Fishery guide · Leicestershire
Watermead Country Park Lakes
Watermead Country Park gives you two officially named day-ticket fishing waters — King Lear’s Lake and the Lily Pond — just north-east of Leicester. It’s a handy park venue with daytime fishing, season-ticket options and decent family facilities, though fish species and current day-ticket prices aren’t published.
“6.3/10 — Two officially named fishing waters are available, but no species or stock details are published.”
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The lowdown
Watermead Country Park is north-east of Leicester, tucked between Syston and Wanlip. The main entrance is off Wanlip Road, Syston, near the Hope and Anchor pub. It’s a big park too, covering about 140 hectares, so don’t expect a tiny puddle tucked behind a hedge. There’s plenty of ground to explore before you settle into a swim.
- 2 lakes: King Lear’s Lake, Lily Pond
- Fish: carp
- Tickets from: Adult season ticket for anglers over 16 — £55
- Find it: Leicester · LE4 7RN
Plan your session
Fishery map of Watermead Country Park Lakes
Pick a pin or venue to see live bank-side conditions.
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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
Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Photos courtesy of Photo: Watermead Country Park Lakes (official website). Catch dates not confirmed.
Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Watermead Country Park Lakes
Watermead Country Park is north-east of Leicester, tucked between Syston and Wanlip. The main entrance is off Wanlip Road, Syston, near the Hope and Anchor pub. It’s a big park too, covering about 140 hectares, so don’t expect a tiny puddle tucked behind a hedge. There’s plenty of ground to explore before you settle into a swim.
The wider park has more than 12 lakes and pools, but the officially named fishing waters are King Lear’s Lake and the Lily Pond. Day fishing is allowed on both. Ordinary day-ticket fishing is daytime only, so this is one to approach as a proper day session rather than turning up with the bivvy for a cheeky overnight.
The ticket setup is worth getting your head around before loading the barrow. Day tickets are available from on-site staff on the bank, but the current day-ticket price isn’t published online. Season permits cover the fishing season from 1 July to 31 March. Season-ticket holders can access fisheries not open to non-season-ticket holders, and may fish at night under the council’s season-ticket conditions.
For an adult angler over 16, a season ticket costs £55. The junior day/season option for under-16 anglers is £35, as is the concession day/season option for senior citizens and Blue Badge holders. A family ticket for two adults and up to three children under 16 costs £110. Children fishing on a family ticket must be accompanied by an adult. Applications need a copy of your rod licence and a passport-style photograph, with family-ticket applications needing photos of each family member.
There aren’t published fish-stock or species details for King Lear’s Lake or the Lily Pond, so it would be daft to start promising carp lumps, silverfish bags or a particular method. Keep the kit flexible for the first trip. A sensible spread of tackle, spare rigs, bait options and a few different hook lengths will give you room to adapt once you’ve had a look. Have a word with the on-site staff about the current form, pegs and any local rules before clipping up.
The park is geared up for a mixed day out, with toilets, picnic areas, a play area, accessible paths, benches and disabled parking. Dogs are welcome but need keeping under close control. Swimming is prohibited in the lakes and ponds, including for dogs, while barbecues and flame cookers aren’t allowed. Car-park entry starts at 7am, with closing times changing through the year, and contactless payment is accepted. Parking is £2.50 up to 1 hour, £4 up to 2 hours, £5 up to 3 hours and £5.50 over 3 hours. The Watermead Bridge over the River Soar is currently closed, with diversions in place, so check the approach before setting off.
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.
Watermead Country Park Lakes FAQs
Where is Watermead Country Park?
It’s north-east of Leicester, between Syston and Wanlip. The main entrance is from Wanlip Road, Syston, near the Hope and Anchor pub.
Where do I get a day ticket?
Day tickets are available from on-site staff on the bank. The current official day-ticket price isn’t published online.
What paperwork is needed for a season ticket?
Applicants need a copy of their rod licence and a passport-style photograph. Family-ticket applications need photographs of each family member.
Is the car park open all day?
Car-park entry begins at 7am, but closing times change by month. It closes at 4pm in December and January, rising to 8pm from May through August.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Watermead Country Park Lakes. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Leicester.
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?
Yes — the fishery lists toilets.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
Yes — disabled parking. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
LE4 7RN.
How much is a ticket?
