The rules are in place to ensure the safety of our fish, to protect the environment and the anglers who use it. Failure to comply with the rules will result in you being asked to leave with no refund. If you want to download & keep a copy of these rules, click here.

SITE RULES

• No litter – please use the bins provided around the lakes, or take it home – includes tea bags, fag ends & baby wipes & face masks.
• No parking or driving on the grass. Use dedicated parking areas only. Do not park in the swim.
• Do not run your engine while stationary. 
• No fires – small BBQs are allowed if they are used and disposed of responsibly.
  
• No visitors without consent from fishery staff. Those having visitors out of hours will be asked to leave and will be banned. 
• No dogs or pets on site.
  
• No drones allowed anywhere on site.
  
• A speed limit of 10 mph around all lakes at all times.
• No walking around the lakes without permission.
• No walking in Out of Bounds areas.
• No anti-social behaviour.
• No Bait Boats, boats or dinghies. 
• No removing of fish - they need to be returned quickly and efficiently. 

FISHING RULES

• All nets, slings and mats must be dipped before going onto the lakes. Dip tanks are situated outside the tackle shop (Spring - Autumn water temperature dependent).
  
• All anglers must have a fish care antiseptic product to treat hook holds, wounds and lifted scales.
  
• Only one angler per swim, unless it is a designated double swim.
• Do not leave rods unattended at anytime. 
  
• Landing nets & unhooking mats are compulsory for all lakes. Large unhooking mats (preferably with sides) or cradles & minimum 42” landing nets for The Big Lake 
  
• No fixed rigs or leads are permitted. The fish must be able to free itself.
  
• The Magic Twig and other spring loaded hooking systems are not permitted.
• Micro barbed or barbless hooks only.
  
• No sacking or removal of any fish at any time.
  
• No braided mainline – except for use on spod or marker rods. More details can be found here.
  
• No braided hooklinks/rigs – coated is fine. More details can be found here.
• Rig checks will be carried out by asking the angler to reel in one rod on request by a bailiff.
  
• Fishing in designated swims only. Anglers casting in an unused swim or out of bounds areas will be asked to leave.
  
• No artificial baits except for foam or cork for use on zig rigs.
  
• Tiger Nuts may be used if purchased from the shop to ensure correct preparation.
  
• No bait boats on any lake.
  
• All anglers must carry a current EA Rod License. Our bailiffs can ask to see your valid license.
  
• No keepnets except for approved matches.
  
• Minimum of 2 foot tubing or purpose designed leaders must be used on all carp rods.
  
• Max 3 rods on Big Lake. Max 2 rods on M1, M2 & Traditional Lake.

ADDITIONAL PIKE RULES

• Strictly no live baiting.
  
• Minimum of 15lb mainline to be used.
  
• Minimum trace length 18” of at least 20lb wire.
  
• No night fishing for pike.
  
• No using pike gags.
  
• Large forceps and wire cutters capable of cutting hooks/traces to be carried and used as necessary.
  
• Semi barbed/barbless hooks only – if using semi barbed hooks the barb must be in the deadbait.
  
• Pike anglers must use an effective indicator system that will show drop back bites as well as runs.
• If you are an inexperienced pike angler, please come with somebody who is, or ask staff for advice.

MATCH RULES

• Micro barbed or barbless hooks only.
• Keepnets & landing nets MUST be dipped in dip tanks prior to all matches.
• Elasticated feeders may be used if fished & set-up safely (e.g. XSafe type).
• Two keep nets must be used - carp & silvers.
• Net Limits 60lb all species  (max 5 carp).
• All fish to be weighed & returned as quickly and safely as possible.
• All fish to be returned from water level.
• All draws & weigh-ins to follow any Covid guidelines.

If you are under of your set-up or equipment, or need advice on fish care, lake or techniques, please do not hesitate to ask a member of staff. We are happy to help!

JUNIORS

• 15 years & under must be accompanied by an adult all all times on Match Lake 1&2, Canal & Traditional - we are not a day care centre.
  
• No Under 18s on The Big Fish Lake unless agreed with Management in advance.
• Over 12s require a junior rod licence which is free.
• The safety of juniors is of paramount importance to us. Please abide by the rules.