Early indications from the Angling Trust are that angling will be permitted during lockdown albeit with restrictions in place. Yet to be passed by law it appears that anglers will be able to fish local to them during the lockdown period commencing Thursday 5th November. This is great news and really highlights just how important angling is in providing mental and physical wellbeing.
Some fundamental rules for anglers include:
– Anglers should only fish at fisheries local to them and so should avoid long, unnecessary journeys.
– Anglers can only leave home to fish with members of your own household, your support bubble or with one other individual. Effectively moving from a ‘rule of 6’ to ‘rule of 2’.
– Competition fishing has been suspended.
– Anglers should not visit our sites if they are symptomatic or have tested positive for covid-19.
What does it mean for anglers visiting our waters?
Pike Fishing
The bulk of our pike fishing customers are travelling long distances to fish at Chew Valley lake. For this reason, Bristol Water is are unable to offer pike fishing during November. Whilst some visiting anglers are ‘local’ picking through who is and who isn’t would create significant admin work for our team. All November bookings will be offered a December date. Similarly, anglers due to fish from a boat in November will be offered an alternate bank day in December as well as issued a partial refund.
Any angler who is unable to make a December date or who chooses not to fish will be offered a refund. Once all customers have been contacted, any remaining tickets will be released for general sale.
Our team will be in contact in coming days to discuss options/dates available. We will start calling anglers due to fish in coming days to start and work our way through to those booked later in November. Please do not contact us, we will contact you.
Fly Fishing
Fly fishing from the bank at all of our waters can continue as normal albeit only local anglers should fish. Day permits will continue to be available via Ticketsource. Our tackle shop will close but if you need something desperate please email in to woodford.lodge@bristolwater.co.uk so that our team can see if we can help. We may be able to offer a ‘click and collect’ service for some small items like nylon/flies etc.
Bird watching
Bird watching can continue at the lakes for local birders. Hides will be closed. Only day permits will be available for the remainder of the year. Please call the lodge on 01275 332339 to purchase. Day permits are priced at £5.00pp. Please call mon-fri 8am-3:15pm only.
Finally, our team will continue to monitor government and Angling Trust updates and respond accordingly. We remind all visitors to stay at home if they are symptomatic, have tested positive or have been in close contact with a person who has covid-19. Please remember to wash hands regularly, wear face coverings accordingly and social distance at all times. Do not travel to our waters if you are not local.
