Back Lake Kemsley

Back Lake Kemsley is a small, sheltered coarse fishery that appeals to anglers who value quiet surroundings and uncomplicated access as much as the fishing itself. Nestled within the Kemsley area of Sittingbourne, it forms part of the waters associated with the Kemsley Community Angling Preservation Society, a community‑run club that looks after two nearby lakes and encourages responsible angling for all abilities, from casual visitors to committed specimen hunters. The atmosphere at Back Lake Kemsley is notably calm and low key, which suits anglers who prefer steady, unhurried sessions over crowds and competition.

One of the clear attractions of Back Lake Kemsley is its availability. The water is open around the clock, giving anglers the freedom to plan sessions around work, family and changing weather rather than fixed gates or restricted time slots. This flexibility particularly benefits those targeting species that often feed more confidently at first light or after dark, such as larger carp and pike. Regular users note that there are usually only a handful of people on the bank at any time, adding to the sense of space and reducing the pressure on the fish.

Feedback from visitors consistently highlights the peaceful character of the venue. Anglers describe the lake as quiet and relaxing, with enough room to settle into a swim without feeling overlooked or hurried. The surroundings feature trees, bankside vegetation and areas of cover that help to break up the line of sight between pegs, adding to the feeling of seclusion. For many, this setting is just as important as what ends up in the landing net, particularly for those who treat a day on the bank as a chance to unwind rather than chase records.

The wider club waters around Kemsley are known for a diverse stock of species, and Back Lake is generally seen as part of that mixed coarse offering. Anglers can reasonably expect a variety of targets, with the broader fishery featuring carp fishing, pike, tench, perch, roach, rudd, bream and chub in meaningful sizes. While the exact stock profile of Back Lake Kemsley is not broken down in public sources, many visitors treat it as a traditional general coarse lake where different methods and baits can produce results throughout the year.

The linked Kemsley club waters hold carp over 20lb and even over 30lb, alongside pike approaching the same benchmark, and there is every indication that Back Lake benefits from the same careful stocking approach. In practice, that means anglers can approach the water with expectations of solid, if not extreme, specimen potential for several species. Those who favour coarse fishing over highly pressured trophy venues often appreciate this balance: fish of a respectable size, but within a setting that feels inclusive and community‑focused rather than exclusive or overly commercial.

A particular positive for many visitors is how accessible the lake feels. The club provides a network of pegs, including at least one with improved access, and the banks are generally manageable without steep climbs or awkward footing. This is helpful for older anglers, those with limited mobility, or anyone carrying a substantial amount of tackle to the swim. Being within a residential catchment also means some locals can reach the water on foot, turning it into a convenient choice for short, after‑work sessions as well as longer stays.

Back Lake Kemsley sits within a broader local scene in which fishing is a recognised activity, including other lakes and country park waters in the area where people regularly enjoy dog walking, children's play areas and casual angling. Against this background, Back Lake stands out for being focused strictly on angling rather than a multi‑use park where anglers must compete with heavy general footfall. Those who prefer to concentrate on their rod tips rather than passing traffic find the more contained nature of the fishery appealing.

Fishing experience and methods

Anglers familiar with similar community‑run waters typically approach Back Lake Kemsley with versatile tactics. Standard coarse approaches with float or feeder tackle can pick out roach, perch, bream and tench, while more dedicated carp methods will suit those hoping for heavier fish. Given that the sister lakes are known to respond well to ledger and method feeder tactics because of their depth and structure, many visitors apply similar rigs and feeding patterns here. This includes using groundbait or pellets to build up a swim and switching hookbaits as fish activity changes through the session.

For those focused on carp fishing, the lake offers a chance to practice scaled‑down specimen tactics without the intense pressure found on larger, heavily advertised commercial venues. Anglers often favour boilies, pellets, or well‑presented particles on hair rigs, combined with subtle end tackle and careful bait placement near features such as reed beds or marginal drop‑offs. The relatively quiet banks mean fish are less harried by constant casting and recasting, which can lead to more confident feeding spells during early morning or evening periods.

Predator anglers have reason to be interested as well. Local commentary on Kemsley waters suggests there are pike of decent size within the complex, and some anglers recall productive sessions targeting these fish with deadbaits or lures. While Back Lake Kemsley is not marketed as a pure predator water, winter sessions with appropriate tackle, wire traces and legal methods can provide a change of pace from warm‑weather carp and silver fish campaigns. Perch are also present in the wider club waters, giving further scope for scaled‑down predator tactics with small lures or worms.

A key element of the experience is the club's emphasis on responsible angling. Anyone fishing the lake needs a valid Environment Agency licence, and club rules apply to ensure fish welfare and respectful behaviour around the banks. This typically includes the use of appropriate unhooking mats, barbless or micro‑barbed hooks where specified, and sensible handling and photography practices before fish are returned. For potential visitors, it is wise to check the current rule set with the club before packing the car, especially regarding bait bans, night‑fishing policies and limits on the number of rods.

