Predator Fishing at Bewl Water
Target pike and perch in one of the South East's most productive predator fisheries. 800 acres of open water holds some seriously impressive fish.
Book a SessionSeasonal fishery: Predator fishing at Bewl Water runs from October through to the end of February only. Trout fishing is available from March through to the end of February.
What You Can Catch
Bewl Water is home to outstanding predator species: Pike, Perch, Bream, Roach, Ruffe, Tench and Eels.
Pike
Bewl Water holds a healthy stock of pike up to and beyond 20lb. The reservoir's large bream and roach population provides excellent natural prey, producing big, well-conditioned fish. Pike fishing is permitted from October through February.
Recommended Techniques
- Dead baiting with sea or coarse baits
- Lure fishing: jigs, soft plastics, crankbaits
- Float-fished dead baits
Perch
Perch in Bewl Water can reach genuinely impressive sizes, with fish measuring over 46cm taken regularly. They can be found throughout the reservoir, with the deeper water and structure areas around old farm buildings and bridge remains particularly productive.
Recommended Techniques
- Drop-shotting with soft plastics
- Jigging with shads and grubs
- Fishing with worms under a float
- Spinning with small spinners and spoons
Predator Fishing Rules
Bewl Water is managed with the long-term health of the fishery in mind. Please read and follow all predator fishing rules before your session.
- Predator season: October through to the end of February only (trout fishing March through to the end of February)
- All pike must be returned immediately and carefully
- Unhooking mats and wire cutters/long-nosed pliers are mandatory
- Treble hooks must be barbless or semi-barbless
- Only one rod may be used when dead baiting
- Live baiting is not permitted; lures or plugs only
- All anglers must hold a valid EA rod licence
- Catch returns are required for all predator sessions
Season Guide
Early season. Pike are increasingly active as temperatures drop. Perch feeding hard ahead of winter. Lures and dead baits both work well.
Peak predator season. Cold, clear water can switch fish on, and they can be found feeding in the bays, but the biggest pike of the season are often caught in the coldest months.
Final month of the predator season. Fish are moving towards spawning areas. Can produce excellent sport right up to the close.
More Fishing at Bewl Water
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