Seven Lakes Angling

As the name suggests, the fishery is a complex of seven lakes which were formed from a stream running through the valley that was used to wash the gravel being extracted from the site during the sixties and seventies. When gravel extraction ceased in the 1980’s the lakes were let to Leisure Sport Angling (latterly CEMEX Angling) who stocked the lakes as open fisheries until 1996. The owners of the land, Young Estates & Land Ltd then began Seven Lakes Angling until access to the lakes was restricted in 2000. Following some tireless campaigning from Young’s a new dedicated entrance to Paices Wood Country Parkland opened in 2011, giving access to the lakes seven days a week.

Since then, and with new investment into the fishery, the complex has seen some significant development work carried out. Extensive clearing works have been undertaken to open up the areas around the lakes, as well as creating new swims and appointing a new team of bailiffs. The original head of fish has also been increased with restocking of common and mirror carp. Lake One on the complex is a predator lake and Lake Four is currently empty, but all five of the other lakes on-site contain sizable carp. With Lake Six and Seven probably the two most carpers will head for.

At a little over 3-acres, Lake Six is the biggest water on the complex, containing some 300 carp, mainly singles and low-doubles with a few bigger fish to twenty-pounds to be had. The lake’s two islands provide the main features to fish, with a lakebed free from weed, consisting of clean gravel areas. Lake Seven hold less fish with around sixty carp present, although these fish are the bigger specimens, with a 30lb carp backed up with number of twenty-pound fish. The overhanging foliage of the non-fishing bank will provide bites to hookbaits cast tight to this feature.

Easily accessible from the M4, with ample parking and set in the backdrop of a picturesque country park, Seven Lakes Angling provides a truly relaxing environment in which to fish, from specimen hunters to pleasure anglers alike.

The vital information you need...

Biggest resident: Mirrors to 30lb and commons to 22lb.
Average fish size: Mid-doubles.
Rough fish stock: Lake Six: 300 carp; Lake Seven: 60 carp.
Going bait: Nash Monster Squid and Mainline Cell.
Local tackle shop: Tadley Angling (01189 701533).
Takeaways: Domino’s Pizza (01189 816666).
Rod limit: Three rods
Location: Aldermaston, Reading, RG7 4PG.
Contact: 0118 981 7166.
Website: sevenlakesangling.net
Facilities: Two secure car parks; park gates locked at night.
Prices: A range of ticket prices begin at £6 and are available on-line.
Known summer areas/swims: All swims produce in the summer.
Bailiff's top tip: “Make sure you have some bread crust for surface tactics.”