The Lakes and River

The three lakes, Riverside Lake, Kings Lake and Osprey Lake, were created from former gravel extraction sites and carefully landscaped to blend naturally into the surrounding parkland. Fed by springs, they benefit from clean, well-oxygenated water, providing an excellent environment for trout.

Apart from Kings Lake, they are regularly stocked with quality rainbow and brown trout, offering varied and rewarding sport throughout the season.

Riverside Lake

Approximately 6 acres and fishable around its entire bank with currently four platforms, Riverside Lake is stocked with both rainbow and brown trout. Its accessibility and open water allow anglers to cover fish confidently using a range of tactics.

Set within the wider surroundings of Panshanger Park, the lake offers a peaceful and scenic setting, with wildlife and natural features enhancing the overall angling experience. As one of the club’s most versatile waters, Riverside suits both roving anglers and those preferring a more settled approach, making it a popular choice for members of all abilities.

Osprey Lake

The largest water at approximately 15 acres, Osprey Lake is stocked with rainbow and brown trout. Set within the environs of a nature reserve, fishing is permitted along the whole of the Western bank and roughly half of the Northern and Southern banks. There is a platform on the Southern bank. Its size allows anglers to explore water and adjust approach throughout the day.

With its more open, windswept nature, Osprey often rewards those willing to stay mobile and read the conditions, particularly wind direction and light levels. The presence of the island and adjacent sanctuary areas also creates natural holding features for fish, making it a thoughtful and rewarding water for anglers who enjoy adapting their tactics.

Kings Lake

At around 5 acres, Kings Lake is no longer stocked though some fish including Rudd remain. Fishing is restricted to the southern bank (no fishing permitted along the roadside), preserving the lake’s quiet character. Two purpose-built platforms provide stable casting positions. This lake rewards thoughtful presentation and patience.

The River Mimram

Flowing through the park is the River Mimram, one of England’s rare and iconic chalk streams. Fishing extends for approximately half a mile, from its exit at the eastern boundary of the park upstream to the weir near the bridge between Riverside and Kings Lakes. Then beyond to a fourth beat east of Pans lake.

Crystal clear and gravel-bottomed, the river supports a precious head of wild brown trout and grayling. Chalk streams are globally scarce, and the Mimram exemplifies their delicate ecology, steady flows, clean gravels, rich weed growth, and abundant insect life. River fishing here is traditional and rewarding: careful wading, accurate casting and respect for wild fish are essential.

River Close Seasons

Brown trout
1st October – 31st March

Grayling
15th March – 15th June

These protections ensure the continued health of the river’s wild stocks.

Catch Policy & Fish Welfare

Catch limits for trout are set out clearly in the Club Rule Book, including the number of rainbow trout that may be taken for the table.

All brown trout in the lakes must be returned alive.

All brown trout and grayling from the River Mimram must be returned alive.

Fish welfare is paramount. Anglers must handle fish with care, wet hands, minimise air exposure and allow sufficient recovery time in the shallows before release. Responsible stewardship ensures the long-term quality of the fishery. We will als call a halt to fishing if water temperature rises too high in warmer months.

Facilities

Lodges situated near Riverside Lake and Osprey Lake provide welcome shelter from the worst of the weather, allowing members to fish comfortably throughout the season without disturbing the natural character of the surroundings.

Wildlife & Environment

Panshanger Park is an invaluable sanctuary for wildlife. Anglers regularly encounter:

  • Kingfishers flashing along the riverbanks
  • Great crested grebes and coots on the lakes
  • Barn owls and buzzards overhead
  • Herons, little grebes, and waterfowl
  • Foxes and deer moving quietly through the parkland

All who visit are expected to behave in a manner that has negligible impact on the environment. Particular care and vigilance are required around Osprey Lake, which lies partially within a protected nature reserve.

Membership Enquiries

Panshanger Anglers is a small club with limited membership, ensuring uncrowded fishing and careful stewardship of the fishery.

Anyone wishing to join should complete the form on the Membership Application page.

Whether you are drawn by the heritage landscape, the challenge of chalk stream, or the quiet pleasure of fly fishing in beautiful surroundings, Panshanger Park offers a truly special angling experience.