The following has been summarised from the Environmental Agency Website.

Byelaws are statutory rules and regulations put in place by the Environment Agency to protect fish stocks from insensitive fishing methods. This ensures that fisheries are sustained for the enjoyment of current and future generations of anglers.

Byelaws apply to all waters, whether they are owned by angling clubs, local authorities or private individuals. Whilst owners may impose more stringent regulations, they are not able to dispense with any byelaw that may apply to their water.

Statutory Acts of Parliament define National byelaws which cover all of England and Wales:

EA website - National Byelaws

In addition, there are Regional byelaws for the Midlands Region of the EA:

EA website - Midlands Region Byelaws

Any angler aged 12 years or over, fishing for salmon, trout, freshwater fish or eels in England (except the River Tweed), Wales or the Border Esk and its tributaries in Scotland must have an Environment Agency rod licence. This can be purchased at the EA Telesales Service on 0844 800 5386, from any Post Office in England and Wales or online from the EA:

EA website - rod licence

Please make sure you purchase a rod license and read the byelaws before you go fishing. If you have any questions on interpretation whatsoever, please contact your local Environmental Agency office for clarification. It is far better, for everyone, for any confusion to be sorted out in advance rather than in court.

 

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