How many rods can i use?

Rod limits

National byelaw - number of rods

The maximum number of rods that you can fish with varies according to the type of water and fishing. The table below gives details of rod limits - these are subject to the correct number of licences being held. This only applies to rods actually in use - you can have as many as you wish set up.

Salmon and sea trout(migratory trout)
Rivers, streams, drains and canals 1 rod
Reservoirs, lakes and ponds 2 rods*

Trout (non-migratory) and Char
Rivers, streams, drains and canals 1 rod
Reservoirs, lakes and ponds 2 rods*

Course fish and eels
Rivers, streams, drains and canals 4 rods*
Reservoirs, lakes and ponds 4 rods*

* 2 licences required

When fishing with multiple rods and lines, rods must be placed so that the distance between the butts of the end rods does not exceed three metres.

A salmon and sea trout licence authorises only one rod per licence when fishing for salmon, sea trout or trout, or two rods per licence when fishing for coarse fish and eels.

A trout and coarse licence authorises one rod when fishing for trout, or two rods when fishing for coarse fish and eels.

© Environment Agency 2008