Fly Fishing

Club Rules


To make it easier to read and digest the new rules for Blithfield Anglers we have organised them into sections. Choose a link below to read the rules for that section.



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1.Entry To The Blithfield Reservoir Estate


  • Gates (OS Ref: SK 076 235) will open at 7.30AM. Estate Office opens at 09.00AM.
  • No fishing is permitted before the gates open, unless explicitly authorised by Blithfield Anglers.
  • Whilst in the grounds of Blithfield Reservoir all anglers and companions must:
    • Comply with all permanent and temporary traffic signs and other notices.
    • Close gates after having passed through them, (except the entrance to Stansley Wood and the Education Centre.
    • Park above tracks not on them. Avoid parking or driving on boggy areas.
    • STOP and GIVE WAY at the junction with the Sailing Club entrance.

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2.Restriction Of Access and Authorised Areas


  • No fishing is allowed from boats in the Tad arm of Blithfield Reservoir beyond the marker buoys.
  • Blithfield Anglers reserves the right to close the whole or part(s) of Blithfield Reservoir to any angler(s), at any time, for any duration.
  • Fishing from the dam, overflow works, Admaston embankment, and any boat landing stage is prohibited.
  • Fishing from boats other than those provided by Blithfield Anglers is prohibited.

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3.Membership, Fishing Permits and Rod Licences


  • It is a legal requirement that all anglers wishing to fish on Blithfield Reservoir may only do so if he/she is in possession of a valid National Rod Licence.

You will not be allowed to fish if you cannot produce this licence.


  • No person(s) is allowed to fish without having obtained a valid permit and paid the fee for that permit.
  • Permits are not transferable.
  • Personal or couples permits are not issued to clubs, associations, corporate bodies, partnerships or other groups. Such groups should contact Blithfield Anglers to discuss group permits and appropriate fees.
  • All memberships and permits for fly-fishing on Blithfield Reservoir are available from Blithfield Reservoir Estate office, (OS Ref: SK 075 233). (Tel: 01283 840284)
  • Permits are not available from bailiffs.
  • Valid membership cards and car stickers must be displayed when fishing at Blithfield Reservoir.
  • Permits and rod licences must be produced upon the request of any authorised servant of Blithfield Anglers, South Staffordshire Water PLC or the Environment Agency. Failure to do so may result in expulsion from Blithfield Reservoir and may also lead to prosecution.
  • Blithfield Anglers reserves the right to withdraw permits and/or refuse the issue of any permit.
  • Guest permits may be purchased on the day or in advance, are valid for one day, and must be surrendered on the day of use.
  • Any unused permits are not refundable.
  • Blithfield Anglers reserves the right to revise member entitlements

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4.Charges, Payments and Catch Limits


  • All charges are inclusive of VAT (where applicable).
  • Blithfield Anglers reserves the right to revise charges at any time.
  • Pay by cheque/cash or instalment option.
  • Season permits become valid on clearing of payment.
  • Cheques should be made payable to ‘Blithfield Anglers’.
  • Personal Membership = Membership of one person.
  • Couples Membership = Membership of married or co-habiting couple.
  • Concessionary membership is only available for those who were concessionary members during the 2006 and 2007 seasons.
  • Catch and release is under review. It will continue into 2008 until further notice as follows:
    • Once 8 fish have been killed fishing may continue on a catch and release basis under the proviso that only ‘barbless’ or ‘debarbed’ hooks are used and that the area then be vacated to allow other anglers equal access to potential ‘hotspots’. No ‘hogging’ of hot spots is allowed.
  • Any number of guest permits may be purchased by a member when joining or at anytime during the season. Blithfield Anglers reserves the right to limit the issue of guest permits.

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5.Fishing Methods


  • Only fly-fishing is permitted at Blithfield Reservoir through Blithfield Anglers.
  • All other methods including trolling, spinning, and the use of any form of bait is STRICTLY FORBIDDEN.
  • No attachments to boats are allowed unless approved by Blithfield Anglers. Drogues are allowed.
  • The occupant(s) of any boat will be deemed to be trolling if any line, cast, or item of equipment is seen trailing into the water from a boat under power.
  • Fishing lines and casts of not less than 5lbs. dead weight breaking strain must be used.
  • All fish caught MUST be netted and under NO circumstances dragged up a bank. The only exception is during catch & release when a fish MUST remain in the water while being unhooked, except in cases of a multiple catch where fish should be netted where possible.
  • Only one rod may be used at any one time. No more than 4 points are allowed.

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6.Limit Size and Number


  • Rainbow trout under 12 inches in length, measured from neb to extremity of tail, must be returned to the water.
  • All brown trout MUST be returned to the water and will not count towards the annual total catch. (See rule 9 for method for returning fish.)
  • The first 8 fish killed in a day will constitute the limit for the day and so fishing should cease or catch & release be undertaken.
  • The catch of any angler at Blithfield Reservoir must be open to inspection by an authorised representative of Blithfield Anglers or South Staffordshire Water Plc.
  • For the first 8 weeks of the season catch allowances are reduced.

