One of the biggest names in sport fishing is another step closer to achieving an ambitious vision to create one of the UK’s finest small, still-water trout fisheries in the Berkshire countryside.

Since taking over Haywards Farm Lake near Reading, owned by the Englefield Estate, the Sportfish Game Fishing Centre has made a significant investment in fly fishing and game fishing, offering tuition, an on-site shop and fisheries lodge. In May, the company will open the smaller Hobby Lake on the site which will be available for small groups to hire on an exclusive basis.  

Since moving in a year ago, Sportfish has upgraded Haywards Farm Lake and stocked it with rainbow and brown trout, for boat and bank fishing with a focus on catch-and-release.

The company is currently developing a smaller lake on the same site, known as Hobby Lake, suitable for groups of up to four people, complete with a separate lodge, barbeque facilities and boats. As well as rainbow and brown trout, it is also being stocked with tiger trout. 

Sportfish is part of the prestigious Farlows Group, founded in 1840 and famous for supplying equipment and clothing for fly fishermen and with a store in London’s Pall Mall.

The company also has a retail superstore near Hereford. At Theale near Reading, the Sportfish Game Fishing Centre is also home to a large showroom close to the M4 and a short walk from the village’s railway station.

MD Robin Philpott said: “Our company’s roots go back more than 170 years but we have ambitious plans for growth, focusing on offering everything that today’s angler could want, backed up by a wealth of expertise and experience in game fishing around the world.

“Our association with the Englefield Estate means that we have been able to expand our offering with a facility set amongst beautiful open countryside but still close to Reading and London.

“The crystal-clear spring-fed waters of Haywards Farm Lake are ideal for sport fishing for beginners and experienced anglers alike. Taking over here has given us the opportunity to expand further and we’re really looking forward to opening up the new Hobby Lake.”

Englefield’s Estate Director Edward Crookes said: “We always aim to support initiatives which will add strength and diversity to the local economy, helping to bring jobs and investment to the area.

“Sportfish’s investment in the lakes and the wider facilities is helping to provide a first-class game fishing centre which has already proven extremely popular with local people and visitors alike. We have been only too pleased to have been able to help them grow the business in this superb setting.”