Kayak Fishing at Bewl Water

Kayak Fishing Rules & Safety

Bewl Water is managed for the safety of every paddler and angler. Please read and follow every rule below before your session.

• You must have valid craft insurance and provide proof upon arrival
• Only rigid kayaks are permitted; inflatable kayaks are not allowed
• Under-18s must be accompanied by an adult
• You must be over the age of 18 to access the water (ID required)
• Life jackets / buoyancy aids are mandatory
• You must check in at the Fishing Lodge before your session
• A paper or electronic copy of valid craft insurance must be brought with you on the day (third-party public liability, British Canoeing, Angling Trust, CRT, etc.)
• Anglers must have a valid EA rod licence before they begin to fish
• Launching and unloading can be done from the beach opposite the Fishing Lodge and strictly nowhere else around the reservoir
• Kayak anglers must not wait around the fishing jetty due to collision risk from other boats
• You are only permitted to use purpose-built fishing kayaks that are a minimum length of 10 feet and sit-on-top with paddles and/or pedals, from brands such as Hobie, Old Town, Perception, Jackson, Galaxy, etc.
• The use of small casual kayaks, sit-in kayaks, inflatable vessels (RIB, SIB, kayaks), and any boat or other watercraft are strictly prohibited
• Before launching, the Bewl Water rangers will inspect your fishing kayak
• Anglers must cease fishing during thunderstorms and when the wind exceeds force 5 (19mph), and all kayaks should return to the shore or other safe moorings/banks
• The Bewl Water Rangers Team have the right to remove anyone off the water if conditions become unsafe
• Bewl Water is not liable for any damage or accidents resulting from the use of kayaks or any other watercraft
• Kayak fishing is entirely at your own risk and responsibility