General Rules

1. There is no close season on the waters of the Association with the exception of the Following waters :- River Weaver (includes Marshalls Arm and the Old River at Vale Royal), River Dane, Big Billinge Pool, and the Wides (Non Towpath side only) on the Trent and Mersey Canal at Whatcroft which will retain the close season of 15th March to the 15th June inclusive
2. No fishing is allowed on Association Waters with a line not connected to a rod or with more that 2 rods.
3. Fishing is not allowed earlier than one hour before sunrise and not later than one hour after sunset on any Association Water except on Petty Pool and where night fishing is allowed to those Members in possession of a night fishing card.
4. Unless mutually agreed, anglers must allow at least 12 yards between themselves and the next angler 
5. All Members must cooperate, assist and comply with the requests of Bailiffs or Association Officials.

6. Members must at all times carry their Membership Card complete with photograph and must produce it when asked to do so. Failure to do so will result in being asked to leave. Members must also carry a current Environment Agency Rod Licence.

7. Dogs are not allowed to accompany anglers.
8. All fish including Pike and Eels must be returned to the water at the point of capture.
9. No Carp are to be kept in keepnets, carp sacks or any other type of holding device on any Association water.
10. Up to 6 small fish may be caught in a fishing session and used as Live or Dead Baits providing;
           (a) Baits are caught from and used in the Water from which they have been taken.
           (b). Any live baits which remain unused must be returned at the end of the fishing session.
11. The use of Gaffs is banned on Association Waters.
12. Camping on Association waters is not allowed except with the prior express permission of the Landowner in writing and no camping or sleeping in cars is permitted in Association car parks.
13. The use of Blood worm and the collection of Blood worm is prohibited on all Association waters
14. Keepnets must be made of knotless material and at least 3 Metres long.
15. In granting their Membership card the Association makes no representation, nor do they give any warranty as to the condition of the waterway or its banks or towpath.
16. Any Member found guilty of breaching the laws, rules or regulations of the Association will render themselves liable to disciplinary action in accordance with the Association’s Constitution.
17. Members are responsible for the removal of litter, line and shot, etc. in the vicinity of where they are fishing irrespective of who left the litter, etc. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action being taken against the Member concerned.
18. Members are forbidden to take Luncheon Meat, Drink or Sweetcorn Cans or glass jars or bottles on to any Association Water.
19. Fishing is not allowed within 30 metres of any overhead power cable.
20. Fishing is only permitted from stages where they are constructed for that purpose.
21. Members wishing to play their radios or any other form of audio equipment on Association Waters may only use them with the volume moderated so that other Anglers cannot hear it.

22. Members fishing for Carp, Pike or other specimen fish must use unhooking mats. On no account must any fish be placed on a hard surface such as a landing stage.

23. Members must not leave rods with baited lines unattended. Members may only pre-bait swims on the following waters. (i). Budworth Mere, (ii). River Weaver, (iii). River Dane, (iv). Pickmere and (v). Trent and Mersey Canal.
24. If in the opinion of a bailiff a Member is making excessive use of bait or feed the bailiff has the authority to order the member to leave the water.
25. The use of bait boats on Association Waters is banned.
26. Members are not allowed to take or consume alcohol on all Association waters.
27. In exceptional circumstances the Management Committee have the right to amend or add to the General Rules or the Rules for Fishing at any time when it is in the best Interests of the Association to do so.
28. The lighting of Fires or use of portable barbecues is strictly forbidden on any Association water.
29. Members must not carry weapons of any kind. Specifically Members are forbidden from carrying or using any firearm (including air guns) unless authorised in writing by the Management Committee.
30. The Management Committee reserve the right to close any Association water for Maintenance purposes by working parties.
31. Members are expected to ensure that those they are fishing with are also members of the Association. Disciplinary Action will be taken against any Member aiding or abetting poaching of Association Waters.
32. Fishing from boats is not permitted.
33. Members must be in possession of a Landing Net of a size appropriate to their intended quarry.
34. Junior and  Intermediate Members of the Association who are under 18 years of age may Night Fish, if accompanied by their Parent or Legal Guardian on a one to one basis and subject to the following rules;
    (i). The parent or Legal Guardian must be a holder of a current Night permit.
    (ii). This is permitted at Big Billinge and Eyres Pit only.
    (iii). The Junior or Intermediate Angler must share same peg as the Parent or Legal Guardian and no more than two rods may be used.
    (iv), In the event of any doubt surrounding the relationship between the Parent or Legal Guardian and the Junior/Intermediate Angler. Both persons will be asked to leave the water.
35. The use of both leadcore and fused leaders is banned on all Association waters