Some of these rules apply to all our fisheries while others are site-specific. At
all sites anglers must: - have with them a current rod licence
(obtainable
from Post Offices);
- adhere to National Trust and Environment Agency byelaws, particularly
those relevant to the use of keepnets, lead weights and barbless hooks for pike fishing;
- follow
any local and/or seasonal restrictions. The closed season referred to under entries is usually from
mid-March to mid-June. This will allow a disturbance free period for vegetation, fish, birds and other
wildlife;
- follow good angling practice: the Environment Agency has drawn up a set
of ‘Golden Rules’ to remind anglers, most of whom are natural conservationists, of ways they can help
to ensure that the next generation of anglers can enjoy the same, or even better, quality of fishing
and environment.
A leaflet setting these out is available from the Environment
Agency. The Code of Conduct
for Specialist Coarse Anglers (currently £1 plus 41p sae from the Specialist Anglers Alliance) is a
code supported by the main angling organisations and includes information on fish handling and consideration
for other recreational activities. A booklet on good fishing practice is also available from the National
Federation of Anglers. Contact details for these bodies are given in the right hand column.
Site-specific
National Trust fishery rules may also include: - restrictions on
numbers of fish
allowed to be taken on salmonid waters;
- limits on the
number of anglers;
- periodic ‘no-fishing zones’ to prevent erosion
of the water edge;
- controls on the quantity and types of bait to
prevent the harm that can be caused by excessive use (livebaits are not allowed because of the potential
risk of the introduction of disease and alien species, and for fish welfare reasons);
- a
ban on all litter, and an encouragement to all anglers everywhere to remove litter, especially nylon,
whoever may have left it.
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