Chelmsford angling has much to offer the fishing enthusiast with some great lakes and rivers to be enjoyed. Whether you enjoy all round coarse angling, specialist carp fishing, fly fishing for trout, or even sea fishing, there something for everyone in this beautiful part of the Essex countryside.
Whilst a lot of waters are owned or run by such organisations as Chelmsford Angling Association, there are also a number of day ticket waters which are available to the general public. Those most highly regarded by local fishermen include the A12 Cuton Lakes, which has a huge head of fish in its specimen lake, Bayeswater Lake which is run by the person behind the world famous Nash Baits, and Newland Hall Fishery, set in over 100 acres of beautiful woodland.
If you are looking for a variety to your fishing in Chelmsford the best & cheapest way is to join a local fishing club such as the Chelmsford Angling Association. With a number of different lakes and rivers available to its members and for a one-off annual membership fee, you can fish as many times as you like throughout the season without having to fork out for day tickets. Other angling clubs which have waters in the area include Dunmow Piscatorial Society, Maldon Angling Society, Does Angling Club, and the Billericay & District Angling Association, so you have a good choice of clubs and fishing from which to choose.
Once you have decided when and where you will be fishing, you will then need to think about other things which will affect your days fishing. First of all, locate the fishing tackle shops in Chelmsford, such as Bevan Tackle in Springfield or Edwards Fishing Tackle, to stock up on what you need. Don't forget when visiting, you can always ask about the best fishing lakes in Chelmsford and any tips that they might have about which methods work well at which venue. Secondly, and most importantly, check out the latest weather forecast to see if you need your fishing umbrella for the rain or the sunshine!
One other important factor not to forget is your National Rod Licence. Whether you are day ticket coarse fishing or a member of Chelmsford Angling Club, you still need some form of Rod Licence otherwise you are breaking the law and will liable for a fine of up to £2,500. Anyone over the age of 12 is required to have a Rod Licence which can be obtained online or from your local Post Office.
Chelmsford Angling Association
Established in 1922, Chelmsford Angling Association is one of the oldest recorded fishing clubs in Essex. CAA currently has 14 beautiful still waters and over 14 miles of River. The majority of still waters are in and around the Chelmsford area with some waters around Braxted, Ulting and Waltham areas.
Chelmsford Angling Society not only boasts these coarse fishing waters it but also has a Sea Fishing section, a Trout Lake in Danbury, and a Fishing Match section for the more competitive anglers amongst the membership.
A full list of Chelmsford Angling Association waters at the start of the 2011 fishing season are as follows......
Blunts Mere Willows Cants Mere Broads Green Tufnell Mere The Folly Boreham Mere Braxted Front & Back Braxted Reservoir Wicks Mere Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation Danbury Trout Lake
For more information contact the General Secretary on 01376 515696.
Chelmsford - Where to Fish
With so many fantastic waters in and around Chelmsford it is difficult to sometimes choose where to fish. We have chosen below a few that we think offer great value for money and the best chance of having an enjoyable fishing trip. When purchasing your tickets to fish, we would recommend asking questions about methods, recommended swims, etc, as there is nothing better than a little bit of local knowledge when it comes to angling.
A12 Cuton Lakes Considered by many as one of the premier day ticket fishing venues in Essex. A12 Cuton Lakes in Chelmsford is open all year round, 24 hours a day, offers excellent coarse fishing, night fishing, open match fishing, as well as a Carp Lake for the specialist angler. There are toilets on site as well as a well stocked tackle shop. Prices start from £8 per day and tickets can be purchased from the cabin on arrival, no booking is required.
A12 Cuton Lakes, Sandford Mill Lock Bridge, Brook End Road South, Chelmer Village, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 6NZ
Bayeswater Lake Run by the man whose claim to fame is that he caught the first 60lb Carp in the UK, Gary Bayes, Bayeswater Lake is an excellent day ticket fishery in Chelmsford. Primarily a carp water, there are also good heads of rudd, roach, tench and perch. Ticket prices start from £2.50 for one rod for up to 5 hours, but you will need to purchase a key and ID card before fishing as the gates are kept locked at all times.
