Fishing at Bewl Water
Welcome to South East England's Largest Reservoir
Nestled in the heart of the Kent and Sussex countryside in Lamberhurst, Bewl Water spans 770 acres, making it the largest reservoir in the South East of England and a top spot for both seasoned anglers or those trying fishing for the first time.
With a reputation for trout over 10lb and pike exceeding 40lb, along with perch, bream, roach, tench, and more, it’s the perfect place to cast your line and enjoy a peaceful day by the water.
Booking Your Boat
We have a fleet of 54 motorised fishing boats, plus a wheelchair-accessible boat to ensure everyone can enjoy a day fishing on the lake. Boat hire is available for anglers over 18, with a maximum of three people per boat. To avoid disappointment, we strongly recommend booking your boat in advance.
Prefer to fish from the bank? Fly fishing is permitted only, and a bank fishing permit must be purchased before you start.
Trout Fishing
Whether you’re a seasoned fly fisher or trying your hand at trout fishing for the first time, Bewl Water offers an unforgettable experience on one of the best fishing lakes in Kent and Sussex. Trout fishing is available seven days a week, with fly fishing permitted from both the bank and boats. Any method fishing is allowed from boats only.
From The Boat
- 8 trout permit – £35
- Full day boat hire for 1 angler – £30
- Full day boat hire for 2-3 anglers – £45
- Junior any method (under 18, allows 2 trout to be taken) – £15
From The Bank (Fly Fishing Only)
- 8 trout permit – £35
- 2 trout take then catch & release – £30
- Catch & release only – £25
- Fly fishing season ticket 2025/26 – £800
Fishing Tuition
Bewl Water offers expert fly fishing tuition with fully qualified GAIA (Game Angling Instructors Association) instructors.
Our resident instructor, Bob Goble, is a true master of the sport. With his patient teaching style, professional approach, and deep knowledge of fly fishing, Bob helps beginners build confidence while offering experienced anglers new techniques to refine their skills.
Looking for the perfect gift for a fishing enthusiast? Our lessons are available as vouchers, valid for 12 months.
To get started or purchase a gift card, email fishing@bewlwater.co.uk.
Fly fishing lessons at Bewl Water are available for individuals and groups of up to six people. Prices are as follows:
- 1 person – £180
- 2 people – £270
- 3 people – £310
- 4 people – £340
- 5 people – £370
- 6 people – £400
- Your fishing permit for the day is included, so you can continue fishing even after your lesson has ended.
- We’ll provide you with a Shakespeare fly rod and tackle to use throughout the day.
- After your lesson, you’ll have the option to take out one of our motorised fishing boats. If you’d prefer to stay on land, you can fish along Bewl Water’s 13 miles of banks.
To fish on any inland water, you’ll need a rod licence from the Environment Agency. You can find more details and purchase one online at www.gov.uk/get-a-fishing-licence.
Predator Fishing
Predator fishing at Bewl Water offers an exciting challenge for anglers targeting pike and perch using specialist techniques. Available from 30th October 2025 to 15th February 2026, it’s a fantastic opportunity to explore the reservoir’s deeper waters.
Fly fishing for pike is permitted from both the bank and boats, while lures and plugs can be used from boats only.
For fish welfare, pike fishing will be suspended if water temperatures exceed 20°C, following our trout catch-and-release policy.
- 1 man boat hire & permit – £45
- 2 man boat hire & permit – £80
- 3 man boat hire & permit – £110
- All fish must be returned alive. If a trout is caught and badly hooked, i.e. the fish is damaged, it should be killed and passed on to a member of the Bewl Water team.
- Trout should not be targeted at any point during the fishing session, anglers found targeting trout or not obeying the predator permit rules will be asked to leave the water immediately with no refund given.
- No predator and trout fishing permits will be allowed in the same boat.
- All boat fishing and boat regulations must be followed
- Lure and dead sea baits are allowed.
- Min. 15lbs line should be used.
- Wire traces should be used at all times.
- All lures and baits used must be at least 18cm in length for Pike.
- Lures should be a min. of 10cm in length when fishing vertically for Perch.
- Trebles when using dead sea baits should be Semi Barbed only – i.e. on a treble, the bait retaining point can be barbed but the other two unbarbed to aid unhooking. Lure single hooks can be barbed or unbarbed.
- Two Rods per angler can be used.
- Unhooking mats are compulsory.
- No live baiting.
- No trolling under power except if using your own electrical trolling motor.
