Colchester Borough Council is monitoring the situation closely and will continue to take action to minimise disruption and keep residents and visitors safe.
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The lake in the country park has an excellent reputation as a coarse fishery. It contains roach, tench, gudgeon and carp (the largest carp caught over the last couple of years that we have proof of was 23lb).
Fishing is allowed between 7.30 am and 9 pm (or dusk if that is earlier) during the fishing season from 16 June to 15 March. You will need a permit to fish - either a day permit or a season permit. To prevent over-fishing we limit the number of people who are allowed to fish by selling only 120 season permits a year and only 6 day permits a day.
Please note that children 13-16 years need to obtain a Junior Rod Licence and Permit, if fishing. GOV.UK provide further information about Rod Fishing Licences.
Environment Agency Rod Licence rules and local rules apply. Please note that we run a closed season from 15 March to 15 June inclusive for both season and day permit holders.
Access may be difficult for people with reduced mobility as the lake is some distance from surfaced paths. If you have mobility problems and still want to fish, please talk to the staff on site who may be able to help (01206 853588).
All anglers must follow the Highwoods Country Park Fishing Rules.
Season permits are available to purchase online for new and existing customers.
Only 120 season permits are issued each season.
Buy a season permit
Car parking permits for season Fishing Permit holders can be obtained via the application form above.
Day permits are available to purchase online for new and existing customers.
A maximum of six day tickets are issued per day.
Buy a day permit
Parking is available free of charge at Chanterelle car park, on the Highwoods estate, off the A1232.
Alternatively, you can Pay & Display at Highwoods Country Park car park, off Turner Road.
If you are using the Turner Road Highwoods Country Park car park, failure to purchase a parking ticket during your stay is a contravention of the car park regulations, as is use of the parking ticket at any time other than when you are fishing in the country park, and is likely to result in the issue of a penalty charge notice.
