The coarse fishing close season runs from 15 March to 15 June. During this time you cannot fish for coarse fish in rivers, streams and drains in England. This is to protect fish when they are spawning. It is also to protect the young fish as they are easily disturbed.
There are many anglers that believe the rule is “rivers shut, lakes open”. This is mostly correct.
Where it applies
The national close season covers:
- all rivers, streams and drains
- some canals, mainly ones that were rivers before they were made into canals
- most stillwaters that are Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)
- most waters in the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads
Where you can still fish
Canals and reservoirs in England are generally free to fish all year. However, this is also subject to ownership and club rules. A fishery is able to close for spawning even if it is not required by law and some do. Make sure to check with the owner or club before fishing.
Check the local byelaws
There are byelaw areas in England and each has lists of canals and stillwaters with a close season. These lists can and do change. Before fishing an unfamiliar canal or stillwater in the spring, check which byelaw are covers that area.
Wales has its own rules so make sure to check Natural Resources Wales if fishing in Wales.
Trout, salmon and eels
There are also other close seasons. For example, salmonid species (brown and rainbow trout, salmon and sea trout) all have their own close seasons. Often these differ depending on the region or river. Eels are covered by special byelaws in many regions. If you’re targeting any of these species, you will need to be aware of their individual close seasons.
What about sea fishing?
There is no close season for sea fishing. Some species like bass are covered by different rules and limits for what can be kept. For these species, it is important to know the latest limits, but generally there is no close season.
It is illegal to fish during the close season and the Environment Agency will be conducting patrols of rivers during the spring. You will always need a rod licence for freshwater fishing, even during the close season.