This page compares the provisions made by the National Trust (North West) and the Lake District National Park Authority for public access to fishing in their water with those for fishing Hatchmere Lake which was acquired with public funds - mainly a Heritage Lottery Fund grant.

National Trust
The National Trust controls eighteen fishing sites in the North West of England. Out of these:
  4    are free - no club membership or permit is required.
13    require a permit which can be either for a season, week or a day.
  1    (Hare Hill) requires membership of Bollington & Royal Oak Angling Society

      The Bollington & Royal Oak fees range from:
£8 pa (no joining fee) for OAP to:        
         £22 pa + £5 joining fee for full membership.
      There is no waiting list.

The National Trust is a registered charity - independent of Government

Lake District National Park Authority Fishing in all Lake District NPA waters is free with the exception of Bassenthwaite Lake (a National Nature Reserve). Fishing in Bassenthwaite requires a daily or seasonal permit which is readily available.
Many of the sites referred to above are designated SSSI's and higher.

Hatchmere
Fishing is exclusive to members of Prince Albert Angling Society.

Any adult wishing to fish at Hatchmere has to:
Join a 2-3 years long waiting list.       
Pay a fee of £75 pa + £75 joining fee.

The Prince Albert annual fees are between two and
six times the typical going rates for local clubs.
(There are concessions for young members.)