Trout Fishing at Bewl Water
One of the finest stillwater trout fisheries in the South East. Regular stocking of healthy rainbow trout across 800 acres of beautiful reservoir.
Book a Day TicketPremier Trout Fishing in Kent
Bewl Water has been producing exceptional sport since the reservoir opened in 1975.
Covering 800 acres of open water on the Kent and Sussex border, Bewl Water is widely regarded as one of the best stillwater trout fisheries in the South East. The reservoir is regularly stocked with quality rainbow trout.
Fishing is available from both bank and boat. Fly fishing only from the bank; any method permitted from the boats (maximum three anglers per boat). Our knowledgeable Rangers are on hand to offer help and advice.
A valid Environment Agency rod licence is required for all anglers. Day tickets are available to book in advance or on arrival at the fishery lodge.
Fishery Facts
- Fishing 18 March 2026 to 14 February 2027
- Healthy stocked rainbow trout
- 800 acres of open water
- Fly fishing only from the bank
- Any method from the boats (maximum 3 anglers per boat)
- Fleet of 54 well-maintained fishing boats
- Boats available from 9am
- One accessible Wheelyboat (contact fishing@bewlwater.co.uk to book)
- Knowledgeable Rangers on hand to help and advise
- Our Rangers may carry out bag checks for over-fishing
- Rod licence required (EA)
- Catch returns requested
Ticket Options
Full day boat hire, catch and release, eight-fish permits, evening bank tickets, and season tickets, all available to book.
Full Day Boat Hire
Full day afloat with access to all areas of the reservoir. Up to 3 anglers per boat. Boats available from 9am.
- 1 angler – £32.50
- 2–3 anglers – £50
Catch and Release
Bank or boat ticket. Fly fishing only, return everything you catch.
- Catch & release only (Fly Fishing) – £27.50
- 2 Fish Trout Take and Catch & Release (Fly Fishing only) – £32.50
Eight Fish Trout Permit
Any method permitted, with a take-home bag limit of eight trout.
- Eight Fish Trout permit (any method) – £37.50
Evening Bank Fishing Ticket
A shorter bank session in the evening hours, often the most productive time, especially in summer.
Fly Fishing Season Ticket 2026/27
Unlimited fly fishing for the full season, 18 March 2026 until 14 February 2027.
- Season ticket 2026/27 – £800
Prices are displayed on the booking system. An EA rod licence is not included and must be purchased separately from gov.uk.
Seasonal Fishing Guide
Bewl Water fishes well throughout the season - here's what to expect.
Spring (Mar - late May / early June)
The water temperature is optimal and the fish become active and start feeding after the winter. The fish are high in the water and feeding on the natural fly line at the surface. More natural colours and fly patterns are most productive, such as buzzers, damsels, and nymphs.
Summer (Jun - late September)
Fishing is most productive early morning and later in the day when it is at its coolest. Fish tend to be much deeper in the cooler water. Brighter colour flies, lures, and bait work well.
Autumn (late September - Nov)
A time when the water starts to cool and become optimal again for trout fishing. Fish become more active higher in the water before winter. Smaller game spoons are popular, as well as brighter colours of Powerbait for floats. Blobs, boobies, and cats whiskers are common for fly fishing this time of year.
Winter (Dec - Mar)
This can be a more challenging period for the trout, with sharp cool northerly winds pushing the fish deeper. Given the right conditions the fish can sit much higher in the water on such days and be more active.
Angler's Tips for Bewl Water
Local knowledge for both fly and any method fishing to help you make the most of your day.
- Early season the fish are well spread out across the reservoir. In the summer months Chingley deep and the areas close by the Main Bowl are most productive.
- Buzzers and nymphs fished slow are deadly in spring; dry flies come into their own from May onwards.
- Boat anglers should anchor up over the deeper channels when fish are not showing near the surface.
- Match the hatch - see what fly life is on and around the water surface and try to imitate it. Bewl has excellent natural fly life including sedges, damsels, and buzzers.
- Powerbait can be consistently productive for the trout on a float at varying depths through the year.
- Forgotten something? Our tackle shop has everything you need to get yourself on the water fishing.
More Fishing at Bewl Water
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