Fishery guide · Derbyshire
Carsington Water
Carsington Water is a 740-acre Derbyshire reservoir with a history of boat fly fishing for rainbow and brown trout. The former operator ceased trading on 1 December 2025, and fishing reopening was not verified as of 3 October 2026 — check that first, before planning a day afloat.
“6.3/10 — The historical rainbow-and-brown trout boat fishery offered big-water appeal, but current fishing access is unconfirmed.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Carsington Water near Ashbourne is proper big-water territory: one reservoir, with 740 acres of open water described in the operator’s 2023 leaflet. Its trout fishing was built around boats rather than picking a peg and settling in for the day. Rainbow and brown trout were stocked, giving this Derbyshire venue a clear fly-fishing identity.
- 1 lake: Carsington Water
- Fish: trout, perch
- Tickets from: Historical 2023 full-day permit; four-fish bag limit, boat hire extra — £30
- Find it: Ashbourne · DE6 1ST
Plan your session
Fishery map of Carsington Water
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Fishery
Carsington Water
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Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Carsington Water
Carsington Water near Ashbourne is proper big-water territory: one reservoir, with 740 acres of open water described in the operator’s 2023 leaflet. Its trout fishing was built around boats rather than picking a peg and settling in for the day. Rainbow and brown trout were stocked, giving this Derbyshire venue a clear fly-fishing identity. But there’s a big practical catch before you start sorting tackle: the former fishery operator ceased trading on 1 December 2025.
As of 3 October 2026, fishing reopening had not been verified. That matters more than any old permit deal or boat timetable. Everything about fishing prices, sessions and booking arrangements here is historical, not a confirmed offer you can book now. If you’re eyeing up a trip, get the current fishing position confirmed before travelling or paying anything. A reservoir being there and a fishery being open for business are two very different things.
Historically, the everyday setup was boat fly fishing with recognised fly tackle only. So think a day afloat with the fly rod, not a bank session with feeders or a pair of carp rods. The stocked fish were rainbow and brown trout, while resident perch also featured in dedicated predator-fishing events. Those perch events shouldn’t be read as permission for general predator fishing: they were a separate part of the historical programme, not the standard trout-fishing arrangement.
The advertised season ran from mid-March to November, and the announced opening date for 2025 was 15 March. Reception historically opened before boats departed, with full-day and shorter sessions available. Selected July 2025 evenings stretched to 20:00 by prior arrangement, but that wasn’t an overnight-fishing offer. There was a choice of session lengths, then, though none of those old timings should be treated as today’s opening hours. Check the whole arrangement afresh if fishing returns.
The old booking setup involved paying ahead for both the boat and fishing permits. Boat hire was extra to the permit, which is worth clocking when looking at the historical prices below — the permit alone wasn’t the full cost of getting afloat. Parking was included after registering your vehicle at check-in. Under-16s could fish free with a paying adult under the 2023 terms, and wheelchair-accessible boats had a separate telephone or email booking route to discuss access needs.
For finding the place, the postcode is DE6 1ST. The supplied location pin identifies the watersports-centre lakeside, rather than the middle of the reservoir. The historical safety and tackle rules were straightforward: life jackets on the jetty and in boats, knotless landing nets, and single-hooked flies only. Carsington’s appeal is that big-reservoir trout setup, with accessible-boat provision in its former operation. For now, though, confirmed fishing access is the first thing to nail down — everything else comes after.
Straight from anglers online
Short, unedited extracts from public reviews, credited to the person who posted them. Not checked by us and not a Tackle Index view.
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Carsington Water FAQs
Are the listed prices and opening hours current?
No. The prices are from 2023, and the displayed 08:00–17:00 hours were historical fishery reception hours, not confirmed current fishing hours. Boat hire was extra to the permit.
Where is Carsington Water?
Near Ashbourne, Derbyshire, postcode DE6 1ST. The supplied location pin points to the watersports-centre lakeside, not the reservoir centre.
Could juniors fish, and was parking included?
Under the 2023 terms, under-16s could fish free with a paying adult. Historical permits included parking after vehicle registration at check-in; neither arrangement is confirmed current.
Was evening or overnight fishing available?
Selected July 2025 evening fishing ran to 20:00 by prior arrangement. Overnight fishing was not advertised in that report, and current sessions are unconfirmed.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Carsington Water. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Ashbourne.
Do I need to bring food?
