As the Government has now agreed to allow match fishing, our planned series of Summer League Matches will go ahead. However, all those members intending to take part are to note the following rules, published by the Angling Trust, which must be strictly adhered to:

1. Competitions will be permitted on all waters where social distancing guidance can be adhered to. All competitors will fish on allocated “pegs”. It is the organisers responsibility to ensure that these pegs are appropriately spaced to ensure that social distancing is maintained at all times.

2. Anglers should "book on" to a competition as per the organiser’s instructions, usually in advance by phone, email or online. Wherever possible avoid cash transactions

3. Competitors should travel in accordance with current Government guidelines only.On arrival at the venue drivers should pay strict attention to signage and park under the instructions of the fishery/organiser. When leaving vehicles, strict social distancing measures must be adhered to at all times, maintaining a minimum of 2 metres apart. No physical greetings, handshaking etc. to take place.

4. The draw should be held in accordance with the organiser’s pre-stated process to ensure social distancing is maintained. Wherever possible the draw should take place online. Where an on-site draw is necessary, to comply with rules on organised gatherings, the draw must conform to the rules on social distancing. Hand sanitizer should be made available. If using a “raffle style” approach it is recommended that the organiser should be the only person to draw. When a peg is allocated the angler should immediately make their way to their peg.

5. At the end of the match competitors will be expected to remain at their pegs until the scalesman arrives. No anglers are permitted to follow the scalesman. Ensuring safety and adherence to the social distance guidelines during the weigh-in is the responsibility of the organiser. Scalesmen will wear the gloves and masks provided and maintain social distancing measures at all times. Each angler should remove their keepnet themselves and transfer the fish into the weigh sling without breaching social distancing guidance. The angler must then step away to allow the scalesman to weigh the fish. The scalesman then calls the weight and the angler must agree that they are happy with it. The scalesman then returns the fish to the water. The process is then repeated if several weigh-ins are required. Social distancing guidelines must be obeyed at all times. Once weighed in the angler will pack up and return directly to their vehicle. In order to avoid breaching Government rules on organised gatherings, special attention should be paid to the announcement of results at the end of the match.

6. The match organiser should post results online for competitors to view. Match organisers should consider paying winnings directly into the angler’s bank account by electronic means. Cash transactions should be avoided wherever possible. Social distancing must be observed at all times.

After consulting the Angling Trust and the Environment Agency, our committee has decided that there is to be no bait fishing on LAS waters until 16th June. This means that only fly and lure fishing for salmon and migratory fish is permitted. If you know a member who doesn't have access to the Internet, please make them aware of this rule.

The usual work parties to clear the banks ready for the opening of the coarse fishing season planned for the 7th and 14th June will not be able to go ahead because of the COVID-19 laws. Therefore, could any member who would like to help clear the pegs of undergrowth please contact myself so I may direct you to the pegs that require clearing, whist ensuring that you stay safe by not coming into unecessary contact with other members.

Our vintage tractor will be cutting the usual 6 feet swathe around Cressage Meadow (pegs 1 - 35) along Taylor's Farm bank (pegs 71 - 105) and along Ratcliffe's bank (pegs 114 - 124) by next weekend (23/24th May). Any time thereafter that you may have to help would be most welcome. Please either email me berniecjones@hotmail.com or text/call me on 07971 016322 if you can help.

Bernie Jones

Hon Secretary

Will all members please note that the Government's decision to allow angling comes with some new rules attached. The river season is CLOSED for coarse angling until 16th June, but Salmon fishing is permitted from 13th May. The Angling Trust advice is:

YOU SHOULD ONLY TRAVEL TO THE RIVER ON YOUR OWN OR ONLY WITH MEMBERS OF YOUR HOUSEHOLD & ABIDE BY CURRENT GUIDELINES ON SOCIAL DISTANCING

YOU CAN FISH WITH MEMBERS OF YOUR HOUSEHOLD OR ONE OTHER PERSON OUTSIDE YOUR HOUSEHOLD THAT TRAVELS SEPARATELY - BUT STICK TO SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES

MAINTAIN A MINIMUM DISTANCE OF 15M FROM OTHER ANGLERS WHILST FISHING

ONLY TRAVEL BASED ON WHAT IS ALLOWED BY CURRENT GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD BEFORE TRAVELLING. NO DAY TICKETS WILL BE ISSUED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

PAY CAREFUL ATTENTION TO ALL FISHERY NOTICES - IF UNSURE CALL SECRETARY ON 07971 016322 - PUT IT INTO YOUR PHONE NOW!

USE HAND SANITISER BEFORE & AFTER TOUCHING LOCKS, GATES ETC HANDLED BY OTHER ANGLERS. DISPOSABLE GLOVES ARE RECOMMENDED

DO NOT LEAVE HOME IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19 & FOLLOW GOVERNMENT ADVICE ON ISOLATION

NO KEEPNETS OR COMPETITION FISHING ALLOWED - GOVERNMENT ADVICE STILL PROHIBITS ORGANISED GATHERINGS OF ANY KIND

NO SHARING OF FISHING POSITIONS / PEGS EXCEPT BY MEMBERS OF THE SAME HOUSEHOLD

NO SHARING OF FISHING TACKLE OR OTHER ITEMS