Fishing with rods and lead
Currently, the only exceptions to this guidance is for the river Severn or its tributaries in Wales, where emergency byelaws are in place. Check back soon for updates to this position or contact us at fisheries.wales@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk
Licences
If you, as an angler, are 13 years old or older, you must hold a valid rod licence.
Salmon, trout and other salmonids
When fishing for salmon, trout and other salmonids:
- a separate rod licence is required for each or any rod that is in use
- on rivers, streams, drains and canals no more than one rod and line may be used at the same time
- on reservoirs, lakes, and ponds no more than two rods and lines may be used at the same time.
Coarse fish or eels
When fishing for coarse fish or eels:
- up to three rods may be used depending on your rod licence
and
- no more than four rods and lines may be used at the same time.
Fishing with more than one rod
When fishing with more than one rod and line at the same time, rods must be placed such that the distance between the butts of the end rods does not exceed three metres.
Unattended rods
You must not leave a rod unattended with its bait or hook in the water.
It must be possible to exercise immediate physical control over any rod and line left with its bait or hook in the water.
Lead
The use of lead weights is prohibited with the following exceptions:
- size 8 lead dust shot (0.06g) and smaller
- lead weights of 1oz (28.35g) or more
- lead within the construction of lures or weighted flies
- lead within lead-cored lines, swim feeders and self-cocking floats
Wales rod and line byelaws
Read the confirmation instrument for the Wales Rod and Line (Salmon and Sea Trout) Byelaws 2017.
Read the Wales Rod and Line (Salmon and Sea Trout) Byelaws 2017.
Read the confirmation instrument for the Cross border Dee and Wye byelaws 2017.