© Ollie Watson
Angling at Walthamstow Wetlands
Walthamstow Wetlands is located in the heart of London's Lee Valley. Walthamstow Wetlands consists of ten individual reservoirs, with rich bird habitat and terrestrial fauna.
This nature haven in the heart of the capital also offers the budding angler fantastic opportunities to fish specimen carp, bream, chub, and barbel in clear waters. Two of the reservoirs are exclusively for fly fishing, with both rainbow and brown trout present.
Fly fishing
The three fly fishing reservoirs are stocked throughout the season, with a total of 10,000 top-quality rainbow trout. The trout are stocked at a minimum weight of 2lb 4oz; meaning fish larger than 5lb are regularly caught, with maximum weights into double figures.
Reservoir 4
Fly-only trout lake, catch and release or take out.
Reservoir 5
Fly-only trout lake, catch and release or take out.
East Warwick Reservoir
The third fly fishing reservoir can only be fished on a catch-and-release basis with a season ticket. Season ticketholders must also be a member of the Walthamstow Fly-Fishers Club (WFFC). We work with the WFFC to provide events, competitions, and beginners courses.
Coarse fishing
With six different coarse reservoirs and the Coppermill Stream to choose from, there are many challenges for all angling abilities. The predominant species are carp and bream, but there are also quality barbel, chub, pike, and perch to be had.
Reservoir 1
19 acres, average depth 10ft.
Reservoir 1 is the easiest of the coarse fisheries. It holds many carp up to 37lb, and the bream fishing must rank with the best in the country.
A huge percentage of the bream are over 10lb, with the largest specimens reaching over 17lb. Large beds of particles, pellets, or boilies are often successful for both species. There's also a decent head of pike present to over 20lb.
Reservoir 2 & Reservoir 3
25 acres, average depth 10ft.
Our premier carp reservoir, with three fish (common and mirror) having been caught over 40lb; the largest, a beautiful mirror of 45lb 12oz. There are many 35lb+ specimens, backed up with a huge number of 20lb specimens. There are also bream over 16lb, pike over 20lb and eels over 5lb.
A season ticket is available covering the 1, 2 and 3 reservoirs. The season starts on June 1st and ends March 16th. Permits are also available that cover all coarse reservoirs and the Coppermill stream.
Please visit the Thames Water website for up to date information and prices
Lower Maynard Reservoir
25 acres, average depth 10ft.
A little harder than the popular 1, 2 and 3 reservoirs, catch rates have been increasing steadily due to an ongoing restocking policy. With nearly 400 fish recently stocked up to 20lb (with more to be added) and a good number of ‘original’ fish up to 46lb 8oz already present, this is turning into an excellent fishery. Mid double bream and 20lb+ pike are also present.
Higher Maynard Reservoir
38 acres, average depth 19ft.
This is a tricky, under-utilised water, however the rewards are there for those who persevere. Predominantly a large carp water, it has produced fish well over 40lb.
Most specimens are just under 40lb, but any carp is well worth it. There are also good pike and trout present. The former can be fished for on any method, but a trout day-ticket is required to take any home for the table.
Lockwood Reservoir
74 acres, average depth 34ft.
A rarely-fished reservoir that could provide a surprise or two. Only a handful of anglers have given this reservoir any consideration, as stock levels are unknown. It has produced quite a few different 30+ specimens, the largest, a common weighing in at 39lb 12oz. An exciting prospect for anyone looking to fish a challenging water with an unknown element.
A season ticket covering the two Maynards and the Lockwood is available. This entitles you to a full-years fishing, as there is no close season on these waters. The season runs from March 1st.
Please visit the Thames Water website for up to date information and prices.
West Warwick Reservoir
34 acres, average depth 19ft.
Another challenging water, where you will often find that it is you against the fish, not seeing another soul all-day. This reservoir holds two over 40lb carp that have been caught, backed up by a number of 30lb mirrors and commons. Season tickets are available on the water.
Please visit the Thames Water website for up-to-date information and prices.
Coppermill Stream
The excellent roach that this stream was famous for may have long gone, however it still contains some impressive specimens of many species. Both mirror and common carp over 30lb, pike up to 35lb, bream up to 14lb, chub at 8lb, barbel into double figures, and perch to over 3lb.
An excellent mixed fishery, especially considering that it is less than 1km in length.
Fishing guidelines
© Penny Dixie
All anglers fishing at the Walthamstow Wetlands reservoirs must possess a valid Environment Agency rod-licence.
All coarse anglers must carry a landing net and an unhooking mat.
- Fly-fishing on Reservoir 4 and Reservoir 5 is open all year.
- Season permits run from March.
- There is no close season on the Lower Maynard and Higher Maynard Reservoirs.
- Reservoirs 1, 2, 3, West Warwick Reservoir, and the Coppermill Stream season begins June 16th and runs until March 15th.
