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.
- Fishing for predatory fish with live bait is prohibited. Only dead bait or artificial bait is permitted.
- 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.
- No filming on Members Only waters without prior permission. 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.
- No under 18s allowed to night fish any Federation waters without an adult member or responsible guardian.
- 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.
- One person, one peg — except those with a disability or accompanying under 16s.
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