Black Park fishing rules

The annual coarse fish closed season applies from 15 March to 15 June inclusive.

Rule One. You must have purchased a valid car park parking session or annual parking permit; and have a valid day fishing ticket or an annual fishing permit for each person over 16 years to fish. You must purchase these prior to setting up any equipment on the bank. You must be able to show proof of payment for car parking and fishing to Country Park Rangers when asked to do so to be able to fish on Black Park Lake.

Rule Two. You must have a valid Environment Agency rod licence in the name of the fishing day ticket or annual fishing permit holder for each person over 16 years. You must be able to present this to Country Parks Rangers when asked to do so to be able to fish on Black Park Lake.

Children under 13 years do not need to hold a rod licence or valid day fishing ticket or annual fishing permit to fish on Black Park Lake. Any adult supervising a child between 13 and 16 years old must have a valid Environment Agency rod licence if they touch or handle the rod to support the child. In this instance, licencing and permit rules 1 and 2 above will apply.

Children between the ages of 13 and 16 years must hold a junior rod licence from the Environment Agency to fish. They must be able to present this to Country Parks Rangers when asked to do so to be able to fish on Black Park Lake. They do not need to purchase a valid day fishing ticket or fishing annual pass. Any adult supervising a child between 13 and 16 years old must have a valid Environment Agency rod licence if they touch or handle the rod to support the child. In this instance, licencing and permit rules 1 and 2 above will apply.

Fishing is only permitted during Black Park Country Park car park opening hours. Black Park Country Park car park is open from 8am daily with seasonal closing times.

No night fishing is permitted.

You will be asked to leave site by Country Parks Rangers or Environment Agency staff if there are any breaches of rules or byelaws; either Country Parks or Environment Agency. Repeated breaches of Country Parks byelaws or fishing rules and restrictions will result in the removal of any annual fishing permit rights and/or the withdrawal of permission to purchase fishing day tickets. For breaches of Environment Agency rules, including being unable to present a valid rod licence, your details will be passed to the Environment Agency. The Environment Agency may use this information to take enforcement action.

Local Thames Region Environment Agency byelaws apply.

You may not remove or release fish or other aquatic lifeforms into Black Park Lake.

All fish, or any other by catch, must be returned to the water immediately.

You may not use keep nets and/or sacks.

You may only fish and bait within the yellow marked areas on the map.

You must not fish or bait outside of the yellow marked area on the map. This includes the nature reserve and all fenced areas of Black Park Lake.

You may only use a maximum of two rods per person for each valid fishing day ticket or annual fishing permit.

You may only use barbless hooks only.

You must remove any fishing line, any associated fishing or other litter after your fishing session has ended. This includes any line tangled in trees from casting. If fishing litter is found onsite at the location on the bank where fishing has taken place, this will be considered a breach of Country Parks fishing rules and byelaws, and appropriate action will be taken. Any broken lines or lost rigs that cannot be safely retrieved must be reported immediately on 01753 511060.

You may not pre-bait or use bait boats on Black Park Lake. Any over baiting will result in the fishing day ticket or annual fishing permit holder being asked to cease fishing and leave site.

You may not use umbrellas or bivvies or any other similar item.

You must ensure that all fishing related equipment, including rods, are located on the lake side of the footpath. You must always be in control of your fishing equipment, including rods. Fishing equipment must not be left under the control of any person who does not hold a valid Environment Agency rod licence. Any equipment which is unsupervised, or equipment which is not located on the lake side of the footpath, may be removed by Rangers.

All children 16 years and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult who can directly supervise them at the lake edge. Any adult supervising a child between 13 and 16 years old must have a valid Environment Agency rod licence if they touch or handle the rod to support the child. In this instance, licencing and permit rules 1 and 2 will apply.

Children under 13 years do not need to hold a rod licence or valid day ticket or annual pass to fish on Black Park Lake. Any adult supervising a child between 13 and 16 years old must have a valid Environment Agency rod licence if they touch or handle the rod to support the child. In this instance, licencing and permit rules 1 and 2 will apply.

Children between the ages of 13-16 years must hold a junior rod licence from the Environment Agency to fish. They must be able to present this to Country Parks Rangers when asked to do so to be able to fish on Black Park Lake. They do not need to purchase a valid day ticket or annual pass. Any adult supervising a child between 13-16 years must have a valid fishing licence if they touch or handle the rod to support the child. In this instance, licencing and permit rules 1 and 2 will apply.

You must cease fishing if asked to do so by Country Parks Rangers, or any other authorised individual, including filming production or security staff.

Pike fishing season runs annually between 1 October to 14 March. You may not fish for pike on Black Park Lake outside of the pike fishing season.

You must be in possession of long forceps and be competent at handling and unhooking pike. Children under 16 years may not fish for pike at Black Park Lake.

You must use a strong line (12lbs plus) supported by a large net (36 inch plus) net and a large well-padded unhooking mat.

You must use a strong line (12lbs plus) supported by a large net (36 inch plus) net and a large well-padded unhooking mat.

You may not use fixed leads or unsafe rigs.