A FISH IS DEEMED CAUGHT WHEN IT IS LANDED TO THE HAND OR NET


  • Once the annual limit of fish killed has been achieved fishing must cease and a further permit to fish obtained from Blithfield Reservoir Estate Office.

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7.Fishing Returns


  • Fishing returns MUST be completed accurately and returned to Blithfield Anglers at the Estate Office or posted into a collection box on the day of fishing.

The numbers generated from these returns have a direct impact on the costs of running Blithfield Anglers and the benefits available to members and guests.


  • If no fish are caught on a fishing visit then a nil return MUST be submitted.
  • Return cards are available from Blithfield Reservoir Estate Office.
  • If no return cards are available at any time return details MUST be submitted at the earliest opportunity by phone, email or card when one becomes available.
  • Returns MUST be submitted NO LATER than 3 days after fishing.

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8.Reporting Damaged/Diseased Fish


  • Any diseased or damaged fish caught or found MUST be reported to Blithfield Anglers with details of date, time, location and number of fish affected.
  • If possible the affected fish should be deposited at the Blithfield Reservoir Estate Office. Alternatively a photograph should be submitted at the earliest opportunity if it shows the fish defect.

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9.Methods for Returning Undersized Trout and Other Fish to the Water


  • When the fish is played out, catch hold of the cast and run the fingers down it until it is possible to take hold of the fly.
  • Holding the fly firmly between the forefinger and thumb and keeping the fish just under the surface of the water, endeavour to shake and lever the fly out, thus releasing the trout.
  • In cases where the fly has been swallowed deep enough to prevent the above steps from effectively removing the fly a freshly wetted hand, cloth or net may be used to hold the fish.

Under no circumstances should strong pressure be exerted on the body of the fish.


  • An undersized trout that has been badly injured should be retained and MUST be reported to Blithfield Anglers.

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10.Bank Rules


Safety when fishing from banks
  • All anglers should be mindful that casting presents a risk to other reservoir users. If someone ventures into a casting area then casting MUST cease until the person(s) has left the casting area. Any problems should be reported to Blithfield Anglers.
  • Bank anglers should be especially aware of rising water levels and casting risks in areas near paths and roadways. If water levels in the reservoir are such that casting cannot be undertaken without risk to others then the spot should be abandoned and another site found.
  • Bank anglers must not wade out deeper than thigh wader depth, (top of thigh).

Bank Behaviour
  • Unless express permission is granted by Blithfield Anglers, fishing from banks is not allowed until the reservoir has opened. Banks must be vacated by the time stated each day. Times will be displayed in the boathouse and Estate Office.
  • Staking of fishing places in advance of fishing is not allowed.
  • Equipment MUST NOT be left unattended. Any equipment found unattended will be confiscated.
  • Bank anglers must not compromise the enjoyment and safety of boat anglers and vice versa.

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11.Boat Rules


Safety when fishing from boats
  • Buoyancy aids must be worn at all times when fishing from a boat. All buoyancy aids must conform to up to date safety standards.
  • Standing in boats while under power is prohibited.
  • Waders should not be worn when fishing from boats.
  • If in difficulty call the Blithfield Anglers emergency number printed on the instructions in the boat. If a mobile phone is not available display the distress disk found in the boat and wait for help to arrive.
  • If you fall into the water try to regain a hold on the boat as soon as possible.
  • Only venture onto a bank if the bank is stable and there is no risk of getting stuck in weed or mud. Seek help as soon as possible
  • Only board and alight from boats at designated landing stages.
  • Don’t anchor boats to traps, buoys, or other unfixed items.
  • Anchoring within 100 metres either side of the bridge hole, (5 arches), (Admaston Road bridge), is prohibited.
  • Anchoring near the aeration system, (marked by red buoys), is STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
  • Anchoring near the area of ‘The Pipe’ is STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
  • Anchoring in the area of the barley straw bales is STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
  • Great caution should be taken when fishing along the lines of the barley straw bales. Boating and/or casting ACROSS the lines of bales is STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

Boat Behaviour
  • Unless express permission is granted by Blithfield Anglers, fishing from boats is not permitted until an authorised person is present to man the boathouse.
  • Boats must be returned by the time displayed each day.
  • Boat hire is not transferable so if a boat is returned early any new hirer must book the boat out as normal. This is a health & safety policy requirement intended to ensure that accurate records are maintained at all times of who is out on the water in boats.
  • Boats MUST be signed out and the names of all occupants recorded prior to fishing. Boats MUST be signed in on return to the boathouse.
  • Boat anglers must not compromise the enjoyment and safety of bank anglers and vice versa.
  • Keep well clear of bank fishermen, (at least 130 metres), when under power.
  • Do not drift boats within 50 metres of the shore.
  • Beaching of boats is not allowed except in cases where the weather has turned bad or emergencies. If a boat must be beached keep well clear of bank anglers.
  • All boat users must record their catch and submit return card(s) to the boathouse before leaving site.
  • Fishing is not allowed in the sailing area when sailing is in progress.

