Charity Lakes Fishery

Charity Lakes Fishery is a long-established coarse fishing venue that focuses on offering dedicated anglers a quiet, membership-based environment rather than a busy commercial complex. Set around three main waters and a stretch of river, it has earned a reputation for challenging but rewarding sessions, particularly for those targeting specimen fish and valuing unspoilt, tree-lined banks over heavy stocking and nonstop action. The emphasis here is on thoughtful angling, watercraft and respect for both fish and environment.

The central attraction for many visitors is the focus on carp fishing and the opportunity to target older, character fish that have grown on naturally over time. Historically, the site was home to a renowned Norfolk mirror carp known as “Baby Face”, a fish that drew anglers from a wide area because it reached over 50 lb at its peak, underlining the venue’s pedigree for big fish potential. Although this individual is no longer present, the fishery continues to nurture a head of impressive carp, with many fish reaching into the high twenties and thirties, supported by a steady, carefully managed stocking programme. This approach attracts anglers who are more interested in quality and longevity of the stock than in instant, heavily stocked action.

The Main Lake, sometimes referred to locally as Church Lake, is around 5.7 acres and remains the main focus for serious carp angling. Depths range from about 9 ft to around 20 ft, with gravel patches, a central island and shallower bays that all create varied features to target. Weedy areas develop through the warmer months, but this is part of the venue’s character; the weed supports invertebrate life and in turn helps fish achieve strong growth rates and good condition rather than being seen purely as an inconvenience. For anglers who enjoy figuring out a water, adjusting rigs and line lay, and finding clear spots among natural features, this layout offers plenty of interest.

Alongside the carp, Charity Lakes Fishery is also known for its tench fishing, which has quietly developed an almost cult following among specialist anglers. Tench to over double figures have been recorded, with fish over 12 lb reported, placing the venue among the more interesting tench waters in the region for those who enjoy traditional float or feeder tactics at dawn and dusk. While tench may not receive the same attention as carp in everyday conversation, many visitors come specifically for these powerful green fish and appreciate the chance to target them in a relatively low-pressure environment where specimens can grow on without constant disturbance.

Pike also feature in the species mix, with captures recorded to over 30 lb, and there are reports of quality bream into mid-double figures. This means that, while carp are the main draw, there is scope for varied sessions and for anglers to experiment with different methods and seasons, from winter predator fishing to spring and summer sessions focused on tench. For some visitors, this diversity is a major advantage, allowing them to enjoy coarse fishing rather than focusing on a single species, and giving club-style anglers a broader set of challenges than many single-purpose commercial fisheries.

The broader site includes three lakes and a section of the River Wensum, which gives additional options and a more natural feel than venues that rely solely on stillwaters. Access paths and swims are generally kept tidy, and the banks are lined with trees rather than concrete platforms, which contributes to a sense of seclusion. Facilities are functional rather than flashy; this is not a holiday complex with restaurants and multiple on-site shops, but a fishery that prioritises good access, safe parking and practical swims for longer sessions. For many regulars, this balance suits the style of angling offered.

Reviews from visiting anglers frequently highlight the peaceful atmosphere and friendly attitude of those involved with the fishery. Some visitors describe the people on site as welcoming and approachable, which can make a real difference on waters where anglers may be staying for extended sessions. For newcomers, that sense of being made to feel at ease – rather than judged for not already knowing every feature – can help them settle in and focus on their fishing rather than worrying about etiquette.

At the same time, other comments point out that the fishing can be “tough going”, particularly for those used to heavily stocked day-ticket venues. This is not a water where most visitors will catch multiple big carp on a short trip, and some anglers may find the level of challenge frustrating if they arrive expecting instant results. In practice, Charity Lakes Fishery seems best suited to anglers who are patient and willing to put in time learning the water, mapping out features and refining approaches over several visits.

