17/07/2026
After recent concerns for the welfare of fish stocks present at Womack, specifically relating to the retention of fish in keepnets, we have been in contact with the local area Environment Agency fisheries team. Having discussed this practice with them we have been presented with the following information:
“Whilst there are no specific byelaws in place to prevent fish being retained in keepnets for recreational angling purposes, this practice must be carefully considered prior to use to ensure the preservation of fish stocks, especially during periods of sub-optimal water quality parameters. In the absence of an angling match/competition this practice could be considered an unnecessary pressure placed on fish stocks, especially during prolonged dry weather events and/or periods of reduced water quality parameters. Responsible angling clubs in the area have requested that their members do not use keepnets for pleasure fishing and are only to be used for specific competitions/matches if conditions are suitable. Even if permitted, it is still recommended that fish are retained for a minimal amount of time and/or until the maximum weight for the size of keepnet has been achieved. This advice is presented to promote greater fish health/welfare, to protect fish stocks, and prevent mortalities from occurring.
The justification as to why these practices are suggested is presented below:
Increased water temperatures cause fishes metabolisms to spike. Any fish which are hooked during periods of elevated water temperatures will cause the captured fish to become exhausted much quicker than in cooler water temperatures. This makes post-release recovery very difficult and is exacerbated further if fish are retained in keepnets for extended periods, and fish health/welfare is reduced even further when retained at high densities. Additionally, rapid temperature changes are extremely detrimental to fish, and hot, dry unhooking mats can cause severe mucus loss and scale damage. This further increases the level of stress fish are subject to and causes them to become immunocompromised and more susceptible to secondary infections. Additionally, long term retention has been shown to significantly exacerbate cortisol levels (stress hormones), further compromising fish health/welfare, as well as growth/development and, again, increases the risks of secondary infections from occurring. There is an increased risk if unsuitable keepnets are used, as these can cause excessive amounts of mechanical damage, such as scale/mucus loss, which are the fishes first line of defence and fish deaths are likely to occur as a result of improper fish retention. Please see a link to the official keepnet specifications which are permitted for use here Freshwater rod fishing rules: Tackle you can use - GOV.UK
As a general guide, the EA currently recommends that dissolved oxygen levels and temperature thresholds for different fish species should be the following:
9mg/l or above for salmonids (at 50% saturation)
7mg/l or above for cyprinids and most coarse fish species (at 50% saturation),
3mg/l or lower is considered stressful and/or dangerous to the majority of fish species present.
Avoid targeting more sensitive species (i.e. trout, pike, and perch) when water temperatures exceed 18°C
Avoid targeting all species when water temperatures exceed 21°C
As there is a direct relationship between water temperatures and dissolved oxygen levels and retention, the higher the temperature the lower the dissolved oxygen will typically be. Temperature data is available in selected angling stores in the area to assist anglers in the determination as to what angling practices may, or may not, be suitable to protect fish stocks.”
We hope that visitors to the staithe will continue to enjoy their fishing responsibly and will take note of this guidance so that everyone can enjoy the privileged fishing we have at this site, preserving it for future generations to come.
Thanks,
Steve
