Rules and regulations

For downloadable versions of our rules, please click on the links below.

Welcome 1 Welcome 2 Conduct 1 Conduct 2 Catch and release Safety

General fishing rules

The rules in this guide are not exhaustive. In addition, anglers must abide by specific or reactive rules displayed in each individual fishing lodge. Please check before commencing fishing.

Anglers fishing at the reservoirs do so at their own risk on the understanding that Northumbrian Water does not accept liability for loss, damage or injury to persons or property whilst on the company’s land or water.

Northumbrian Water reserves the right to change any rules or policy and to close part or all of any fishery without notice or redress.

The killing of coarse fish at any site is strictly forbidden.

The lighting of fires is strictly forbidden (barbecues must not be used, except within a designated area).

Wading is permitted, except off dam walls and where 'No Wading' signs are displayed. Chest waders are permitted for warmth and comfort, however wading above thigh depth is not allowed.

Essex & Suffolk Water reserves the right to prevent fishing in areas immediately after stocking. Notices of restrictions will be displayed in the fishing lodges.

The minimum size limit for takeable fish is 23cm (9 inches). This measurement is from the tip of the nose to the fork in the tail.

Anglers should not leave their rods unattended at any time.

The reserving or staking-out of places for fishing is not permitted.

Rod licences
Every angler (12 years or older) must carry a valid Environment Agency rod licence. Details of where to get your licence and charges, can be obtained from the regional office, telephone 0191 203 4000.

Rod licences are available from the lodges at Fontburn, Derwent, Kielder, Scaling Dam, Grassholme and Hanningfield. All regional Environment Agency bylaws apply to all Northumbrian Water’s fisheries.

Contravention of the rules
Any person found to be in contravention of any of these rules shall be asked to leave the fishery. Further action, possibly including the forfeit of the day or season permit, a ban for a period of time, or a prosecution may follow.

Day and season permits
Before commencing fishing, every angler must possess a valid Northumbrian Water fishery day or season permit. Day permits are available for all Northumbrian Water managed fisheries except Abberton in Essex (season permits only).

Day permits are only valid on the day of issue and for the water that they were purchased at.

Explorer season permits are available covering all Northumbrian Water’s managed fisheries.

Day permits and Silver Explorer season permits are available at concessionary rates to disabled persons, senior citizens (male 65+, female 60+) and juniors, 17 years or younger. Proof of eligibility should be carried whilst fishing.

Pricing details of all fisheries can be found in the table within the guide or on this website.

All permits must be signed by the angler and are non-transferable.

No person is allowed to kill more than eight fish per day (except at Cow Green where the bag limit is twelve).

A person may however, purchase two or more day permits before commencing fishing.

In the case of concessionary permits only one may be purchased per day. Concessionary anglers wishing to continue fishing must purchase all subsequent permits at the full day ticket price.

At trout fisheries, up to two juniors aged under 17 years, may fish free of charge if accompanied by their parent or guardian who is in possession of a valid fishing permit. The total bag limit however, must not exceed the limit allowed by the parent or guardian’s permit.

Catch returns are required for the successful management of our fisheries, so that adequate stocks of fish can be maintained.

All anglers are required to complete a catch return sheet, which are available at the fishing lodges.

Disabled facilities
Some fisheries have facilities to cater for disabled anglers. These are detailed in the fishery descriptions. Other fisheries may accommodate disabled anglers with assistance.

Behaviour
Please help us to protect our environment by observing the following rules:

• At fisheries where dogs are allowed they must be kept on a lead.
• In the best interests of our sport, to prevent danger to wildlife nylon waste must not be discarded.
• Please take your litter home.
• The gutting of fish on site is forbidden.
• The use of abusive language or aggressive behaviour, will not be tolerated.

Fishing times
Hours of fishing 8am to 9pm or sunset, whichever is sooner.
Boat fishing times may vary, please check with the fishery.

Fly fishing rules

A permit allows one person to fish with one rod and line only. Hanningfield is restricted to natural or artificial fly-fishing only. Hanningfield's brown trout season runs from 1 April to 31 October. No more than four individual hooks or two doubles should be used on a single cast.

Catch and release rules

Only use barbless hooks, or standard hooks with the barbs removed or crushed. Only use knotless micromesh landing nets. Buoyant flies (e.g. Boobies) which are fished on a sinking line either static or retrieved must not be used. If taking fish, once the eight fish (fourth fish) has been killed fishing must cease. All deeply hooked fish or fish showing signs of distress must be killed.

Catch and release guidelines
Play the fish firmly and get them to the net with the minimum of fuss, this will ensure that they are not exhausted and will aid recovery.

Keep the handling to a minimum and always make sure your hands are wet before touching the fish, alternatively use a dampened cloth.

If possible unhook the fish in the water.

If it is necessary to remove the fish from the water, keep it in the net, support the head and gently ease the barbless hook from the mouth, quickly return the fish to the water.
Boat anglers
All persons in the boat must wear an approved life jacket. Northumbrian Water will provide life jackets free of charge with the boat, these must be worn over the top of all outdoor clothing.

Alternatively, if you wish to wear your own life jacket you may do so providing it complies with British Standards and it has been approved by the duty ranger.

If conditions deteriorate whilst fishing and it is safe to do so, navigate back to the boat jetty. A 'follow me' procedure will take place if the duty ranger determines that the conditions are no longer suitable for boat fishing. If this happens please follow the safety boat to a safe location.

Two persons only in a boat.

Minumum age from the boats 8.

Any junior in a boat under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult.
Safety
Your safety is our number one priority.

Juniors - for safety reasons, children under 15 years of age are not allowed on the bank. Children between 15 and 17 years of age must be accompanied by an adult whilst bank fishing.

Please make yourself familiar with the location of buoyancy or life saving equipment before fishing and observe warning notices. Adverse weather can create safety hazards, especially early and late in the season. If in doubt, please contact the site for details (before leaving home). In such conditions, all activities will take place at the discretion of the duty ranger.

To avoid slipping, take extra care on dam walls and grassy banks, especially when wet. Take care when wading and during drawdown conditions. When the water is low, avoid areas of soft ground and other hazards, which may become exposed. Wear head and eye protection, particularly when casting and in windy conditions.

Always check behind you before casting, other anglers or non-anglers may be spectating. Keep rods and lines away from overhead power lines and cables. Be prepared to help others in difficulty - but do not put your own life at risk. In an electric storm, cease fishing, put the rod down and move well away from it. If you are in a boat and it is safe to do so navigate back to the fishing lodge.