A key feature of the fishery is its rule set, which is detailed and strongly conservation-led. Rules include requirements for appropriate unhooking mats and landing nets, the use of safe fixed lead systems, barbless or semi-barbed hooks, and specific guidance on the preparation of particle baits. Keepnets are not permitted and specimen fish are to be retained only briefly for photographing before being returned, reflecting a clear emphasis on fish welfare. These measures can be seen as a positive by anglers who care deeply about the condition of the fish and the long-term health of the stock, although those who prefer very relaxed rule environments may view the level of regulation as restrictive.

There are also additional rules governing pike fishing, including limits on the number of rods, minimum line strength and mandatory use of wire traces, which again underlines a focus on responsible predator angling. Access to the river stretches comes with its own set of expectations, with the fishery requesting that anglers avoid trespassing beyond boundaries and take extra care when conditions change, particularly in high water. This more formal, club-style approach is not to every angler’s taste, but it supports a consistent standard of behaviour across the venue and helps avoid some of the issues that can arise on open-access waters.

Membership and guest ticket arrangements mean that Charity Lakes Fishery is not an entirely open walk-on venue, and access to certain lakes or stretches may be limited by permits. For some anglers, particularly those seeking a regular base, this creates a more secure and less crowded setting in which they can plan longer campaigns. However, it also means that casual visitors may find it less straightforward to drop in for a spontaneous day session compared with fully open day ticket lakes. Prospective visitors are therefore advised to check current membership arrangements and availability before planning a first trip.

Another point occasionally raised in external write-ups is that the fishery can feel demanding for those used to more highly stocked carp lakes where bites are more frequent. The stocking density here is intentionally low, with an emphasis on allowing fish to grow on and maintain good condition rather than maximising catch rates. Anglers who relish working for each bite and potentially banking fewer, but more memorable fish, often see this as a strength. In contrast, those looking for guaranteed action or family-friendly “fish a chuck” sessions may be better served by more overtly commercial venues.

From a practical perspective, the layout of the lakes, including the presence of an out-of-bounds bay on the Main Lake and stretches of weed growth in summer, rewards anglers who are confident with line concealment, rig choice and bait placement. The use of bait boats is permitted under specific conditions, although users are expected to show respect to others in terms of distance and encroaching on neighbouring swims. For some, the ability to deploy rigs with precision into hard-to-reach areas is a welcome advantage; for others, it may introduce a level of technology that does not suit their preferred style of specimen carp fishing.

Feedback on the overall setting tends to emphasise the quiet, secure surroundings and the sense of being away from busy roads or crowded banks. This can be especially appealing for anglers planning overnight or multi-day sessions who value being able to focus on watercraft, observation and patience. Equally, anyone expecting a highly social, café-and-tackle-shop on-site experience may find the fishery a little too understated and self-contained. Charity Lakes Fishery is, in many ways, oriented towards anglers who are comfortable bringing their own provisions and focusing on the fishing itself.

As with many long-running fisheries, the management has to balance different expectations: specimen hunters seeking low-pressure conditions, visiting anglers after a new challenge, and those who appreciate strict rules and structure. The relatively small number of public reviews suggests that it is not a heavily promoted or highly commercialised venue, but rather one that relies on word-of-mouth among dedicated coarse anglers. The consistent theme across available feedback, however, is that anglers who invest time in understanding the lakes, respect the rules and embrace the more traditional feel are likely to find Charity Lakes Fishery rewarding, even if the fishing is far from easy.

For potential visitors comparing local options, Charity Lakes Fishery stands out as a venue that backs up its reputation with a proven big-fish history, carefully managed waters and a conservation-minded rule set, while also presenting a realistic level of challenge. Those who prefer instant action or extensive on-site facilities may find it less suitable, but for committed anglers who enjoy thoughtful carp fishing, quality tench fishing and the chance of specimen predators in a quiet, tree-lined setting, it offers a distinctive alternative to more intensively stocked fishing lakes in the region.