Fishing in parks
Fishing is a free activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. We encourage responsible anglers and there are several bodies of water in the city where you can fish for free providing you have the appropriate rod licence.
All persons over the age of 12 must have a rod licence issued by the Environment Agency. This can be purchased from any Post Office, or online from the Environment Agency. Please report problems with fish, fishing, ponds or rivers to the Environment Agency on 0800 807 060.
Under 12s do not require a licence however if the Bailiff catches a parent holding the rod, the parent may be liable to receive a fine.
The statutory Environment Agency coarse fishing closed season runs from 15 March to 15 June inclusive and applies to the Ornamental Lake on Southampton Common. This is because it is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and the River Itchen above Woodmill. We ask fishermen to observe the closed season on all other city waters as good practice to allow fish stocks to replenish.
Fishing for Salmon, Sea Trout and Brown Trout is covered by different closed seasons. The city council owns the right to this and can issue permits to allow game fishing, although currently chooses not to. For enquiries about Salmon and Sea Trout, please phone Woodmill Activity Centre on 023 8091 5746. Please note, a different Environment Agency licence is also required.
Remember to pick up and take away discarded line and tackle as they are a hazard to water-fowl and aquatic life and do not bio-degrade.
Where can I fish?
Cromarty Pond
Lordshill (nearby postcode - SO16 8BU). North of the Lordshill Sainsbury’s roundabout. Follow the signs to Rownhams and turn left along Cromarty Road.
There are several wooden platforms that mark the swims and a concrete hardstanding for wheelchairs. Access is along approximately 25m of gravel path from the side of the road.
Main fish are rudd, carp and tench. Large carp have been reported.
Mansbridge Reservoir
Nearby post code SO18 2NH. Located off the A27 between Swaythling and Mansbridge near Stoneham Cemetery entrance. Access from the car park to the side of the cottages on the bend of the A27.
Approximately ten swims accessible from the gravel path that runs from the car park and borders the lake. Please avoid fishing the northwest corner as this is a conservation area.
Main fish are carp, rudd and pike with reports of bream and large tench.
Millers Pond
(nearby postcode SO19 9BG) Access is from the bottom of Spring Road just before the railway bridge. A map detailing the fishing area is located near the entrance. Several swims are accessed via steps down the bank but there are two accessible swims near the entrance.
Main fish are tench, rudd and carp
Ornamental Lake on Southampton Common
Nearby postcode SO15 7NU. Nearest access is from Hill Lane opposite Bellemoor Road. The lake is approximately 300m up the tarmac path to the north. There are fishing platforms on the southern side of the lake which are accessible along a gravel path. Please do not fish from the north bank. This lake is aimed at junior fishing so there are large numbers of smaller species, especially rudd.
Please note: The Ornamental Lake is part of the SSSI and therefore the closed season must be observed. Fishing is not permitted between 15 March and 15 June inclusive.
River Itchen
Riverside Park Bank,(nearby postcode SO18 2JR) between Woodmill and the White Swan Public House.
This is not suitable for fly fishing due to the proximity to the public footpath.
Main fish are chub, roach, pike and perch with occasional grayling.
Please note: Fishing is not permitted during the closed season, 15 March and 15 June inclusive.
Shirley (Icehouse) Pond
Nearby postcode SO16 6AA, off Warren Avenue, Shirley.
There are several wooden platforms marking the swims although many are down the bank and reached via several steps. The bank is less steep at the far end (Romsey Road) and access is via the gravel paths either side of the lake.
Main fish are carp and rudd with some tench.
Fishing in tidal waters
You can fish for free at the following locations. You do not need a licence for sea fishing.
- Weston Shore
- Small foreshore at Woolston
- Vespasian Road, Bitterne Manor
- Between Woodmill and Cobden Bridge – if you are fishing for migratory/coarse fish you will need a licence
