Just a short drive from the heart of Gedling, Hackett Lakes is a favourite among local anglers who appreciate its blend of accessibility and variety. Less than four miles from Nottingham’s centre, it’s far enough away to feel removed from the bustle yet close enough for an impromptu session.
The complex offers two distinct waters: Lake 1, the smaller, is ideal for match fishing, stocked with carp running to the low 20s alongside plentiful perch, chub, roach, and the occasional tench. Lake 2, the larger, is where things get more dramatic – an open expanse that rewards pellet waggler enthusiasts in summer and method feeder specialists in winter, with carp that can put even seasoned hands through a proper workout.
Hackett Lakes is a standout in Nottinghamshire thanks to the sheer consistency of its offerings. A strong stocking policy – with over 17,000 carp added since 2000 – means there’s always action to be had, whether you’re targeting match weights or just chasing the thrill of a spirited fight. The silverfish population offers a solid alternative when the carp are elusive, and with the peaceful surroundings, convenient parking, and regular matches, it’s the sort of venue that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
For anglers in Gedling looking beyond Hackett Lakes, there’s no shortage of options within easy reach either. Oak Tree Lakes in Brinsley is a tucked-away pair of waters teeming with carp, roach, and the rarer orfe, ideal for a low-cost day trip. Smeaton’s Lakes in Newark offers coarse, carp, and river fishing, with night sessions also available, while Welbeck Lakes in Worksop provides a scenic, historic estate setting for members. Those seeking night fishing could further try Belvoir Castle Lakes or Kelham Hall, while A1 Pits near South Muskham and Sapphire Lakes in Newark cater to coarse and specimen carp anglers in peaceful countryside surroundings.
Reeling in Popularity with Fishing in Everyday Life
Fishing remains among Britain’s most popular pastimes, woven into the nation’s culture far beyond its lakes and rivers. Once seen as the domain of older generations, it’s now increasingly being embraced by newer generations of anglers drawn to its social, environmental, and health benefits. Urban fishing — from London’s Regent’s Canal to Birmingham’s industrial waterways — has brought the sport into city life, with creators like Snagged Bro making it a modern social media staple. Government-backed projects such as Get Hooked on Fishing have also helped broaden participation, turning angling into a tool for community engagement.
Its cultural reach is just as strong in entertainment. BBC’s Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing attracts millions and has just been renewed for another season – its eighth, only seven years after it started broadcasting. Meanwhile, the outdoor-inspired “gorpcore” trend has pushed fishing gear into streetwear fashion. On YouTube, channels like The Fish Locker and TA Fishing have amassed hundreds of thousands of subscribers. The trend is evident in the iGaming sector too, with hits like Fishing Bob being among the most popular slingo titles on prominent sites, in which fishing themes are woven cleverly into gameplay as spins “cast lines” that unlock bonus rounds and multipliers.
With the current fishing craze showing no sign of slowing down, local sites are both benefitting from the renewed interest and revenue and are at greater risk of factors like pollution, littering, and over-fishing. It’s therefore extremely important to fish responsibly if you do wish to visit any of the aforementioned locations.
Why Hackett Lakes Continues to Capture Anglers’ Hearts
For anglers in and around Gedling, Hackett Lakes remains a reliable and rewarding choice, blending convenience with quality fishing across its two diverse waters. Whether you’re chasing carp or silverfish, the peaceful setting and well-managed lakes make it a spot worth returning to. It’s no surprise that Hackett Lakes continues to hold a special place in Nottinghamshire’s fishing community.
Caught 4 roach but on fig !