Fishing

Post COVID update: Summer 2022

In order for everyone to enjoy their visit to the fishing lake at Hillside. We are continuing our booking only system. Having worked so well in keeping our small pond, relaxed with plenty of space for all to enjoy their time, we have decided to continue this policy for the summer.

To book your space call David on 07967 210347

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Fishing at Hillside

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-time fisherman, the lake at Hillside Farm offers an enjoyable day out for all abilities. The lake covers half an acre where you will find Wild Carp up to 10lbs, Tench, Grass Carp, Rudd, Perch (around 3lbs) and a few others for you to catch.

Its unique and peaceful venue situated on the outskirts of the Ashburnham Estate makes Hillside a great location for just sitting back and waiting for your catch to come in.

Payment and Prices

DAY TICKETS
Adults: £6
Children (12 years and under): £3

SEASON TICKETS
Adults: £60
Children (12 years and under): £30

Please note, under 16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.

Payment is to be made before you commence fishing.

Cash to be placed securely in the post box on the farm gate or can be made directly to our bank by emailing, DM on social media or texting 07967 210347 for our details.

Opening Times

We are not governed by freshwater fishing seasons, so are open all year round. Fishing is daylight hours (summer 7am to 9.30pm). Night fishing is prohibited.

On some occasions we may need to limit access to the farm and pond. A ‘NO FISHING’ sign will be placed at the farm gate during these times and ask that this is respected.

Access and Wheelchair users

We currently have one jetty specially designed for wheelchair users (and planning on another in the future). We are lucky to offer a pond so close to the road and hard standing to the right of the pond, allowing wheelchair users to access ‘Ray’s jetty’.

Please note, we are still a working farm so there will be mud and some uneven areas, but we do all we can to encourage disabled people to be able to access this wonderful pastime and enjoy their time fishing.

Rod Licence

If you’re keen on fishing, you will already know about a fishing rod licence. This is solely your responsibility to purchase and have on you at all times while fishing. Hillside Farm is not responsible, under any circumstances, for any persons fishing without a licence or failing to produce a licence when ask by the governing authorities. If you require more information about a rod licence, please check out this web page. https://www.gov.uk/fishing-licences

Parking

There is parking on the road and alongside the front of the cottage and garden.

Terms & Conditions

Below are the general fishing rules:

  1. There is no fishing outside of the permitted times – there is strictly no night fishing
  2. Access is only permitted to the lake area, please do not climb gates or trespass any other boundaries, barns or fields. This is a working farm with animals and farm machinery.
  3. All nets must be dipped before fishing in the dip tank provided.
  4. All fish must be returned to the water immediately, do not use keepnets or sacks to retain fish.
  5. Anyone found killing fish and/or removing fish will be prosecuted.
  6. When returning fish to the water, you must use a sling, zipped unhooking mat or landing net regardless of the distance being carried.
  7. Use only barbless hooks – barbed hooks are strictly banned.
  8. All forms of fixed lead are banned – all leads must be free running.
  9. Rods are not to be left unattended at any time or for any reason.
  10. Please be considerate when using buzzers; please turn the sound down as noise travels.
  11. Mobile telephone ringing tone volumes should also be kept to minimum and ideally turned on to vibrate.
  12. Fish must be weighed using a sling, zipped unhooking mat or landing net.
  13. Take all litter, discarded line and unused bait home or place in the waste bins provided by the main gate.
  14. Do not cut or otherwise damage bank-side vegetation.
  15. Do not disturb wildlife. Please advise us at the cottage as soon as possible should any wildlife become hurt or injured, hooked or entangled with line, or if line becomes snagged on trees or bushes or on any underwater snag during your visit in order that this can be immediately removed.
  16. Because we are a working farm with livestock, we strictly do not allow dogs on any of our land at Hillside.
  17. Do not light any fires and do not burn the grass when using any form of cooking equipment.
  18. A composting toilet is soon to be installed and must be used.