I've been looking at a couple of local stream/small rivers recently & really want to give them a try, but how do I go about getting permission to fish them?
Both are on the course of footpaths & don't have any signs indicating they're private waters, or run by clubs so was almost tempted just to go & have a go, but being a born worrier, I don't want to end up in trouble for doing so!
Anyone else done anything similar or can offer any advice?
Cheers
Dave.

There's a thread running on this subject in Viewpoint. Try here

http://www.flyforums.co.uk/viewpoint...-poaching.html

As a starter for finding out who owns it, I'd try your local tackle shop.

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"Take not out your 'ounds on a werry windy day" Surtees.

Ask your local (FOOTPATHS) access officer if they know who owns the land and go and ask them.

Look at the field gates (if they are linked between fields they are normally in the same ownership), try and trace them back to the farm.

Local planning permissions (which are searchable by map) are often a good source of info as to who owns what.

Basically do some detective work, once permission is gained from 1 you can leverage that against the next.

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Just My Tuppenceworth!!

Just fish it. As long as you don't clamber over a fence or gate and there is easy access then fish away. If anyone asks you to move on then do so making sure you apologise and are always courteous. No one can expect you to be a mind reader.
I always carry a bottle of scotch in the car and if a farmer comes over moaning I pop round to his place with the bottle shortly after. It's only happened once but within the hour he not only gave me permission to fish any of his land I also shoot his land regularly clearing the pests.

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One fish, one fly, one man, several hats.
激しいセックス

He may not give you the time to fetch a bottle of scotch if he has his gun with him.

Far better to ask permission first as that way you can't be accused of poaching. If the land is registered send a SIM application (£5) into Land Registry with a plan highlighting the area and if it's registered they will let you know under which title number. You can then find out who owns it by getting a copy of the register online for £4. Cheaper than a fine or the medical bill for removing lead from your bum.

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Location - Ospreylia

look on google maps and see where the farms are unless you know where they are , then go and ask for permision.

Thanks for the advice.
I was hoping to track down the landowners, but it appears not to belong to the closest farm & he seems reluctant to tell me who does own it.
I've found out who owns the stretch further upstream, so going to try talking to him first & work my way downstream from there.