Horcott Lakes

Introduction to the Fishery

Horcott Lakes is widely regarded as the “jewel in the crown” of the Cotswold Water Park. Located on the edge of the historic town of Fairford, this former gravel workings site has matured into a stunning specimen fishery. The complex consists of the expansive 22-acre Main Lake, the 9-acre Scout Lake, and the intimate 3-acre Tench Lake.

The venue has built a formidable reputation over the years for its incredible stock of hard-fighting, heavily-scaled mirrors and commons. Managed with a passion for fish welfare and angler experience, Horcott offers a quintessential English carping atmosphere. The surroundings are tranquil and picturesque, though the proximity to RAF Fairford occasionally adds a unique soundtrack of aircraft to your session. Whether you are a dedicated specimen hunter or a pleasure angler, the history and pedigree of the fish here make every “buzzer” worth the wait.

The Lakes, Features & Pegs

The Main Lake is a classic Cotswold pit, gin clear and rich in natural larder. Its topography is fascinating, featuring a maze of gravel bars, deep gullies, and silt pockets. Depths typically range from 4ft in the shallower “Bungalow Bay” (pegs 1–15) to 8ft on the deeper far side. During summer, the lake produces significant weed growth, which acts as a natural habitat for the carp but requires accurate watercraft to navigate.

Scout Lake, recently opened as a day-ticket water after years as a private syndicate, offers 8 spacious swims and a more intimate feel, with depths reaching a 10ft “hole” in the centre. The Tench Lake provides 16 pegs and is perfect for those who enjoy active sessions. Across all lakes, the swims are well-maintained with bark or timber platforms, ensuring a clean and comfortable stay even in the winter months. The spacing is generous, particularly on the Main Lake where only 28 anglers are permitted despite having 45 available pegs, giving everyone ample room to move and find the fish.

What You Can Catch

The star attraction is undoubtedly the Carp. The Main Lake holds over 1,000 fish, with the average size sitting at a healthy 20lb. There are over fifty different 30lb+ specimens to target, and the lake record currently exceeds 40lb. Scout Lake holds approximately 250 carp with a high average weight between 18lb and 25lb.

Beyond the carp, the Tench Lake is a specialist’s dream, featuring a massive head of Tench averaging 5lb, with specimens reaching the magical 10lb mark. The complex also holds specimen-sized Pike (to 30lb+), Bream (to 17lb), and a healthy population of Rudd and Perch, making it a truly diverse multi-species venue.

Proven Tactics & Recommended Baits

Success at Horcott is often tied to high-quality nutrition. The fish respond exceptionally well to “house” pellets and particle mixes, which can be purchased on-site. For the carp, a bed of hemp and maize topped with a high-leakage boilie is a proven winner. Many regulars find that a “match the hatch” approach works best, though bright pop-ups or wafters on a Spinner or Ronnie Rig are effective when fishing over the cleaner gravel patches.

In the Tench Lake, scaled-down carp tactics are the way forward. Small 8mm–10mm fishy pellets or fake corn presented over a carpet of micro-pellets and groundbait will keep the bobbins moving. During the winter, the deeper areas between pegs 16 and 37 on the Main Lake become the primary focus, while the shallower bays are highly productive as soon as the spring sun begins to warm the margins.

Top Tips for Success

Watercraft is the single most important tool at Horcott Lakes. The management’s number one piece of advice is: “Do not come with a swim in mind.” Spend at least 30 minutes walking the banks before unloading your gear; these fish move frequently with the wind.

Look for clear “holes” in the weed during the summer months, as these are often well-polished feeding spots. If the lake is busy, the carp often retreat to the weed or the margins along the Scout Bank, so don’t be afraid to fish under your rod tips. Lastly, keep your rigs simple – a coated braid with a small stripped-back section and a sharp size 6 hook is all you need to land these Cotswold bangers.

Ready to land your next personal best?

Don’t miss your chance to fish one of the UK’s most prestigious day-ticket waters. Whether you’re chasing a 40lb mirror or a double-figure tench, your ultimate session starts here. To make an enquiry, simply fill out the form on this page.