Fishing
In short: Bainside is a 1.75-acre coarse fishing lake at Kirkby on Bain, five minutes from Woodhall Spa. Day tickets are £10 per angler from 8am, there are around 30 level-access pegs, and the lake holds carp to the mid-thirties, grass carp into the low twenties and bream to 12lb. Anyone fishing who is 13 or over needs a rod fishing licence.
Stunning 1.75 Acre Lake
Alongside the carp and bream, the lake holds tench, perch, chub, barbel, ide, F1s, roach, rudd and crucians. Well-behaved dogs are welcome around the lake on a short lead.
Anglers staying over can book one of our lakeside glamping pods, each with its own private fishing peg, or a touring pitch on the adults-only campsite, which also welcomes day visitors. For a rest day, see our guide to days out near Woodhall Spa.
Coming for the day? Our day ticket guide covers what to bring, the rod licence and the main rules.
Fishing Rules
Fishing on site: day fishing is from 8am at a charge of £10.
General
- All nets must be dipped, including keep nets, landing nets, net bags and unhooking mats, then dried in UV light on the bank for 20 minutes before they go into the water.
- Unhooking mats must be used at all times when fishing for the larger fish.
- Barbless hooks only, to a maximum of size 6.
- No fish to be removed from the site. All fish to be returned to the water alive.
- Please fish only from behind the recognised pegs, and make sure you are not fishing in a manner that will damage the banks.
- No fishing within or over the water lily or reed beds.
- Baited rods should not be left unattended and should be within reach at all times.
- Maximum 35lb line, with safety leaders and hook lengths to be used at all times.
- All rubbish to be placed in the bins provided.
- Maximum 2 rods per person.
- Carp anglers should be aware that there are other species in this lake that will take a carp bait. Care must be taken when rigging and playing a fish so that it is not damaged or unduly stressed.
- Fish aid spray is required by all who are fishing.
- Dogs to be kept on leads while around the lake and on site.
Baits
- No floating baits whatsoever. Baits must be presented at least 10 inches below the surface.
- No bait boats.
- No discarded bait in the water or on the bank during or after the session.
- No spinning, and no live or dead baiting.
- No whole nut baits. Commercial nut-based baits may be allowed, but please ask before using.
Persons enter at their own risk, and Bainside Coarse Fishery does not accept any liability for loss, theft or injury. Anyone may be asked to leave.
We reserve the right to refuse access.
Tips
The lake fishes well on most baits, with bread and sweetcorn generally best for mixed bags: everything including the carp will take it. Pellet and maggot do well for the smaller fish, and the larger carp take most baits but do like bread and paste bait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish at Bainside for the day without staying?
Yes. Day fishing runs from 8am at £10 per angler. Get in touch before you travel if you would like us to confirm there is a peg free.
What fish are stocked in the lake?
Carp to the mid-thirties and grass carp into the low twenties, plus bream to 12lb, tench, perch, chub, barbel, ide, F1s, roach, rudd and crucian carp, in a 1.75-acre lake.
Are dogs allowed around the lake?
Yes. Well-behaved dogs are welcome around the lake and on site, but must be kept on a short lead at all times.
How many pegs are there, and is access easy?
The lake is level with easy access to all pegs, and there are around 30 pegs to fish from.
What tackle and bait rules apply?
Barbless hooks only to size 6, maximum two rods per person, maximum 35lb line, unhooking mats and fish aid spray required, and all nets must be dipped and dried in UV light for 20 minutes before use. No floating baits, no bait boats, no spinning and no live or dead baiting. All fish are returned to the water alive.
Do I need a rod licence to fish at Bainside?
Yes, if you are 13 or over. A rod fishing licence is needed to fish in England, including on private lakes like ours, and you can buy one online from GOV.UK.
Next step: stay on the bank
Each of our glamping pods has its own private peg, the holiday let is a few steps from the water, and all our prices are on one page. Day anglers: see the day ticket guide.
What to Do at Bainside
Pitches from £25, glamping pods with their own fishing peg from £70, a holiday let sleeping four from £90, and a 1.75-acre lake for day tickets. All adults only, five minutes from Woodhall Spa.
