FISHING

Coronavirus

Fishing is permitted under the government's current Coronavirus Rules - but you must follow the government guidelines, including observing social distancing, and maintaining good hand hygiene. The Angling Trust has provided detailed guidelines (dated january 11th 2021), which must be followed by all Anglers in the Park.

Anti-Litter campaign - "Take-5"

Leaving litter on the banks of the lake, or, even worse. in the Lake, gets all Anglers a very bad reputation, and recently has been the cause of several complaints by Park visitors. Accordingly, the Angling Trust has recently (September 2020) launched a new campaign. known as the Anglers Against Litter Campaign, details of which can be found here. All Anglers at the Park should follow these guidelines on every visit, please.

Management of the Lake

The Lake is owned and managed by Basildon Borough Council. We carry below some basic details about Fishing in the Lake on behalf of the council; for further information, please contact the Park Ranger on 01268 562921.

Please note that the lake is primarily intended to be a wild-life habitat, but its management includes stocking with fish, and Fishing is permitted at times and dates as described below.

Why not share your Fishing experiences with us by sending an email to web@friendsofthewickcountrypark.co.uk? We will then be able to pass on your successes (and failures!) to others via our "Visitors'Log".

Fish Stocks

The lake at the Wick Country Park was originally stocked with bream, perch, roach, rudd and tench, and these stocks have now had over ten years to mature and establish. Other species may have subsequently been introduced, for example, carried to the lake as eggs stuck to the legs of visiting water fowl or waders.

Permits

Fishing is strictly limited to permit holders only. Permits are available from the Park Ranger, who will collect money from the waterside. Please have the correct money where possible.

Permit prices:

£5 per individual for one rod only
£3 for juniors and concessions price per person and one rod per person only
£10 per family (1-2 adults and no more than 3 children) - no limit on the number of rods.

Restrictions

In order to conserve fish stocks and benefit the lake’s wildlife, a close season is in operation from March 1st through to June 15th inclusive
Between June 16th through to September 15th inclusive, fishing is only permitted between the hours of 5am and 8pm.
Between September 16th and the end of February inclusive, fishing is only permitted between the hours of 8am and 5pm.
At all times Anglers must comply with the by-laws governing the use of the Park and the Fishery By-laws issued by the Environment Agency.
All Anglers must be in possession of a valid Rod Licence - see the Government's webpage.
All anglers must take their litter home.
All anglers must be especially careful with discarded line, which can be a threat / danger to the waterfowl. See here for details of a serious incident at the Park involving carelessly discarded line.

Views of The Fishing Lake