Fishing

Rod licence: All anglers fishing are required by law to have an Environment Agency, EA, rod licence. This national licence is valid for 12 months and can be bought online from the post office. Concessionary prices are available to senior citizens and those aged under 17. Please note that EA bailiffs do carry out checks from time to time. 

Opening times: Reservoirs are open from 8am; the closing time for each day is displayed at the lodge.

Overnight/evening fishing: Due to health and safety reasons we don’t allow night fishing at our sites.

Boat hire: We recommend booking a boat in advance by calling the lodge directly to avoid disappointment.

Keep nets: These are only allowed at organised fishing matches.

Dogs: No dogs, apart from assistance dogs, are allowed at any of our sites.

Stock: Our reservoirs are regularly re-stocked with quality rainbow and brown trout. To ensure stocks are maintained, it is essential all returns are made before leaving the site, stating size and number caught. Details of the rod average for the previous week and the largest fish caught are displayed in the lodge.

Tuition: Tuition is available at Sutton Bingham reservoir, the West Pond and at Hawkridge reservoir. We also regularly hold fly tying sessions for both beginners and experienced anglers at these sites

Code of conduct: All anglers must follow our reservoirs’ code of conduct, as outlined on this page.

• Stay within your ability.
• Check the weather before heading out.
• Make yourself aware of local hazards.
• Let someone know where you will be and when you expect to return.
• Ensure you have means of summoning assistance.
• Make sure you have the lodge phone number.
• Fish in pairs wherever possible.
• Children must always be under direct supervision by a responsible adult.
• Report any incidents or safety concerns to a ranger as soon as possible.
• Take care when casting and check all around you for other people or hazards such as power lines.
• The water and surrounding area may contain: ticks, Weil’s disease, legionella, blue green algae or similar. Please cover any open wounds and maintain good personal hygiene.

For bank angling

• When you arrive at a spot, consider what you would do if you were to fall in the water – how to get out again!
• Ensure you set up in a safe place with even ground.
• Know where you are so that help can find you in an emergency.
• Be aware that waders and boots can become heavy when filled with water and can impede your ability to swim or exit the water.
• Lifejackets can be borrowed from the fishing lodge and returned daily.

For boat angling

• Lifejackets must be worn at all times when on the pontoons or boats - these can be borrowed from the fishing lodge and returned daily.
• Appropriate clothing must be worn.
• The engine killcord must be secured around the driver’s leg at all times when the engine is running.
• Ensure you have alternative means of propulsion – oars or paddle.
• All boats must be returned to the pontoon before dusk.
• Keep clear of other users of the reservoir – propellers are dangerous.
• In the event of a man overboard, approach slowly from downwind and turn off the engine upon making contact with the person.
• If you fall in the water, ensure you return to the lodge as soon as possible to warm up and avoid hypothermia. Please also inform a ranger.

All visitors are responsible for their own safety at all times. Our rangers and other staff will assist wherever possible but cannot be relied upon as they will not always be immediately available.

In the event of an emergency (risk to life) call 999. In non-emergency situations or if you require general assistance, please contact the lodge or locate a ranger. If this is not possible, call Wessex Water on 0345 600 4 600.

For all anglers

• Take responsibility for your own safety. Please ensure you’ve read the relevant ‘staying safe’ information, familiarise yourself with the layout of the site and note any local hazards.
• Anglers must purchase a permit and read the rules and safety information provided before fishing.
• It’s a legal requirement to have an Environment Agency (EA) rod licence to fish at our reservoirs. You can buy one from most post offices or online at www.gov.uk/fishing-licences
• Remember the reservoirs are for public water supply.
  • Please keep to permitted areas.
  • No fishing from dams, structures or within the boomed areas.
  • No dogs, except assistance dogs.
  • No fires.
  • No swimming.
  Please use toilets provided.
• Share the space with other users – be considerate.
• Take litter home with you.
• Respect the wildlife and leave habitats as you find them – please do not pick wildflowers.
• Help prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species by making sure all equipment is checked, cleaned and dried before entering and leaving the site.
• Co-operate with staff at all times – this is essential for both your safety and your enjoyment.
• Full regulations and information about any relevant bylaws can be found in the fishing lodges – if you have any questions, please speak to one of the ranger team.

• Take responsibility for your own safety. Please ensure you’ve read the relevant ‘staying safe’ information, familiarise yourself with the layout of the site and note any local hazards.
• Anglers must purchase a permit and read the rules and safety information provided before fishing.
• It’s a legal requirement to have an Environment Agency (EA) rod licence to fish at our reservoirs. You can buy one from most post offices or online at www.gov.uk/fishing-licences
• Remember the reservoirs are for public water supply.
  • Please keep to permitted areas.
  • No fishing from dams, structures or within the boomed areas.
  • No dogs, except assistance dogs.
  • No fires.
  • No swimming.
  Please use toilets provided.
• Share the space with other users – be considerate.
• Take litter home with you.
• Respect the wildlife and leave habitats as you find them – please do not pick wildflowers.
• Help prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species by making sure all equipment is checked, cleaned and dried before entering and leaving the site.
• Co-operate with staff at all times – this is essential for both your safety and your enjoyment.
• Full regulations and information about any relevant bylaws can be found in the fishing lodges – if you have any questions, please speak to one of the ranger team.

Contact details

Our rangers are on hand to offer assistance - should you have any questions or need assistance with placing a booking you can contact them by phone.

Sometimes the ranger may be around the reservoir site – just leave a message on the office answer machine and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

• Clatworthy - 01984 624658
• Durleigh - 01278 424786
• Hawkridge - 01278 671840
• Sutton Bingham and West Pond - 01935 872389
• Tucking Mill - 07795 305989

Alternatively, you can send us a message on Facebook or by email.