2018 has been another incredibly popular year for fishing at Hanningfield Reservoir, with over 10,000 anglers catching nearly 24,000 fish.
The reservoir, which is owned and operated by Essex & Suffolk Water, is now established as the UK′s number one any-method trout fishery. Boats were hired over 2,100 times during the season by anglers keen to get out and explore the various sections of the site.
The largest trout caught during the season weighed in at a whopping 11lbs 5oz, while the largest pike was 15lbs. The reservoir was re-stocked with 51,000 trout between March and the end of November, including an extra 1,000 rainbow trout, many of which were over 10lbs in weight.
The 2018 fishing season at Essex & Suffolk Water′s Hanningfield Reservoir closed on Friday 30 November, having been open since March.
Jim Norquay, Senior Ranger at Hanningfield Reservoir said: "It′s been an incredibly busy but rewarding year here at the fishing lodge. Despite the warm and dry weather conditions over the summer anglers have still flocked here in their droves, and it′s fantastic to have welcomed so many new faces as well as our regular visitors who really help to make this place what it is.
"The refurbished Café on the Water has also proven a real hit with visitors, with many coming to enjoy a meal and the fantastic views of the reservoir. We′re already looking forward to the start of the new fishing season here in March 2018!
"We would like to thank all of our customers for their support this year, and wish them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."
There are 38 boats available for use on Hanningfield Reservoir with two for disabled anglers. The fishing lodge also offers fly fishing tuition courses, a loyalty card scheme for regular visitors and free fishing is available for those under 18-years-old when accompanied by parents and guardians and sharing their catch limit.
The next fishing season will open at Hanningfield in March 2018. For more information see https://www.eswater.co.uk/your-home/leisure.aspx.