National fisheries byelaws for anglers
The following are regulated by national fisheries byelaws:
(Please note that local and regional fisheries byelaws also apply. Full copies of these can be obtained by calling 0845 933 3111 or by contacting the relevant regional office of the Environment Agency).
The coarse fish close season applies to all rivers, streams and drains in England & Wales, but does not apply to most stillwaters. There are some exceptions - the Broads and some Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs); these sites are listed in the Schedules attached to the byelaws, which you can obtain from your local office (tel 0845 9333111).
Recent byelaw changes mean that the coarse fish close season does not apply to most canals in England and Wales; again there are some exceptions, mainly SSSIs and these are also listed in the Schedules.
Where the statutory coarse fish close season has been removed, fishery owners and angling clubs are free to introduce a close season through club or fishery rules if they wish to.
Keepnets, keepsacks and landing nets (design and construction)
You may not use a landing net with any knotted meshes or meshes of metallic material. (Knots along the seams of the nets are permitted provided that the net is constructed from knotless mesh)
You may not use a keepnet: - (i) with any knotted meshes or meshes of metallic material; or (ii) having any holes in the mesh larger than 25mm internal circumference; or (iii) of less than 2.0 metres in length; or (iv) with supporting rings or frames greater than 40cm apart (excluding the distance from the top frame to the first supporting ring or frame) or less than 120cm in circumference
You may not use a keepsack: -
(i) not constructed of a soft, dark coloured, non-abrasive, water permeable fabric; or (ii) having dimensions of less than 120cm by 90cm if rectangular; or (iii) having dimensions of less than 150cm by 30cm by 40cm if used with a frame designed with the intention that a frame be used.
You must not keep more than one fish in a single keepsack.
Fishing Weights
No fishing weights made of lead may be used except those of 0.06 grams or less and those of more than 28.35 grams.
In angling terms this means that lead shot from size 14 to size 8 and lead weights of over 1 ounce can be used in fishing.
While lead dust shot (size 8 and smaller) are legal, they are toxic to birds if ingested. Use spillproof containers for lead dust shot and always dispose of used lead safely at home.
Live baits and baits
It is an offence to use crayfish (alive or dead) as a bait at any time.
Fish taken for use as live bait may only be used on the water from which they have been taken.
New byelaws have been introduced in the North West region to help protect some of Britains rarest fish species.
Rod limits
Types of Fish Rivers, streams, drains and canals Reservoirs, lakes and ponds Salmon and sea trout migratory trout) 1 rod 2 rods* Trout (non-migratory) and char 1 rod 2 rods* Coarse fish and eels 4 rods* * 2 licences required
The maximum number of rods that you can fish with varies according to the type of water and fishing. This only applies to rods actually in use - you can have as many as you wish set up.
When fishing with multiple rods and lines, rods must be placed such that the distance between the butts of the end rods does not exceed three metres.
A salmon & sea trout licence authorises only one rod per licence when fishing for salmon, sea trout or trout, or two rods per licence when fishing for coarse fish and eels.
A trout and coarse licence authorises one rod when fishing for trout or two rods when fishing for coarse fish and eels.
Unattended Rods
It is unlawful to leave a rod and line, that is unattended, in the water or over which sufficient control can not be effected.
National salmon byelaws
These byelaws were introduced in 1999 together with byelaws restricting net fisheries as part of a package of measures to protect the future of salmon stocks. Full copies of the byelaws are available from regional offices.
Early season catch and release for salmon with rod and line: any angler who catches a salmon before the 16th June in any calendar year, must return the fish immediately to the water with the least possible injury.
The Agency has produced a catch and release leaflet that is available from your local office.
Early season method restriction for salmon with rod and line: any angler fishing for salmon may only use artificial fly or artificial lure before 16th June in any calendar year.
Salmon and sea trout catch returns
Anglers
All licensed salmon and sea trout anglers must make a return by 1 January in the following year. This includes "Nil" returns. A catch return form is attached to the angler's rod licence.
Netsmen
All licensed salmon and sea trout netsmen must make monthly returns within 7 days of the end of each month during the fishing season. This includes "Nil" returns. Agency Regions provide return forms to licensed netsmen.
Fisheries Statistics
The information provided on catch returns helps us to compile our fisheries statistics, and these data in turn help us to manage fisheries from an informed point of view. The accuracy and promptness of completion of your catch returns will help us to do a better job.
Close season for non-migratory trout (rod and line)
(a) Rainbow Trout Close Season
There is no annual close season for fishing for rainbow trout by rod and line in all reservoirs, lakes and ponds. In other waters the close season will be determined by local byelaws - contact your local office for these (tel - 0845 933 3111).
(b) Brown trout close season
A close season for brown trout applies to all waters, although dates vary according to local byelaws, which you can obtain from your local office (tel - 0845 933 3111).
Use of a gaff
The use of a gaff is prohibited at all times when fishing for salmon, trout, freshwater fish or freshwater eels in England and Wales.
For more information visit the Environment Agency website
Copyright © 2006 Steven Devereux. All Rights Reserved.
