Fishery guide · Staffordshire
Blithfield Reservoir
Blithfield is a proper big-water trout venue near Abbots Bromley, with bank fishing, powered boats and two connected lake sections. Blithfield Anglers confirms it will remain open until its announced closure on 30 November 2026.
“7.1/10 — A substantial trout fly fishery with contrasting shallow and deeper sections offers a strong big-water proposition.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Fancy a proper reservoir session rather than a few casts round a little pool? Blithfield Reservoir, near Abbots Bromley in Staffordshire, has the scale for it. Blithfield Anglers runs the trout fishery, with rainbow and brown trout listed and more than 11 miles of bank fishing advertised.
- 2 lakes: North Lake, South Lake
- Fish: trout
- Tickets from: Adult day permit — £30
- Find it: Rugeley · WS15 3DU
Plan your session
Fishery map of Blithfield Reservoir
Pick a pin or venue to see live bank-side conditions.
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Photos courtesy of William Hook. See the originals. Catch dates not confirmed.
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Which lake suits you?
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The full rundown on Blithfield Reservoir
Fancy a proper reservoir session rather than a few casts round a little pool? Blithfield Reservoir, near Abbots Bromley in Staffordshire, has the scale for it. Blithfield Anglers runs the trout fishery, with rainbow and brown trout listed and more than 11 miles of bank fishing advertised. Bank or boat, that’s the main choice here — but this is a fly-fishing venue, not somewhere to turn up with whatever tackle happens to be in the boot.
The water is split into North Lake and South Lake, connected beneath the B5013 causeway. North Lake is shallower and has restricted bank angling; South Lake is deeper and open to all permitted anglers during the season. That distinction matters when choosing where to head. North Lake is reserved for season-permit holders until the end of April, so a day permit doesn’t give you the run of both sections straight from the start.
There’s one wrinkle with the size: the homepage says 790 acres, while the facilities page says 754 acres. Both figures come from the operator, and the difference remains unresolved. Either way, this is big-water fishing rather than a compact pond. The useful detail for planning is the contrast between the shallower northern section and deeper southern section, alongside the choice of bank fishing or hiring a boat to get afloat.
The permit options cover a full day, a shorter four-hour session and junior fishing, with season permits available too. Day permits combine a retained-fish allowance with unlimited catch-and-release, but barbless hooks are required for the latter. Buy your permit before starting. You can book and pay ahead through Catch, then collect your permit and return form on arrival — a handy way to get that bit sorted before thinking about the fishing.
Powered boats are available, along with a wheelchair-accessible WheelyBoat. Boat hire costs extra, and reservations are taken by phone during the weekday morning booking window. For permits bought at the venue, use the Angling Office on weekday mornings and the Boat House bailiffs afterwards or at weekends. Junior anglers aged 16 or under need responsible-adult supervision, while under-10s fish free. That gives families a clear starting point without guessing about junior arrangements.
Keep the method rules firmly in mind: ordinary fishing is trout fly fishing only, with coarse fishing, bait fishing and spinning prohibited. Pike and perch fishing needs separate arrangements through Staffordshire Predator Group. The fishery opens at 08:00 daily during the season, but check directly for closing time and any night-fishing permission. Finally, don’t overlook the announced closure on 30 November 2026. For directions, the office is on Waters Road, Abbots Bromley, WS15 3DU; an approximate reservoir map pin isn’t the entrance.
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.
Blithfield Reservoir FAQs
Where is Blithfield Reservoir, and which address should I use?
The fishery is near Abbots Bromley, Staffordshire. The Angling Office address is Waters Road, Abbots Bromley, WS15 3DU. The supplied reservoir coordinates are approximate, not an entrance location.
How do I buy a permit or reserve a boat?
Permits are sold at the Angling Office Monday–Friday, 08:00–12:00; afterwards and at weekends, use the Boat House bailiffs. Advance booking and payment are available through Catch. Reserve boats by calling the fishery Monday–Friday, 08:00–12:00.
How big is the reservoir?
The operator’s homepage gives 790 acres, while its facilities page gives 754 acres. That discrepancy is unresolved, and separate acreages for North Lake and South Lake are not published.
Is the fishery closing?
Yes. Blithfield Anglers confirms continued opening until its announced closure on 30 November 2026.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Blithfield Reservoir. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Rugeley.
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?
The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off. Bring a barrow in case it's a walk.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
WS15 3DU.
How much is a ticket?
Adult day permit: £30; Four-hour permit: £20; Junior permit: £12; Single full-season permit: £695; Joint full-season permit: £1,300; Pro-rata permits: £360 for 12 weeks; Day/guest boat hire: £16 for four hours or £24 all day; Season-permit boat hire: £12 for four hours or £20 all 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?
Day tickets are available on North Lake, South Lake. 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 trout. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
2 — North Lake (Not published), South Lake (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
It depends — Night-fishing permission and daily closing time are not specified; confirm directly before planning a late session.
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?
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?
Yes, it's required — Unlimited catch-and-release requires barbless hooks.
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 wheelchair-accessible wheelyboat. 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.
Day ticket · turn up
North Lake: the shallower section, with early-season access restrictions
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- trout
North Lake is the shallower of Blithfield’s two connected sections. It joins South Lake beneath the B5013 causeway, but bank angling here is restricted — don’t assume the whole shoreline is available.
