Hanningfield Reservoir opens for fishing from both boat and bank on Saturday 04 March and now keen anglers can spend even more time on the water.
After a review of opening hours from 04 March until 31 October 2017 Hanningfield Reservoir will be opening at 7.00am. The new opening time will give an extra hours fishing and is sure to suit those who like to get out early.
There are 38 boats available for use on Hanningfield Reservoir with two adapted for disabled anglers.
At least 12,000 newly stocked rainbow trout will be waiting for anglers on opening day together with the many over wintered fish from previous years and at least 49,000 trout will be stocked throughout this season including an extra 1,200 large specimen home reared rainbows that will be trickle stocked throughout the season.
This year there will also be extra capacity that will allow for over 3,000 larger specimen rainbow trout to be added. This is great news for those anglers who like the chance to catch a fish-of-a-lifetime.
Last season there were more than 14,000 anglers visits, boats were hired 4,000 times and Hanningfield is now firmly established as the UK’s number one any method trout fishery.
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 £16 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 is open 9.00am to 5.00pm, seven days a week from March to September.
More information and free copies of the Discover Hanningfield Reservoir 2017 Guide are available by calling 0845 155 0236 and from the website https://www.eswater.co.uk/your-home/leisure.aspx the fishery is also on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hanningfield; on email at go.fishing@nwl.co.uk.
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.