Rules and Regulations

Welcome to Angel of the North fishing Lakes Basic Rules & Welfare

The main rule is minimum handling = maximum conservation

Note: Match rules are listed on the match page

All anglers & Guests must report, pay and sign in at reception prior to going to the lake you have chosen to fish.
Fishing is from constructed pegs only.
Anglers must reel in if you leave your peg.
On site Toilet facilities must be used.
No swapping of lakes.
A current EA License is required (anglers over 12 years old).
All Fish caught are to be returned in a landing net
No under 18s allowed fishing on Bowes Carp Lake unless authorised
All under 16s must be accompanied by an adult unless authorised
All anglers must keep to footpaths provided.
No Alcohol allowed on site.
Please report any case of injured fish or wildlife to a member of staff
We would ask all anglers to take rubbish home or place in the bins at reception.

All nets, mats, weight slings, anything that come in contact with fish must be dipped in the chemical dip tank for 10 minutes

Each Angler must have an suitable balanced tackle, unhooking mat, landing net (kite marked) & disgorger at all times

All fish must be netted when caught
No swinging in of fish or handling of fish back to water.
All fish must be returned to water using a net.
Keepnets are only allowed on official matches!!!
No Retention of fish is allowed except in organized pre-booked matches
When returning fish to the water in a net please allow enough time for fish to recover before releasing it.

You must carry and use a good quality , barrel type disgorger – (available from the tackle shop)
For larger Hooks, artery forceps. should be used.
Fish up to 4lb must be unhooked in the net held on your knee
Fish above 4lb must be unhooked on a padded unhooking mat.
The use of Klin-ik antiseptic to cleanse the hook wound & any other wound is
requested.
For deep hooked fish – cut the line as close as possible to the hook and return the fish to the water immediately.
Do not pull a deep hook free in most cases this will be fatal to the fish

Where possible never handle fish.
Hold the underneath of the net to hold fish to disgorge.
If it is necessary to hold fish, use wet hands (never use a dry towel).
If photographs are being taken – hold the fish low over soft padded pre-wetted unhooking mat.
Fish should be held low to the ground over an unhooking mat.
Fish must be weighed only in WET slings, Knotless weigh bags or ‘purses’ (Plastic carrier bags may be used for smaller fish).

We have a liberal policy on bait's and methods however the following are not allowed.

Anglers found to be continuously in breach of any of the above may at the discretion of the staff be asked to leave the complex.

Angel Lakes are run on the’ Code of Conduct for Coarse Anglers rules’

Fish Welfare is our priority!

And finally

Take nothing but memories Leave nothing but footprints