Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions:

Q. Are you strictly a bass fishing club?
A. No. however, most of our lakes are managed for bass fishing. We can recommend the better bluegill, crappie, and catfish lakes.
Q. What is your policy on fishing pressure?
A. We believe lakes need days of "rest". We closely monitor fishing pressure. We only allow so many fishing trips per week depending, primarily, on lake size.
Q. How many people are allowed on each lake during my trip?
A. When you reserve a lake it is yours and yours only for the day or ½ day. The number of people fishing on the lake is based on how many are on your reservation. There will be no other members on your trip. This benefit is something unique to PWF and the reason our brand promise is "reel solitude".
Q. How far in advance do I need to reserve a property?
A. Most of the year 1 to 3 days is sufficient. However, some of our premier lakes, in March and April weekends, can be booked 30 or even 60 days in advance.
Q. May I bring a guest? If so, is there an additional charge?
A. Yes. You may bring guests with you during your trip. However, the same guest may only fish with you 3 times in a calendar year. Guests will pay the same day rate as the member and also a $20.00 guest fee.
Q. Why can I only bring the same guest 3 times in the same year?
A. Memberships are the lifeblood of our club. If your guest fishes with you more than 3 times they should get their own membership. The 3 guest rules stop members from "sharing" a single membership.
Q. Do you charge for guests who do not want to fish?
A. No. Non-fishing guests are free of charge. Non-fishing guests will need to complete the guest agreement form before entering a property.
Q. How do I make a reservation?
A. An online reservation system is available for our members to book and confirm trips in real-time and anytime! Members are also welcome to call or email the club office for reservations.
Q. Are there any restrictions on how many reservations and how far in advance I can book them?
You may book fishing reservations up to 60 days in advance and you may have up to 3 reservations on the books at a time.
Q. Why do some lakes require a 2 adult minimum?
A. Lakes where a 2 person minimum is required, are our premium lakes. Your reservations ensure that only those in your property have the entire lake to themselves. For that privilege, we must generate more revenue to justify the use of this premium property for the length of your reservation. Moreover, these lakes are spending lots of money to grow larger bass. Most lakes do not require a 2 person minimum.
Q. What is the difference between a full day and a ½ day of fishing?
A. A full day of fishing gives you access to the lake from sun up to sundown. A ½ day of fishing can either be a ½ day a.m. or ½ day p.m. A ½ day a.m. starts at sun up and ends at noon. A ½ day p.m. starts at noon and ends at sundown.
Q. When fishing on club waters, am I allowed to keep any fish?
A. The short answer is no. We are a sport fishing club and generally practice catch and release methods. We do have sites that need fish harvesting. On those lakes, we would ask that you remove any bass under a certain slot limit (usually 14" and under). Any sites that require harvesting will have the requirements listed in the site requirements section of that lake's webpage on our website. Keeping trophy bass is not allowed and could be grounds for termination of membership.
Q. What is your Cancellation Policy?
A. Please, view the complete description of our Cancellation Policy. This includes details on reservation cancellation, modification, and weather-related cancellations.

Boats:

Q. Do you provide boats? If so, is there an additional cost?
A. Most lakes have a 2 man jon boat. Our premium lakes have larger boats with trolling motors. Boats are not an additional cost and are included in the day rate on most lakes.
Q. How do I know if there is a boat at the property?
A. Visit www.privatewaterfishing.com. Every property has a complete description of the boat type and availability.
Q. Can I bring my own boat, float tube, canoe, or kayak?
A. Yes, you may bring your own boat. Most lakes do not have a boat ramp so you must be able to launch your boat from the bank. Small boats are best. Please note that we do not allow gas motors on our lakes.
Q. How do I know which lake can accommodate my big boat?
A. Visit www.privatewaterfishing.com. Every property has a description of the boat ramp or boat launch situation. Please remember you may have a gas-powered engine, but it may only be used to load and unload off the trailer.

Lodging:

Q. Do you offer lodging on these lakes? If so, what are the costs?
A. About ¼ of our properties have a cabin or home available. Costs range from $90.00 to $250.00 for two people. Additional people are $15.00 to $25.00 each. Complete descriptions and photographs of these accommodations can be found at www.privatewaterfishing.com
Q. May I lodge without fishing?
A. No, you must have a fishing reservation in order to lodge.

Costs

Q. How much does it cost to be a member?
A.There is an annual membership fee and an application fee; which grants you access to all our sites and there is a separate daily fee for fishing on a given property. View our home page under the pricing tab for current pricing.
Q. Do I pay a cost to fish if I am a member?
A. Yes. As a member or a guest of a member, you each pay a daily fishing fee. Daily rates range from $60.00 to $225.00 per person for a full day. The vast majority of lakes are $85 to $120 per person; per day. ½ day rates are available on most lakes and are generally 3/4 of the full day rate. Children under the age of 12 generally fish for free. Youth anglers ages 13-17 generally pay 1/2 price.
Q. Why do I pay an annual membership fee and a daily fishing fee?
A. We charge both an annual membership fee and a daily access fee because we want you to pay for only what you use. We feel charging for only what you use is the fairest approach, as opposed to charging a much larger annual membership fee and then having an "all you can fish" business model.
Q. Why do you charge an application fee? Do I pay this every year?
A. The application fee is designed to retain our members. We want you to be a member for a long time. If you pay the application fee you are more likely to keep your membership from year to year, instead of jumping out and jumping back in. You do not pay the application each year. But, you do pay the application fee again if you let your membership lapse. 
Q. If I quit for a year or two do I have to pay the application fee again.
A. It depends. The Initiation Fee is a one-time fee as long as you do not let your membership lapse. If you renew within the first 24 months you pay a $99 application fee again. After 24 months you will be considered a new member and subject to the entire application fee. Keeping your membership in good standing by paying your annual dues each year is the way to avoid paying the initiation fee more than once.
Q. Is your membership January to January or from the month I join to the same month next year?
A. Your membership is good for one year from the month you join until the same month the following year. For example, if you join in May your membership is good until the end of May of the following year.
Q. What is the difference between an individual and family membership?
A. An Individual membership is for one person. A family membership includes your spouse and all dependent children 21 years and younger.
Q. Do children pay to fish?
A. Children 0-12 pay nothing to fish. We want to make it affordable for families; exposing kids to the joy of the outdoors and fishing. Children 13-17 pay about ½ price depending on the lake. 18 and older pay adult pricing.
Q. Do you offer senior discounts?
A. We do offer a $40 discount for seniors over the age of 62 on individual and family memberships. The discount is automatically applied through our system.