shawfields main lake

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Set in a sleepy corner of Ash and backing on to the river Blackwater, Shawfields Big Lake was originally part of the Willow Park complex.  This lake has deep channels and lots of islands left over from earlier days as gravel pits, and offers some superb fishing in beautiful surroundings- in fact the words "unspoilt" and "stunning" are often used to describe it by new members for the first time. 

 One of the main and most attractive features of Shawfields Lake is the abundance of lily-pads, which occasionally require a modest cull as they grow enthusiastically,  and the numerous islands- all of which are great to fish to. 

This lovely water contains carp in excess of 20lbs. (As yet no "30s" have been reported- but it's probably just a question of time), tench to around 6lbs, a head of crucians if you can find them, plenty of bream, roach ,perch, pike and rudd.  This water offers something for all types of anglers not just carp fishermen, and just about any angler can have a really memorable day's fishing here.

Since summer 2017 the lake has seen a substantial increase in weed growth- which the EA themselves have acknowledged to be a very positive sign in terms of the numbers and size of fish, and their chances of breeding success.

Despite no actual on-site parking,  parking has never been a problem for our members visiting Shawfields Lake; however, we do insist that you park considerately, and not block residents access, we ask that you do not park on the corner of field way, as double decker buses often use this road.  Thank you for your kind consideration in this regard.

The small lake has depths ranging from 3-7ft, plenty of weed growth, one large island and two small ones.

It contains a handful of carp, elusive crucians, tench, pike, roach and rudd, as well as perch and bream. No-one knows how big these fish go, as no records have been kept or catch reports made for some years.

The lake received a substantial amount of tree removal as well as the addition of half a tonne of "Siltex" over the winter of 2016/17, and the water quality is superb- better than ever!

Crayfish were a problem some years ago, but trapping has virtually eliminated them, so much so that no reports of any crayfish caught have been received for over 4 years.

Farnborough And District has done a modest re-stocking from 2019 and the most recent one being 2023.

We welcome any suggestions for improvements to the small lake, and any catch reports would be appreciated.

In December 2018 Farnborough And District Angling Society acquired exclusive rights to fish and manage a 1km stretch of the legendary River Blackwater. 

Soon-to-be applied signage will indicate that this stretch of Surrey and Hampshire's most prolific small river extends from the A30 bridge by The Meadows in Blackwater village, upstream to the first gate on the towpath.  This section of river will be subject to the scrutiny of Farnborough And District bailiffs as well as being the recipient of several improvements to swims.

Species most abundant are roach, but chub, dace, perch, bream, pike and even barbel as well as the odd carp are present.  There is ample free parking along and off Admiralty Way near Gravity Force Trampoline Park. We look forward to your catch report and photos in the coming 12 months!

Farnborough And District gives you a unique opportunity to fish with a fly the beautiful  chalk stream river Whitewater, walk along its picturesque banks in the middle of the Hampshire countryside, We stock Brown trout to add to the wild trout population and the odd rouge Rainbow.

The fly-fishing season runs from 1st April - 30th September, although after 15th June swim priority goes to course anglers. 

To join simply head to the membership page of this website and follow the simple on screen instructions to join.

Fly fishing aside, this little river is stocked with Chub, Roach, Dace and some big Perch. Barbel can be found below the Mill. Best methods include stalking-  travel light as there are over three miles of riverbank at your disposal and once you get there you will want to fish it all!

Please note that Guest day permits are no longer available for this exclusive water.

From the M3 leave at junction 4 and follow the signs for the A 30 (Camberley)

Through Camberley and passed the Blackbush airport to the village of Hartley Wintney after the village at the next roundabout turn right onto the B3011 drive passed Bramshill college and at the bottom of the hill you will see Holdshott Farm on your right. At this point the road passes over the top section of our part of the river.

For the next parking place continue along the B 3011 and at the left hand bend turn right to the Hatchgate Bridge (parking is on the left just before the bridge). You can fish the right-hand bank downstream. Going over the bridge if you take the next left and travel to the point where you find the ford over the River Blackwater the Whitewater is a little way along the lane with parking on the left just prior to the bridge.

You can fish the nearside bank both up and downstream. For parking at Risley Mill, you need to follow the B 3011 until you reach the roundabout, Turn right and take the first right and at the bottom of the hill at the bend in the road park off the road at this point. Walk along the bridleway on the right and after the end of the garden there is a footpath on the left. Over the bridge and fishing is along the far bank.