Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a visit to Gawsworth Fisheries? We have answered some of the most common questions to help you prepare for a relaxing and enjoyable time by the water. From opening times, fishing rules and day tickets to facilities, bait and night fishing, you will find plenty of useful information below. If your question is not covered, please feel free to contact us.
Do I need to book?
No, just set up on the bank and the bailiff will come round to issue day tickets.
How do I get a day ticket for fishing?
Set up on the bank, start fishing and the bailiff will come round to issue tickets. Cash payments on the bank
How much are day tickets?
1 rod £10.00
2 rods £12.00
3 rods £14.00
Is there a discounted rate for juniors or OAPs?
£9.00 for 1 rod
£11.00 for 2 rods
How do I arrange night fishing?
Night permits require an annual membership fee of £20.00 per angler per year (up to 31st December)
ID is required with name and address (driving licence or rod licence)
Night tickets are then paid per 24 hours
2 rods £24.00
3 rods £28.00
Do I need to bring my night permit every time I fish over night?
Yes, please bring your night permit every time.
We recommend that angler’s take a photograph of each side of their night permit on a phone (to keep a record of card number and bailiff’s contact numbers)
Can anybody get a night permit?
Night permits are at the bailiff’s discretion
Anyone night fishing must provide ID with their home address, purchase an annual night permit and follow all rules.
Anyone found to be breaking the rules, causing a noise or disturbing other anglers will be asked to leave
Can I bring a dog with me?
No we don’t allow dogs around the fishery (unless they are guide dogs, registered therapy dogs, or the bailiff’s dog)
Can I night fish if I am under 18?
At the bailiff's discretion
Can I bring guests with me?
Night anglers can bring one guest with them who is not fishing
£6.00 per night per guest
Where should I park?
There are 2 car parks.
The first car park allows access to Park Pool, Coppice Pool and one end of Wood Pool,
For the second car park keep to the left and drive along the track seeing the bailiff’s lodge on the right.
Second car park gives access to Serpentine Canal, Spring Bank Pool and other end of Wood Pool
Are there any toilet facilities?
There are basic toilet facilities on each car park.
Toilets are checked, cleaned and toilet rolls provided (though relies on anglers to keep in a good state)
Is there a café?
Gawsworth Grill is open on Saturdays and Sundays 9.00 am – 3.00 pm
Is it possible to order food when Gawsworth Grill is closed?
Several takeaways in Macclesfield will deliver to Gawsworth Fisheries. Please note that night anglers will need to meet the delivery at the main gate after 7.00 pm
How do we book a fishing match?
Call Adam on 07754 564736 or email info@gawsworthfisheries.co.uk
Which pool do I fish if I want to catch catfish?
Wood Pool
Which is the specimen pool?
Wood Pool is the specimen pool as it contains large carp (as well as catfish).
There are also large carp in Park Pool, Coppice and Spring Bank
How big are carp in Wood Pool / the specimen pool?
Up to 28lb
How big are catfish in Wood Pool / the specimen pool?
Up to 80 lb
Which pool do you recommend for juniors or novice anglers?
Serpentine Canal or Park Pool
Do you allow bait boats?
No
What should I do if I’m locked in and there is an emergency?
Call Adam or Mark
-their mobile number is on the back of your night permit
Do I need a licence to fish?
Yes. All anglers over the age of 12 must have a valid Environment Agency Rod Licence. These can be purchased online or in the post office.
How do I gain access to the fishing lakes?
Park in either the main car park or lower car park at Gawsworth Fisheries
Set up on an available peg and the bailiff will come round to issue a ticket (cash payments on the bank)
Are there any restrictions on the pools at Gawsworth Fisheries?
There are a number of fishing rules in place to ensure all anglers have an enjoyable experience:-
- Please fish from a single peg
- Don’t leave rods unattended
- Ensure all litter is disposed of in the bins provided
- Barbless hooks only
- No keep nets.
- We kindly ask you to handle fish in a responsible manner. Land fish in a knot free landing net
- Return to the water in a humane manner
Can children fish at Gawsworth Fisheries?
Absolutely! We encourage children to fish so long as they are well behaved and engaged in angling. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
Please note all children over the ages of 12 must be in possesion of a valid Environment Agency Rod Licence
What fish can I expect to catch?
Gawsworth Fisheries is well stocked with a range of species. You can expect to catch carp, roach, tench, bream, perch and rudd, as well as catfish if fishing Wood Pool
Where is the nearest tackle shop?
Smiths Bait and Tackle Congleton CW12 1RH
Hunting And Fishing Gear - Pastimes Guns & Tackle
162 Congleton Rd, Stoke-on-Trent ST7 1LT
Angling Direct Fishing Tackle Shop Wilmslow
13-17 The Paddock, Wilmslow SK9 3HQ
Angling Direct Fishing Tackle Shop Crewe
Alexandra Business Park, Gresty Ln, Crewe CW2 5DD
Can anglers use method feeders?
Only small or medium free-running method feeders can be used.
No metal cage feeders or fixed feeders
Which car park should I use?
Park in the main (first) car park if fishing on Park Pool, Coppice or the dam end of Wood Pool
Park in the lower (second) car park if you are fishing on Serpentine Canal, Spring Bank pool or the far end of Wood Pool
Can I use braided line or monofilament line at Gawsworth Fisheries?
Braided line can only be used if fishing on Wood Pool for catfish
No fishing with braid on other pools or for carp fishing – monofilament line to be used for carp fishing and all other pools.