We are proud to provide a sustainable, affordable, clean and safe water supply and to manage and treat the waste water returned to us in a way that protects the environment.
As one of the premier fisheries in the UK, you can be sure a visit to Hanningfield Reservoir will provide you with an outstanding day’s fishing, by either bank or boat, set in a picturesque part of Essex. Our fishery stocking policy means we have the highest quality of fin perfect trout throughout the season.
The standard of fishing combined with the retail and leisure facilities on offer such as Café on the Water, picnic area, access to the Essex Wildlife Trust nature reserve, easy accessibility by road and good parking arrangements help to make a trip to Hanningfield reservoir a great day out.
For a more relaxed atmosphere why not bring along family or friends for an enjoyable picnic whilst basking in some of the most picturesque and calming scenery in the country.
For those of you interested in bank angling, fishing platforms are provided for both safety and comfort on the concrete banks. You can enjoy excellent fishing from the natural bank, especially early or late in the season when lower water levels allow wading.
We have a fleet of around 42 well maintained powered boats available for you to hire from the Fishing Lodge jetty, including flat bottomed boats for less mobile anglers.
The varying depths and contours of the reservoir allow for many different approaches to be used to suit your preferred fishing methods. Most methods will work on any given day, so you have the choice to use small imitations through to large lures with excellent chance of success. Our knowledgeable and friendly rangers are always on hand to give up-to-date advice and fishing tips.
There are two angling clubs based at the fishery for you to join which provide a programme of activities throughout the season.
From the A12 take the A1245 (Howe Green). After three miles turn right at The Bell public house into South Hanningfield Road. After two miles, turn right into Giffords Lane just after The Old Windmill public house. Hanningfield Fishing Lodge is at the bottom of the lane. Sat Nav CM3 8HX.
Most methods early in the season will produce fish, Lodge Bay, School Bay and Middlemead Bay are early season favourites from the boats. Try the section of dam wall between the Middlemead car park and the valve tower from the bank, the Mole by the lodge is another favourite hot spot. If you want to get away from it all and have a good chance, the section of dam between the Inlet and Peninsular can be excellent. Especially in an easterly breeze.
The spring time seems to be getting warmer, don't assume that all the fish are in the deep water or nailed to the bottom! Often they are right in the margins and can often be caught from the boats under the overhanging trees in Lodge Bay. This can be a terrific sport on the floater with a team of buzzers or imitative patterns such as the Diawl Bach.
A great early season drift is across the shallow water from the lollipop marker, marking the entrance to the bird sanctuary, to the bird hide in Lodge Bay. Start the first drift 150 yards out then move closer in by about 20 yards each drift, until of course you find the depth of water that the fish are feeding at. When the wind is in the north and light it is not uncommon to catch your limit in one or two drifts. So try different areas after a few fish or it might be home early!
Floating lines with goldheads or epoxy buzzers will work right from the start, especially if it is a nice warm day. You may need to fish them very slow on a 20ft leader to get down to the fish. If the bites are a bit short fish them under an indicator, you will be surprised how many bites you get but never feel.
Intermediate lines are most anglers’ first choice, team it up with with small black and green lures such as Montanas, Vivas and Tadpoles. Fish them as a team or on their own on a 10-15ft leader. As for leader materials, 6lb breaking strain is a good starter, but you may need 8lb if there are a few better fish around. The green lines or clear fluorocarbon is a must for Hanningfield. If the fish are down in over 8-15ft of water use a sinking line like a wet cell 2. Especially if it has been a frosty night or the wind is cold! Combine this with a green bead Viva on the dropper with a slim black tadpole on the point, fish a slow figure of eight retrieve and you won't go far wrong.
If Boobies are your thing or the fish are right on the bottom, use a Hi D or Di 7. Have a 10ft leader with the first fly three feet from the fly line. The favourite combination early season is a black and green booby on the dropper and a coral and white on the point. Top Tip: If the sun is out try a sparkler booby! Let the line go right to the bottom and figure of eight it back, but every now and then give the line a smooth long pull, then pause to let the flies rise in the water. But keep in touch the whole time because you will get a surprise!
There are two fishing clubs based at the fishery. These provide a programme of activities throughout the season which are suitable for both novices and experienced fishermen.
Friends of Hanningfield - contact Peter Yeoman on 01279 777 979.
Hanningfield Fly Fishers Association - contact Peter Spencer on 01375 672 778.