The Environment Agency is enforcing annual close season for salmon and sea trout fishing

The Environment Agency (EA) is enforcing the annual close season over the winter months to help protect salmon and sea trout from disturbance when spawning, allowing stocks to grow. 

The byelaws prohibit fishing for salmon and sea trout this autumn, with fishing due to resume in early 2022.

Salmon and sea trout spawn at different times meaning that close season dates vary slightly across areas and rivers in England. Anglers must check local information and byelaws to ensure they are up to date on local restrictions.

Wild Atlantic salmon and sea trout are experiencing decline, with some stocks now below sustainable levels. Reducing disturbances on fish when they are spawning and at their most vulnerable helps to protect stocks for the future.

The EA recognises that fishing is not the sole cause of stock decline but by observing the close season anglers are playing their part in boosting the long-term resilience of iconic fish species.

Kevin Austin, Deputy Director for Agriculture, Fisheries and the Natural Environment at the Environment Agency says, 'Taking steps to limit the pressures on vital fish stocks will help support healthy, thriving populations in our rivers long into the future. annual close season is an important time of year. It improves the resilience and sustainability of our native species, which is important for the wider ecosystem.'

Anglers who wish to fish during the winter months are permitted to catch coarse fish, such as grayling, barbel and chub, for which a valid fishing licence is required.

During the close season, enforcement officers from the EA patrol riverbanks to prevent illegal fishing and protect fisheries. maximum fine for byelaw offences is £50,000 upon conviction. Those who suspect illegal fishing should report it to the EA's incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.

The South West byelaw area is divided into the Wessex byelaw area and the Devon and Cornwall byelaw area.

The Wessex area covers waters within river catchments that flow into the:

• Bristol Channel or Severn Estuary from Foreland Point, eastwards to Newtown (Sharpness)
• Sea along the south coast from Lyme Regis (excluding the River Lim), eastwards to Highcliffe, Dorset

The Devon and Cornwall area covers all waters within river catchments that flow into the sea on the south coast from Lyme Regis (including the River Lim) to Land's End, and from Land's End to Foreland Point on the north coast.

More information and specific advice can be found on the government website, HERE.

The Aquaculturists

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