We haven't seen any food on site, so bring your own grub and drinks. A flask and a stove (where allowed) make a long day much better.
Are there toilets on site?
Not that we've seen listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
Yes — historical permit-inclusive parking after vehicle registration. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
DE6 1ST.
How much is a ticket?
Historical 2023 full-day permit; four-fish bag limit, boat hire extra: £30; Historical 2023 sporting permit; catch-and-release, boat hire extra: £20; Historical 2023 petrol-boat hire; permits extra: £29 full day or £22 half day; Historical 2023 weekday single-occupancy boat; permits extra: £20 full day or £18 half day; Historical 2023 wheelchair-accessible boat; permits extra: £20 full day or £15 half day. Prices last checked 2026-10-03 — they can change, so check before you go.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Some lakes need booking ahead. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in there?
Across the lakes you'll find trout, perch. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
1 — Carsington Water (740).
Is night fishing allowed?
We haven't seen a clear night-fishing rule. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Can I bring my dog?
Not covered in the rules we've checked. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Are bait boats allowed?
Yes — The 2023 rules permitted boat fly fishing with recognised fly tackle only; any future arrangements need confirming.
Do I need barbless hooks?
No — The historical rules allowed single-hooked flies only and prohibited doubles and trebles.
Do I need my own unhooking mat or cradle?
Bring one either way — most fisheries expect it and the fish deserve it.
Is it suitable for disabled anglers?
The fishery lists historical wheelchair-accessible boats. Ring ahead to check which swims suit you.
Do I need a rod licence?
Yes — anyone 13 or over fishing in England and Wales needs an Environment Agency rod licence (or Natural Resources Wales in Wales), on top of your fishery ticket.
When's the best time of year to fish here?
Late spring through autumn is prime for most species. Check our live weather edge for this venue before you go — it updates daily.
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Pre-book only
Carsington Water: big-water boat fly fishing — reopening needs checking
- Size
- 740 acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- trout, perch
One reservoir, 740 acres of open water, and a historical fishing setup centred on getting afloat with a fly rod. Carsington stocked rainbow and brown trout; resident perch were also caught during dedicated predator-fishing events. Those events were distinct from the usual boat fly-fishing rules.
The prebook access category describes the former operation, when boat hire and permits were paid for in advance. It does not mean bookings are currently available. The operator ceased trading on 1 December 2025, and reopening was not verified as of 3 October 2026.
The trout fishery stocked rainbow and brown trout.
Lake photographs
A look around Carsington Water
Carsington Water
Carsington Water
We’re checking the fishery’s Carsington Water pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Boat fly anglers interested in a large trout reservoir, if fishing reopens
- Anglers looking for historical wheelchair-accessible boat provision to enquire about
Maybe not for
- Anyone wanting a confirmed, bookable fishing trip right now
- Anglers seeking ordinary bank fishing under the historical boat-only fly rules
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Carsington Water
trout
Fly fishing for the trout
Stocked lake trout cruise and feed up in the water, so you need to find the depth they're at. Start just under the surface and go deeper if nothing's happening.
- A 9ft 6–7 weight rod with a floating line covers most days; carry an intermediate or sinking line for cold or bright spells.
- Early season and cold days: lures like a Cat's Whisker, Blob or Damsel, pulled back in steady strips.
- Warmer days with fish rising: buzzers, Diawl Bachs or a dry fly fished slowly, or static under an indicator.
- Count your fly down (5, 10, 15 seconds) and change depth till you get a pull — then repeat that count.
- Use 6–8lb fluorocarbon tippet, and check the fishery's rules on catch-and-release, bag limits and barbless hooks before you start.
Venue rule: Bag limits and catch-and-release rules vary a lot on trout waters — ask at the lodge before your first cast.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
pike
Lure fishing for the pike
Lures let you cover water and find active pike fast.
- Spinners, jerkbaits and 4–6in soft shads on a 20–30g rod.
- Always use a wire trace — pike bite through mono and fluoro.
- Move every 10–15 casts till you find them; work drop-offs and edges.
Carsington Water FAQs
Is this several lakes or one reservoir?
One reservoir. The operator’s 2023 leaflet described 740 acres of open water.
Can I book a boat now?
Current bookings are not confirmed. The former operator ceased trading on 1 December 2025, and fishing reopening was not verified as of 3 October 2026.
What's the lake record on Carsington Water?
