There has always been something very pleasing about spending time around water. Indeed, the Lakes at Fairlands Valley Park are a huge attraction for many visitors as there is much to see and do. Fishing is one such brilliant activity on offer.

Fishing embraces both relaxation and excitement. One moment you can be relaxing by the water, watching the wildlife, and the next, reeling in a rod bending fish with onlookers waiting in anticipation. There are also many health related benefits too. It offers participants the chance to relax and unwind in the fresh air which is great for combatting stress whilst being close to nature.

The Main Lake at Fairlands provides a great location to fish. The lake is open all year round and is well stocked with Carp, Chub, Barbel, Roach, Rudd, Tench and Perch. If you fancy a challenge, you can try your luck by trying to catch our largest Carp (Terri) who weighs about 35lbs!

Welwyn Garden City Angling Club

Welwyn Garden City Angling Club (WGCAC) manage fishing activity at the park and provide bailiff and enforcement for the waters.

WGCAC also help to improve the education, coaching and competition associated with fishing and work closely in partnership with Stevenage Borough Council. If you are interested in having a go or would like to know more, please don’t hesitate to contact the head bailiff using the details below. They are able to provide friendly advice, tutoring and further information.

Rod Licence

To fish at Fairlands Valley, you need both a rod licence and a day ticket.

Anyone aged 13 years or over who fishes for salmon, trout, freshwater fish or eels in England and Wales must have an Environment Agency Rod Fishing Licence.

A rod licence is a statutory requirement and entitles the licensee to use a rod and line to fish. You could be fined up to £2,500 if you are unable to show a valid rod licence when asked.

Children under 13 do not need a licence, but are required to be accompanied by an adult. Licences for children aged between 13 and 16 are free, but you’ll still need to get a junior licence.

You can purchase a rod licence from any Post Office in England and Wales.

Day tickets

Day tickets give permission to fish a particular water. Day tickets must be pre-booked and purchased in advance from the Head Bailiff by calling Steve Wickens on 07719 277 443.

Our popular 24hr / Night fishing tickets are also available to be pre-booked in advance.

The bailiffs will be on site to check that all anglers purchase a day ticket and that those over the age of 13 years have a Rod Licence. Anybody not complying with this will not be allowed to fish.

2023 prices are:

• Day ticket - £9
• Additional 2nd rod - £5
• Concessions - £7
• 24hr ticket - £22

Fishing Rules and Regulations

Fairlands Valley Park Main Lake

1. All anglers must comply fully with the Stevenage Borough Council Bye Laws and National and Local Bye-Laws as determined by the Environment Agency.
2. All anglers aged 13 and over must have an Environment Agency rod licence.
3. Stevenage Borough Council and designated Angling Club officials reserve the right to expel anglers who breach any of these rules. Tickets will be withdrawn, and no refunds will be given.
4. Ticket and permit holders fish entirely at their own risk. Neither Stevenage Borough Council nor the Angling Club accepts any liability or responsibility for the loss, damage or injury to any customer or equipment, however caused.
5. Day tickets must be purchased from the appointed Angling Club Bailiff.
6. Night fishing / 24hr tickets are to be booked in advance with the Angling Club Bailiff.
7. Tickets, permits and/or rod licences must be produced when requested by officers of the Council, bailiff or any Angling Club official.
8. Anglers are permitted to fish the Main Lake on the West fishing beach and the Southern fishing bank only. No fishing is allowed on any other parts of the Main Lake, the Environment Lake or The Millennium Lake.
9. Any Fishing on the main lake between 15 March and 15 June (inclusive) will be at the discretion of Stevenage Borough Council and the Angling Club.
10. Persons under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
11. Anglers shall not wilfully interfere with other parks/ water users. Consideration must be given for the safety of other users at all times.
12. Interfering or damaging any wildlife, banks, trees, shrubs, lifesaving equipment, boats or any other park infrastructure or furniture is strictly forbidden.
13. Maximum of three rods per person.
14. All fish must be returned to the water unharmed**.
15. Nets - Large landing nets and unhooking mats are to be used at all times. No carp are to be kept in keep nets. Net mesh shall be designed to be fish friendly.
16. Any tagged fish caught must be notified to the bailiff.
17. No littering – please use the litter bins provided or take home.
18. No barbeques or lighting fires.
19. Strictly no firearms.
20. No unattended dogs. Dogs must be under proper close control at all times.
21. No digging for baits.
22. No fishing from boats or inflatable crafts.
23. No fishing towards the boat launching area or within the cascade.
24. All motorised vehicles are restricted to the designated car parks only.
25. Bait etc, of any kind must not be fired at other lake users under any circumstances.
26. Fish safe rigs are to be used at all times - Rig checks are carried out regularly by the appointed Angling Club bailiff.
27. No baiting with nuts – all particle must be cooked.
28. Please take all unused bait off site. Unused bait must not be thrown in the water, left on the banks or deposited in the litter bins.
29. No barbed hooks.
30. Rods must not be left unattended.
31. No live baiting, artificial lures or treble hooks to be used.
32. Casting is only permitted from the designated fishing areas.

**Under instruction of the Environment Agency, Catfish must not be returned. Please contact the Head Bailiff as soon as possible to arrange suitable re-location.

The Council reserves the right to amend the above regulations to take into account of local conditions.