Official club guidance

Club Rules Fish safely. Respect the water.

These rules protect our anglers, fish stocks, local waters and the people who live nearby. Please read them before fishing and follow them on every visit.

Respect comes first

Look after the fish. Look after each other.

North Staffs Angling is built around good fishing, fair access and responsible behaviour. By fishing our waters, every member agrees to follow these rules and support the standards of the club.

Know the rules before you cast Bailiffs and committee members may check memberships, tackle and conduct at any time.
Membership & conduct

A better club starts on the bank

Good conduct helps keep our waters safe, welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.

  • Carry valid proof of membership whenever you fish.
  • Respect other anglers, nearby residents, wildlife and the environment.
  • Follow instructions from bailiffs and committee members.
  • Help protect the club’s reputation through responsible behaviour.
North Staffs Angling water at Caldon Canal, Froghall
Official rules

Read them. Follow them. Enjoy the fishing.

Please take time to read every section before visiting club waters.

Membership

  • All members must hold a valid membership while fishing club waters.
  • All members must have started a monthly payment plan with a 12-month minimum term, or paid for a full 12-month membership, before fishing.
  • Members must present ID matching their Clubmate details, or a membership card, when requested by a bailiff or committee member.
  • Membership is non-transferable.
  • Any valid member may ask another member to produce proof of valid membership.

Conduct on Club Waters

  • Members must behave respectfully towards other anglers, the public, wildlife and the environment.
  • Abusive behaviour, vandalism or disruption will result in disciplinary action.
  • Littering is strictly prohibited. All litter must be taken away.
  • Hales Hall is a shared facility in a quiet residential area, so please keep noise to a reasonable level.

Fishing Regulations

  • Members must follow all Environment Agency rules and hold a valid rod licence.
  • Only recognised coarse-angling methods are permitted unless otherwise stated.
  • A maximum of two rods is allowed unless you hold a night ticket or are a syndicate member.
  • Unattended rods are strictly forbidden.

Fish Welfare

  • Unhooking mats must be used for carp, pike and other large fish species.
  • Barbless or micro-barbed hooks only, unless otherwise specified.
  • All fish must be handled carefully and returned promptly.
  • Fish may not be retained in keepnets except during official matches.
  • Carp sacks are prohibited.
  • No fish may be removed from any water under any circumstances.

Bait & Groundbait

  • No nuts are permitted on any water.
  • No surface baits are permitted on any water.
  • Boilies are allowed in reasonable quantities.
  • Groundbait may be limited on some waters, so check water-specific rules.
  • Live baiting is allowed only where stated, and bait must come from the same water.

Tackle & Equipment

  • No fixed-lead rigs.
  • All rigs must be safe and able to discharge the lead when necessary.
  • Braided mainline is permitted only for pike fishing unless otherwise stated.
  • Fish-safe leaders only. Unsafe shock leaders are not permitted.
  • Keepnets are permitted, but carp may only be retained during an organised club match.

Water Access & Times

  • Fishing is permitted only during the posted opening times for each water.
  • Night fishing is allowed only on designated waters or with a valid night permit.
  • Anglers must use official access points and parking areas.
  • No parking on surrounding streets.

Bailiffs

  • Bailiffs have full authority to check memberships, inspect tackle and enforce club rules.
  • Failure to comply may result in removal from the water or suspension.

Junior Anglers

  • Anglers under 12 must be accompanied by a responsible adult unless otherwise approved.
  • Juniors must follow all club rules, and supervising adults are responsible for their conduct.

Matches

  • Waters may be closed for official matches.
  • Notices will be displayed in advance.
  • Match rules must be followed throughout all competitions.

Prohibited Items & Activities

  • No fires, except gas stoves used safely.
  • No tins or cans are permitted on the bank.
  • The use of drugs is prohibited.
  • Alcohol misuse is not permitted. Intoxicated individuals will be removed.
  • No swimming, boating or wading unless authorised.
  • No guns, weapons or dangerous items on site.
  • Do not damage or remove any flora or fauna.
  • No fishing within the marina at Froghall Wharf. Anyone caught doing so will have their licence removed.

Vehicles & Parking

  • Vehicles must use designated parking areas only.
  • Do not block gates or access tracks.
  • All site speed limits must be observed.

Dogs

  • Dogs must be kept under control at all times.
  • Fouling must be cleaned up immediately.
  • Nuisance behaviour will not be tolerated.

Environment & Conservation

  • Do not damage trees, plants or bankside vegetation.
  • Report pollution or hazards immediately to a bailiff or committee member.
  • Drones are prohibited unless authorised.

Disciplinary Action

  • Breaches of club rules may result in a warning, suspension or expulsion.
  • The committee’s decision is final, subject to the right of appeal.
These rules protect members, fish welfare, club waters and the surrounding environment. Failure to comply may lead to immediate action by a bailiff or the committee.
Hales Hall Pool managed by North Staffs Angling
Looking after our waters

Good fishing needs healthy waters.

Responsible behaviour, careful fish handling and respect for the environment protect the experience for today’s members and the next generation of anglers.

Every visit is an opportunity to leave the bank, the water and the club in better shape.

Ready to join?

Membership details are on Clubmate.

View membership options, payment information and joining guidance through the North Staffs Angling Clubmate page.

View Clubmate