Wraysbury 1 - RK Leisure

Wraysbury 1 is a historic, mature gravel pit of approximately 120 acres located in Berkshire, now run as the North Lake (45 acres, 28 swims) and the larger South Lake (80 acres, 23 swims), each with its own syndicate. Mined from the 1920s until the 1970s, when the two lakes were joined, the venue has become one of the most iconic big carp waters in the United Kingdom. Its history is deeply woven into the fabric of modern carp angling, most notably through legendary fish such as Mary and Mary’s Mate, captures that defined an era of specimen hunting. In 2013, the water came under the management of RK Leisure, who have since continued its legacy as a premier big fish venue.

The lake itself is a vast, open, and often windswept environment, presenting a significant challenge to even the most experienced anglers. Its topography is complex and varied, a direct result of its quarrying past. The lake bed is a network of gravel bars, deep gullies, silty depressions, and expansive plateaus. Depths range from shallow margins of a few feet to over 40 feet in the central basin. The water is typically very clear, allowing for prolific weed growth through the warmer months. Dense beds of Canadian Pondweed, milfoil, and silkweed can become a major feature, offering natural larders for the carp but posing a significant obstacle for anglers. Only bailiffs may use boats, so anglers must ask a bailiff or the office for help with a fish weeded in these beds.