Norfolk Fishing Network 2004 - 2024 - Kent Fisheries

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kent Fishing Venues
Fishery Name: Hawkhurst Fish Farm - Dove Lake
Address: Hastings Road, Hawkhurst, Cranbrook, Kent, TN18 4RT
Entrance Grid Ref. TQ 75841 28432

Car Park Grid Ref: Several Car Parks after the Entrance
Sat Nav: TN18 4RT
Phone Numbers: 01580 753813
Email Address: [email protected]
Description: Dove Lake

If you're looking for a more relaxed peaceful days fishing away from the hustle and bustle of the Main Lake then Dove Lake is the one for you. At two acres in size it's slightly smaller than the Main Lake but don't be fooled into thinking that's a reflection of the size of fish! With both Common and Mirror carp over 36lb this specimen carp water offers some of the best specimen fishing in Kent and Sussex. Our current lake records are: a whopping 66lb Catfish caught in October 2020 by Tom Jenner (previously: 63lb 12oz Catfish caught by Dave Honeysett in April 2019), a 38lb Mirror caught most recently by Daniel Dowley in September 2018, and a 34lb 8oz Common caught by Tom Marshall in April 2019 (a 36lb 8oz Common was stocked in May 2019 but is yet to be caught!).

Don't be fooled into thinking the fish will give themselves up easily, as a stealthy approach is recommended to trip up these elusive monsters. With two islands and attractive reed lined margins, there are plenty of areas to target in your quest for a big specimen. There are 8 swims to choose from but we allow a maximum of 6 anglers at any one time to prevent over crowding and give anglers their own water to fish to. The depth ranges from 2 feet around the islands and shelves down to 8 feet in the deeper holes which are worth finding in the cooler months. The bottom can be described as silty clay with no weed present although the margins can be quite leafy so pop-ups are worth a try. We are sure that if the Main Lake doesn't appeal to you then the Dove Lake should definitely be worth a try!



FISHING PRICES

Adult (12 hrs: 7am - 7pm) - £20.00 | Junior (12hrs: 7am - 7pm) - £ 15.00 | Adult (24hrs) - £35.00 | Junior (24hrs) - £26.00 | Spectators are charged at 50%



TIPS!

Dove lake is a little different to the Main lake as it is a lot smaller and the water can be quite clear at certain times of the year. This has led to the fish being wiser and able to detect anglers presence. A stealthy approach is recommended on Dove lake. A good tactic is to fish the open water between the island and the bank when it's cooler and to fish nearer to the margins when it's warmer. The fish can often be seen cruising around on hot days so finding them is sometimes made easier. The margins can be quite leafy on the bottom so it's worth experimenting with different presentations to try to combat this. Far too many people seem to head for the 'comfy' swims on this lake and set up using mallets to hammer in pegs etc. The first thing the fish will do is head for the safety of the other side of the islands and the snaggy areas to avoid capture. If anglers spend time reading the water and looking for the subtle signs of fish they may well be rewarded for their efforts.

Boilies again work well on Dove lake, no one type works best but something that smells nice and strong is a safe bet- why not try Mainline (cell or link), Proper Baits (Hot Squid, Crunchy Nut or Black Seal), cc Moore (Pacific Tuna), or Sticky Baits (Manilla or Krill). We'd recommend fishing in conjunction with a scattering of pellets, particle or spomb mix. Particles and corn can also work well as do maggots in the colder months.



HOW TO BOOK!

Day ticket anglers do not need to book. But please be aware anyone booked in for 24hrs or more will take priority, so please call the office on the number below to check availability before your visit.

Sessions of 24hrs or more must be booked in advance and paid for in full upon booking. Payment can be made over the telephone via a credit or debit card.



REFUNDS

All bookings are final; we are unable to offer refunds or change the dates of your session.

If you are unable to make your session or if you have to leave during your session for any reason, unfortunately we are unable to issue a refund. However, if adverse weather conditions occur that cause the lakes to become un-fishable please contact the office on the number below to reschedule your session.

