Kilnsey fly fishing lakes are now open, pre-bookings only.
(UPDATE – our new online booking system is now working and taking bookings from Monday 25th May – see below for details)
We’re going to need to do certain things differently to make sure we comply with the new Angling Trust guidance and support the national effort to defeat coronavirus. Here are some of the changes you need to be aware of:
Opening hours – 8.30am – 5pm (until further notice).Please note that the café, family fishing and nature trail will remain closed for the time being.
Before you travel – to ensure the safety and health of all anglers, do not leave home if you have any symptoms of Covid-19. Only travel on your own or with a member of your household. We advise that you read the new Angling Trust guidance before you visit – you can find it by clicking here.
On arrival – you will find the main gate closed but not locked. Come on through and close the gate behind you. Please use the hand sanitiser provided. If you have pre-booked a ticket you can start fishing immediately, otherwise you will need to find a member of staff or call 07340 737673 before you start fishing.
Whilst fishing – always maintain social distancing and keep at least 2 metres between you and another person. Fish from designated pegs/platforms only. A maximum of two anglers allowed on the pier at any time. To ensure the safe spacing of anglers (not less than 5 metres*) we have temporarily closed a couple of pegs. No sharing of nets or other equipment.
Payment – pay by contactless card where possible.
Hygiene/toilets – please use the Disabled toilet only (the others will remain closed for the time being). Use hand sanitiser before and after touching any gates, locks, door handles etc. Safely dispose of all your litter.
Fish processing – unfortunately due to covid-19 hygiene restrictions we are currently unable to offer our usual processing and filleting service, however we will keep this under review and plan to bring this back as soon as we safely can.
Fishing for the Over 70s – there are some misconceptions about whether or not the Over 70s should be fishing at the moment. The current Government guidance states that Over 70s who are not in the ‘Clinically Vulnerable’ category (ie with a significant underlying health condition) are able to go outside and fish as long as they are extremely careful to comply with the social distancing regulations.
* Please note that we have spoken with the Angling Trust about their 15 metre spacing requirement and we have agreed that the measures put in place at Kilnsey meet the necessary requirements to keep our anglers safe.