More than 200 anglers took to their boats or cast from the banks of Bewl Water to mark the first day of the fishing season on Monday.
Owners Markerstudy Leisure have begun a major restocking of the 770-acre reservoir, with 40,000 fish to be introduced over the coming weeks and months.
The restocking of Bewl, alongside reinstating the fishery, was one of the key priorities for the company when it took over the site in January.
The beginning of the fishing season comes at the same time as the formal reopening of country park in time for the Easter break.
As well as the walking and cycling around the largest piece of open water in the South East, visitors can now hire recreational rowing boats and bikes or take a ride on the land train.
New for 2016 is the Boathouse Bistro, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It offers a simple coffee and cake to a gastro-pub menu, as well as magnificent views over Bewl Water itself.
Andrew Daniells, Chief Operating Officer at Markerstudy Leisure, said: “We are very excited about the progress to date and there are many more new things coming in the next few weeks, including water taxis that will help visitors to access the whole country park.”
