Lac Baleine

Bait is available to purchased on site

Baleine Fishery Rules

Arrival and Departure

• Anglers may enter the fishery from 1:00 PM on the day of arrival.
• Everyone must leave the lake by 10:00 AM on the day of departure.

Draw and Swims

• Every angler is required to participate in the draw held on Sunday.
• Fishing may only take place from the officially marked swims.
• Bivvies must be positioned on the designated gravel areas.
• “Buddy” bivvies must not be erected between swims.

Vehicles

• Vehicles may be driven to the swims and left parked alongside them. However, swims 20, 21 and 22 cannot be reached by car.
• A speed limit of 10 mph applies around the fishery.
• Once anglers have unloaded and completed their setup, vehicles must remain parked. Driving around the lake unnecessarily is not permitted.
• Vehicles must stay on the designated track. Anglers will be charged for any damage caused by driving away from it.
• A €250 recovery charge will apply if a vehicle becomes stuck.
• Anyone found driving around unnecessarily after setting up may be instructed to move their vehicle to the main car park.
• Fishery management may close the track around the lake at any time if weather conditions make its use unsafe or likely to cause damage.

Fish Care

• Landing nets, unhooking mats, weigh slings and carp-care kits are supplied by the fishery.
• A €50 deposit is payable on arrival for the fish-care equipment provided.
• Personal landing nets, unhooking mats and weigh slings must not be brought onto or used at the fishery.
• Carp-care treatment must be used on every fish caught, without exception.
• All wounds, mouth damage or other injuries must be treated. Carp-care kits will be inspected when anglers arrive.
• Fish must not be sacked or retained.
• Every fish must be lifted from the water in a weigh sling and never in the landing net.
• Before lifting, make sure the fish’s fins are lying flat against its body.
• Carp must always be returned to the water using the weigh sling.
• Any carp weighing 40 lb or more must be photographed in the water.
• Carp weighing 50 lb or more must not be removed from the lake. These fish must be weighed and photographed in the water using the weigh poles supplied.
• Where possible, take photographs of both sides of every fish and record its weight. This information is used to monitor the health and growth of the stock.
• Any fish showing signs of injury or damage must be reported immediately to the bailiff or fishery owner.

Tackle and Rigs

• Each angler may use a maximum of three rods.
• Rods must never be left unattended.
• All rods and lines must remain within the boundaries allocated to the angler’s swim. These boundaries are shown on the lake map available at the lodge.
• Braided mainline, braided leaders, leadcore, lead-free leaders, Rigmarole and Fox Copper Core are prohibited.
• Leaders of any kind are not permitted.
• Mainline must have a minimum breaking strain of 18 lb or a minimum diameter of 0.38 mm.
• Only safe rig arrangements may be used. Bolt rigs are not allowed.
• Every setup must allow the lead to discharge safely. Any arrangement considered unsuitable must be changed immediately.
• Zig fishing is prohibited.
• Only size 2 micro-barbed hooks are permitted.
• Long-curve hooks, long-shank nailers and other similar bent-hook patterns are not allowed.
• Barbless hooks and set hooks are prohibited.
• The Magic Twig is strictly banned. Anyone found using one will be required to leave the fishery.
• All rigs and lines will be inspected before anglers are allowed to begin fishing and may be checked again throughout the week.

Bait

• All particles, seeds and maize must be purchased directly from the fishery.
• Any particles, seeds or maize brought onto the site from elsewhere will be confiscated and returned at the end of the stay.
• Nuts of every kind, including peanuts, are prohibited.
• Maggots, worms and snails must not be used.
• Plastic hook baits are strictly forbidden.
• Bait boats are permitted, provided they are operated sensibly.

Boats

• Rowing boats are available to hire for €50 per week, plus a €25 deposit.
• Anglers fishing from swims 1, 2, 3, 4, the lodge swim, 8, 14/15, 18/19 and 23 must hire a boat.
• Life jackets must be worn at all times when using a boat.
• Boats must be returned in the same condition to either the lodge or the designated swim.
• Privately owned boats must not be brought onto the fishery.

Facilities

• The kitchen, showers and toilets are available for anglers to use free of charge.
• All facilities must be cleaned and left tidy after use.
• Anglers must bring their own bin bags, toilet paper and towels.
• A €25 facilities deposit will be held.
• If the facilities are not kept clean, the deposit will be withheld from all anglers staying at the lake.
• Any damage, defect or fault must be reported to the bailiff or fishery owner immediately.

Grounds and Conduct

• Trees, plants and other vegetation must not be cut, trimmed or pruned by anglers.
• The grass, trees and swims are maintained weekly by fishery staff only.
• Swimming is not permitted.
• Fires are prohibited.
• Defecating anywhere around the lake is strictly forbidden.
• Drugs are not allowed on the premises.
• Alcohol may be consumed responsibly and in moderation.
• Any angler considered intoxicated will be instructed to reel in their rods and may be required to leave the fishery.
• Drunken, antisocial, aggressive or threatening behaviour will not be tolerated.
• Dogs are not permitted.

Respect for Other Anglers

• Please keep noise to a minimum, as sound travels easily across the water.
• Anyone who fails to follow these rules will be instructed to stop fishing and leave the fishery immediately, without a refund.