2025/2026 CLUB WATER RULES

The under-mentioned Water Rules are made in accordance with the Articles of Association Section 43.2 and must be observed by Members in the same manner as Club Rules.

ANY REFERENCES APPENDED TO ANY MAPS AS TO MANNER OF FISHING SHALL BE CONSIDERED AS PART OF THESE WATER RULES.

THE CLUB OPERATES A PENALTY POINTS SYSTEM. IF YOU BREAK ANY CLUB RULE OR WATER RULE YOU WILL BE GIVEN ONE OR MORE PENALTY POINTS. IF YOU ACCUMULATE THREE POINTS IN ANY TWO YEAR PERIOD YOU WILL LOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP OF THE CLUB.

 

1.   General Conduct  

a.    All members are expected to be courteous and civil towards other members, Club Bailiffs and Club Officials and to uphold the good name of the Club and behave in a manner that promotes the Club.

b.   Members are requested to ensure that no damage is caused to crops or livestock on land adjacent, or giving access, to Club waters.

c.   Motor vehicles must be parked only in areas designated for parking as shown in the Club Handbook. Cars must not be taken onto private land without the express permission of the landowner.

d.   Camping, picnic parties and fires are not permitted on or near Club waters without the express permission of the landowner.

e.   No unleashed dogs allowed on Club waters.

f.    Fishing from boats is prohibited on Club waters..

g.   All litter to be removed.

h.   The Club accepts no liability for loss or damage to vehicles or other property.

i.    Swimming is prohibited on all Club waters.

j.   When using keep nets on rivers and canals, members are requested to use them responsibly and not overcrowd them so the fish are unharmed.

k.   Rods must not be left unattended at any time.

l.    The use of multiple hooked rigs is prohibited on all Club coarse fisheries, other than when fishing for predators (see Rule 8)

m.  The use of recreational drugs and/or excessive consumption of alcohol is prohibited on all Club fisheries. If you are not fit to drive you are not fit to fish.

 

2.  Use of Two Rods

a.   Except for when fishing those waters and under conditions detailed below, members are restricted to the use of a single rod.

b.   Two rods may be used at Cofton Lake, Turnmill Pool,  Pool 2 at Winterfold Farm, Charlton Pool, the canal at Wootton Wawen and Club fisheries on the river Severn all year round, provided that:-

i.       Both rods must be no more than 1 meter apart.

ii.       Free running or bait-runner reels must be used.

 

3.  Membership Cards

a.    A  membership  card  shall  not  be  valid  and a  member  shall  not  be entitled to fish the Club’s waters until the member has completed  all personal details in ink and glued a passport style photograph of  himself/herself  to the card in the  space provided for the purpose and has signed his/her name across the photograph.

b.   Membership cards must be carried at all times when attending Club waters. A member not carrying a card must leave the water forthwith.

c.   Riparian owners are allowed a number of Club cards. Guests of Riparian owners must be in possession of an owner’s card.

d.   Members must produce their membership cards upon being challenged by another member, Environment Agency or Club Bailiff, or member of the Management Committee.

e.    Members may be requested by official Club Water Bailiffs or member of the Management Committee to produce their fishing tackle for examination.

 

4.  Close Season

a.   All Club coarse fishing pools and canals are open during the coarse fish closed season (15th March to 15th June)

b.   During the coarse fish closed season (15th March to 15th June) fishing for fresh water fish (coarse fish) is prohibited on all Club river fisheries.

 

5.  Club Pools and Lakes

a.   The use of keep nets and sacks is prohibited on all Club pools and lakes

b.   The use of barbed hooks is prohibited on all Club pools and lakes.

c.   The use of bait boats is prohibited on all Club pools and lakes

 

6.   Brown Trout, Grayling and Salmon

All Brown Trout, Grayling and Salmon caught on Club fisheries are to be returned immediately.

 

7.   Guest Tickets

a.   Guest Tickets are only issued at the discretion of the Honorary Membership Secretary. Guest tickets can be purchased via Clubmate. Please allow 7 days for the ticket to be posted

b.   Guest tickets will NOT be issued on personal application at the home of the Honorary Membership Secretary.

c.   Not more than four guest tickets may be issued to an individual member during any one year.

d.   Guests must be accompanied by the member who will be responsible for the conduct of their guest and ensuring they abide by all Club Rules and Club Water Rules.

e.   No guest tickets are issued in respect of Club waters on the River Rea and Ledwyche Brook. Guest tickets will be available on the remaining Club fisheries.

f.    Prior to use, each guest ticket must be completed in ink with the name of your guest and the date on which you will use it.

g.   Guest tickets can only be used once.

h.   Guest tickets are only valid for the membership year in which they are purchased and will expire at the end of February.

i.    There will be no refund on unused guest tickets and they will not be replaced with new tickets for the following year.

j.    Guest tickets are valid from sunrise to sunset only.

 

8.  Predator fishing

a.   When live – baiting fish must:

i.     Be caught at the venue being fished.

ii.    Must only be lip hooked.

iii.   Be to a maximum of 6” (150mm)

b    Unhooking mats and forceps must be used.

c.   Gaffs are prohibited.

d.   When using treble hooks, at least two barbs must be crushed at all times.

e.   Wire traces must be used at all times when fishing for pike.

 

9.  Environment Agency Rod Licence

Members and their Guests must be in possession of a current Environment Agency Licence and are advised to consult relevant regional Water Authority bye – laws.

 

10.  Maintenance

Unauthorised maintenance work on Club fisheries is strictly prohibited. Undergrowth may be cleared to allow access to a peg.

 

11. Stocking

No fish may be introduced, removed or transferred between any Club pool or fishery unless under direct instruction of The Committee. (See also Rule 8a)

 

12. Cofton Lake Members

Associate members from Cofton Lake Conservation Ltd will be allowed to fish at Cofton Lake only, upon purchase of a Cofton Lake Membership Card, and must abide by all Club Water Rules.

 

13. Use of Unhooking mats

Unhooking mats must be used at all Club coarse fisheries.

 

14. Junior and Spouse Members

Junior and Spouse members may only fish if accompanied by either an Ordinary, Concessionary, Honorary, Life Member or Cofton Lake member, who shall be responsible for their conduct and safety at all times.

 

15. Carp fishing

When fishing for carp on Club pools and lakes, the following line and hook specifications must be followed:-

a.   A minimum 10lb breaking strain line should be used.

b.   Minimum hook size should be 10.

c.   Braided main lines and lead core leaders are prohibited.

d.   Carp “safe” rigs must be used at all times and fixed leads are prohibited

 

16. Cofton Lake Night Fishing

 

a.   Night fishing at Cofton Lake is available only to syndicate members. Syndicate membership is available on payment of an additional subscription.

b.   Cofton Night Syndicate membership is limited and not available to members in their first year of membership.

c.   Unless night fishing, the Cofton Lake fishery must be vacated by the time shown on the clock in the car park

 

17. Combination Number

The Club lock combination number must not be divulged to non members.