Sporting rights on the majority of the main Broads were awarded to the adjoining landowners by Enclosure Acts during the early 19th century.
Thus the fishing rights on Hickling and Barton Broads belong to the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, but the navigation remains public free. Fortunately, the Trust allows boat anglers to fish both venues free of charge. Permits to Horsey Mere are compulsory and to the enclosed Trinity Group via Filby/Ormesby boat hire.
Decoy Broad is NDAA members only and a mooring fee is required to boat-fish Salhouse Broad. Wroxham Angling Centre deals with permission to fish Wroxham Broad, Oulton Broad has limited free bank space with boats available while Rockland and South Walsham broads are free for anglers who hire dinghies. New season prospects all rated excellent. For rod-licensed boat anglers on tidal rivers, fishing is free under King John's Magna Carta, 1215.
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