Lake William Hovell is a popular, picturesque recreational area located approximately 18 kilometres from Cheshunt.
The lake is perfect for picnics, barbecues, walking, fishing and canoeing.
The lake contains Trout, Redfin and Macquarie Perch (an endangered species that is protected).
The lake was officially opened in 1971 and was built to harness the waters of the King River for downstream irrigation purposes.
When the lake opened to the public almost 30 years ago, a number of unique regulations were put in place, most of which still apply today. Boats are limited to eight kilometres per hour and 10 horsepower, camping in the reserve is prohibited and most of the western shore is landscaped and easily accessible.
As an irrigation storage, Lake William Hovell is often at the mercy of huge fluctuations in water level, with the lake sometimes drawing down to virtually the old river course in summer and filling to over 100 per cent in winter. As a result of this trout fishing is best during the winter months....
