Lake Rules

Fishing Rules

No braided fishing lines are permitted – mono only. The only exception for braid being used on the complex is on a marker or spom/spod rod.

No leaders or leadcore are allowed in whatever form.

18lb minimum breaking strain main line.

For the well-being of the carp, no retained sacking is allowed and all fish are to be released straight away after photos in the water.

If you need time to organise yourself to photograph a fish, please use your landing net to keep the fish in the water.

It is advised to use a SPOMB for baiting your spots effectively if you are not hiring the bait boat.
No wire or metal bore coated rig tubing – Terminal and End Tackle.

Hooks – Micro Barb only.

Ensure that your end tackle is safe and cannot tether fish in the event of the main line parting.
No fixed leads whatever.

Minimum of 14 inches of tubing up your line. Please ensure this is correct as this will be checked. The purpose of this method is that our fish are so deep in-depth and big we can’t have the scales ripped off!

Only landing nets provided by Chestnut Lakes are to be used on the lake, omitting diseases.

Do not litter in any part of our site, or neighbouring areas. Bins are provided and there are also ashtrays for cigarette butts on all pegs.

Cigarettes also represent a fire hazard so please dispose of properly and safely (NO smoking whatsoever in the bivys provided)

All hired equipment will be checked with yourself on arrival to ensure all the equipment is in the same way it was received by yourself. A £100 deposit on all tackle hire is required on arrival, with a full refund on the day you leave after checks.

Bait (URBAN BAITS)

All forms of Tigernuts are prohibited.

Strictly NO plastic baits at all, even for toppers this is forbidden.

Due to EU legislation the transporting of bait is strictly prohibited for travelling over to France. We have wide range of bait available from Pellets/Boileys/particles that can be purchased at the lake. See Bait for more details.

Bait Boating is allowed as some spots are 40-50 wraps. These are available also for hire see Tackle for more details.

All our rods are top quality with a 3.5TC as these fish are very powerful.
Please remember to bring (BACK LEADS) as unfortunately, we don’t allow any of our anglers to fish our lake without these on. Not just for the lines to be pinned down it’s to stop any lines crossing over and cutting other lines and leaving (Trailers) all over the lake.

Bailiff (Wade)

A Rowing boat is situated around the complex, these are only to be manned by the bailiff.
For your safety and the safety of those around you, swimming in any of the lakes is strictly prohibited.
You will have access to the Bailiff 24/7 throughout your trip for any help throughout your stay and must be contacted with any fish over 50lb The Bailiff will also help you throughout your stay with all the prime spots we have fed these fish over the past 18 years.

Please remember that we don’t mind you having an alcoholic drink and enjoying your week. But we can not have you drunk. If the Bailiff suspects this is a case you will be asked to bring your rods in straight away. Please understand these are seriously heavy fish and need to be handled with great care and attention throughout your stay.

Do not have the fish out the water no more than 3-4 minutes please and ensure that the fish is getting fresh regular water in their gills. The Bailiff will discuss everything on day one of your arrival.
Every fish caught is to be taken into the water for photos only. We have no lifting fish with hands on the bank. We provide (Waders). All are in air cradles in the water to for protection of the fish.
All fish caught must be held for at least 1 minute before releasing it if you can. If it’s roaring to go just always guide your fish away from the (BANK) towards the main lake. This stops any damage to fish if it bolts to the solid bank.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read the all above and please follow and respect our rules not just for us but for the safety of our fish. We will do some checks throughout your stay of the week so please don’t feel alarmed by this as this is part of our rule of thumb checks. Our system works well with catch reports weekly of 30-50 fish.

Fishing Rod Limit

Regardless of the species you are fishing for, a maximum of 3 rods only is applied at all times, including nights and remote swims.

Bait

  • All forms of Tigernuts are prohibited.
  • Due to EU legislation the transporting of bait is strictly prohibited for travelling over to France. We have wide range of bait available from Pellets/Boileys/particles that can be purchased at the lake. See Bait for more details.
  • Bait Boating is allowed along and supplied also. See tackle for more details.
  • A Rowing boat is situated around the complex, these are only to be manned by bailiff