Statutory guidance: Environment Agency rod fishing byelaws: north west region
Updated: Published a revised version of the North West Fisheries Byelaws booklet.
Rod fishing byelaws are statutory rules put in place by the Environment Agency. They protect migratory and freshwater fish stocks from damaging fishing practices.
Rod fishing byelaws set out
- when you can fish (open and close seasons)
- where you can fish
- how you can fish
- what fish you can take.
Anyone fishing with rod and line in England and Wales must hold a rod fishing licence and comply with the byelaws that cover the waters where they are fishing.
Anyone failing to comply with these byelaws could face prosecution and receive a fine of up to £50,000.
Please also see Freshwater rod fishing rules for national fishing byelaws.