Federation Competitions Suspended

Although local angling has been allowed by the government, organised matches and competitions are prohibited. The Federation is complying with these rules by suspending all its competitions until further notice. Any fish caught until the suspension is lifted by the Federation will not qualify for any of our three trophies. We will give advance notice of the suspension being lifted in order anglers can make arrangements to compete for our trophies. This decision will help permit holders to be able to be compliant with government guidelines when fishing:

"fishing is allowed as exercise so long as participants adhere to the rules on not taking part in matches, staying local, gathering limits, social distancing and limiting the time spent outdoors:

We will make a further statement just prior to the start of the Salmon Season. In the meantime, we ask all permit holders to plan your fishing based on Government rules and guidelines and the following information and guidance from the Angling Trust:

Angling Trust Statement - "We have worked extremely hard to reach this position and we as anglers have a duty to abide by the strict conditions under which fishing is once again permitted. With infection rates and death tolls rising we must stick to the Government’s rules and ensure that angling remains part of the solution and does not cause problems.

Please bear in mind these key points which will be reflected in the new Angling Trust guidelines which we will publish shortly:

• This is a strictly limited resumption of LOCAL fishing and very different to how we have been allowed to operate since May.
• We are in a National Lockdown and this must be respected. The law requires a ‘reasonable excuse’ to leave your home or penalties will apply.
• The Government has recognised that fishing can be seen as exercise, which is expressly permitted under the lockdown rules, although outdoor recreation is not.
• Organised sporting gatherings are prohibited so no match fishing.
• The exercise is limited to once a day so no overnight fishing whatsoever.
• To remain within the law you should follow the Government’s guidance, and only fish locally. If you have no local fishing available then you will have to take your daily exercise in other ways".
•  Full Government guidance on travel can be found here