborough Coarse and Carp lakes were stocked in the late 1970’s and have been breeding naturally for the past 40 plus years. The Carp are traditional English dark colourful beauties. The catfish are original Wels stocked under licence in the 80’s. We have mown grassy banks, many double swims, some with gravel boards, logs and steps others natural.
May Water (nearest the car park) - 14 acres of mature ex gravel workings with over 35 swims. Species: Wels Catfish to over 140 lb. Carp to 42lb, (Average size early 20’s) Double figure Bream, Tench and Pike. Depth and Features - May Water has numerous islands and features. Depths range between 3 ft and 12 ft. Open for day tickets seven days per week.
Heybridge Mere - 3 acres of mature ex gravel workings. Approximately 15 swims. Species: Carp to 30lb, Stunning Tench, Bream, Roach, Rudd, Perch and Pike. This is the best lake for a mixed days pleasure fishing or for introducing newcomers to the sport. Depth and Features This lake has three pools, varying depths from 4-7 ft and numerous spits, gravel bars and coves. Open for day tickets 7 days per week.
Scraley Mere - 4 acres of mature ex gravel workings. Approximately 12 swims. Species: Scraley is well known for the beauty and the quality stamp of its carp. These dark and beautiful fish have been caught at up to 37lb. Scraley is available on a day ticket Monday - Friday and as a whole lake booking for up to 8 people at the weekends.
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Dog are allowed as long as they are well behaved and kept on a short rope which is attached to the swim you are on. Please clear up after your dog. There is a purpose built dog run, but this must be booked separately to the fishing.
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BBQ’s are allowed as long as they are off the ground and it is all cleared up once finished with.
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There is a portaloo located in the coarse lake car park. The log cabin fishery lodge on the trout lakes is also open 24 hours per day. For longer stays there is a shower located next door to the fishery office in the main Chigborough Farm courtyard.
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@chigborofisheries
