The lake in the country park has an excellent reputation as a coarse fishery. It contains roach, rudd and carp, the largest carp caught over the last couple of years that we have proof of was 23lb.
Fishing is allowed between 7.30am and 9pm (or dusk if that is earlier) during the fishing season from 16 June to 15 March. You will need a permit to fish, either a day permit or a season permit.
To prevent over-fishing we limit the number of people who are allowed to fish by selling only 120 season permits a year and only 6 day permits a day.
Children 13-16 years need to obtain a junior rod licence and permit, if fishing.
Find more information about rod fishing licences
Environment Agency rod licence rules and local rules apply. We run a closed season from 16 March to 15 June inclusive for both season and day permit holders.
Access may be difficult for people with reduced mobility as the lake is some distance from surfaced paths. If you have mobility problems and still want to fish, talk to the staff on site who may be able to help (01206 853588).
All anglers must follow these rules when fishing at High Woods Country Park:
- The ticket entitles the holder to fish the lake at High Woods Country Park on the date shown.
- We operate a closed season from 16 March to 15 June inclusive.
- Fishing is not allowed before 7.30 am or after sunset or 9pm, whichever is earlier.
- Motor vehicle owners should use the car parks provided and not park in the residential areas. Permit holders must have a valid MiPermit parking permit or ticket for the Turner Road Car Park. Parking permits must only be used when anglers are fishing on-site.
- The lake is only a small water so a maximum of two rods per angler only is permitted.
- Lead weights are not permitted, however nontoxic weights can be used.
- All anglers must be in possession of an unhooking mat and landing net. Ideally a fine mesh net minimum diameter of 32 inches (80cm). No keep nets are permitted.
- It is essential that all fishing equipment, especially nets and unhooking matts, are clean and dry before and after use to stop the spread of aquatic diseases and waterborne pests from one water body to another.
- Use a suitable size hook for your target species of fish with a maximum of size 6 for carp. Only barbless hooks may be used. No trebles.
- Recommend a minimum of 8lb line strength when fishing for carp. No braid line to be used.
- Tackle must not be left unattended.
- All fish caught must be returned alive to the water. The catching and using of fish as live bait is not permitted.
- No release of any fish or other aquatic life from other water bodies.
- No tents or other structures are permitted other than an umbrella or open fishing bivvy. No fires or stoves.
- No unused bait or discarded fishing tackle to be left. All litter must be taken home.
- No damage to be caused to bank-side vegetation or wildlife.
- Fishing to be from designated swims and not from in the water. Fly fishing is not permitted.
- The day/season ticket and current Environment Agency rod licence must be produced for inspection on the request of the rangers or other council officers.
- Junior permits are required for 13 to 16 years. Children under 13 do not require a permit but must be accompanied by a paying adult of at least 17 years or older with a maximum of two rods.
- You must be considerate of other lake users by:
- keeping noise to a minimum
- not casting further than half way across the lake (at busy times).
Environment Agency rod licence regulations apply.
If the rangers or council officers believe anglers fail to comply with these rules they may be required to leave the country park and have their season/day ticket withdrawn.
Anglers are strongly advised to take adequate precautionary hygiene measures, particularly before eating. The nearest toilet facilities are at the visitors centre, west of the lake off Turner Road.
Season permits 2025/26
Season permits are available to purchase online.
- Adult season permit costs £75
- Junior season permit costs £44 (13 to 16 years)
Only 120 season permits are issued each season.
From the 13 November, 6 half season permits will be available.
- Adult half season permit costs £37.50
- Junior half season permit costs £22
Car parking permits for season fishing permit holders can be obtained via the application form above.
Day permits for 2025/26
Day permits are available to purchase online.
- Adult day tickets cost £14
- Junior day tickets cost £9.20
A maximum of six day tickets are issued per day.
Parking
Parking is available free of charge at Chanterelle car park, on the High Woods estate, off the A1232.
Alternatively, you can pay and display at High Woods Country Park car park, off Turner Road.
If you are using the Turner Road High Woods Country Park car park, failure to purchase a parking ticket during your stay is a contravention of the car park regulations, as is use of the parking ticket at any time other than when you are fishing in the country park and is likely to result in the issue of a penalty charge notice.