1. Fishing Year
The year’s membership shall run from the 1 February to the 31 January in any year.

2. Open / Close Seasons
The Close seasons for all the species shall commence and end on those dates specified by the environment agency.The Trout season starts on 22nd March (15th March on the river Irthing) up to 30th Sept. The Salmon / Sea Trout season starts 1st February up to 31st Oct.

3. Bag Limits
A bag limit of 1 x salmon & 2 x sea trout per day. All hen fish to be returned.
A bag limit of 5 x salmon & 10 x sea trout per season. The bag limit for fish retained on the Irthing shall be 4 fish per day. Any fish retained must be quickly and humanely despatched.

4. Size Limits
No fish shall be killed which is less than 8 inches (20cm) in length other than minnows.

5. Permitted Fishing Methods
All legal methods of fishing with rod and line are permitted in Association waters SAVE THAT the use of any form of bait prior to the 16th June in any year is prohibited. The exception is The National Trust who does not allow any form of bait fishing at any time on their waters other than juniors who are allowed to fish worm after 16th June.
When fishing with lures such as rapala’s and quills, a maximum of one hook which can itself be a treble, can only be used.
Fishing using prawn and shrimp has been banned and will be reviewed in the future.

6. Identification
All members must wear their membership fob at all times when fishing Association waters and exhibit their catch when called upon to do so by an authorised bailiff, fellow member or riparian owner. Anyone found fishing without the above must supply his or her name and address and leave the water upon being requested to do so.
Car Discs – These must be shown clearly on your car windscreen when parking on landlords land. Failure to do so is in breach of club rules.

7. Conduct

7.1 Closed gates must be closed after access.
7.2 No dogs are allowed to accompany members or visitors.
7.3 No picnic parties, no lighting of fires and no camping are allowed.
7.4 A member fishing may be accompanied by one friend who shall not fish or assist in any way.
7.5 Hooks and line must not be discarded on riverbanks, as these are dangerous to farm animals and wildlife.
7.6 Damage to riparian owners property by members must be reported to the secretary and riparian owner
7.7 Members should show courtesy to other anglers and in particular:
7.7.1 If a pool is being fished by a fellow angler, members should wait until the other angler has moved a reasonable distance downstream before fishing the pool themselves unless they have been invited to fish the pool by that other angler
7.7.2 If a member is fishing a pool and a fellow angler wishes to fish the pool, the member must move through the pool in a reasonable time having no more than two casts from any position before moving at least a yard down stream
7.7.3 Anglers fishing stationary or floating baits should give priority to anglers wishing to fish through a pool and must allow them to pass through the pool.

8. Misconduct

     8.1 A member or official who offends against the rules and regulations of the Association, or who is deemed guilty of misconduct likely to bring discredit on the Association may be called before the Committee to answer the allegation(s).
     8.2 A member who is alleged to have breached the rules and regulations shall be made aware of the details in writing and given at least 7 days notice of the date time and place when the Committee will deal with the complaint. Such members shall be invited to attend the meeting, where he or she may question or call any witnesses and answer the allegation(s).
     8.3 Whether an alleged offender attends the hearing or not, he or she shall be given the decision of the Committee in writing, within 7 days of the hearing. The Committee shall be empowered to deal with such matters by way of caution, suspension of membership for a stated period, or expulsion from the Association.
8.4 A member may only be expelled my a majority vote of those present
     8.5 No person whose membership has been terminated shall be allowed onto Association water as a guest.

PLEASE NOTE: Anglers fishing the association waters do so at their own risk and all persons purchasing tickets must accept the risk incidental to the exercise of the rights of fishing conferred and will have no claims against the Association for any injury, loss or damage suffered by them in consequence thereof. Anglers are encouraged to carefully return coloured fish.

9. Fishing Instruction: This can be conducted on our water by a qualified instructor. The instructor and the person being instructed must have made a payment to the Association, this could be as a member, fully paid season visitor or someone on a day ticket.

10. Memberships / Visitors / Guests

The committee reserve the right to refuse anyone a permit.

Senior Member : Anyone living within the Haltwhistle area shall be eligible for membership. The area will include Gilsland to the west, Crow Hall Farm to the east and anyone living on the banks of the valley to the south.

Retired Member : On reaching the age of 66 years will be allowed the reduced rate provided he /she has completed the previous five years as a fully paid member. On reaching the age of 75 years the member will be given a free ticket provided he/she have paid their subscription for the previous 10 years.

Junior Member : A junior can join at the age of 7 years, and must be accompanied by their parent/responsible person up to the age of 18 years. Junior members on reaching the age of 18 years on Feb 1st shall become a Student member.

Student Member: On reaching the age of 18 yrs on Feb 1st a student ticket can be obtained, when the student reaches the age of 21 yrs a full adult ticket must be obtained.

Season Visitors : Anyone living outside of the area may apply to join as a season visitor. Applicants will go onto a waiting list which is available for inspection by members. Season visitors will be subject to the same rules as local members but will have no voting rights.
Guests: A member may take a guest on two occasions per year. Prior to any member taking a guest they must first obtain a ticket from the secretary or chairman.

11. Illegal Fishing.
Any member fishing illegally or selling fish shall forfeit his permit.

12. Catch Returns.
Members must make a catch return and submit it to the secretary: Colin Hind, Station House, Featherstone, NE49 0JF. Tel: 07850790630 not later than the end of November.

13. Permits / Licences.

Local Memberships : To be paid by the end of June as a cutoff date, not issued thereafter.. These can be obtained via our website or by contacting David Stobbart on 01434607478

Season Visitors : These tickets can be obtained from David Stobbart (membership secretary) 20, Enderby Drive Hexham. NE46 2PA Tel: 01434 607478.

Juniors : These tickets can be obtained from Edens Lawn Service Station, Haltwhistle.

Students: These can be obtained via our website or from David Stobbart on 01434607478

Guest & Day permits: These tickets can be obtained from Colin Hind on 07850790630 or David Stobbart on 01434607478