1. The Society’s waters are on the Cod Beck and extend from the first field south of New Bridge, Finkle Street, Thirsk to the Railway Bridge, Dalton. Left bank only below Boggs hill. See map.
2. Members must produce evidence of Society membership to any other Member and must also hold a current Environment Agency Fishing Licence.
3. Between 1 April and 16 June fly fishing only is permitted; between 16 June and 30 September fly fishing and worm may be used; between 1 October and 15 March fly fishing and worm fishing is permitted only between the upper limit and the caravan site (as shown on the map).
4. No Member may remove more than two trout per week; all trout of less than 11 inches or more than 16 inches to be returned to the water unharmed.  Guests are not permitted to remove fish.
5. All coarse fish shall be returned to the water unharmed.
6. Fishing is permitted between dawn and dusk.
7. Members shall comply with the Countryside Code.  Any Member responsible for leaving litter or otherwise breaking the Code may be subject to expulsion to the Society under the Constitution.
8. Membership is not transferable.
9. Barbless hooks only shall be used and “squeezed down” barbs shall also be permissible.
10. No trees, branches or bankside vegetation may be trimmed except with the approval of the Committee (who shall obtain such consents from landowners as are necessary).
11. Members will be issued with a guest pass which may be used by the Member to invite up to four guests in any one year (from 1 April to 31 March).  Such a guest pass must be signed and dated by the Member and the guest must always be accompanied by the Member
12. A Member may share a rod with a guest at any time.

Safety

Please read the following safety notes. 

Dangers and Risks

1. Members’ attention is drawn to the actual and potential dangers which may arise when fishing or accessing the Society’s waters.  Such dangers may include defective fences, stiles and gates, dangerous animals, unstable and/or slippery banks, deep water, fast flow rates and such other risks and dangers as are inherent in the sport of angling.  Members must note that it is for them alone to assess all risks involved in accessing or fishing the Society’s waters on behalf of themselves and their guests and that neither the Society nor its officers shall be responsible for any injury or damage suffered by a Member or a guest whilst fishing or accessing the Society’s waters.
   Please note. Guests are not covered by our insurance and fish our waters entirely at their own risk.
2. Electrical pylons – power lines cross the beck at various points.  Members must be aware of the dangers presented by power lines and in particular:-

(a)           Members must comply with any warning signs.

(b)           No rod longer than three metres should be used in the vicinity of the power lines.

(c)           Members must make themselves constantly aware of the danger presented by power lines and not present any risk to themselves or others, including their guests.

Notification to Secretary

Members are encouraged to report any damage or defacing of power line signs to the Secretary or any member of the Committee.  Members should also report any other instances of concern or danger on the Society’s waters to the Secretary or any member of the Committee.  The Society reserves the right to take such action (if any) as is appropriate after receiving such notice but shall not be liable if no action is taken.

Signal Crayfish

The Beck has a population of signal crayfish ; this alien species causes two problems-

(a)   Erosion of banks by burrowing. Members should be aware of this risk as apparently stable banks  may collapse unexpectedly.

(b)   Infection of native crayfish by spread of signal crayfish. This occurs typically by movement of eggs via nets, waders and especially felt-soled wading boots which harbour the spawn and move it to other waters. Members are recommended to take all appropriate steps (including disinfection) if fishing other waters to avoid unintentional spread of this invasive species.

 

These Rules were approved by a resolution of the AGM of the Society on 4^th of May 2011.