Victoria & Biddulph Waters: Essential Fishery Rules

These rules apply to all Victoria & Biddulph Waters. Adherence is mandatory for all members.

General Fishing Regulations

  • Night Fishing: Juvenile members are strictly prohibited from night fishing on all waters.
  • Restricted Areas: Fishing over lily or reed beds is not permitted.
  • Hooks: Only barbless hooks may be used at all times.
  • Unhooking Mats: An unhooking mat must be used when handling all specimen fish.
  • Baits: The use of artificial baits is not allowed, with the exception of lures.
  • Keep Nets: Carp weighing over 5 lbs (2.2 kg) may not be held in keep nets, except during authorized matches.
  • Fishing Location: Members are strictly limited to waterside fishing only on any club water, whether owned or leased. Fishing rights are confined to the water's edge.

Prohibited Activities

  • Alcohol & Drugs: The consumption or possession of alcohol or illegal drug substances is strictly forbidden on Victoria & Biddulph Waters at all times. Violation will result in indefinite suspension from the club.
  • Swimming: No swimming is allowed.
  • Fires: No fires are permitted.
  • Shooting: No shooting is allowed.
  • Picnics: No picnics are allowed.
  • Boats: No boats of any description are permitted on our waters.

Membership & Conduct

  • Membership Permit: Members must present their membership permit upon request by any bailiff or fellow member.
  • Disregard for Rules & Conduct: Any member showing disregard for these rules, refusing to show their membership permit when requested, or using threatening or abusive behavior towards any bailiff or member will be expelled from the club indefinitely. The duration of expulsion will be determined by the General Management Committee.

Ignorance of these rules will not be accepted as a plea. All rules are detailed in your membership permit, and it is your responsibility to read and understand them.

General Club Rules

  1. Society Name: The official name of the society is the Victoria and Biddulph Angling Society.
  2. Headquarters: The society's headquarters are situated at the Victoria and Knypersley Social Welfare Club, Tunstall Road, Knypersley.
  3. Objectives: The primary objectives of the society are to uphold and advance the interests of angling and anglers, to ensure the sport's sustained practice and recreational value, and to secure fishing rights for the exclusive benefit of its members.
  4. Officers: The executive officers of the society shall comprise a President, Chairman, General Secretary, and Treasurer. Each officer will be elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and will serve a two-year term.
  5. Membership Discretion: The society retains the right to decline any membership application.
  6. Juvenile Supervision: All juvenile members must be accompanied by an adult who bears sole responsibility for their conduct and safety.
  7. Bait Regulations: The use of cereal-type groundbaits is strictly prohibited on all society waters, except for their use as hook bait at Mill Hays Pool.
  8. Fishing Times: Fishing hours are restricted to dawn until dusk on all society waters, with the exception of the Opencast Pools and Serpentine, where alternative hours may apply.
  9. Monthly Meetings: Regular monthly meetings are scheduled at Knypersley Club on the second Sunday of each month.
  10. Annual General Meeting (AGM): The club's Annual General Meeting will be convened on the second Sunday in February.

General Conduct & Etiquette

To ensure the enjoyment and preservation of our fishing waters, all members must adhere to the following rules:

  • Stay within designated areas: Members must restrict their activities to the water's edge. Do not damage crops or hedges.
  • Keep it clean: Leaving litter or causing any nuisance on Society waters is strictly prohibited and may result in expulsion.
  • Respect private land: Parking, picnicking, or trespassing on land owned by those from whom fishing rights are rented is not permitted. The Society's permit only covers access to the water itself.
  • No shooting: The Society's permit does not extend to shooting activities.
  • Promote tidiness: Members are responsible for keeping the area tidy and should encourage others to do the same.
  • Consequences of misconduct: Please remember that any misconduct by a member could jeopardize the fishing rights we currently enjoy.

Membership & Identification

  • Show your card: Every member fishing Society waters must present their membership card and bag or basket upon request from any club bailiff or another member.

Affiliated Water Rules

  • Cheshire & North Staffs Angling Association: When fishing their waters, all Cheshire & North Staffs Angling Association rules must be observed.
  • Canal & River Trust: Canal & River Trust rules and conditions must be observed at all times on their waters.

Fishing Regulations

  • Rod limits: A maximum of two rods per peg is permitted. Three rods are allowed on Serpentine.
  • Prohibited baits (all Society waters): Bloodworm, Tiger Nuts, Kidney Beans, Peanuts, and Trout Pellets are banned.
  • Prohibited baits (specific pools): Boilies are banned on Golden Hill and Mill Hayes pools.
  • No live baiting: Live bait is not permitted.
  • No tin cans: Tin cans for bait or alcohol are not allowed at the poolside.