Worsbrough Mill Fishery

Worsbrough Reservoir, also known as Worsbrough Mill Fishery, sits beside Worsbrough Mill Country Park near Barnsley in South Yorkshire. It’s a proper stillwater coarse venue, covering approximately 24 hectares — about 60 acres in old money. That’s a fair lump of water, so finding the fish and picking a sensible swim will be a big part of the day.

• 1 lake: Worsbrough Reservoir
• Fish: carp, bream, roach, perch, pike
• Tickets from: Adult day ticket — £6
• Find it: Barnsley · S70 5LL

Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.

Worsbrough Reservoir, also known as Worsbrough Mill Fishery, sits beside Worsbrough Mill Country Park near Barnsley in South Yorkshire. It’s a proper stillwater coarse venue, covering approximately 24 hectares — about 60 acres in old money. That’s a fair lump of water, so finding the fish and picking a sensible swim will be a big part of the day.

Fishing is controlled by Barnsley and District Amalgamated Angling Society, and the reservoir is used for everyday coarse fishing as well as angling matches. It’s the sort of place where a bit of watercraft should pay off. Have a look for signs of fish, watch what’s happening in the margins and don’t be afraid to spend a few minutes studying the swim before getting the kit out.

There’s a decent mix of fish to go at, too. Carp are present, including substantial stocked carp, while bream, roach, perch and pike are also in the reservoir. Carp anglers can think about patrol routes and the margins, while lighter tackle gives you options if the roach, perch or bream are on the munch. If pike are your target, make sure your plan fits the venue rules before you start.

Fishing platforms and accessible pegs are available, which is handy on a water of this size. Standard fishing is available from dawn until dusk, with an adult day ticket priced at £6. An additional rod permit is reported to be available, while annual membership is listed at £50 for adults, £30 for OAP or disabled anglers and £30 for juniors up to age 16. Children under 12 are reported as free on the annual permit information. An Environment Agency rod licence is also needed where applicable.

There are a few rules to get nailed before you clip up. Barbless hooks are required, with micro-barbed hooks no larger than size 16 reportedly allowed from October to March. Keepnets are prohibited except for recognised matches, and landing nets must be dry for at least 30 minutes before use. Livebait for pike and floating baits are prohibited. Fish should be returned safely and quickly, and dogs aren’t permitted at the fishing venue.

The wider country park has toilets, a cafe, shop and play area, with parking near the fishing pegs via the pay-and-display car park. Standard fishing is daylight only, so night fishing isn’t included on the normal ticket. Limited night carp fishing needs a separate permit from the bailiff, with Mark Trimnell listed as the night-fishing contact. Before travelling, check the latest fishing position with BDAAS, including access after reservoir improvement works, day-ticket arrangements and any night permit details. Pack the usual sensible bits — dry landing gear, suitable unhooking kit and bait for a couple of approaches — then take your time and build the swim properly.

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

• Our read

  Checked Sept '26 — “Worsbrough Mill Fishery is a sizeable mixed coarse reservoir near Barnsley, with substantial stocked carp alongside bream, roach, perch and pike. It offers straightforward daylight fishing, accessible pegs and match use, with separate permission needed for limited night carp fishing.”

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.