Fish Species:
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Barbel
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Bitterling
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Bleak
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Bream
Common
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Bream
Silver
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Bullhead
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Carp
Common
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Carp
Crucian
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Carp
F1 Carp
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Carp
Ghost
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Carp
Grass
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Carp
Leather
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Carp
Koi
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Carp
Mirror
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Catfish
Wels
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Chub
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Crayfish
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Dace
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Eel
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Goldfish
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Goldfish
Brown
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Grayling
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Gudgeon
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Minnow
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Orfe/Ide
Blue
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Orfe/Ide
Golden
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Orfe/Ide
Silver
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Perch
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Pike
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Pumpkin
seed
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Roach
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Rudd
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Rudd
Golden
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Ruffe
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Schelly
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Stickle
back
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Stone
Loach
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Sturgeon
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Tench
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Tench
Golden
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Walleye
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Zander


Rules and Regulations:

All anglers should make themselves aware of the following rules.

The bailiff will carry out periodic checks throughout your session to make sure the rules are being followed, and any angler found not to be following the below rules will have their session ended immediately without refund and possibly a permanent ban (managements decision is final).

For rules on Junior Lakes, please visit the Junior Lake page.

Rules for the Specimen Lake (members only) can be found on the Specimen Lake page.

Match Lake rules are available upon request.

The following rules apply to all lakes

(see above for expemptions):

Strictly 2 rods only.

Barbless hooks only (no microbarbed or crimped).

No Leadcore.

No braided mainline except marker and spod rods.

No nuts of any kind, Particle must be correctly prepared.

No fixed leads.

Running rigs, lead clips or semi-fixed inline leads only.

No live or dead baiting for catfish.

All nets, slings and mats to be dipped in disinfectant provided.

No bent hooks, including long shank curved type hooks.

Minimum of 42" landing net and large unhooking mat. (No sharing) on Main Lake, Dove Lake, Four Trees Lake and Quarry Lake.

Minimum of 15lb mainline on Main Lake and Dove Lake.

Minimum of 12lb mainline on Quarry Lake and Four Trees Lake.

When an angler is opposite you, please cast no further than the centre (check swim maps on each lakes page).

No surface fishing allowed due to wildfowl.

No fly fishing.

No keep nets or sacks, fish to be held below knee level.

Fishing only from designated areas- no stalking.

No litter or discarded line.

No dogs, guns, radios or excessive noise. You will be responsible for your own swim.

No tents, bivvys only.

No fires or unsupported BBQ's (must be raised from the ground), no continuous burning lights at night.

Alcohol in moderation!

Anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated. This includes the use of any illegal substances; if found in your possession this will be treated as a legal matter and the police will be contacted.

There is an angler's toilet. Please use it!

There are individual age restrictions for each lake. No under 14's on Main Lake or Dove Lake, no under 12's on Quarry Lake, no under 12's on Four Trees Lake, no under 8's on Match Lake. Any anglers aged 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult (over 21) at all times.

One spectator per fisherman only, spectators will be charged 50% of the person they are spectating for insurance purposes.

Children aged 5 or under are not permitted on the banks due to health and safety reasons.

Night fishing must be booked and paid for in advance.

Anglers must be in possession of a valid rod licence.

2 rods maximum on whole complex, not to be left unattended at any time.

Bait boats are permitted but must be used with consideration for others and any wildlife; no echo sounders or sonar boats to be used.

No trespassing into the adjoining fields or woodland. Anyone caught entering/leaving the fishery outside hours will be treated as a criminal and may be prosecuted.

The management accepts no responsibility for injury, death, loss, damage or theft to persons, cars or equipment whilst on the complex and reserves the right to close all or parts of said complex at any time.

Damage to the complex will result in prosecution.

Please ensure that you are packed up and ready to leave before your session finishes at either 7am/7pm in time for the next anglers session.

No refunds or changes to sessions can be made. All bookings are final.

Please abide by the 5mph speed limit Vehicles are to be returned to the designated parking areas once you have finished unloading - not left on the roadside.

For security purposes night fishermen's vehicles will be locked in on the site at closing time until 7.00am the following morning. Anglers may leave during the night for emergencies only Hawkhurst Fish Farm reserves the right to ban anglers without explanation.

Strictly two rods and barbless hooks only. Rig checks are carried out by our bailiff periodically

Baits boats are allowed on main, dove and specimen lake but must be used in consideration for other anglers and wildlife

Gates will be closed from 8pm until 7am daily without fail. Emergency access only during these times

Breaking of rules will result in immediate end of session and possible future ban from hawkhurst fish farm



Facilities:

Cafe

Car Parks

Tackle Shop

Toilet

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