Frequently Asked Question

  • How long might I be on the waiting list?  – Probably over two seasons on current form.
  • Why is fishing membership not restricted to local anglers? – When the club first started we struggled for members and  therefore the funding to make improvements, so the membership was open to all. Many original members are still with us and travel considerable distances to fish. The philosophy of the club has always to offer open membership.
  • The ponds often seem under fished – why is that? – The ponds are now considered very desirable  waters and members (some of whom fish infrequently) tend to retain their tickets each year. The ponds are a nature reserve and reduced pressure on the fish could be considered a good thing.
  • How many members are there and will the numbers ever be  increased? –  In 2026 we had 300+ members. At the AGM in 2025 the  attendees were asked by the chairperson if we should increase membership numbers. The response was overwhelmingly negative. It should be noted that increasing numbers impacts greatly on insurance and the workload of the volunteers who bailiff and administrate for the club so there are no plans to increase the current number of members. 
  • Are the fishing pegs suitable for disabled anglers? – We  do not identify any pegs as being suitable for disabled anglers but pegs 1, 24 and 25 on the east lake do not have steps, are relatively flat, are close to the car park,  and are often favoured by the less mobile members.
  • How deep are the ponds? – Frequently the margins are over 6 feet deep and up to 10 feet+ deep further out.
  • Can I bring a dog with me? – Yes but it must be kept under close control. Lots of dog walkers use the reserve and there’s lots of  wildlife around that a dog may want to interact with given the opportunity.
  • Can I visit the ponds and look around?  – Of course, it is a nature reserve open to all.
  • Can I lure fish for perch? – You can, but you must use a single barbless hook, no wire trace and no live or dead fish as bait.
  • Is there a shop nearby? – Yes turn  right on the main road as you leave the ponds and it is  on the left hand side.
  • Are there toilet facilities at the ponds? – Unfortunately no.
  • Can I bring a friend fishing with me fishing if I become a member? – Yes but obviously not to fish or take charge of your rod/s.
  • Do juniors have to join the waiting list? – At present no, as our constitution states that we intent to promote junior involvement in fishing. However, new memberships are only accepted on application in April and May of each year. 
  • How do I join the committee? – If you are a member and places are available on the committee, email sugarmillponds@gmail.com giving details of your experience and reasons for applying.
  • When is the renewal date for membership and when might new memberships  become available? – Membership can be renewed in January at the AGM and then after until the last day of March. In April if membership places are available, prospective new members will be contacted strictly according to the waiting list order. When membership is full those still on the waiting list will be informed of their place on the waiting list by email or letter.
  • Can I park overnight at the ponds. – No overnight parking is allowed and regular  checks are made.
  • Do I need to add postage costs to my renewal or application. – Yes £2 should be added to cover postage  costs etc. 
  • Do you have a Facebook group? – Yes,  search for  ‘Sugar Mill Ponds Angling  Club’.
  • Can I fish the Aire and Calder Canal behind the ponds? – If you are a club member you are entitled to fish the canal (details in your membership book). If not you can fish THE CANAL on  a day ticket. Go to the menu and select ‘Boothferry Aire & Calder Joint Canal Committee’ from the Angling Club section for more details and their web site link  or click  https://bacjcc-canalfishing.co.uk/  
  • As a member can I have a friend sit with me whilst I fish?  – Yes but in no way are they allowed to ‘look after’ your rods or do any fishing unless they are also a member.