Cumbria Fishing & Conduct Code

Before you go fishing

Free fishing does not mean fishing without rules or permission. At designated free-fishing locations, you do not pay a fishing-ticket charge, but you still need the appropriate Environment Agency rod licence where required. A rod licence does not give you permission to fish everywhere or cross private land. Some waters require a separate permit, club membership or the fishery owner’s permission.

Check the latest national and relevant regional fishing byelaws before every trip, including close seasons, permitted methods and catch-and-release requirements. Most Lake District waters fall within the North West and Border Esk byelaw area, but rules depend on the location and river catchment.

Cumbria Fishing & Conduct Code

To help you fish responsibly, Rigged & Ready have put together a helpful code of conduct to note alongside all legal requirements and any additional fishery rules.

1. Carry the correct rod licence. Have a valid Environment Agency rod licence where required, appropriate to the species you are fishing for.
2. Check the rules before fishing. Follow national and regional byelaws, close seasons and any additional restrictions for your chosen water.
3. Respect fishing rights and access. Fish only where permitted. Do not cross private land without permission, and obey all “No Fishing” signs.
4. Use barbless hooks where possible. Where barbless or de-barbed hooks are compulsory, follow the relevant rule.
5. Avoid keepnets on wild Lake District waters. Our recommendation is to return fish promptly rather than retain them.
6. Use non-lead weights where required. Follow national restrictions on lead weights and all local tackle rules.
7. Practise catch and release. Take particular care with wild trout, char, pike and larger fish. Obey compulsory release requirements; all eels must be returned unharmed.
8. Put fish welfare first. Carry a suitable landing net, unhooking equipment and an unhooking mat for larger fish. Handle fish carefully and minimise time out of the water.
9. Use only permitted bait. For pike bait fishing, our code recommends saltwater deadbaits only and no live fish bait. Freshwater fish, salmonids and eels are prohibited as bait on many named Lake District waters.
10. Give other visitors space. Avoid busy swimming spots, jetties, boat-launching areas and crowded shores. Respect wildlife, livestock and other water users.
11. Leave no trace. Take all litter, discarded line, hooks and bait packaging home.
12. Check, Clean, Dry. Clean and thoroughly dry nets, boots, waders and other equipment before using them in another water, helping prevent the spread of invasive species.