Bayeswater Lake, Generals Farm, Boreham interchange of the A12/ Springfield Junction, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 3HJ
Newland Hall Fishery Situated just 4 miles west of Chelmsford, Newland Hall Fishery offers four excellent fishing lakes in beautiful unspoilt woodland surroundings. Covering around 10 acres, Brook Lake, Moat Lake, Park Lake, and the syndicate only Oosiers Lake, are all heavily stocked with carp, roach and tench with night fishing and match fishing available. Tickets start at £5 and are available at the venue, no booking system is in operation. Facilities include toilets, drinking water and a snack bar.
Hanningfield Reservoir Located just a few miles outside of Chelmsford town centre, Hanningfield Reservoir is the second largest of its kind in Essex and offers some of the best trout fishing in Great Britain. Either from bank or boat, fly fishers will enjoy a great day out and have every chance of landing a memorable high quality catch due to Hanningfields stocking policy. The fishing season is from 5th Match 2011 to 30th November 2011, with the fishing lodge open between 8.00am and 4.00pm for tickets, tackle and boat hire. Prices start from £18 per day with a four fish limit.
Not only is the fishing excellent but so are the surroundings. Hanningfield Reservoir is famous for its various species of birds and as a result has been awarded an Site of Scientific Interest Status (SSSI).
In addition, The Essex Wildlife Trust has developed a nature reserve in part of the reservoir and there is a café and toilets on site.
Hanningfield Reservoir, Giffords Lane, West Hanningfield, Essex, CM8 3HX if using a your SatNav, and follow the road down to the bottom of Giffords Lane.
Other fisheries in Chelmsford There are obviously several other fishing lakes in Chelmsford, as well as many other rivers and ponds which we have not covered here. If you know of any you think we should add to this article, then please complete the comments box at the bottom of this page or send us an email by clicking here.
Chelmsford Fishing - Important Information
National Rod Licence As previously mentioned, you are required by law to have a National Rod Licence to fish anywhere in the UK. The current tariffs for the forthcoming coarse fishing season (2011/2012) can be found below.
Full Season £27 Senior concession (aged 65 or over) and disability concession £18 Junior concession (aged 12 to 16) £5 Children under 12 Free 8 Day (192 consecutive hours) £10 1 Day (24 consecutive hours) £3.75
Full and concessionary rod licences expire on 31st March each year
Fishing Closed Season The official closed fishing season is between15th March to 15th June inclusive, but in recent times, this law has been relaxed. Some waters and clubs now allow angling throughout the year with no closed season, although they retain the right to do so if they wish. You are advised to check with the relevant fishing venue or angling club before you start your journey if your planned fishing trip falls between these dates. If there is a closed season in effect you will be breaking the law and liable to a hefty fine.
Have You Fished the Chelmsford Dam?
Located approximately 5,600 miles outside Chelmsford, the Chelmsford Dam is situated on the Ngagane River, Northern Natal, South Africa. Along with a variety of water sports, angling is also a popular activity and fish on offer include Scallies, Carp, Bass & Barbel. We know it's not just down the raod, but if you have fished it, let us know.
Feeling Hungry?
After a long days fishing you are bound to be feeling tired and hungry, the wife refuses to cook and you can't be bothered too either, why not stop off at one of the many fish and chip shops in Chelmsford. A nice hot portion of cod and chips, with lots of salt and vinegar, may be just what you need to perk you up as you start planning your next Chelmsford fishing trip.
Tight Lines!!
Chelmsford Fishing - Have Your Say
If you have been fishing in Chelmsford recently, was it a good experience, or could it have been better? What did you catch and was it worth the day ticket price you paid? Or maybe you have been angling at another Chelmsford venue not mentioned above?
Please let us know what you think by adding your comments below.
Blunts Mere
Considered by many as one of the premier day ticket fishing venues in Essex. 
Run by the man whose claim to fame is that he caught the first 60lb Carp in the UK, Gary Bayes, 
Situated just 4 miles west of Chelmsford, 
Located just a few miles outside of Chelmsford town centre, 
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