Going by what the fishery says: The trout fishery stocked rainbow and brown trout. That's the owner's figure, not ours — take it as a guide.
What fish are in Carsington Water?
trout, perch. The trout fishery stocked rainbow and brown trout.
How big is Carsington Water and how many swims?
Around 740 acres. Big-water boat fly fishing — reopening needs checking.
Which baits work well on Carsington Water?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Carsington Water further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: with the fish the fishery lists here, a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Carsington Water get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Carsington Water?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for Carsington Water before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Carsington Water?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Can I fish Carsington Water on a day ticket?
You'll need to book Carsington Water in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on Carsington Water?
We haven't seen a clear night-fishing rule for this lake. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Who does Carsington Water suit?
Good for: Boat fly anglers interested in a large trout reservoir, if fishing reopens; Anglers looking for historical wheelchair-accessible boat provision to enquire about. Less suited to: Anyone wanting a confirmed, bookable fishing trip right now; Anglers seeking ordinary bank fishing under the historical boat-only fly rules.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Venue Rule Checker
- Only if
Do I need to check whether fishing has reopened?
Yes — reopening was not verified as of 3 October 2026 following the former operator’s closure.
- Yes
Was fishing restricted to boat fly fishing?
The 2023 rules permitted boat fly fishing with recognised fly tackle only; any future arrangements need confirming.
- Must
Were life jackets compulsory?
Under the historical rules, life jackets were mandatory on the jetty and in boats.
- Must
Did landing nets have to be knotless?
Only knotless landing nets were permitted under the historical rules.
- No
Were double or treble hooks allowed?
The historical rules allowed single-hooked flies only and prohibited doubles and trebles.
- Yes
Did half-day boats have a return deadline?
The 2023 leaflet required half-day boats to return by 14:00.
- Yes
Was advance payment required?
Historical bookings required advance payment for boats and permits through the operator’s website; wheelchair-accessible boats needed telephone or email booking to discuss access needs.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 3 October 2026. Rules change — always check with the fishery before you go.
Tips & guides worth reading
How we'd fish each lake
Our own suggestions, worked out from each lake's features, its main fish and the venue rules. They're tried-and-tested methods, not reports from this venue, so watch the water and ask in the tackle shop on the day.
Carsington Water
trout
Fly fishing for the trout
Stocked lake trout cruise and feed up in the water, so you need to find the depth they're at. Start just under the surface and go deeper if nothing's happening.
- A 9ft 6–7 weight rod with a floating line covers most days; carry an intermediate or sinking line for cold or bright spells.
- Early season and cold days: lures like a Cat's Whisker, Blob or Damsel, pulled back in steady strips.
- Warmer days with fish rising: buzzers, Diawl Bachs or a dry fly fished slowly, or static under an indicator.
- Count your fly down (5, 10, 15 seconds) and change depth till you get a pull — then repeat that count.
- Use 6–8lb fluorocarbon tippet, and check the fishery's rules on catch-and-release, bag limits and barbless hooks before you start.
Venue rule: Bag limits and catch-and-release rules vary a lot on trout waters — ask at the lodge before your first cast.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
pike
Lure fishing for the pike
Lures let you cover water and find active pike fast.
- Spinners, jerkbaits and 4–6in soft shads on a 20–30g rod.
- Always use a wire trace — pike bite through mono and fluoro.
- Move every 10–15 casts till you find them; work drop-offs and edges.
Good background reading. Most of it is a few years old, so treat it as a starting point and ask on the day.
Videos linked by the fishery
What anglers reckon
6.3/10 from Tackle Index: The historical rainbow-and-brown trout boat fishery offered big-water appeal, but current fishing access is unconfirmed.
Straight from anglers online
Short, unedited extracts from public reviews, credited to the person who posted them. Not checked by us and not a Tackle Index view.
We haven’t found any public angler reviews of this venue yet. Fished it? Add yours below.
Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “Carsington Water is a 740-acre Derbyshire reservoir with a history of boat fly fishing for rainbow and brown trout. The former operator ceased trading on 1 December 2025, and fishing reopening was not verified as of 3 October 2026 — check that first, before planning a day afloat.”
This is our own summary of recurring public feedback and the venue details we checked, not a copied customer review or a promise you’ll catch. Feedback changes, so we keep it separate from the Tackle Index score.
Angler score
What our readers rate Carsington Water
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