Grafham Water Predator Fishing

Fish for pike, perch and zander at one of the UK's best predator waters

What species inhabit Grafham?

With pike weighing up to forty pounds and a twenty pound zander and four pound perch not out of the question, predator fishing at Grafham is becoming recognised as some of the best in the country.

If there is anything you’re unsure about, please telephone or pop into the fishing lodge.

Do I need a permit for predator fishing?

You will. But when you buy our seasonal Predator Permit (£300 plus normal boat fee), you get 10% off at all Anglian Water tackle shops. This allows you to fish all four waters throughout the predator fly, lure and dead sea bait seasons.

A day permit comes in at just £24 (plus boat hire), though, so you can dip in and out with ease.

Day boats at Grafham Water are £27 (single manned £17); Half Day £21 (single manned £15); Winter boats available from 1 November £21 (£15).

Predator Fishing Dates - Boat Only

11 January - 9 February 2020 weekends only

Lure & dead sea bait

Ravensthorpe Water

16 May to 31 January

Fly Fishing

Rutland, Grafham and Pitsford Waters

16 May to 31 January, Subject to boat availability

Lure fishing

Pitsford Water

16 May to 30 November

Fly fishing

Ravensthorpe Water

1 September to 31 January

Lure fishing

Rutland and Grafham Waters

1 October to 30 November

Lure & dead sea bait

Ravensthorpe Water

1 October to 31 January

Lure & dead sea bait

Rutland, Grafham and Pitsford Waters

9 January to 7 February 2021 (weekends only)

Lure & dead sea bait

Ravensthorpe Water

Predator Fishing Dates - Bank Only

All Year

Lure & dead sea bait

Costessey*

1 March to 30 September

Lure fishing

Hollowell Water*

Open all year

Coarse fishing

Alton Water

1 October to 31 March

Predator with dead or static bait

Alton Water

15 May to 31 March

Lure only

Alton Water

1 October to 28 February

Lure & dead sea bait

Hollowell Water*

1 November 2020 to 14 February 2021

Lure & dead sea bait

Pitsford Water

*Costessey and Hollowell are season ticket only waters

Do different rules apply to predator fishing?

We do ask predator anglers to abide by certain rules, so we can protect stock levels and ensure the reservoir water quality is as high as possible.

The ‘check, clean, dry’ policy must be adhered to before and after fishing.

All anglers must hold a valid rod licence.

No trolling under power.

All pike, perch and zander must be returned to the water alive.

Any trout caught must be returned to the water immediately - if a trout is badly hooked and has to be killed, it must be handed to the fishery staff.

No spinners

No spoons under 5inches or 14cm

All hooks are to be barbless or one point barb for attaching dead sea bait if using a treble or attaching hook to lure.

No size limit on soft plastic body and hard body lures.

Wire traces must be used by anglers targeting pike.

Fluorocarbon can be used but only with single barbless hook lures.

Trout are not to be actively targeted. Anyone found targeting trout will be removed from the water.

A maximum of two rods per angler is permitted.

Bank fishing only 1 November – 14 February (lure and dead sea bait) at Pitsford.

No live baiting permitted.

Fly fishing – with fly over 10cm with wire trace from 16 May at all waters.

Dead sea fish baits over 18cm are permitted from 1 October – 31 January (excludes lamprey) on all waters.

Unhooking mats are compulsory and appropriate sized nets must be used.

All boat fishing rules apply.

No trout and pike fishing in the same boat.

Fishing rules for our waters

Fishing, walking, cycling, water sports

Our water parks not only bring vital water resources for the region, but they also provide a fantastic day out for all the family.

Whether you're looking for an action-packed day on the water, a spot of fishing to escape the stresses and strains of everyday life, or simply want to enjoy a relaxing walk in beautiful surroundings, look no further than our fabulous water parks.