Colchester Angling Preservations Society currently control 13 lakes in 10 locations, giving access to over 60 acres of water. The waters range in size from 1 to 19 acres offering different types of venues for different styles of angling, all of which are situated in and around north Essex.

All are easily accessible by road, although parking is limited on some.

Some of the lakes have swims set aside for disabled anglers.


Bovington I & II are two stillwaters on the same site that are of approximately 3 and 5 acres respectively. Both waters are well stocked with specimen fish of all types, Bovington II is renowned for its double figure tench and Carp up to 40lb+. Houchins Reservoirs are two irrigation reservoirs of around 1.5 acres each. The back reservoir is home to Goliath,the 54lb+ catfish and his familiy and carp up to around 25lb, while the front reservoir contains large carp up to around 25lb, bream and roach. Inworth Grange has two pits, the main lake is approximately 3 acres and contains large carp up to around 35lb with smaller pike, while the canal lake is about 1 acre and holds only small silver fish. Joyces Chase is an established irrigation reservoir of approximately 2 acres, it is stocked pedominantly with carp up to around 20lb, Only eight swims to avoid overcrowding. Layer Pit is an old gravel works of around 15 acres. It is home to some of the best carp fishing in Essex with an impressive number of 20's and 30's. Large bream, roach and pike are also present. Olivers Lake is around 4 acres in size and holds an impressive list of fish including carp up to around 15lb, tench and catfish. There are also plenty of small fish to target. Prestons Lake is 19 acres in size and has a reputation for being a superb fishery. With large carp up to around 30lb, bream, tench and pike to target along with a massive head of smaller fish. Rectory Pool is 3 acres in size, It is located in a very quiet woodland off the A120 and has an unknown stock of carp up to possibly 30lb, also present are Bream, Crucians, Roach & Pike. Rockinghams Farm Lake is 2 acres in size, with 18 swims. It is located in a quiet pleasant area and is stocked predominantly with small carp up to 15lb, also present are a few rudd, orfe and tench. Snake Pit has a big reputation in the Essex area as being home to some large carp up to around 40lb, tench up to 10lb and catfish up to 52lbs. Being over 12 acres in size it gives most members a chance to fish it.

Point the cursor and point of the map pin for a brief description of the venue,
left clicking at that location will open up the venue page, alternatively you can click on one of the buttons below.
Bovington Lakes Houchins Inworth Grange Joyces Chase Layer Pit Olivers Prestons Rectory Pool Rockinghams Farm Snake Pit