Game &
Fly Fishing
Set against the tranquil backdrop of the Essex countryside, the fly fishing lakes at Chigborough Farm and Fishery offer a refined and rewarding experience for anglers of all levels. Designed with both sport and serenity in mind our waters are stocked with quality trout from Norfolk and provide the perfect environment to enjoy the gentle art of fly fishing. Whether you’re honing your technique or simply unwinding by the water’s edge, Chigborough’s fly fishing lakes combine natural beauty with exceptional fishing.
We have two fly fishing lakes - Home Water and Rook Hall.
Our annual trout fishing season runs from November 1st to the end of June.
During this time, both lakes will be stocked monthly and we expect the fishing to be reasonably consistent (allowing for conditions).
Home Water is closed for fly fishing from July to October inclusive.
Rook Hall is deeper and remains open throughout the summer, but performance will very much depend on the weather conditions.
BIG GAME ANGLING
(1st April - 31st October)
for the chance to catch the UK record Catfish on Home Water
Further information in the ‘Lakeside Lowdown’ section of the website
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)
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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£30 FOR 1 C+R
£9 PER EXTRA FISH (PRE-BOOKED ONLINE)
£10 PER EXTRA FISH TAKEN ON THE DAY
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1. Max 3 rods.
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.
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.
12. Anyone fishing will need a rod licence.
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.
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.
Failure to comply with any of the rules will result in being ask to leave or suffer a ban where appropriate.
Learn to fly fish
New to the sport or want some mentoring?
Our trusted and trained instructors offer private and group lessons for all.
FAQs
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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.
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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. For longer stays there is a shower located next door to the fishery office in the main Chigborough Farm courtyard.
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Monday - Friday - May Water, Heybridge Mere and Scraley Mere
Saturday and Sunday - May Water, Heybridge Mere and if not booked by a group, Scraley Mere.
Follow the fun on our Facebook Page
@chigborofisheries
