Rules
The following rules apply to all anglers fishing our waters be they members, day ticket holders or visiting for a match.
- Anglers must not bring the Federation’s name into disrepute.
- Anglers must not behave in a way that endangers the environment, wildlife, livestock, other water users or the general public.
- Notices (permanent or temporary) and bailiff’s instructions must be followed at all times.
- All anglers must be in possession of a current Fishing License in addition to their season card, guest or day ticket as appropriate.
- Gates must be kept closed and locked unless advised to the contrary.
- Gate/lock codes must not be shared with non-members.
- Anglers must not obstruct footpaths and bridleways with any part of a vehicle or item of tackle.
- No litter.
- No fires. (Above-ground BBQs and camping hobs/stoves are permitted but must be supervised at all times and not left unattended).
- All fishing to be in accordance with the Environment Agency’s Freshwater Rod Fishing Rules and Rod Fishing Byelaws: Severn and Trent Catchments.
- Rods which are fishing (cast out) must not be left unattended
- A maximum of 2 rods per angler to be used simultaneously.
- No multi-hook rigs.
- No fish to be removed or introduced.
- No night fishing – except Winthorpe and Girton.
- Except where night fishing is permitted, anglers must leave the fishery overnight – no bivvying-up for a dawn start etc.
- Permitted fishing times are strictly Civil Dawn to Civil Dusk, except where night fishing is permitted or where fishery-specific rules are in place.
- No pleasure fishing from pegs reserved for matches until after the weigh-in has been concluded.
- No launching of or fishing from boats or kayaks of any type on Federation waters.
- No fishing in locks or in close proximity to them and no fishing adjacent to Newark Castle.
- No touring caravans though camper vans are permitted at e.g. Winthorpe subject to ground conditions.
- 5 days/4 nights maximum stay at Winthorpe with no overnight return for 1 week.
- Drones only to be used with permission from Secretary
- No peg saving whatsoever.
- Alcohol consumption, whilst on any fisheries, must not exceed national driving limits.
- No recreational drugs whatsoever on any fishery
- No Winthorpe guest tickets will be available until 1 July; online & tackle shops.
- No tents or camping tents or family tents to be used on any fishery; bivvies or fishing shelters only.
- Unhooking mats are advisory, but compulsory for specimen anglers.
- 1 member + 1 fishing guest OR 2 children (under 16) maximum. Children must be supervised at all times.
- No waiting or access to Sheldon’s before 6 am
- Anglers to be no more than 10m from their rods whilst fishing including sleeping or sheltering in vehicles. If a vehicle cannot be within 10 m of the rods at any time for any reason, then a bivvy or fishing shelter must be used. If no bivvy or shelter is available, then rods must be reeled in until the angler can return to within 10m.
Barbel handling and retention
Pleasure Angling
- All anglers must follow the Barbel Society handling code
- In exceptional circumstances and for extended recovery only, a single Barbel may be retained in a keepnet for a requisite period – Under no circumstances are multiple fish to be retained
- Weighing and photographing of Barbel is permitted but the fish must be returned to the water as quickly as possible – fish welfare is paramount
Matches
- No more than 4 Barbel over 5lb to be retained
- Keepnets must be pegged-out facing upstream
- Additional Barbel over 5lb to be weighed and returned immediately