River Griese Trout & Salmon Anglers Association

Club Rules

Rules

The rules of the River Griese Trout and Salmon Anglers Association are as follows:

1. Only anglers who are fully paid up Club Members or Day Ticket holders are allowed to fish on the river.
2. Fishing is predominately Fly Fishing, catch and release, using barbless hooks only.
3. Ground baiting or the use of a float with flies is not allowed.
4. Members must fish with one rod only.  A second rod or handlines must not be used.
5. The daily bag limit is two (2) with all trout or salmon of less than 9 inches in length returned to the river.
6. Anglers must be prepared to show their fish to a member of the committee or appointed officer.
7. When an angler has a pool occupied a Member must not ‘step’ in front of him and start fishing.
8. Spinning is only allowed with single, barbless hooks on certain sections of the river (refer to Beat Maps).
9. No live bait or float fishing is allowed on the river.
10. Day Ticket holders are only permitted to fly fish.
11. All anglers must have their Membership Card or Day Ticket in their possession at all times while on the river and be willing to show this to any other member of the club should they be requested to do so. If the angler is unable to produce their Membership Card or Day Ticket or is unable to be identified by another Member at the river they must leave the river if requested to do so.
12. All litter must be removed when leaving the river (i.e. fishing line etc.) as it is a danger to wildlife.
13. Anglers carry responsibility for all aspects of the local environment.
14. Anglers must observe good sportsmanship, do not crowd other anglers and respect the wildlife and our neighbours.
15. No trespassing on adjoining lands.
16. No angler will offer up for sale fish taken from the river.
17. All gates must be closed and secured by all anglers after they enter the river and again on departure. This is to protect the river and local livestock.

Reporting

1. Members must report any environmental problems or poaching to 1890 34 74 24 as soon as possible.
2. James Robinson, Water Protection Officer from Inland Fisheries is responsible for the River Griese and can be contacted on 087 122 8363.
3. Members are encouraged to submit their reports on their catches, offers of help/voluntering/sponsorship, river issues, etc. to the Club either via the website http://www.rivergriese.fish/contact-us/ or SMS (086) 604 4820

Rules for Juniors
In addition to the rules for all members, junior members must also abide by the following rules:

1. All Junior Members must be accompanied by an adult when on the river.
2. All Junior Members must leave the river by 8 pm.

Temporary Rules

1. For health and safety reasons, the club committee may introduce or amend rules on a temporary basis. This will normally only be done for health and safety reasons in order to protect the river environment or in order to promote good sportsmanship. All Members and Day Ticket holders will be subject to these additional club rules which may be introduced during the season and posted in local shops and notice boards.

Country Code

1. The Countryside Code – Leave No Trace!
2. Respect, Protect, Enjoy

Basic Do’s & Don’ts:

While out fishing and walking in the Irish countryside please remember you are fishing in areas where people live and work. We also share the countryside with much wildlife that is easily disturbed.

Please click on the following link for further useful information – Leave No Trace.

The following are a number of important recommendations to abide by when out fishing or walking.

1. Irish waters are usually reached by passing through farmland and anglers are allowed this access by courtesy of local farmers. This however does not imply right of way and anglers should ensure that they have the necessary permission to enter or cross lands. They will give a warm welcome but please respect their property at all times and follow, without question, any directions given to you by them!
2. Where possible Anglers should use the riverbank to reach their chosen destination or follow the signs/directions provided. When walking, use the approved routes and keep as closely as possible to them.
3. Anglers must follow all lawful directions given to them by Landowners / Fisheries Enforcement Personnel and any person charged with enforcing fisheries laws.
4. Do not block access into fields or buildings and park only where you are legally entitled to – please respect the rights of others.
5. Respect the people who live and work in the Irish countryside.
6. Respect private property, farmland and all rural environments.
7. Do not interfere with livestock, machinery and crops.
8. Respect and, where possible protect all wildlife, plants and trees.
9. Take special care when walking on country roads.
10. Leave all gates as you find them and do not interfere with or damage any gates, fences, walls or hedges.
11. Do not enter farmland if you have dogs with you, even on a leash, unless with the permission of the landowner.
12. Guard against all risks of fire, especially near forests.
13. Always keep children closely supervised while fishing or on a walk.
14. Take all litter home – leaving only footprints behind.
15. Keep the number of cars used to the minimum and park carefully to avoid blocking farm gateways or narrow roads.
16. Minimise impact on fragile vegetation and soft ground.
17. Take heed of warning signs – they are there for your protection.
18. Report any problems encountered along the route with markers, signage, stiles or any other comments to the Club Secretary.

A note on Littering along rivers and at parking areas!

The Litter Pollution Act, 1997 as amended by the Waste Management (Amendment) Act 2001 and the Protection of the Environment Act 2003, introduced strong penalties in Ireland to help combat the problems of litter pollution more effectively. The definition of ‘litter’ under this legislation is quite wide and extends from casual pieces of paper or cigarette ends to anything large or small that is, or is likely to become, unsightly.

Kildare County Council is responsible for implementing the litter laws in our area. This means it is responsible for the prevention and control of litter and has the power to take enforcement action against people who break or ignore these laws. Kildare County Council is responsible for keeping public places that are under its control, (including public roads), clear of litter as far as is practicably possible. This includes the arrangement of cleansing programmes and the provision and emptying of litter bins.

Gardai also have the power to issue on-the-spot fines for litter offences!

Anglers should be aware of these laws and ensure that they do not leave litter or rubbish behind them. Anyone found dropping or dumping litter will be reported to Kildare County Council Litter Wardens!