As a new fishing season begins, the Environment Agency welcomes anglers back to English rivers.
16 June 2024 : The Environment Agency welcomes anglers back to rivers across England today (Sunday 16 June) as the close season for coarse fishing ends.
Running from 15 March to 15 June inclusive, the close season prohibits coarse fishing in rivers, streams and drains, as well as some canals and protected still watersagency, .
The close season is enforced annually to prevent disturbance to coarse fish and protect vulnerable fish stocks during their peak spawning period.
The Environment Agency reminds fishers that all anglers over the age of 13 must have a valid licence to fish in English waters. Those found fishing without a valid licence can incur penalties of up to £2,500.