New Forest fishing
- requirements for Hatchet and Janesmoor Ponds
Some relaxing New Forest fishing can be enjoyed on two Forestry Commission managed ponds, Hatchet Pond on the outskirts of Beaulieu and Janesmoor Pond at Stoney Cross. The latter, however, has been designated a fishing place for under 17 year olds only and no permit is required, although the national Environment Agency Rod License is.
Children can of course be accompanied by an adult, but no adults can fish there otherwise.
For Hatchet Pond, day week or season tickets can be purchased from various outlets around the New Forest National Park, including most of the local fishing shops. The Forestry Commission offices at Queen's House in Lyndhurst is the best place to buy them from, or find out exactly where they are being sold. The contact details are:
Forestry Commission
Queen's House
Lyndhurst
Tel: 02380 283141
Fax: 02380 283929
E-mail: enquiries.new.forest@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
While the Janesmoor Pond stock is limited (carp, tench, roach and rudd), Hatchet Pond enjoys a wider selection (including pike and perch) and larger fish.
New Forest Fishing Code
The Forestry Commission has implemented this Code of Conduct for anglers, which should be followed when fishing at either pond, particularly Hatchet:
- Use barbless hooks only
- Obtain a permit prior to fishing
- No surface floating baits to be used
- Anglers may fish from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset
- Use a landing net and unhooking mat when handling caught fish
- Only dead marine bait should be used when pike fishing
- No keep nets or lead weights
- Boilies may be used in moderation
- Fish live in water - please put them back immediately
- The use of radio control boats is not permitted
- Retrieve broken casts as they may cause injury to wildlife
- Take all litter home, including bait and tackle
- Park with consideration to other users. Leave spaces overlooking the pond for disabled users or those wishing to admire the view
In addition to these two Forestry Commission managed New Forest fishing locations, there are several privately owned fisheries in and around the National Park, and plenty of coastline for free sea fishing.
By far the largest private fishery in the area is Broadlands Lake (www.broadlands-lake.co.uk) for coarse fishing, while Leominstead Trout Fishery (tel. 02380 282610) offers some rural fly fishing at Emery Down, just outside Lyndhurst, in the very heart of the New Forest.
