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.
Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by someone aged 18 or over, whether they are fishing from the bank or from a boat, and under-18s are not permitted to operate a fishing boat.
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)
- Under-18s must be accompanied by an adult and cannot operate a boat
- Catch returns requested
Ticket Options
Bank day tickets, fly and any-method boat tickets, and the season ticket, with the names and prices on the booking pages.
Fly Fishing from the Bank
Fly fishermen can fish from the banks from sunrise until sunset. Catch and release: every fish must be returned alive, and only barbless hooks can be used. Two Trout catch and release: two fish can be taken, and any fish after that go back alive. Eight Trout catch and release: eight fish can be taken, and any fish after that go back alive.
- Catch and release – £27.50
- Two Trout catch and release – £32.50
- Eight Trout catch and release – £37.50
Fly Fishing from the Boat
Boat hire is separate from the permit. Pre-booked boats and permits must be paid for in advance. Boats are for one to three anglers, and you must be aged 18 or over to hire one. Boats are available from 9am.
- One Person Boat Hire – £32.50
- Two Person Boat Hire – £50.00
- Three Person Boat – £50.00
- Catch and release permit – £27.50
- Two Trout catch and release permit – £32.50
- Eight Trout catch and release permit – £37.50
Any Method from the Boat
The price includes boat hire and the fishing permits, and parking is included. Only 8 trout can be taken. On the two- and three-person tickets, that limit is per person.
- Single Person Boat and Eight Trout Ticket – £70.00
- Two Person Boat and Two Eight Trout Tickets – £125.00
- Three Person Boat and Three Eight Trout Tickets – £162.50
Fly Fishing Season Ticket 2026/27
Valid from 18th March 2026 until 14th February 2027. The season ticket includes your 4 fish permit, whether you fish from the bank or a boat. You still pay boat hire when fishing from a boat.
- Fly Fishing Season Ticket – £800.00
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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