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BRISTOL WATER PIKE FISHING

RULES AND REGULATIONS 2026

 

General Regulations

Permitted Waters

  • These regulations apply to pike fishing other than by fly fishing on Chew Valley Lake, only when permitted.

Record-Breaking Pike

  • Attempts to break a UK record must be carried out from the bank only.
  • Boat anglers are not permitted to bring large pike ashore — there is no exception to close proximity to the bank.

Tackle, Methods & Equipment

Rods & Rod Positioning

  • Maximum of two rods may be used.
  • Rods must not be more than one metre apart with anglers no more than 5 metres from rods at all times
  • When spinning or lure fishing with one rod, anglers must remain within 5 metres of the second rod.

Line & Traces

  • Minimum line breaking strain: 20 lb (mono) or 40 lb (braid)
  • Wire traces must be used at all times with a minimum breaking strain of 40lb:
    • Minimum length: 18 inches when dead baiting, 10 inches when lure angling.
  • Heavy mono must not be used as trace material.

Artificial Lures & Dead Baits ONLY

  • Lure bodies must be at least 4 inches, excluding attachments (e.g., feathers, blades).
  • All lures must be fully de-barbed.

Baits

  • No freshwater fish (alive or dead) are permitted — including Lamprey, Pollan, and all types of Eels
  • Sea baits may be enhanced with sprays/liquids.
  • All bait must be identifiable, or it will be seized (this includes chopped bait).
  • No pellets or ground bait allowed.
  • No pre-baiting permitted ahead of permitted fishing times.

Zero tolerance will be taken to breaches in bait rules.

Hooks

  • Only one prong of any double or treble hook used for dead-baits may retain a barb (for bait security).
  • Maximum of two trebles or two doubles per trace.

Use of Hypodermic Needles

  • Hypodermic needles used for injecting baits are not permitted to be used or brought onto the site.
  • Any bait injection must be completed at home.
  • Needles required for medical reasons are permitted but must be disposed of appropriately.

Zero tolerance will be taken to needlestick rule breaches.

Trolling

·         Trolling with dead-baits and lures is only permitted by electric engine power — not petrol.

Handling & Fish Welfare

  • Anglers must carry appropriate unhooking equipment:
    • Long-nosed forceps
    • Suitable gloves
    • Unhooking mat
  • Minimum landing net size:
    • 36-inch arms, or 30-inch round frame
    • Knotless mesh, maximum mesh size 15mm
  • Fish must be returned to the water as soon as possible after capture.

 

 

 

 

Bait Boats & Angler Spacing

  • Bait boats must not exceed 100 metres from the bank.
  • Boat anglers must stay 100 metres away from dead-bait/lure bank anglers. (this includes the location of cast baits)

Boat and Bank Restrictions/Access

  • No bank fishing within 25 metres of any jetty area.
  • Anglers found fishing in restricted areas (bank or boat) will be asked to leave.
  • Anglers and their tackle must not be on Bristol Water property outside stated times. Tackle found outside permitted hours will be seized and anglers will face exclusion from the fishery.

Zero tolerance will be taken to breaches in Access rules.

Reporting & Compliance

  • Return cards must be completed and returned to Woodford Lodge.
  • Failure to return cards may restrict future bookings.
  • Any trout caught accidentally, must be returned immediately.
  • Trout killed unintentionally must be given to a Bristol Water employee and must not be retained by the angler.

Tickets & Permissions

  • Ticket purchase via proxy is only permitted with Bristol Water Fisheries’ approval.
  • Reselling tickets is not allowed without prior consent.
  • Ticket holders must inform Bristol Water Fisheries of any planned changes to ticket use or angler names.

General Reminder

  • Trout anglers may also be fishing the reservoir. Please always be courteous of others.
  • For the future of pike fishing, please follow all rules and regulations.
  • Environment Agency laws apply — anglers require a valid national rod licence.
  • All other Bristol Water Company rules & regulations apply.

BOAT USE & SAFETY

Bristol Water aim to get boats ready for 9am.

 

All boat anglers must watch and sign to say they have watched and understood the company Health and Safety DVD prior to boat fishing. This must be done on every visit.

Before Leaving the Jetty

  • Ensure you can confidently start the engine before untying. Seek staff assistance if needed.

Lifejacket Requirement

  • Lifejackets must be worn at all times — on jetties and in boats.

On the Water

  • Maintain 50 metres from other boats.
  • Do not anchor where other boats are drifting and near the aerators at the Dam.
  • Do not enter the buoy–marked area which is restricting access for boats (details on the day will be provided in the lodge).

End of Session

  • Return to the jetties before the stated finishing time, if unsure of the time, contact a member of staff.

Emergency Procedure

  • In case of breakdown or accident, stay with the boat and follow our contacts:
    • Lodge: 01275 332339
    • Emergency: 01275 332481 (transfers to Security after 4:15pm)

WE OPORATE A ZERO TOLLERANCE APPROACH TO ALL RULES AND REGULATIONS – READ CAREFULLY.