Lake Rules

Having the largest Catfish in the UK at 145lb means that rules are imperitive to ensure that it has the best possible life at Earls Colne.  Fishcare has to remain our number one priority and therfore we have put in place strict and stringent rules to ensure that all the fish within the lake are looked after and remain in the best condition. 

Below are the rules for Earls Colne:

1. YOU MUST BE A MEMBER TO FISH THIS LAKE.  MEMBERSHIP CAN BE BOUGHT ON THIS WEBSITE.
2. Children under 16 years of age to be accompanied by an adult at all times, CHILDREN UNDER 16 WILL NOT BE CHARGED FOR THE DAY TICKET BUT MUST BE A MEMBER.
3. Membership runs from December to December.
4. Guests are only allowed with permission at time of booking.
5. Dogs are only allowed with permission from Earls Colne management teamafter you have fished the lake a minimum of 3 times.  This is to ensure that you will clear up after your dog and you are responsible enough to not upset other fisherman.
6. A boat is supplied by the lake for use during the day, under no circumstances can you use this boat during the hours of darkness.  Anyone caught using the boat after dark will be asked to leave without exception.
7. You MUST have a suitable landing net (recommended 50-inch net) and high quality unhooking mat for the fish that live in Earls Colne at all times.  For the cats, we recommend that you have a proper cat mat and these can be purchased and or hired at Earls Colne.  Hiring is done in advance and a refundable deposit of £20.00 is paid and a charge of £10 for your fishing trip (12,24,36,48 etc).
8. You MUST, on arrival, dip your nets, matts, bait boats and anything else that touches fish in the dipping tanks.  They must be submerged (excluding boats that can be floated) for 10 minutes  in the dip and then rinsed in the rinse tub.  This must be done before you go to your swim and on every visit, even if you have only fished at Earls Colne or the day before.  This is 'non-negotiable' and nothing should be taken to your swim prior to these products being dipped.  This prevents the spread of KHV (Koi Herpes Virus) and anyone found without dipping nets that are on a swim will be asked to leave immediately.
9. Each fisherman MUST their own carp care kit for the carp and/or catfish care spray to fish at Earls Colne.  If you arrive without this (you will be asked to show) you can either purchase on site or leave site to purchase elsewhere.  You will be asked to pack up and leave if you cannot show that you have these and/or are not using these important products when landing fish.  It is every fishermans responsibility to have these products and each fisherman will have to have their own as each individual must have their own.  This rule excludes under 16's but the adult must have this product.
10. Baits:You may use live baits that are caught at the lake only, you may not bring live fish in to the complex.  Sensible use of nuts and seeds such as Tiger Nut can be used.
11. Removal of fish from this lake is strictly prohibited and illegal and the Police will be called immediatly and on-site security staff.  The owners of Earls Colne Fishing will prosecute anyone poaching or stealing fish.  Security footage from multiple CCTV around the lake may be used in any prosecution and footage of your car entering and leaving the estate will be handed to the police.  
12. You MUST only use safe fishing rigs that fish will be able to lose should they get snapped off. Dangerous practices around rigs will not be tolerated.  If in doubt, please ask and we are here to help.
13. You MAY drive to your swim (once nets etc dipped) drop off fishing gear and then park in the closest carpark BEFORE you set up.  This is due to golfers and general public having rights of way around the whole lake.
14. No firearms permitted on site.
15. Fires can only be lit in designated areas and barbecues are aloud subject to weather conditions and safe use.  No ash can be disposed of in bushes, trees or the lake.  You may put water over the embers and then dispose in the bin supplied as long as it is completely out.
16. Due to lack of weed, we do not feel that lead core and leaders are needed.  It is preffered that these are not used although if use correctly we recognise that these can help catch fish.  They must not be used to target catfish.
17. Barbless or Micro barbed hooks only.
18. If using braid, you must have 1 foot of tubing for your line.
19. If fishing for catfish, the minimum breaking strain for your mono line must be 20lb (carp 15lb)
20. If fishing for catfish, minimum breaking strain for braid is 80lb.
21. Carp sacks are not permitted.
22. No standing up when holding fish.
23. Bait boats can be used as long you are sensible and do not upset other anglers (must be dipped prior to use).
24. This is a maximum 3 rod lake, and it is the responsibility of the angler to have their own rod licences to the rods that they fish.  
25. You are not, under any circumstances allowed to use treble hooks, double hook rigs, wire traces or meat springs of any kind.
26. Toilets are available but we ask you to bring your own toilet roll.  Toilets are cleaned regularly, however, please respect other anglers by not placing bait or rubbish down the toilet and keep in a clean manner.
27. A bin is supplied for rubbish and any rubbish left on your swim at the end of your session will be posted back to your home address.
28. Do not defecate (POO) in the bushes and always use the toilet provided.
29. Please ensure that the gate to your swim is closed whenever possible to prevent animals and most importantly Otters from entering the fishery.
30. Earls Colne Fishing accepts no liability whatsoever for any personal injury or loss/damage/theft to any property or vehicles howsoever caused.
31. Fisherman fish at their own risk.  Earls Colne Fishing cannot be held responsible for injury or illness caused whilst fishing or visiting the lake.
32. No swimming in the lake unless authorised by the Earls Colne management team.
33. Should you be lucky enough to catch our largest catfish, you must not remove from the water.  Instead call 07854 066501 and one of the team will bring the correct equipment and scales to handle this fish.  Please ensure that you have waders as photos holding the fish will only be permitted in the water.