Ashmead Fishery Rules

Whilst we always do our utmost to ensure our staff and the anglers that visit the site can do so in a safe and minimal risk environment. There are certain aspects of both the fisheries and fishing in general that are hard to reasonably control and during the winter season, Ashmead is well known for becoming quite muddy, which may increase the risk of incidents. All anglers, officials and volunteers should make themselves aware of the risks they face in the surroundings. You are expected to take reasonable precautions and continually risk assess the location of your equipment, bivvy, vehicle and the environment in which you are fishing, use common sense and take the appropriate action and controls to ensure their own safety and that of others.

1. All anglers must be Carp Society members for the duration of their permit.
2. Please respect the lake, the fish, the environment and other anglers at all times. Any breach of these rules or unacceptable behaviour by any angler will result in the immediate banning of the angler responsible from the fishery without any refund of their fees or damages deposit.
3. Please make sure you are carrying the appropriate number of valid Environment Agency Rod Licences at all times. Environment Agency Byelaws apply.
4. Anglers fish the lake entirely at their own risk and the owners accept no liability for personal injury and/or loss or damage to personal property. When booking you will be asked to sign a copy of these rules to confirm that you are accepting full liability for any personal injury and/or any loss or damage to your property whilst you are at Ashmead, however caused.
5. The Carp Society reserves the right to close areas/or the lake for maintenance, water quality, spawning and in the case of emergencies such as severe weather or flooding without prior notice (adequate notice will be given where possible for maintenance), with no liability of compensation, refunds or extensions offered.
6. Please note the lake will be closed from 6th to 9th June 2025 for a prebooked event.
7. SPRING – AUTUMN PERMITS: A maximum 2-rod limit is in place at all times. Please do not spread rods out between swims and fish with all rods within Environment Agency byelaws. If you leave your swim for any purpose, please reel in.
   WINTER PERMITS ONLY: A maximum 3-rod limit is in place at all times. Please do not spread rods out between swims and fish with all rods within eyesight and with within Environment Agency byelaws. If you leave your swim for any purpose, please reel in.
8. Please keep the hut, cooking and toilet facilities clean at all times.
9. Leave no litter at Ashmead. Bring Bin Bags and take all litter home with you at the end of your stay.
10. No angling whilst under the influence of alcohol.
11. Bait restrictions: No nuts of any description. Ensure all particles are prepared properly. No plastic or other artificial baits of any description.
12. Wading or use of a boat is permitted only at your own risk and only to release fish that have become snagged or weeded. Use of the lifejackets provided at the hut is mandatory whenever wading or using a boat. Wading and/or use of a boat is only permitted when you are accompanied by at least two other anglers, at least one of whom must remain on the bank at all times. If a hooked fish becomes weeded or snagged and you are unable to contact other anglers at the fishery, call the fishery manager or bailiff immediately on the emergency telephone numbers provided.
13. Only mats, nets and slings provided by the fishery for use exclusively at Ashmead may be used. We trust you to protect the stock against any risk of disease transfer. No sacks, unhooking mats, weigh slings or other equipment that has been used at other fisheries and may have been in contact with any fish, is to be brought to Ashmead.
14. No sacking of fish under any circumstances other than where there is thought to be direct threat to the carp’s health and well-being. We will provide a few sacks on site for the retention of fish in distress, but do not sack carp merely to get a daylight photograph. If you think the well-being of a fish justifies sacking, you must contact the teams immediately on the emergency telephone numbers provided and someone will come down to assist you.
15. Use sensible tackle and respect the fish: no fixed leads; no long-shanked or bent hooks; microbarbed hooks or crimped barbs only; use sensible line strength (15lbs or 0.35mm minimum); no multistrand or other “cutting” hooklengths; no braid mainlines. Ensure all rigs are safe and be shed safely by a carp in the event of any loss or breakage. Rigs may be checked.
16. Please complete the fishery diary at the end of your stay; it will be helpful to have a record of captures for future reference. Capture photos should be posted on the WhatsApp group provided or emailed in to enquiries@ashmeadfishery.com
17. Ensure the fishery gate is closed and locked at all times. Otters are in permanent residence around Ashmead and we rely upon your diligence to protect the fishery and it’s fish stocks at all times. A key will be provided for the padlock (refundable deposit required).
18. No bait boats or sonar devices allowed on the fishery.
19. No Drones may be used Ashmead without written permission from the Carp Society office.
20. Only Guide dogs and Dogs for the Disabled will normally be permitted at Ashmead Fishery. Other dogs may be permitted by special arrangement in writing. (Where agreed, dogs must be kept on a lead, under control and owners must clean up any mess and remove bags off site. The Carp Society will review any permission of dogs and may remove the permission at any time.)
21. No guests allowed unless written permission has been provided. Appointed Carp Society bailiffs and officials may visit the lake during your stay.
22. All anglers should have a carp care kit on them at all times.

Please also view The Carp Society's Risk Assessment (PDF) which covers fishing at Ashmead.