Churchgate Fishery Rules
The rules are only for the safety of the fish and the anglers. These rules are subject to change at any time. If you have any questions or need clarification, please speak to a member of the fishery team or call the on-site shop on 01245 92155 or 07895111315.
Main rules
· Micro-barb Hooks only.
· Minimum 500mm of tubing.
· No rods to be left unattended.
· Any fish over 28lb must be reported to the bailiff’s prior to lifting out of the lake or if you think that it looks big, please call the shop.
General Rules
All members are required to always abide by the rules.
Fishing sessions run from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Gates are locked outside these hours. Do not set up before obtaining your ticket.
A 5mph speed limit is always in place around the whole complex.
Nets, cradles, and slings are provided for your session. You are responsible for their care during your stay.
Inspect all equipment for damage when received. Report any issues immediately.
Do not leave nets on the ground or near bait.
Equipment will be inspected upon departure. You will be liable for any lost or damaged items.
All anglers must hold a valid Environment Agency Rod Licence.
Non-fishing family members are permitted as guests; other non-fishing guests are at the discretion of the management team.
Littering will result in an immediate and permanent ban.
Please respect all facilities in the lakes, please ensure they are left clean and tidy, they are monitored and cleaned by staff on a regular basis.
Park only in designated areas. Vehicles are not permitted on lake banks.
Abuse or aggressive behaviour towards staff will result in removal from the fishery.
Churchgate Lakes is not liable for any loss, theft, or damage to personal belongings. You fish at your own risk.
Bait boats are permitted.
All swims are equipped with electricity. Please turn off power points when finished.
All litter is to be taken home.
No swimming, standing on ice or excessive wading.
Do not cut or disturb vegetation without prior permission from a bailiff.
A valid Churchgate membership is required to fish Churchgate lakes.
It is compulsory to report/photos of fish caught to 07895 111315
No drones to be used, unless permitted.
Fish Care Rules
No fish may be introduced to or removed from the fishery.
Fish may only be retained for a maximum of 10 minutes. Call a bailiff if assistance is required.
Do not bring carp sacks onto site at any time.
Never stand while holding a fish, whether for photos or return. Always kneel over a mat. Contact a bailiff if needed.
Do not pull for a break if snagged. Report the issue to a bailiff immediately. Anyone caught doing so will be removed.
Report any dead, distressed, or injured fish to a bailiff straight away.
Korda Propolis must be used. Please apply to all mouth wounds or body damage (do not apply to the gills).
Always use a weigh sling to lift and return fish. Never carry a fish in a net.
All fish 28lb or over must be reported to a bailiff and not exit the water.
Do not photograph fish over 28lb without a bailiff present.
If caught at night or a bailiff is unavailable, water shots only must be taken.
If you catch a catfish, call a bailiff for a catfish sling. Do not attempt to use a carp sling to weigh cats.
Only pour water on carp care equipment or fill water buckets once ready to bring a fish on the bank (high temperatures can cause equipment to be excessively hot when wet)
Tackle & Bait Restrictions
Micro-barbed hooks only. Size 6 minimum from March to October.
Minimum 500mm of tubing must be used on all rods — no naked setups.
One zig rig per angler.
Maggots are banned.
No surface fishing is allowed on any lake.
No leaders of any kind, including naked, leadcore, fused, etc.
Minimum mainline: 15lb. No braided mainline except for spod or marker rods.
Maximum of 3 rods per angler.
Recreational drugs are strictly prohibited. Alcohol permitted in moderation only.
No pets allowed on site including dogs.
Only particles purchased from Churchgate may be used. (Sweetcorn is permitted).
No nuts of any kind.
All boilies used must be sourced from a reputable manufacture.
No plastic / artificial baits (Zig foam is permitted).
Rods must not be left unattended. You may go to the next peg along or 20 yards whichever is closer.
If using a Spomb, a Spomb float must be attached.
No transferring fish between waters.
All BBQs must be raised off the ground.
Do not use the rowboats located around the lakes. If required, call a bailiff for assistance.
No fixed leads. Tail rubbers must be loose enough to allow the lead to eject easily.
Bookings & Swim Rules
All bookings must be made via Swim Booker:
🔗 https://swimbooker.com/fishery/10001A 48-hour cancellation notice is required. You will be liable to pay for the whole session after this period.
Please only have one active booking at any time no block booking is permitted. This is to ensure everyone gets a far chance at booking the peg they would like to fish.
No more than 3rods per peg, however if you wish to double up in one swim you must book 2 pegs worth of water to allow avoid to many lies in the water.
Rods and bivvys must be set up at the in the designated swims only. No tents of any kind must be manufactured by an angling brand.
Please respect your swim boundaries, as outlined in Appendix A. You must remain within your assigned area.
All fish must be hooked and landed from the peg you book. No stalking from in-between pegs.
In the case you would like to move swim please first contact the shop to ensure the peg isn’t booked.
Guests are welcome however you must book a double peg and fish together.
Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by and appropriate adult, they are permitted to fish in your swim for a cost of £5 per rod per 12hrs, however they can have their own swim next to you, but it will be the standard ticket rate.
Anglers aged between 16-18 or 65+ are entitled to concession membership and tickets from Monday to Thursday.