Rules

General notes for all venues

• Fishing hours are one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset, strictly enforced, except where night fishing is permitted: the River Welland, Town Welland at Spalding, the Coronation Channel, and Ferry Meadows for holders of a Ferry Meadows night permit.
• Our waters are mostly shared with other users, with public footpaths crossing them or forming the river bank. Anglers do not have preferential rights in these cases. Many meadows are grazed by livestock, so take care, especially around young animals. Some banks are public bridleways, so expect horses at times. Please do not obstruct any public right of way.
• Parking is as described in each fishery description and must be adhered to. Do not block access to fields or park on protected verges. Never leave valuables on show in your car. Parking at Ferry Meadows and Thorpe Meadows is charged for by the owner, Nene Park Trust, and their conditions apply. P&DAA members qualify for a discounted annual parking membership on proof of P&DAA membership and an EA rod licence; current details and prices are on Nene Park's parking page.
• Fish welfare is paramount. Unhooking mats must be used at all times, and a minimum landing net size of 30" applies to specimen anglers. Keepnets are allowed (minimum 3m) but use common sense on how long fish are retained.
• Live baiting is prohibited.
• All fish must be safely returned to the water.
• Gunwade and Overton Lakes at Ferry Meadows and the Boathouse Basin at Thorpe Meadows stay open through the river close season (15th March to 15th June). Some areas may be closed while birds are nesting.
• A current EA rod licence is a condition of season and day ticket membership. Our Water Bailiffs will ask to see licences and refuse access where these cannot be shown.
• P&DAA enjoys good relationships with its landowners but relies on their generosity in renewing fishing agreements. By following the rules we maintain our fishing rights for the benefit of all members.

Terms and conditions

The bearer is given permission to fish the waters of Peterborough & District Angling Association on the date listed on the e-ticket and under the following terms and conditions.

1. Fishing of any kind is not permitted on any of the Association's river waters during the close season, 15th March to 15th June inclusive, with the exception of Ferry Meadows lakes and Thorpe Meadows Basin.
2. Night fishing is permitted only on the River Welland, Town Welland and the Coronation Channel, and at Ferry Meadows for holders of a valid Ferry Meadows night permit. On all other waters anglers may commence fishing one hour before sunrise and must cease one hour after sunset.
3. The use of live freshwater fish as bait is not allowed. Only pre-packed, shop-bought dead bait may be used.
4. Keepnets are permitted. They must be fish friendly, a minimum of 3 metres long, and secured correctly so as not to cause damage, stress or fatality to fish. Pleasure anglers at Ferry Meadows may use keepnets only for silverfish up to 2lb; bream, other than in matches, must be released on capture. For matches at Ferry Meadows a minimum of 2 nets must be used with a 50lb limit per net. On the river there is a 50lb limit per net. Other than in matches, keepnets may not be used to hold specimen fish such as pike, carp or barbel.
5. No fish may be killed or taken away. All fish, including eels, must be returned to the water alive after they have had sufficient time to recover.
6. Landing nets must be used at all times, and must be a minimum of 30" for all specimen and predator fishing including, but not limited to, pike, zander, carp and barbel.
7. Unhooking mats must always be used for fish on the bank. Do not place fish on the ground even if it appears soft and wet. All photography must be over an unhooking mat, never while standing.
8. Lead ban: lead shot sizes from Swan to No. 6 inclusive, and leger weights up to 1oz, are not allowed. The exception is swim feeders where lead is an integral component.
9. No more than three rods may be used at any one time, with rod licence(s) to cover the number of rods in use. On all backwaters anglers may use only one rod.
10. Multiple hooks are not allowed, the exception being where integral to a lure or to secure a deadbait when predator fishing. Gaffs, gags and lip grippers are not permitted. No trolling on P&DAA waters.
11. Overhead wires: for your safety, fishing is not allowed within 30 metres of any overhead cables or power lines.
12. Anglers must park with consideration, not blocking any gateway or entrance, and respect all signage present.
13. Anglers may bring dogs but must keep them under control at all times and clear up and remove their dog's waste.
14. Anglers are expected to remove all litter from the bankside, even where they are not responsible for it. Discarded fishing tackle is a danger to wildlife.
15. Our waters are shared by other users who must be shown respect at all times.
16. Members of our Bailiff team carry ID badges and patrol regularly to check that anglers hold the appropriate documentation and equipment. They will check proof of membership, day tickets and rod licences. Any abuse or obstruction of a Bailiff is unacceptable and will lead to loss of membership and a ban from all Association waters. Camping, fires, barbecues and excess alcohol are not allowed at any time. Damage to crops, fences or property could result in the loss of our fishing rights, so please report any damage or vandalism to a Bailiff or club officer. Any contravention of these rules could lead to a fishing ban.