Chasing the Winter Bite: Best Local Fisheries Around Newmarket

When the frost settles over the July Course and the morning mist clings to the gallops, most people in Newmarket are thinking about warm stables and hot coffee. But for the local angler, winter offers a unique kind of magic. The banks are quieter, the water is clearer, and while the fish might be slower, the reward of a winter catch is twice as sweet.

At Hooked Tackle, we know that the right preparation makes all the difference when the temperature drops. If you’re looking to wet a line this season, here are the best spots within a short drive of our shop to keep your nets wet through the colder months.

1. Lawn Farm Fishery (Elsworth)

• Distance from Hooked Tackle: ~25 minutes

• The Vibe: Located just off the A428, Lawn Farm is a fantastic day-ticket option. It features four well-established lakes: Willow, Honeysuckle, Crabtree, and Cherrytree.

Why go in winter? It’s a very well-managed, tidy site with stable banks—essential for staying dry when things get muddy. What’s biting? While the Carp slow down, the Silverfish (Roach and Skimmers) and Chub stay active.

Hooked Tackle Tip: Use the "Punched Bread" method or small worms. Water clarity improves in winter, so scaling down your tackle is key—pop into the shop to grab some fine-wire hooks and light fluocarbon.

2. Hawstead Lakes (Bury St Edmunds)

• Distance from Hooked Tackle: ~20 minutes

• The Vibe: Tucked away south of Bury St Edmunds, Hawstead offers an intimate, "old-world" feel. These spring-fed lakes are sheltered by mature trees, a godsend on a windy January day.

Why go in winter? The upper lakes hold Crucian Carp, but the Perch are the real winter stars. What’s biting? Look for specimen Perch lurking near overhanging bushes. They love movement; a slow-retrieved worm is often deadly.

Hooked Tackle Tip: We’ve got a fresh supply of fat dendrobaenas and lobworms in-store right now—the perfect high-protein treat for those big stripeys.

3. Cross Drove Fishery (Hockwold)

• Distance from Hooked Tackle: ~30 minutes

• The Vibe: For those who like a challenge, Cross Drove is one of the most unique "snake" style lakes in the region, with over 20 islands and endless nooks.

Why go in winter? It’s famous for variety. While the Catfish are dormant, the winter match-style fishing for silvers is top-tier. What’s biting? F1 Carp stay active in cold water. Maggots and 2mm pellets are the way to go here.

Hooked Tackle Tip: Precision is everything at Cross Drove. Ask us about our range of micro-pellets and winter groundbaits designed to trigger a feed without overfilling the fish.

4. River Lark (Barton Mills / Mildenhall)

• Distance from Hooked Tackle: ~10-15 minutes

• The Vibe: If you prefer running water, the River Lark is right on our doorstep. The stretches around Barton Mills offer classic river sport and easy access.

Why go in winter? Rivers are often more reliable than still waters during a deep freeze as the flow prevents icing. What’s biting? This is Chub and Roach territory. A simple quivertip setup with bread flake or a big bunch of maggots can produce beautiful, dark-bronze Chub.

Hooked Tackle Tip: Don't let the cold cut your session short. We stock a full range of thermal clothing, hand warmers, and insulated flasks to keep you comfortable on the Lark's banks.

Heading out this weekend? Swing by Hooked Tackle in Newmarket before you go. We’ve got the freshest bait in the area, the latest winter rigs, and the "kettle is always on" for a bit of peg-side gossip.