Barnwell Country Park

About Barnwell Country Park

Barnwell Country Park provides coarse fishing on two former gravel pits, North Lake and Mill Lake, together with one kilometre of a moderate-flowing River Nene side channel known as the Backwater. From 1 April 2026 all fishing is restricted to season permit holders and no day tickets are issued. The council makes 70 permits available on a first-come, first-served basis, covering 12 months of day and night fishing on both lakes and the river, subject to the applicable closed season. The lakes hold a natural head of coarse fish, including tench, large numbers of rudd, bream, roach, perch, eels and occasional carp over 20lb. Pike and chub are also present, and a small number of crucian carp have been stocked in Mill Lake. The lakes are open to fishing throughout the year, while the statutory river closed season applies from 15 March to 15 June inclusive. Night fishing is allowed for a maximum of two nights per session. The park has parking, toilets and surfaced paths, plus two wheelchair-accessible swims on each lake and four additional platforms on North Lake. Anglers must carry their season permit and rod licence and should review the current rules, predator season, fish-care requirements and parking arrangements before visiting.