Fishing

Fishing is permitted on Moors Lake from 16th June to 14th March.

Fishing information

The following fish have previously been caught: Roach, Rudd, Tench, Perch and Dace. Moors Lake was dug in 1985, primarily to help control flooding along the lower reaches of the Moors River south of the Country Park; it is fed by the Moors River, which has a maximum depth of 2 metres, a natural clay bottom and covers an area of 9 acres.

Please note: Barbed hooks, floating baits, live baiting and spinning are not allowed. Fishing is not permitted on Crane Lake or the rivers at Moors Valley. Maximum 2 rods per angler.

The rangers organise fishing tuition for children in the summer holidays with experienced angling coaches.

A person in a blue cap and hoodie sits on a cooler, fishing on the fishing platform at a calm Moors Lake with trees and a wooden dragonfly sculpture in the background.

Fishing net and rod placed on a wooden fishing platform overlooking a Moors Lake with greenery and trees in the background under a cloudy sky.

A person in a dark jacket stands on a fishing platform, casting a fishing line into the water, with a blue fishing net beside them.

An man stands on a wooden fishing platform by Moors Lake holding a fishing rod. A large dragonfly sculpture is mounted on the dock. A fishing net and more rods rest beside him.

Availability

Fishing is permitted on the west bank of Moors Lake from the 16th June to the 14th March, every day from 9am. The park closing time varies throughout the year, please see our Opening Times page for details. A day ticket must be purchased from the Visitor Centre prior to starting fishing.

Please note: at times of particularly high water, a number of the fishing bays may be submerged. The rangers reserve the right to reserve fishing swims for fishing tuition sessions and events at any time. Please call before travelling to check availability.

Requirements

Anglers under 13 don’t need an Environment Agency Rod Licence. All other anglers need an Environment Agency Rod Licence and will not be issued a fishing ticket without one. Rod Licences for children aged between 13 and 16 are free. All under 16s will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian when fishing on Moors Lake and the person supervising them will need a Rod License to take hold of the rod or to help the child fish with it. All licences are available from Environment Agency Offices, through their website www.environment-agency.gov.uk, by telephone 0870 1662 662 or at Post Offices.

Please see our full terms and conditions below for more information.

Fishing is permitted on Moors Lake from 16th June to 14th March.

Moors Lake is not a managed fishery. Its primary role is as a home for water birds and other wildlife. Our fishing conditions are designed to protect wildlife. Fishing is only from the 6 marked bays on the west bank and the wooden platform on the south bank. Disabled anglers have priority on this platform.

Anyone not complying with our fishing conditions will be asked to leave.

Conditions

All persons of 13 years and older must possess and carry an Environment Agency Rod Fishing Licence.
All persons fishing must obtain a day ticket from the Visitor Centre prior to fishing. No bankside sales.
A ticket is for 2 rods per day. No person may fish with more than 2 rods.
Fishing is from the marked fishing swims on the west bank and the wooden platform on the southern bank of Moors Lake only. Fishing is not permitted on the rivers or Crane Lake.
Fishing is permitted from 8.00am to dusk or 8.00pm if earlier, 7 days a week during the open season 15th June to 15th March; except when the lake is reserved for Moors Valley fishing tuition sessions.
No keepnets. All anglers must be in possession of a suitable landing net.
No floating baits.
Barbless hooks only, no trebles. No spinning.
Take all line, hooks and litter away with you and report any tackle losses.
The fishing swims may be reserved at any time for angling events and fishing tuition sessions.

Rod Fishing Licences

A valid rod licence must be shown in order to obtain a day ticket. They are available from the Environment Agency via their website, in person from selected Post Office branches or by telephone 0844 800 5386.