Rode Hill Fishery

Rode Hill Fishery is a picturesque angling destination nestled in the rolling Somerset countryside near Frome. Established within a beautifully reclaimed landscape, the fishery has grown from its historic roots—including a former clay pit—into a sophisticated complex that balances natural beauty with high-quality facilities. Managed by the Fussell family, the venue has earned a reputation for its peaceful atmosphere and excellently maintained stocks, making it a favourite for local club matches and specimen hunters alike.

The site is a member of C.E.F.A.S., ensuring the highest standards of fish health and environmental care. Recent developments have seen the addition of the Governor’s specimen lake and several high-spec fishing lodges—The Stickleback, The Trout, and The Pike—which allow anglers to enjoy multi-day sessions in complete comfort. Whether you are looking for a prolific day of silverfish sport or a quiet night targeting elusive 20lb mirrors, Rode Hill provides a quintessential West Country fishing experience.

The lakes, features & pegs

The fishery offers four distinct waters, each with its own character. The Match Lake is a 2.5-acre water featuring two central islands and depths ranging from 4ft to 10ft. It boasts 22 well-spaced pegs, including dedicated wooden platforms with stone track access for disabled anglers. The Middle Lake provides a “half-wild” aesthetic, surrounded by weeping willows and reed beds; it holds 15 swims and is known for its tranquil, natural vibe.

For those seeking history, the Old Brickyard is a 3-acre clay pit that has matured over 60 years, offering deep, mysterious water and a rugged environment. The newest addition is the Governor’s Lake, a specimen-only water tailored for members and lodge guests, featuring 11 swims designed to target the largest residents. Throughout the complex, the swims are thoughtfully positioned to offer each angler their own piece of water, with plenty of marginal cover, overhanging trees, and underwater features to explore.

What you can catch

The stock at Rode Hill is diverse and impressively healthy. Carp are the main attraction, with Common, Mirror, Ghost, and Grass carp all present. While the Match and Middle lakes are prolific for fish in the 4lb to 15lb bracket, the Old Brickyard and Governor’s Lake hold specimens reaching up to 27lbs.

The venue is also a superb tench fishery, with many “tincas” reaching specimen sizes in the older lakes. For the silverfish enthusiast, the waters are teeming with quality Roach, Rudd, Dace, and Chub. The Middle Lake is particularly noted for its older, natural stock, offering a “bit-of-everything” bag that can provide non-stop action during the warmer months.

Proven tactics & recommended baits

On the Match Lake, the Method feeder cast tight to the central islands is a banker tactic. Using 2mm micro pellets in the feeder mix with a 6mm wafter mini boil or small piece of meat, will frequently produce consistent action from the carp. For those targeting the silvers or tench, a simple wagglers or pole approach in the margins is often all that is required.

In the deeper Old Brickyard and Governor’s Lake, modern bolt rigs with high-quality boilies are preferred. However, anglers should note that surface fishing and the use of particle baits like hemp and maize are strictly prohibited under the fishery rules. Stick to pellet-based approaches or PVA bags filled with crushed boilies. During the summer, fishing “the inside” or the margins with larger pellets or meat can be incredibly effective as the fish move closer to the bank under the cover of the willow trees.

Top tips for success

According to recent catch reports and venue guidance, the most successful anglers at Rode Hill are those who keep their noise levels to a minimum. The fish, especially the larger residents in the Middle Lake and Old Brickyard, can be quite wary of bankside vibration. It is highly recommended to use the “little and often” feeding strategy—feeding small amounts of pellets every few minutes to keep the fish actively searching in your swim without overfeeding them.

Always keep an eye on the island margins on the Match Lake; the carp often patrol the very shallow water right against the bank. If you can land a feeder accurately within feet of the island, your catch rate will significantly increase. Lastly, ensure you have a large 42” landing net and a proper unhooking mat or cradle (which needs to be dipped at the fishery before using), as fish welfare is a top priority here, and these items are mandatory for all swims.

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