Snake Pit | Rowhedge, Colchester

Rowhedge, Colchester

Snake Pit can be found on the Fingringhoe Road on the outskirts of Colchester, at over 12 acres in size it has a reputation for big fish and is therefore aimed more at the specimen hunter than the general angler. The lake has a long history of producing seriously large Carp (once holding the British record) and this looks set to continue in the future. The largest resident is currently a fish called Stomper Lin named after the late Dave (stomper) Parkinson which has broken the 40lb barrier in recent years. Catfish in excess of 50lb, Tench averaging upper 7lb and large Pike are found in numbers. Reward is the name of the game here where perseverance is key, time and effort = reward. Snags and weed beds can be challenging and it is advised that the angler search their swim very carefully to seek out any obstructions.
In the Winter of 2016, twenty four Carp from VS Fisheries were stocked into the lake. These fish were between 11lb & 16lb and are a mixture of linears, leathers, heavily plated mirrors etc. Many of these fish are now in excess of 20lb and in some cases these fish have been caught over the 30lb barrier. In Nov 2019 a further stocking of VS Fisheries Carp was made with 25 fish ranging from 10lb to 25lb.

Opening Times

Snake Pit is open all year round with no close season.

Toilets

The toilet is located in the main car park.

Following the coronavirus pandemic If you need to use the toilet we expect you to wipe any surfaces that are to be touched prior to, and after using the facility.

Water Size

The water is approximately 10 acres, with easy access all round and 16 main swims, although 22 have existed at some stage (see peg map under directions)

Disabled Details

No designated disabled swim or disabled facilities.

Restrictions

Members should ensure they are familar with the rules of the club in the handbook you recieved when joining. The rulebook can also be found on this website. But to highlight some for this water.
No braided mainlines. Running leads.
The access gate is to be locked at all times after entry / exit. No barbecues. Use of any type of boat prohibited - unless during official work party.

Please note the signs in some swims in relation to not fishing or baiting in the snags.
We have become aware of anglers using long baiting cups to go under the rope that stops anglers casting into the out of bounds snags area where the chance of fish being snagged is greatly increased. As a result of this practice we are introducing a ban on baiting feed cups / spoons in the snags area on this water.

Maximum stay of 48 hours and must have a 24 hour period away from the lake before returning.
Maximum 2 rods in the summer months only (April - September)
Maximum 3 rods in the winter months (October - March)

The use of all Nuts as hookbaits or loose feed is banned on all Society waters
This water has seen the installation of an otter fence by Embryo Angling Habitats at great expense to the club. It is essential that the access gate is closed and locked at all times. Any member found to be leaving the gate open will face an immediate lifetime ban from the club.