Adult season ticket for anglers over 16: £55; Junior day/season option for under-16 anglers: £35; Concession day/season option for senior citizens and Blue Badge holders: £35; Family ticket for two adults and up to three children under 16: £110; Optional car-park access card: £20; Car parking up to 1 hour: £2.50; Car parking up to 2 hours: £4; Car parking up to 3 hours: £5; Car parking over 3 hours: £5.50. Prices last checked 2026-10-10 — they can change, so check before you go.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Day tickets are available on King Lear’s Lake, Lily Pond. Busy weekends can fill up, so ring ahead if you've got your heart set on a swim.
What fish are in there?
Across the lakes you'll find carp. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
2 — King Lear’s Lake (Not published), Lily Pond (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
Yes, it's required — Season-ticket holders may fish at night under the council’s season-ticket conditions.
Can I bring my dog?
No — Swimming is prohibited in the lakes and ponds, including for dogs.
Are bait boats allowed?
We haven't seen a bait-boat rule listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Do I need barbless hooks?
Most UK fisheries prefer barbless or micro-barbed hooks — ask on arrival if unsure.
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 accessible paths. 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.
Anglers' photos
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Day ticket · turn up
King Lear’s Lake: the main fishing lake at watermead, with daytime day-ticket fishing and season-ticket access.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
King Lear’s Lake is the main fishing lake at Watermead Country Park. Day fishing is permitted, with ordinary day-ticket fishing available during daytime hours.
The official information doesn’t publish the lake’s size, fish species or stock details, so there’s no bob-on species-led approach to promise. Check with on-site staff when buying your ticket and keep things adaptable.
Lake photographs
A look around King Lear’s Lake
Watermead Country Park Lakes
King Lear’s Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s King Lear’s Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers wanting a daytime day-ticket session close to Leicester
- Season-ticket holders wanting access under the council’s season-ticket conditions
Maybe not for
- Anyone chasing a venue with published species, stock or current day-ticket details
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish King Lear’s Lake
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
King Lear’s Lake FAQs
Can I fish King Lear’s Lake on a day ticket?
Yes. Day fishing is permitted, and day tickets are available from on-site staff on the bank.
Can I fish at night?
Season-ticket holders may fish at night under the council’s season-ticket conditions; ordinary day-ticket fishing is daytime only.
What's the lake record on King Lear’s Lake?
The fishery hasn't published a record for King Lear’s Lake that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in King Lear’s Lake?
carp.
How big is King Lear’s Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The main fishing lake at Watermead, with daytime day-ticket fishing and season-ticket access..
Which baits work well on King Lear’s Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for King Lear’s Lake 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: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does King Lear’s Lake get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on King Lear’s Lake?
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 Watermead Country Park Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on King Lear’s Lake?
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.
Is night fishing allowed on King Lear’s Lake?
Yes, it's required — Season-ticket holders may fish at night under the council’s season-ticket conditions.
Who does King Lear’s Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers wanting a daytime day-ticket session close to Leicester; Season-ticket holders wanting access under the council’s season-ticket conditions. Less suited to: Anyone chasing a venue with published species, stock or current day-ticket details.
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
Day ticket · turn up
Lily Pond: an officially named watermead fishing water offering daytime day-ticket fishing.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
The Lily Pond is the other officially named fishing water at Watermead Country Park. Day fishing is permitted, subject to the park and fishery ticket arrangements.
Fish-stock, species and size details aren’t published in the checked information. Best bet is to ask on-site staff for the latest practical steer before setting up.
Lake photographs
A look around Lily Pond
Watermead Country Park Lakes
Lily Pond
We’re checking the fishery’s Lily Pond pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Short daytime sessions using the ordinary day-ticket arrangement
- Anglers happy to fish a venue without a published species breakdown
Maybe not for
- Anglers needing confirmed species or stock information before choosing tackle
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Lily Pond
carp
Light baiting tight to the lily beds
Carp patrol the lily beds on most venues. A handful of bait right on the edge often beats a heavy bed in open water, especially later in the day.
- Walk the bank first and look for bubbling, swirls or coloured water by the cover.
- Bait two or three spots with a few handfuls of chopped and whole boilies.
- Lower or flick the rig in quietly and back your line off with a back lead.
