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Rivers, streams and drains (and some canals and stillwaters)

The statutory coarse fish close season applies between 15 March and 15 June (inclusive). It applies on all rivers, streams and drains in England and Wales, and to some canals and some stillwaters.

Canals and stillwaters

There is no close season on most canals and most stillwaters. However there are some exceptions where the close season does apply. Download each link for more details:

• Some stillwater Sites of Special Scientific Interest (PDF, 108KB)
• Some canals (PDF, 66KB)
• Most waters in the Norfolk Broads (PDF, 66KB)

Club or fishery (non-statutory) close seasons

Where the statutory coarse fish close season has been removed, fishery owners and angling clubs are free to introduce a close season if they wish to.

Background information

Find out why we have a statutory coarse fish close season:

• Close season rationale (PDF, 108KB)