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 2023.

In the North East, the close season for salmon runs 1 November to 31 January. The close season for sea trout also begins on 1 November and runs until 2 April. In Yorkshire, the close season for salmon runs 1st November to 5th April. The close season for sea trout begins on 1st November and runs until 2nd April.

Anglers must check local information and byelaws to ensure they are up to date on local restrictions. More information and specific advice can be found here.

Licence holders who fish for salmon and sea trout are also encouraged to submit their annual catch return. This can be completed online or by sending in a paper catch return, the information is vital to help inform national salmon and sea trout stock assessments.

Wild Atlantic salmon and sea trout are experiencing decline, with stocks now categorised as being ‘at risk’ or ‘probably at risk’. Reducing disturbances on fish when they are spawning and at their most vulnerable helps to protect stocks for the future.

The Environment Agency 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.

David Shears, Environment Agency Senior Fisheries Enforcement Officer, said:

Taking steps to limit the pressures on vital fish stocks will help support healthy, thriving populations in our rivers long into the future. 

The 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 Environment Agency patrol riverbanks to prevent illegal fishing and protect fisheries. The maximum fine for byelaw offences is £50,000 upon conviction.

Those who suspect illegal fishing should report it to the Environment Agency’s incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60. Photo by Mary and Angus Hogg, Wikimedia commons.