Health and Safety requirements required when fishing the River Colne or the River Holme.
General considerations
NB. no one under the age of 16 is allowed to wade in the River Holme or Colne
Observe the appropriate Environment Agency, river fishing close seasons applicable to where you are fishing.
When arriving at the river side please ensure that you park your car in a suitable place that will not cause any hindrance to other persons who are legitimately using adjacent areas.
When walking the banks of the river, keep as close to the waters edge as possible, do not trespass on adjoining property or fields or enter any mill or other industrial areas.
If you open any gates please ensure they are closed securely after.
Do not disturb or interfere with any livestock or wildlife, be particularly careful during the breeding season.
Do not remove any vegetation or trees or any other materials without the consent of the owners of the fishing rights.
If you notice any gates, fences sluices bridges etc are damaged in any way please inform the Angling Club Secretary or Chairman Immediately.
Preparing to wade in the river
Ensure that the banks are stable and access is suitable at the place you have picked to enter the water.
Ensure that the flow rate and depth of the water are suitable for entry.
Do not wade in water deeper than knee deep.
Do not enter the river at times of heavy rainfall or if the river is obviously rising or in flood.
Exiting the river
Ensure that you are exiting on to suitable land i.e. that you will not be exiting on to private or industrial property.
Ensure that the banks are not too steep or too rocky to permit safe egress.
During fishing
Take care moving whilst wading, move only one foot one step at a time and concentrate on ensuring that the moving foot is free from obstruction and that the place where you are moving to is safe and stable.
Be aware of where your forward and back cast are going and ensure that there are no persons or objects in the direction that you are casting.
If you should get your fishing line caught up in any trees or other obstructions, every effort should be made to ensure that no line or terminal tackle is left hung up in the obstruction. If you are unable to remove any lost tackle, please inform the Club Secretary or Chairman immediately.
No line, fishing tackle or equipment or any litter of any kind should be discarded on the banks of the river or in the river itself.
All fish caught should be treated with care and should be returned to the river as soon as possible after capture.