Lake information - rules & restrictions - access and parking

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Tumbling Bay Lake – Ware

Tumbling bay lake is a large 17+ acre mature lake set within the quiet surroundings of a 23 acre private country park with depths up to 30 feet. The lake is located between Ware and Hardmead, positioned between the Old River Lea and the River Lea Navigation.

Being a vast area of water the stock levels are relatively unknown, with reports of large Carp and Pike being caught throughout the years.The lake itself has many features from islands to gravel bars and silt beds along with a number of fishy snags and various other underwater features. The fishing is by no means easy, but adopt the correct method and at the right time and place you can have some big hits.

It is an all the year round fishery and night fishing with some restrictions is permitted. With over 30+ natural secluded and spacious swims available that are fished on a first come first serve basis there is plenty of room for everyone enjoy.

ALONG WITH THE HELP AND HARD WORK OF WARE ANGLING CLUB who's members also fish this water, PLANS ARE IN PLACE FOR FISH STOCKING, SWIM IMPROVEMENTS, BETTER ACCESS AND MUCH MORE, WE WILL CONTINUE TO WORK HARD TO ENHANCE THIS BEAUTIFUL HIDDEN AND UP UNTILL NOW SECRET FISHING LAKE. 

Waters are regularly bailiffed. 

• TOP TIP : Pack light this is a large adventurous water to navigate around with lots of water to view and strategise over so give yourself plenty of time to pick your swim 

 **Recent Fish Stocking**

In 2024 & 2025, we enhanced our fish population by introducing 45 carp from Deben Valley Fisheries, sourced from their esteemed Spitfire strain. Each fish was stocked in excellent condition, with weights ranging from 10lb to 16lb with some already hitting the 20lb mark and growing strong. These remarkable additions are sure to provide exciting challenges for our anglers.

In 2023 we stocked 75 tench and 75 bream to complement the lake with some catch reports of the tench reaching 6lb + already.

**A Rich Variety of Fish Species**

Tumbling Bay Lake is home to a diverse range of fish species, providing an exciting and varied experience for anglers. The lake boasts a well-stocked population of:

**Carp** With estimated over 120 carp in the lake, including some exceptional individuals exceeding 30lb +. (we have documented 7 carp reaching over 30lb + with some bigger ones still yet to be recorded) Floppy tail common at the top so far at 36lb... there will be a 40lber soon I'm sure.

**Pike** The lake is known for its thriving pike population, offering exciting opportunities for predator anglers. Pike up to 18lb + documented so far

**Tench, Perch, and Bream** The edges of the lake are also home to tench, perch, bream, and other mixed silver fish, offering varied opportunities for those targeting different species.

See some of our catch reports and lake pics on the photos page 

This list is being updated regularly. Please check out our Facebook & Instagram for regular catch reports and lake updates.

Rules:

• It is your responsibility to purchase a valid ticket before fishing, failing to do so will result in managements right to remove and ban you from the lake.
• Valid rod licence needed to fish here.
• Dogs are most welcome here but please keep them on a lead and clean up after them
• NO SWIMMING or entering the water!
• Barbless or Micro barbs hooks to be used at all times unless pike/perch fishing. 
• Bent hooks, fixed leads and braided main line is NOT PERMITTED! All rigs are subject to random inspection by bailiffs.
• No excessive ground bait.
• 2 Rods max per person! 
• All fish caught to be returned, failure to do so we will treat it as theft.   
• Rods are not to be left unattended at any time.
• No litter (including waste line and cigarette ends) to be left on the banks! 
• No keepnets unless in an organized match.
• Landing nets at the ready at all times!!!!
• The use of unhooking mats is compulsory!!!
• Carp care to be at the ready 
• All snagged/snapped lines to be reported asap
• No open fires – Gas stove are accepted.
• Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• Bait Boats are permitted to use at your own risk. We accept no liability for lost or snagged bait boats
• Dead baiting only permitted in winter months between 1st October to 31st March
• No live baits permitted at any time

Please note that the Old River Lea and the River Lea Navigation is controlled by Ware Angling Club and is for their members only to enjoy and fish. Ware Angling Club members also fish Tumbling Bay Lake under their club rules and restrictions.

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 The eastern end of the lake is owned by Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust and there is STRICTLY no fishing allowed there see map above.

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***Booking Conditions and fishing/night fishing rules read in full ticket description***

*** UPDATE, WE NOW HAVE A SELECT FEW PARKING SPACES AVAILABLE ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS AT THE DOCK YARD BUSINESS CENTRE CAR PARK SO LOOK OUT FOR THE VISITOR SIGNS OR CALL FOR DETAILS *** We ask that if parking in the car park at the Dockyard please text your registration number over to 07432 204555 on arrival.

Directions (nearest post code SG12 7AN)

Via Star Street, Ware enter DockYard business centre/industrial estate. Walk to the end of the industrial estate towards Tumbling Bay Weir and travel across timber foot bridge (just big enough for a barrow larger bridge located Via Plaxton Way) follow foot path down the Old River Lea to your left or the River Lea Navigation to you right either direction you will find the beautiful Tumbling Bay Lake 

OR

Via WIdbury Hill, Ware enter Plaxton Way walk to end of the estate and walk over larger foot bridge across the Old River Lea 

We have no direct parking AT THE MOMENT for Tumbling Bay Lake but bear with us, we are working on this. Please see list of local car park options below. 

We strongly recommend this app to help keep on track of your parking and pay for additonal parking if needed and track your parking time. https://paybyphone.co.uk/ 

Please call Bailiff 07432204555 for parking and access instructions and guidance if needed.

Car Parks in Ware There are 7 car parks in Ware managed by East Herts.  Individual details of car parks in Ware can be found online, usual tariff applies.  Amwell East Car Park , SG12 9HX  Amwell West Car Park, SG12 9HS  Baldock Street Car Park, SG12 9DT  Kibes Lane North Car Park  Kibes Lane South Car Park , SG12 9HS  Library Car Park SG12 9XF  Priory Car Park , SG12 0DE 

Although parking is not the best rest assured you will be amazed by the wild beauty this lake and surroundings has to offer. We have plans in place to improve these issues so please be patient and work with us to help create the environment that works for all.

FACILITIES

This is an ongoing process with more to come in the future please check back here soon for further updates.

**Facilities & Refreshments**

We understand that a long day of fishing can work up an appetite. That's why we have partnered with **Tea on the Lea**, a popular snack van offering a range of hot and cold beverages, delicious snacks, and freshly baked cakes. Check their operating hours before your visit, and grab a refreshment to fuel your fishing adventures.