Strengths of Back Lake Kemsley

For many coarse anglers, the chief strength of Back Lake Kemsley is its atmosphere. Reviews emphasise how quiet and calming the setting feels, with only a small number of anglers on the water at any one time. This means there is less pressure on the fish and more freedom to choose a swim that suits personal style, whether that is close‑range margin work or casting further to open water. The lake lends itself to unhurried sessions where watching wildlife and enjoying the surroundings are as much part of the day as the catch itself.

Accessibility and community focus are further positives. Being part of a community‑run club means the water is looked after by people with a direct interest in its condition, and maintenance of pegs and banks is an ongoing priority. This fosters a sense of shared responsibility among members and day‑ticket visitors. The presence of pegs designed with easier access in mind helps make the lake usable for a broader range of anglers than some more rugged venues.

The underlying fish stocks, viewed in the context of the full Kemsley lakes, are another strong point. Carp to over 20lb and pike approaching 30lb in the complex show that the waters have serious potential, while tench up to 10lb, bream to 9lb and quality roach and perch add variety for those who enjoy mixed bags. Even anglers not focused on chasing the very largest fish are likely to appreciate the chance of a surprise specimen during an otherwise relaxed session.

For newcomers to coarse fishing, Back Lake Kemsley can serve as a forgiving and approachable venue. The consistent depth and structured banks make it easier to learn how to read a swim, adjust rigs and feed accurately without the complications of huge expanses or extreme ranges. At the same time, more experienced anglers can refine methods, test baits and enjoy the satisfaction of putting together thoughtful sessions in a place that does not feel overly commercial or crowded.

Limitations and points to consider

Despite its many positives, Back Lake Kemsley is not without limitations, and potential visitors should weigh these carefully. Public information specific to this particular lake is relatively sparse, with most detail referring to the broader Kemsley waters rather than breaking down the exact stock, depth map or peg‑by‑peg characteristics of Back Lake itself. For some anglers, especially those used to commercial fisheries that publish precise stocking lists and regular catch reports, this lack of granular detail may make it harder to plan a highly targeted campaign.

The low‑key profile of the venue also means there are fewer online reports and session write‑ups compared with more widely advertised day‑ticket waters. While reviews that do exist are strongly positive about the atmosphere, the small sample size makes it difficult to form a detailed picture of year‑round performance, average catch rates or the consistency of bigger fish. Anglers who rely on social media catch galleries and frequent updates may find the digital footprint of Back Lake Kemsley somewhat limited.

Another point to consider is that, as a community‑run fishery, Back Lake Kemsley operates within a framework of club rules and expectations that may differ from more casual venues. Visitors must ensure they hold the necessary licence and understand any restrictions on baits, rigs or behaviour on the banks. For some, this structured environment is a positive, safeguarding fish welfare and preserving the character of the water. Others, especially complete beginners looking for a purely informal first outing, might find the need to check and follow club guidelines an extra step compared with certain day‑ticket commercials.

Facilities immediately surrounding Back Lake Kemsley are basic. The focus is very much on fishing rather than providing a full leisure complex with café, tackle shop or extensive on‑site amenities. Anglers heading to the lake need to arrive prepared with everything they require for the session, including food, drink and suitable clothing for changing conditions. Those who prefer venues with numerous non‑angling distractions or family‑oriented facilities may find Back Lake better suited to dedicated fishing trips than combined family days out.

Who Back Lake Kemsley suits best

Back Lake Kemsley is a strong fit for coarse anglers who value calm surroundings, straightforward access and a sense of community over high‑pressure competition. It suits individuals who are happy to focus on their own approach rather than rely on constant external reports or fishery‑supplied catch predictions. The water particularly rewards those who enjoy adapting tactics to a venue over several visits, getting to know the moods of the lake and fine‑tuning methods accordingly.

For carp anglers, the appeal lies in the chance of decent fish in a setting that avoids the hustle of busier day‑ticket waters, while still offering enough challenge to keep sessions engaging. Mixed‑species anglers and those who simply like to keep a bend in the rod with roach, bream, tench and perch will also find plenty of reason to visit. Predator fans may consider winter or cooler‑weather sessions, targeting pike and perch as part of a varied seasonal approach to the Kemsley waters as a whole.

On the other hand, anglers seeking a heavily promoted, high‑footfall commercial with extensive facilities, guaranteed detailed catch reports and a constant flow of information may be better served by alternative waters. Back Lake Kemsley remains a quieter choice, shaped by local stewardship and a focus on genuine angling rather than hospitality add‑ons. For many, this balance of strengths and limitations is precisely what makes it an appealing venue to visit and revisit over time.