Until the end of April, this section is reserved for season-permit holders. Day-ticket anglers need to keep that restriction in mind and check the permitted bank areas before settling in.
Lake photographs
A look around North Lake
Blithfield Reservoir
North Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s North Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Season-permit holders wanting early-season North Lake access
- Fly anglers interested in the reservoir’s shallower section
Maybe not for
- Day-ticket anglers visiting before the end of April
- Anyone expecting unrestricted bank access
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish North Lake
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.
North Lake FAQs
Can day-ticket anglers fish North Lake early in the season?
North Lake is reserved for season-permit holders until the end of April.
Is all of the North Lake bank open for fishing?
No. Bank angling is restricted, so check the permitted areas with the fishery.
What's the lake record on North Lake?
The fishery hasn't published a record for North 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 North Lake?
trout.
How big is North Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The shallower section, with early-season access restrictions.
Which baits work well on North Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for North 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 North 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 North 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 Blithfield Reservoir before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on North 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.
Can I fish North Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — North Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Adult day permit £30; Four-hour permit £20; Junior permit £12; Single full-season permit £695; Joint full-season permit £1,300; Pro-rata permits £360 for 12 weeks; Day/guest boat hire £16 for four hours or £24 all day; Season-permit boat hire £12 for four hours or £20 all day (last checked 2026-10-03).
Is night fishing allowed on North Lake?
It depends — Night-fishing permission and daily closing time are not specified; confirm directly before planning a late session.
Who does North Lake suit?
Good for: Season-permit holders wanting early-season North Lake access; Fly anglers interested in the reservoir’s shallower section. Less suited to: Day-ticket anglers visiting before the end of April; Anyone expecting unrestricted bank access.
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
South Lake: deeper water, open to all permitted anglers during the season
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- trout
South Lake is Blithfield’s deeper section and is open to all permitted anglers during the season. For day-ticket visitors coming while North Lake is reserved for season-permit holders, this is the section to have in mind.
It connects with North Lake beneath the B5013 causeway. Ordinary fishing remains trout fly fishing only, so being on the southern side doesn’t change the tackle rules.
Lake photographs
A look around South Lake
Blithfield Reservoir
South Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s South Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Day-ticket trout fly anglers
- Anglers looking for the reservoir’s deeper section
Maybe not for
- Coarse anglers or anyone wanting to fish bait
- Anyone after a small, compact pool
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish South Lake
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. This lake has some depth, so start deep with a sinking line and work up.
- 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.
South Lake FAQs
Who can fish South Lake?
South Lake is open to all permitted anglers during the season.
Which section is deeper?
South Lake is deeper than North Lake; individual depths are not published in the supplied details.
What's the lake record on South Lake?
The fishery hasn't published a record for South 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 South Lake?
trout.
How big is South Lake and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. Deeper water, open to all permitted anglers during the season.
Which baits work well on South Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for South 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 South 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 South 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 Blithfield Reservoir before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on South 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.
Can I fish South Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — South Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Adult day permit £30; Four-hour permit £20; Junior permit £12; Single full-season permit £695; Joint full-season permit £1,300; Pro-rata permits £360 for 12 weeks; Day/guest boat hire £16 for four hours or £24 all day; Season-permit boat hire £12 for four hours or £20 all day (last checked 2026-10-03).
Is night fishing allowed on South Lake?
It depends — Night-fishing permission and daily closing time are not specified; confirm directly before planning a late session.
Who does South Lake suit?
Good for: Day-ticket trout fly anglers; Anglers looking for the reservoir’s deeper section. Less suited to: Coarse anglers or anyone wanting to fish bait; Anyone after a small, compact pool.
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
- Must
Must I buy a permit before fishing?
Buy your permit before starting. If you book through Catch, collect the permit and return form on arrival.
- No
Can I coarse fish, bait fish or spin on an ordinary permit?
Ordinary fishing is trout fly fishing only. Coarse fishing, bait fishing and spinning are prohibited.
- Must
Are barbless hooks required for unlimited catch-and-release?
Unlimited catch-and-release requires barbless hooks.
- Only if
Can I fish for pike and perch?
Pike and perch fishing is restricted to arrangements through Staffordshire Predator Group.
- Seasonal
Can day-ticket anglers use North Lake throughout the season?
North Lake is reserved for season-permit holders until the end of April. Bank angling there is also restricted.
- Must
Do junior anglers need supervision?
Junior anglers aged 16 or under require responsible-adult supervision. Under-10s fish free.
- Yes
Can I retain trout?
Adult day permits allow four retained fish; four-hour and junior permits allow two. Season permits allow six per visit, subject to weekly and annual quotas.
- Only if
Is night fishing allowed?
Night-fishing permission and daily closing time are not specified; confirm directly before planning a late session.
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.
North Lake
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.
South Lake
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. This lake has some depth, so start deep with a sinking line and work up.
- 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.
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
7.1/10 from Tackle Index: A substantial trout fly fishery with contrasting shallow and deeper sections offers a strong big-water proposition.
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 — “Blithfield is a proper big-water trout venue near Abbots Bromley, with bank fishing, powered boats and two connected lake sections. Blithfield Anglers confirms it will remain open until its announced closure on 30 November 2026.”
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 Blithfield Reservoir
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