Fishing at Ardingly Reservoir

Mid Sussex Angling (the combination of Haywards Heath & District Angling Society (HHDAS) and Copthorne & District Angling Society (CDAS) look after the fishing rights at Ardingly Reservoir.

Day tickets are can be purchased online via Mid Sussex Anglings website. Memberships are also available.

Day Tickets

Coarse Fishing: 1st June – 31st May (7am – 7pm)

Pike Fishing: October – April (8:30am – 7pm)

Tickets: £15

Please note: all fish must be returned to the water.

History of Fishing at Ardingly Reservoir

Ardingly Reservoir is a 198-acre drinking supply reservoir, completed and filled in 1978. It was initially managed as a trout fishery for the first 10 years and has since become a popular coarse fishery. While it’s long been famous for its excellent pike fishing, many anglers are pleasantly surprised by the quality of the coarse fishing once they give it a try.

Despite its size, Ardingly Reservoir is far from a difficult water. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned match angler, you’ll find the fishing both accessible and rewarding. For those who find the main body of water a little overwhelming, the Balcombe Arm – measuring up to 95 metres wide – offers a more manageable and equally productive starting point.

Whatever your style of fishing – pleasure, match or specimen – you’ll find plenty to enjoy at Ardingly.

Species present: Roach, Rudd, Carp, Tench, Bream, Pike, Eels, Gudgeon and Perch.

Fishing is not permitted from any of the following:

1. Activity Centre jetties
2. The Dam Wall
3. The Balcombe Estate Bank
4. The Causeway Road Bridge