In setting out the Club’s rules, certain criteria have been applied to recognise that salmon fishing is different from that of sea trout fishing. Salmon are a highly threatened species and fished for by day. Sea trout are largely fished for by night and are not currently at risk but warning signs indicate we must conserve these enigmatic travellers. These differences have resulted in rules that are common to both salmon and sea trout fishing during the day and those rules that apply specifically to fishing at night for sea trout which is a speciality sport.

A sustainable club fishery is highly dependent on agencies external to the club doing their job. Our contribution must be to fish with conservation at the heart of our fishing effort. The Club gives anglers rules and advice on best angling practice for the quick and safe catch and release of salmon and sea trout. This allows us all to continue to enjoy this wonderful sport. The rules have been compiled from the results of the members survey and taking into account best angling practice of local and national angling clubs, associations and the Environment Agency.

The salmon flow chart and sea trout flow chart are directives for permit holders and an aide-memoire for members. The rules are contained in the yellow boxes and are mandatory, the conservation practice in the blue boxes is recommended.

The Club’s General rules and the rules about Permits and Membership can be read and printed by clicking on these links.

Catch and Release

The club rules are overarched by national and local byelaws. Environment Agency rules and directives also apply. Size limits and catch and release laws for salmon, sea trout and brown trout vary from river to river. Club rules and local codes of practice are more stringent than the national and local byelaws.

It is the angler’s responsibility to ensure that they are familiar with all of the restrictions governing the catch and release of salmon, sea trout and brown trout.

Should a rainbow trout be caught whilst fishing club waters, it must be removed, as these escapees are regarded as invasive and could upset the balance of native brown, sea trout and salmon populations.

Angling Trust

Salmon

Killing a salmon should be an exceptionally rare event in order to preserve the species.

This flow chart gives full details of the clubs rules about the catch and release of salmon.

South West Rivers Association

Sea Trout

Anglers are asked to put a low limit on the number of fish they take, no more than 2 fish per day.

This flow chart gives full details of the clubs rules about the catch and release of sea trout.

Brown Trout

Fishing with artificial flies only, on barbless or de-barbed single hooks, shall be permitted until one hour after sunset.

Any trout less than 8″ (20cm) in length must be returned to the river.

Grayling

Grayling fishing is only available on the River Tamar, the grayling season starts on 16th June and ends on 14th March.

Fishing with artificial flies only, on barbless or de-barbed single hooks, shall be permitted until one hour after sunset.

When Grayling fishing, it is hoped best conservation practice will be adopted, but if a fish is to be kept, the limit is two only per day and they must be within 30-38cms in length. A local EA bye-law requires that all other grayling are released.