Evening Boat Hire
  • Evening boat hire is only available to members and their guests.
  • Commencement of evening boat hire will be adjusted in accordance with daylight hours.

General Boat Rules
  • Boat hire must be paid for in advance or on the day of hire.
  • No credit is allowed and if a boat remains unused no refund will be made.
  • Any day-boat reservation not taken by 12:00 Hrs on the day will be cancelled unless prior notification has been received by Blithfield Anglers.
  • If Blithfield Anglers is forced to suspend boat hire owing to adverse weather conditions then no charge will be made for the affected hire.
  • Block bookings of boats for longer than one continuous month is not allowed.
  • Where a block booking is made the full boat hire fee must be paid at the time of booking. No refund will be given if a boat in a block booking is not taken up on any day(s) in the block. Blithfield Anglers must be notified in advance of any days in the block when it is known a boat will not be used.
  • Boats must be returned to the same landing stage from which they were taken.

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12.Reservoir Etiquette


Other anglers

  • Anglers MUST NOT hog hot spots once their daily/weekly/annual catch limit has been reached.
  • Anglers MUST NOT pressure, cajole or in any other way harass any other angler.
  • Bank anglers should respect the needs of boat anglers and vice versa<./li>
  • Anglers MUST allow other anglers equal opportunity to fish all authorised areas.

Non-angling reservoir users

  • Anglers must be respectful to the reservoir and to all other users.
  • Anglers must be aware that other user groups exist including Sailors, Birdwatchers, and SCUBA divers. Angling must not adversely affect the activities of these other user groups and vice versa.
  • Anglers MUST NOT engage in conflict with any other reservoir user/visitor. Any conflicts of interest MUST be reported to a member of Blithfield Anglers Management Team.
  • Anglers MUST take all reasonable precautions to ensure that their activity does not put any other person at risk of injury or harm.

Guests

  • Guests of members are expected to follow the same code of conduct as members.
  • Members are responsible for their guests and so may face disciplinary action if their guests are found to be in breach of the rules and regulations.
  • Guests must always report to Blithfield Anglers at the Reservoir Office prior to the commencement of fishing.

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13.General Rules


  • All anglers must respect property and equipment. Any damage to boats, banks or any other asset of Blithfield Anglers MUST be reported to Blithfield Anglers.
  • If any unauthorised or unlawful act is witnessed no attempt should be made to tackle the perpetrator(s). Instead, and only where you consider it is safe to do so, detailed notes of what has been witnessed should be made and reported to Blithfield Anglers.
  • Any person entering the Blithfield Reservoir Estate does so at his/her own risk and Blithfield Anglers accepts no responsibility or liability for injury, loss or damage suffered by any person as a result, direct or indirect, of any act or omission on the part of any person entering the Blithfield Reservoir Estate.
  • Shelters with conveniences are erected at intervals around the perimeter of Blithfield Reservoir. Every effort is made to ensure these are clean and serviceable and any problems should be reported to Blithfield Anglers.
  • Anglers are reminded of the SSSI status of Blithfield Reservoir, which necessitates that:
    • No shooting, trapping or other significant disturbance of any kind is allowed.
    • Anglers will endeavour to cause minimal disturbance near to bird hides.
    • No lighting of fires of any kind is allowed.
    • No reflective/refractive equipment/materials will be left or used in such a way that is could pose a potential or real fire risk.
  • Radios, mp3 players, phones and any other sound creating device may be used if:
    • The volume is kept to a minimum
    • There is no possibility of disturbance of important species
    • There is no objection from other reservoir users.
  • If another reservoir user requests the sound source be turned off this MUST be respected and honoured.
  • Camping/caravanning is not allowed without prior written consent of South Staffordshire Water PLC and Blithfield Anglers.
  • Gutting of fish anywhere at Blithfield Reservoir, (including in boats), is STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
  • Fishing line MUST NOT be discarded anywhere at Blithfield Reservoir or in boats. Any waste line MUST be taken away and disposed off properly by the individual.
  • Any rod with line in the water MUST NOT be left unattended. Any tackle left unattended is left at the owner’s own risk and MUST NOT constitute a safety hazard. Contravention of this rule may result in equipment being confiscated.

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14.Breach Of Regulations


  • Any breach of these regulations that is witnessed or brought to the attention of Blithfield Anglers will be investigated.
  • Depending on the nature of the breach and subject to the findings of the investigation the perpetrator(s) may receive disciplinary action which may result in any of the following actions:
  • Verbal warning.
  • Written warning.
  • Expulsion from Blithfield Reservoir.
  • Expulsion from Blithfield Anglers forfeiting any membership/permit fees paid and remaining liable for any outstanding payment of annual fees.
  • Criminal prosecution.

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15.Amendments


  • Blithfield Anglers reserves the right to make any amendments to these regulations at any time including additions, subtractions and amendments.

Date of Last Amendment: 18th January 2008


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