Hanningfield Reservoir re-opens for fishing from both boat and bank on Saturday 3 March, and with at least 9,000 newly stocked fish in the water ready for opening day.
Early risers will be pleased to hear that the Reservoir will once again be open from 7am, so there will be plenty of time to get out and enjoy the UK′s premier any-method trout fishery.
At least 50,000 trout will be stocked throughout the season, which runs until 30 November. An extra 1,000 overwintered fish will also be released during the season, many of which will be over 10lbs in weight.
There are 38 boats available for use on Hanningfield Reservoir, two of which are adapted for disabled anglers.
Last season more than 11,000 anglers visited Hanningfield, catching over 21,000 fish, and hiring boats more than 2,500 times. The largest trout caught in 2017 weighed in at a whopping 13lbs, while the largest pike was 16lbs, and the largest perch was over 5lbs.
Jim Norquay, Senior Ranger at Hanningfield Reservoir said: "We′ve been very busy re-stocking for the start of the new season over the past few weeks, and we can′t wait to welcome everyone back to Hanningfield on Saturday 3 March. This year we′re also offering a prize for the largest trout caught, so come on down and get involved."
A full eight fish ticket costs £27 with concessions £25; a four-fish afternoon Credit Cruncher permit available from 1pm costs £20. Boat hire charges vary throughout the week and season from £10 to £25 for a full day hire. A sporting ticket costs just £18 and is available only to fly anglers who must always use barbless hooks.
Free fishing for those under 18-years-old when with their parents or guardians and sharing their catch limit is available at Hanningfield, together with a loyalty card scheme offering a free days fishing after seven visits.
The free to join loyalty scheme adds up to an eventual saving of £3.85 for each visit.
Fly fishing tuition courses for beginners and improvers are also run and led by experts and with all tackle and a lunch supplied, for £69 per person. Booking for all these Saturday tuition courses is essential and those taking part must be at least eight years old. Booking is available by calling the fishing lodge on 01268 712180.
The reservoir also supports a thriving lakeside ‘Cafe on the Water′, which has recently been refurbished and is open seven days a week from March to September. The café is open from 9am to 5pm on weekdays, and will be open from 7.30am at weekends, with special offers on food and drink for anglers before they head out on the water.
For more information on fishing at Hanningfield visit https://www.eswater.co.uk/your-home/leisure.aspx or email go.fishing@nwl.co.uk. The fishery is also on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hanningfield.
Swimming in Hanningfield Reservoir can be dangerous and is not permitted, except under careful supervision at events. For more information about safety by reservoirs please visit Essex & Suffolk Water′s website: https://www.eswater.co.uk/your-home/learn-about-water/water-safety.aspx.