WIMBLEBALL LAKE - FISHING REGULATIONS
The reservoirs are covered by South West Water Reservoir Regulations with which anglers
must familiarise themselves before fishing. All anglers must carry a valid Environment Agency Licence.
1. SEASON – Normally from mid March to 31 October inclusive. If at any time the Trust extends or reduces the season, the following regulations will continue to apply unless otherwise stated. The Trust reserves the right to change any regulations and to close part or all of the fishery at any time without notice.
2. HOURS OF FISHING: From ONE HOUR BEFORE SUNRISE to ONE HOUR AFTER SUNSET. Anglers must leave the Company’s property by 1¼ hours after sunset.
3. PERMITS – Each angler must carry a valid permit when fishing and may use a total of two fishing permits of any kind on any one day; both must be carried.
4. FISHING METHODS – Traditionally fly fishing methods, artificial fly only (single hooks only). Trolling, spinning, bubble float fishing, threadline fishing and fishing with more than one rod and line at any one time is prohibited. Only fly fishing tackle may be carried. Loose feed or pellets in any form may not be carried. Any rod in use must be held at all times whilst the fly is in the water. No static fishing. When fishing with sinking lines, flies must be retrieved at all times.
5. BAG LIMIT – All fish caught over 10” must be killed. All fish under 7” must be returned. (Measure fish from tip to snout to fork of tail). 3 trout for each day permit, 1 for each child permit. Fishing must cease when limit is reached. A second permit may then be purchased. Individual anglers must keep their catches separate and available for inspection. Season permit holders may take 4 fish per week only.
Any fish between 7” and 10”, caught whilst taking the bag, will not count towards the bag limit. Brown Trout must be returned.
6. CATCH AND RELEASE TICKET – unharmed fish should be returned (up to 2 trout may be retained if damaged). Catch and release option may be withdrawn dependent on weather conditions.
7. FISHING RETURNS – must be made on the card supplied and left in the box provided, immediately after each day’s fishing. NIL RETURNS ARE ALSO REQUIRED.
8. WADING – No deeper than thigh depth. Wading can be dangerous, and buoyancy aids are recommended.
9. PROHIBITED FISHING AREAS: Fishing is prohibited:
(a) from the dam and water tower
(b) in the stilling basin and the river downstream of the dam
(c) in the Hurscombe Nature Reserve above Bessom Bridge
(d) from the dinghy park area and 20m either side of Sailing Club Starter’s Hut when in use for official races
(e) from the boat pontoon
(f) from the picnic areas at Bessom and Cowlings when the general public are present.
10. CAR PARKING – Cars must be parked in the car parks provided.
11. DOGS – (except guide dogs) may only accompany anglers with prior permission.
12. LITTER – Must not be discarded in any circumstances.
13. LEAD WEIGHTS – Weighing less than 1oz (other than dust shot) are prohibited.
14. CONTRAVENTION OF REGULATIONS – by any person may result in the forfeit of his/her permit and catch and he/she will be required to leave the Trust’s property immediately. Further action, including a prosecution and/or ban, may follow.
15. Anglers fishing at the reservoirs do so at their own risk and on the understanding that the Trust does not accept liability for loss, damage, or injury to persons or property, whilst on the Trust’s land or water.
A child under 14 years may only fish if accompanied by an adult over 18 years.