Lake District Problems from AnglersA minority of anglers are causing an increasing number of problems on Grasmere and Rydal, two well known pike venues in the Lake District. Fires, overnight camping, damage to woodland, drystone walls and fences and large amounts of litter to name but a few. Repeated instances of permit and rod licence evasion are also of great concern.Both fisheries are controlled by Windermere, Ambleside and District Angling Association (WADAA) who offer access to much of the lake shore through agreements with the National Trust, the Lake District National Park Authority and private landowners. The Association is concerned that the poor behaviour of a small number of anglers could well put at risk the current open access to both of these important waters. Following a meeting this week of all the parties involved in the management of the two lakes a spokesman for WADAA made it clear that the situation must improve. “It is a great pity that yet again a small minority of irresponsible anglers create major problems for everyone else. The Association makes every effort to provide access and good fishing not only for our members but also for the large number of visitors to the area. However if we are unable to resolve the current issues we may have no option but to restrict access. This would be a last resort and we hope that our regular visitors will support our efforts to ‘clean up’ these two excellent pike fisheries.” WADAA are to improve the signage around both lakes, increase the number of permit agents and improve the publicity about the agreements that govern access to each lake. In addition more frequent patrols by EA Bailiffs and Police will be aimed at stamping out rod licence and permit evasion. In particular visitors will be reminded that night fishing, fires and camping are strictly prohibited at both fisheries – and that not all of the shoreline has access, stretches of private land are clearly defined. Permits are readily available at £ 5 day, £ 10 week and £ 30 season. These can be obtained from agents in Grasmere Village (Newsagents, Post Office) and at other outlets locally (see below). E-permits are even available from WADAA’s own website, www.lakedistrictfishing.net, which includes full details of the access to both Grasmere and Rydal and the available fishing. Permit Agents for Grasmere and Rydal |
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