Kayak Fishing
Explore hidden fishing spots and enjoy the tranquillity of Bewl Water from your kayak! From 1st April 2025 to 15th February 2026, fish for pike, perch, and trout while taking in the stunning scenery of the South East’s largest reservoir. Whether you’re an experienced kayak angler or new to the sport, this is an unforgettable way to fish in Kent and Sussex.
4 Fish Trout Tickets
- Full day adult pass – £50
- Full day junior pass (under 18) – £35
- 2 day water pass – £90
Predator Catch & Release Tickets
- Full day adult pass – £40
- Full day junior pass – £25
- 2 day water pass – £70
- You must have valid craft insurance and provide proof upon arrival.
- Only rigid kayaks are permitted – inflatable kayaks are not allowed.
- Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult
- You must be over the age of 18 to access the water (ID required)
- Life jackets/buoyancy aids are mandatory
- You must check in at the Fishing Lodge before your session
- A paper or electronic copy of valid craft insurance must be brought with you on the day (third-party public liability, British Canoeing, Angling Trust, CRT, etc.)
- Anglers must have a valid EA rod license before they begin to fish
- Launching and unloading can be done from the beach opposite the Fishing Lodge and strictly nowhere else around the reservoir
- Kayak anglers must not wait around the fishing jetty due to collision risk from other boats
- You are only permitted to use purpose-built fishing kayaks that are a minimum length of 10 inches and sit on top with paddles and/or pedals from brands such as Hobie, Old Town, Perception, Jackson, Galaxy, etc.
- The use of small casual kayaks, sit-in kayaks, inflatable vessels (RIB, SIB, kayaks), and any boat or other watercraft are strictly prohibited
- Before launching, the Bewl Water rangers will inspect your fishing kayak
- Anglers must cease fishing during thunderstorms and when the wind exceeds force 5 (19mph) and all kayaks should return to the shore or other safe moorings/banks
- Bewl Water is not liable for any damage or accidents resulting from the use of kayaks or any other watercraft
- Kayak fishing is entirely at your own risk and responsibility
The Tackle Shop
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just getting started, we’ve got everything you need for a great day by the water.
We stock trusted brands, including Airflo, Berkley, Abu Garcia, Savage Gear, Shakespeare, Mepps, Greys, Fulling Mill, and many more.
From fly lines, leaders, and Fulling Mill flies to spinners, weights, and trout bait, our selection caters to all styles of fishing.
Our ready-to-fish kits range from £35 to £350, so there’s something for every budget. Plus, with bags, landing nets, sunglasses, and waterproof clothing, you’ll be fully equipped to enjoy Bewl Water’s fishing lake in comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you’re planning your first fishing trip to Bewl Water or you’re a regular visitor, our FAQs cover everything you need to know about permits, timings, rules, and facilities. If you have any further questions, feel free to email fishing@bewlwater.co.uk.
How can I contact you if there is an emergency?
Please call 07767 375 115
What time does the shop open for permits?
8:15am
What time are we allowed to start fishing from the boats?
Boats leave the jetty at approximately 9:00am
What time does boat fishing finish?
Boat fishing finishes at the time displayed on the clock on the jetty.
Should I be aware of any terms and conditions?
Yes, please click here to view our fishing T&Cs
Can I fish from the bank?
Only fly fishing is permitted from the bank. All other fishing must be done from boats.
Do I have to have a license to fish at Bewl Water?
An Environment Agency rod license is required to fish at Bewl Water, these can be purchased online here.
Can I kill any other fish that I catch?
Strictly no other fish can be taken other than rainbow trout within the limit your permit allows.
What do I do if I’ve caught my eight fish?
Please either cease fishing or purchase another permit.
How do I submit a catch return?
Please either fill out your permit or use our online form here. Submitting a catch return is compulsory.
Can I beach the boat and fish from the shore?
You cannot park the boat and fish from any shoreline. Fishing boats must only be disembarked from the fishing jetty.
Do the boats have engines?
Yes, all of our boats have engines as well as oars and petrol is included.
How many people can go in a boat?
A maximum of three people per boat is allowed, including children.
Do you provide lifejackets?
Yes, we provide auto inflating lifejackets for infants and adults.
Can my child fish on my permit?
Yes, children are permitted to share a permit with a parent. They must not fish at the same time and can only take eight fish in total. Junior two-fish permits can be purchased from the fishing shop.
Where do I park?
There is designated fishing car parking on the route down to the fishing shop, just 300m from the lake. We have parking for blue badge parking a short distance from the jetty. (Please note this distance can increase when water levels are lower.)
Are there refreshments available?
Yes, the Waterfront Café has plenty of treats, snacks, and hearty lunches available to refuel before or after your fishing trip.