Angling

Fishing at Birkenhead Park

Fishing was first permitted in the park in 1857, and for over 150 years people have enjoyed angling in this historic landscape. We are pleased to continue welcoming anglers to enjoy fishing at Birkenhead Park today. Typical fish you might find in our waters include carp, tench, bream, perch and roach. All anglers must be in possession of a valid Environment Agency rod licence and a Wirral Community Anglers permit. More information, including links to purchase, can be found below. We ask all anglers to follow the Rules of Angling at Birkenhead Park, available here:

Rules

Wirral Community Anglers

Wirral Community Anglers are a community group who work in partnership with Wirral Borough Council to manage and maintain several fisheries, including the Lower Lake at Birkenhead Park. From 19 May 2026, a Wirral Community Anglers permit is required to fish at Birkenhead Park. All funds raised go directly back into improving the lake. Permits are priced from £7-12 per year and can be purchased at the Visitor Centre (cash only) or online via Clubmate:

Permits

Steering Group and Clean-up Sessions

The Angling Steering Group was formed in spring 2025 and brings together passionate local anglers and park staff to help shape the future of fishing at Birkenhead Park. The group provides a space for like-minded people to share knowledge, contribute to decision-making, and play an active role in caring for the fishery through lake clean-up sessions and regular meetings. You can find our next clean-up dates here:

Clean Up Dates

Further Information

Fishing at Birkenhead Park is strictly catch and release only. It is illegal to remove fish from the lake or to introduce (stock) fish without written consent from the Environment Agency. At present, the Upper Lake is unavailable for fishing due to the unsafe condition of the fishing pegs. We hope to repair these in the near future and reopen the lake to anglers. Thank you for your patience during this time. To purchase an Environment Agency rod licence, please follow this link:

Rod Licence