The annual coarse fish close season begins Friday 15 March across rivers, streams and drains to protect fish during their breeding season, helping to increase fish stocks and secure angling for the future.

No coarse fishing is permitted on rivers, streams and drains between 15 March to 15 June inclusive, and anyone found fishing illegally faces prosecution and a hefty fine.

Lawrence Talks, the Environment Agency’s South East Strategic Fisheries Specialist, said: “Starting from today, this year’s close season means that for a few weeks anglers will not be able to go coarse fishing in rivers, streams and drains. This necessary break will safeguard fish during their breeding season, resulting in increased fish stocks and better angling opportunities. “However there are plenty of other places to try coarse fishing such as the many lakes, ponds and stillwaters across the South East of England. If anglers want to try something new, many of our rivers are open for trout fishing.”

To find out where you can fish in your area, and to download free fishing guides, please visit: the EA Website

The annual rod licence runs from 1st April to 31st March and is required to fish on any water. This can be readily purchased via the post office, by telephone on 0844 800 5386, by direct debit or online at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/rodlicence.

• It is an offence to fish for freshwater fish and eels without a valid rod licence

• If you are caught you may be fined up to £2,500

If you fish without a rod licence you are cheating other anglers. Money raised through rod licence sales is invested in fisheries work to benefit all anglers.