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Melton Fishing Lakes

Melton Fishing Lakes

Day-Ticket Match and Specimen Carp Fishing near Woodbridge

Melton Fishing Lakes, operated as Breakaway Fisheries, is a day-ticket venue situated in the Suffolk countryside near Woodbridge.

The fishery offers two contrasting waters: a well-stocked match and pleasure lake and a separate specimen lake containing an impressive stock of carp.

Both lakes are open to day-ticket anglers. Night fishing may be permitted on the specimen lake, but availability and permission must be confirmed before travelling.

The Match Lake

The Match Lake provides 30 comfortable fishing swims with gradual banks and varied depths. Published information describes depths of approximately six to eight feet at 11 metres, dropping to around 12 feet in the central areas.

Species include:

Common and mirror carp
Roach
Rudd
Bream
Tench
Perch

Carp run into double figures, while the lake also holds large bream and tench. Further carp and tench stocking was scheduled during 2026.

The water is suitable for both match and pleasure anglers. Pole, float and feeder tactics can all be effective, depending on the swim and seasonal weed growth.

The Specimen Lake

The Specimen Lake offers more demanding fishing for anglers targeting larger carp.

The fishery reports carp approaching 40 lb, with a good number of fish exceeding 30 lb and many others in the 25–30 lb range. Large bream and tench are also present.

Natural weed provides food and protection for the fish but can create an additional challenge. Anglers should use suitable tackle and ensure their setup is capable of safely controlling fish around weed and marginal cover.

Pike are also present, but anglers must check the current predator-fishing rules and permitted season before targeting them.

Day Tickets and Night Fishing

Both lakes operate as day-ticket waters.

The venue uses a self-service ticket arrangement near the toilet and shop area. Follow the displayed instructions, complete the ticket correctly and retain the required section.

Card payments may be available when the on-site shop is open.

Night fishing is not permitted on the Match Lake. It may be available on the Specimen Lake when authorised. Always confirm current permission before planning an overnight session.

Important Fishery Rules

Rules differ between the two lakes.

Key Specimen Lake requirements include:

A maximum of two rods under normal arrangements
A suitable fish cradle and large landing net
No carp sacks
No bait boats
No pre-baiting
Properly prepared particles only
Under-16s accompanied by an adult
Fishing from designated pegs
No dogs

Three rods may be allowed between 1 November and 31 March if conditions permit, but anglers must check with fishery staff first.

Key Match Lake requirements include:

One rod per angler
Barbless hooks
An unhooking mat
No boilies
No night fishing
All fish returned to the lake from which they were caught

Read the complete rules before starting because arrangements may change.

Prepare at Birds Tackle

Birds Tackle carries an extensive range of equipment for match, pleasure, carp and predator fishing.

Our two-floor Suffolk store offers customer parking and knowledgeable assistance with:

Pole, float and feeder tackle
Carp rods, reels and main line
Bite alarms and rod support
Barbless hooks, hooklinks and rig components
Pellets, groundbait and suitable hook baits
Landing nets and net handles
Carp cradles and unhooking mats
Fish-care products
Bivvies, bedchairs and session equipment
Clothing and waterproof footwear

Tell our team which Melton lake you plan to fish so we can help you select equipment suited to that lake’s rules.

Fishing Weedy Water

Weed provides natural food and shelter for fish, but it requires careful preparation.

Use balanced tackle that can control fish safely without becoming unnecessarily heavy. Check your line regularly for damage and make sure leaders, tubing and rig components comply with venue rules.

Avoid casting directly into dense weed unless you understand the lakebed and can present your rig safely. Fish welfare must always take priority.

Fish Care

All fish at Melton are catch-and-release sport fish.

Prepare your landing net, cradle or unhooking mat before casting. Wet fish-care equipment before use, keep fish low and supported, and return them promptly.

Take all litter, line and empty containers home or use the bins provided.

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