- Keep the drag set tight-ish — fish hooked by cover need turning quickly.
carp
Solid PVA bag over the snaggy bits
With the lily beds and a busy bottom, a solid bag keeps the hook point masked on the drop and sat neatly in a little pile of bait however rough the lakebed is.
- Tie a short, stiff hooklink (4–6in) so it packs into the bag without kinking.
- Fill the bag with a damp crumb mix and pack it tight — loose bags spill on the cast.
- Nick a wafter or small pop-up on the hair so it settles over the mix, not under it.
- Cast a few yards short of the feature, recast every couple of hours with a fresh bag.
Lily Pond FAQs
Is day fishing allowed on the Lily Pond?
Yes. Day fishing is permitted on the Lily Pond.
Are species listed for the Lily Pond?
No. Official fish-stock and species details are not published.
What's the lake record on Lily Pond?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Lily Pond that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in Lily Pond?
carp.
How big is Lily Pond and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. An officially named Watermead fishing water offering daytime day-ticket fishing..
Which baits work well on Lily Pond?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Lily Pond 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: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Lily Pond get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Lily Pond?
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 Watermead Country Park Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Lily Pond?
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 Lily Pond on a day ticket?
Yes — Lily Pond is on the day ticket. Tickets: Adult season ticket for anglers over 16 £55; Junior day/season option for under-16 anglers £35; Concession day/season option for senior citizens and Blue Badge holders £35; Family ticket for two adults and up to three children under 16 £110; Optional car-park access card £20; Car parking up to 1 hour £2.50; Car parking up to 2 hours £4; Car parking up to 3 hours £5; Car parking over 3 hours £5.50 (last checked 2026-10-10).
Is night fishing allowed on Lily Pond?
Yes, it's required — Season-ticket holders may fish at night under the council’s season-ticket conditions.
Who does Lily Pond suit?
Good for: Short daytime sessions using the ordinary day-ticket arrangement; Anglers happy to fish a venue without a published species breakdown. Less suited to: Anglers needing confirmed species or stock information before choosing tackle.
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
- Yes
Is daytime day-ticket fishing allowed?
Ordinary day-ticket fishing is permitted during daytime hours on King Lear’s Lake and the Lily Pond.
- Yes
Is a season permit available?
Season permits cover the fishing season from 1 July to 31 March.
- Must
Can season-ticket holders fish at night?
Season-ticket holders may fish at night under the council’s season-ticket conditions.
- No
Is a separate Watermead night-fishing ticket published?
The official information does not publish a separate Watermead night-fishing ticket.
- Must
Are children on a family ticket required to fish with an adult?
Children fishing on a family ticket must be accompanied by an adult.
- No
Can dogs swim in the lakes or ponds?
Swimming is prohibited in the lakes and ponds, including for dogs.
- No
Are barbecues or flame cookers allowed?
Barbecues and flame cookers are not allowed in the country park.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 10 October 2026. Rules change — always check with the fishery before you go.
Rules and prices change through the season. Follow and we'll flag changes the fishery or other anglers report.
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.
King Lear’s Lake
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
Lily Pond
carp
Light baiting tight to the lily beds
Carp patrol the lily beds on most venues. A handful of bait right on the edge often beats a heavy bed in open water, especially later in the day.
- Walk the bank first and look for bubbling, swirls or coloured water by the cover.
- Bait two or three spots with a few handfuls of chopped and whole boilies.
- Lower or flick the rig in quietly and back your line off with a back lead.
- Keep the drag set tight-ish — fish hooked by cover need turning quickly.
carp
Solid PVA bag over the snaggy bits
With the lily beds and a busy bottom, a solid bag keeps the hook point masked on the drop and sat neatly in a little pile of bait however rough the lakebed is.
- Tie a short, stiff hooklink (4–6in) so it packs into the bag without kinking.
- Fill the bag with a damp crumb mix and pack it tight — loose bags spill on the cast.
- Nick a wafter or small pop-up on the hair so it settles over the mix, not under it.
- Cast a few yards short of the feature, recast every couple of hours with a fresh bag.
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: Two officially named fishing waters are available, but no species or stock details are published.
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 — “Watermead Country Park gives you two officially named day-ticket fishing waters — King Lear’s Lake and the Lily Pond — just north-east of Leicester. It’s a handy park venue with daytime fishing, season-ticket options and decent family facilities, though fish species and current day-ticket prices aren’t published.”
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 Watermead Country Park Lakes
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