Fishing Licenses
Welcome to the Bellwick Council Fishing Licenses Department. All persons wishing to fish in Bellwick's waters must obtain the appropriate license as per the Bellwick Waterways Act 1962 (as amended 1987, 1994, and 2018).
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Fishing without a valid license is a criminal offence and may result in prosecution and/or confiscation of equipment.
All licenses must be carried on person while fishing and presented upon request to Council Wardens or Police Officers.
Types of Fishing Licenses
| License Type | Valid For | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Day License | 24 hours from time of issue | GBP 8.50 |
| Weekly License | 7 consecutive days | GBP 28.00 |
| Monthly License | 30 consecutive days | GBP 65.00 |
| Annual License | 12 months from date of issue | GBP 180.00 |
| Senior Citizen Annual | 12 months (over 65s only) | GBP 120.00 |
| Junior License | Under 16s - Annual | GBP 25.00 |
Where You May Fish
Bellwick Council licenses are valid for the following waters:
Permitted Fishing Areas:
- Little Nell's Pool (North Shore only - South Shore CLOSED)
- Loughmere Channel (from Town Bridge to Sea Wall)
- Bellwick Pier 1 and Pier 2 (Pier 3.5 access restricted)
- North Beach (designated areas only)
- Harrowstone Creek (seasonal - April to October)
CLOSED AREAS - NO FISHING PERMITTED
The following areas are STRICTLY OFF LIMITS:
- Little Nell's Pool - South Shore and surrounding docks
- Bellwick Children's Home waterfront
- All areas within 50 meters of the Town Hall drainage outlet
- The Split Lip Pub rear deck and mooring
Violations will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Special Regulations
Catch Limits
Daily catch limits apply as follows:
- Cod, Haddock, Pollock: 3 fish per day (minimum 35cm)
- Mackerel: 15 fish per day
- Bass: 1 fish per day (minimum 42cm)
- Flatfish (Plaice, Flounder): 5 fish per day
Bait Restrictions
The use of live vertebrate bait is prohibited. Only the following baits are permitted:
- Ragworm, lugworm, and other marine worms
- Shellfish (mussels, cockles, razorfish)
- Commercially purchased frozen bait
- Artificial lures and flies
Equipment Regulations
No person may fish with more than TWO rods simultaneously. All rods must be clearly marked with the license holder's name and license number using waterproof marker.
How to Apply
Application Methods:
In Person:
Visit the Licensing Department at Bellwick Town Hall
12 High Street, Bellwick, North Yorkshire YO22 4AP
Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
(Closed for lunch 12:30 - 1:30 PM)
By Post:
Download application form (link below)
Send completed form with payment to above address
Please allow 10-15 working days for postal applications
Required Documents:
- Proof of identity (passport, driving license, or birth certificate)
- Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement - dated within 3 months)
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- For senior/junior licenses: proof of age
Download Forms
Fishing License Application Form (PDF)
Note: PDF download service temporarily unavailable
Enforcement
Bellwick Council employs three full-time Waterways Wardens who patrol fishing areas daily. Wardens have the authority to:
- Request and inspect fishing licenses
- Check catches against regulations
- Issue Fixed Penalty Notices (GBP 150.00)
- Confiscate equipment used in unlicensed fishing
- Refer serious violations to North Yorkshire Police
Recent Prosecutions:
In 2024, Bellwick Council successfully prosecuted 14 individuals for fishing without valid licenses. Fines ranged from GBP 250 to GBP 850, with one individual receiving a 3-month suspended sentence for repeat offending.
Contact Information
Licensing Department
Phone: 01947 555-0100 (ext. 247)
Email: licenses@bellwick.org
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Waterways Wardens (emergencies only)
Phone: 01947 555-0199
Last updated: October 2025 | Revision 7.3
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