Fishing in Lincolnshire

The historic county of Lincolnshire features a variety of landscapes, from the flat areas of the Fens to the glorious rolling hills of the Wolds. The second largest county in England, many rivers and other waterways in Lincolnshire provide excellent stocked fishing lakes and rivers.

Fishing Clubs

There are many fishing clubs established in the county, including the Lincoln & District Angling Association, established in 1868 and among the oldest in the UK. LDAA manages some five waters and stretches of the Rivers Witham, Till, and Trent, offering various opportunities.

The Foss Dyke is an ancient man-made waterway, a stretch which the LDAA manages and which offers good fishing for coarse species. More conventional is Blue Lagoon, a small pond with carp in double figures that is members only. Hartsholme Park offers day ticket fishing for 30lb carp and other coarse species, and the LDAA provides pegs for disabled enthusiasts.

Grantham Angling Association has existed since 1872 and manages several lakes plus River Witham and the Grantham Canal stretches. All waters are members only. Simons Pond is popular with carp fishermen and women, situated on a disused airfield. At the same time, the small pond at Queen Elizabeth Park in the center of the town is ideal for young novice enthusiasts.

Westwood Lakes

Westwood Lakes is a mixed facility with a choice of lodges to rent. The coarse fishing lakes, of which there are seven to choose from, are open to residents and day ticket holders, and regular matches are held. This facility is aimed at the leisure angler rather than serious specimen hunters with carp up to 10lbs on some stocked lakes and plentiful silverfish. There are food outlets and full toilet facilities on site, and the town of Boston is a short distance away. You can just turn up as it’s a day ticket fishery.

Wold View Fishery

Occupying an unspoiled spot in the beautiful Lincolnshire Wolds, Wold View Fishery also offers accommodation in a facility ideal for an enjoyable and relaxed fishing holiday. Fishing is available on one of the seven fishing lakes within the leisure park, of which the Ultimate Lake is perhaps the one that enthusiasts will appreciate. This is a pleasant and rewarding lake, well-stocked with a good head of carp and other coarse species. A café and tackle shop are on site, and touring caravans can also hook up here. It is a lovely place for a peaceful holiday retreat.

Barlings Country Park

With 10 acres of fishing over a selection of well-managed and picturesque lakes, Barlings Country Park is another facility with accommodation options. Not far from the small town of Langworth, the lakes are stocked with carp up to 26lbs plus good-sized tench, roach, rudd, and perch. The well-equipped lodges are sensibly priced, and caravans and camping are also available.

Carp Fishing Lakes in Lincolnshire

Lincolnshire’s many rivers, canals, fens, and lakes offer a wealth of opportunities for carp fishing. With long-established angling clubs and many fine fisheries, novices, leisure fishing enthusiasts, and more serious anglers are well catered for.

ADH Fisheries

ADH Fisheries is regarded as among the best specimen fisheries in the county. Located in a prime spot between the seaside town of Mablethorpe and the charming market town Louth, this picturesque facility is home to five well-stocked and carefully managed lakes. Home Lake is the original lake at ADH and is a small 1-acre water with an island. Catering very much for the leisure angler, carp of up to 15lbs are plentiful, as are good-sized bream, chub, and other coarse species.

At the other end of the scale is Specimen Lake, which has been stocked with fish regularly and now holds a fine head of carp, with the lake record being a 41lbs example. This large and attractive water is home to 150 carp ranging from 10lbs up to a few specimen fish to be 40lbs monsters, with plenty above 30lbs.

Old Mill Lakes

Located in a spectacular spot close to Market Rasen in the Lincolnshire Wolds, Old Mill Lakes is regarded by many experienced locals as the finest coarse fishery in the county and among the best in the UK. The fishery has full toilet facilities, featuring four well stocked commercial waters lakes on a 50-acre site.

The owners regard Birch – the main lake within the fishery – as the primary water, its 8 acres open only to members. Well stocked and featuring mature carp, the lake record for mirror carp is a fantastic 62lbs, and there are 180 good-sized carp in the lake. Membership is by recommendation or invitation only.

The three further lakes – Willow, Oak, and Alder – are open to the public via day or weekend tickets. Carp in Willow Lake, for example, reach an impressive 45lbs and more, while both Oak and Alder Lakes also house carp over 35lbs.

River Trent

With its diverse range of fish species and picturesque surroundings, the River Trent offers an excellent angling experience for both novice and experienced fishermen.

The Lincolnshire section of the River Trent provides various fishing opportunities, including coarse fishing and predator fishing. Some of the most common fish species found in this section include bream, roach, chub, perch, barbel, and pike. The river is also known for its zander population, making it an exciting spot for anglers looking to target this elusive predator.

Caistor Lakes

Caistor Lakes, located in the beautiful Lincolnshire countryside, is a multi-award-winning leisure park and fishery that offers a luxurious and tranquil angling experience. The complex comprises three well stocked lakes and a range of high-quality facilities and accommodations, making it an ideal destination for both day visits and longer stays.

The three lakes at Caistor Lakes cater to different angling preferences, ensuring that there is something for everyone

Pike Fishing in Lincolnshire

The Lincolnshire Fens comprise a good proportion of the county south of the Wolds. Here, you will find the fens and drains – artificial waterways needed to keep the land at and close to sea level from flooding – often excellent fishing spots, with large pike caught in many locations. The South Holland and North Level Main drains are highly recommended for pike fishing.

Ten Mile Bank is a stretch of the River Ouse in the Fens which is recommended for pike. Likewise, the Twenty Foot drain close to Peterborough is popular for pike, which has been caught massive fish of more than 25lbs.

Fly Fishing in Lincolnshire

Lincolnshire offers plenty of opportunities for fly fishing at dedicated fisheries and on the county’s many rivers and other watercourses.

Otby Lakes

One of the most popular is Otby Lake which nestles in the Wolds close to the attractive town of Market Rasen. This single-lake facility welcomes day ticket anglers and corporate groups, and good-sized brown and rainbow trout occupy the water. There is a cabin with kitchen facilities on site and plenty of car parking.

Other Trout Fisheries

Other notable trout fisheries include Cleatham Trout Fishery near Scunthorpe and not far from Lincoln, where tranquil water holds trout of up to 20 lbs, and caravans are welcome. Also of note is Toft Trout, a dedicated trout fishery with bank and boat fishing just a short distance north of Lincoln.

Fishing Clubs in Lincolnshire

NameAddressWebsiteFB
Boston & District Angling AssociationSecretary/Treasurer; 13 Brand End Road Butterwick Boston Lincolnshire PE22 0ET UKWebsite
Scunthorpe Pisces Angling ClubPO. Box 296 Scunthorpe Lincolnshire DN15 5AA UKWebsite
Grantham Angling AssociationG.A.A 23 24 PO BOX 11208 Grantham NG31 0LXWebsite
Lincoln and District Angling AssociationLincoln, UKWebsite