There are 109 lakes and ponds within Epping Forest. They are enjoyed in multiple ways including cycling and walking around them, wildlife-spotting and angling.
Epping Forest aims to sustainably manage its lakes, ponds and fisheries for recreation and enjoyment of the public. Angling is permitted on 25 of the 42 lakes and ponds containing fish.
Fishing is free in Epping Forest, but you must have a valid Rod Licence, which you can purchase from your local Post Office or online at the Environment Agency's website.
We still maintain a closed season (no fishing) which runs from 15 March to 15 June inclusive.
Are you interested in helping us improve the Fishing in Epping Forest? If you are then we want to know what you think: please complete our Epping Forest Angling Survey (36kb), You can also get involved in improving the angling waters.
We also have volunteering opportunities available. To become a volunteer, get in touch by going to the volunteering page and completing our enrolment form.
Do you enjoy fishing in Epping Forest? We have set up an Angler’s Forum for Epping Forest and need your help! The forum is made up of anglers and members, who work together with us to tackle a wide range of subjects, from everyday issues and user conflicts to the future management of the forest.
Junior angling days
Every year we organise junior angling training events that take place across the summer months.
Please note that all Junior Angling training events need to be booked in advance by contacting The View at Chingford on 020 7332 1911 or email epping.forest@cityoflondon.gov.uk. Please be advised that parents or guardians must remain at the event and are not to leave their children.
Junior angling dates 2013
Saturday 6 July 2013 Connaught Water
Saturday 3 August 2013 Connaught Water
Saturday 31 August 2013 Connaught Water
Please arrive at the Lake by 10am and the event is due to finish for 2pm.
Stocking lakes and ponds
Since 2011 the conservators have put over £4,000 worth of fish into several lakes and ponds across the forest. The species stocked have been Tench, Rudd, Bream.
Pond survey
Every year we carry out around 13 fish surveys on our angling ponds. This allows us to evaluate the stock levels and to establish what species are in the lakes and ponds and the health of the fish. If you want any more information about the surveys please contact us at epping.forest@cityoflondon.gov.uk
Fishing at Earls Path Pond
Contacts
If you have any questions or queries regarding fishing on Epping Forest, please contact our main office on 020 8532 1010 or email epping.forest@cityoflondon.gov.uk
Background
Management of the fisheries is based on the 2004-2010 Epping Forest Management Plan, the Epping Forest Act 1878, together with our byelaws; the Salmon and Fresh Water Fisheries Act 1923 and the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981.
Fish population checks and a census of species and numbers are carried out annually on the 10 designated core angling ponds. The remaining 32 ponds with a sustainable fish population are surveyed, once every four years where possible.
If you are interested in fishing in Epping Forest please take a look at our Fisheries Management policy (35kb) .