Simple Match Fishing Forum

Am I still allowed trout fishing in the closed season on rivers. What methods can be used? Fly only?
Thanks,
Dan

Dan, bit of a sticky one that!

It all depends on what club waters you are on, - some allow fly fishing in the "closed season" some don't.

Some waters legally allow restricted worm fishing for trout as well; as an example the EA 'free' waters do on the Severn, not sure if any trout are ever caught though

in fishing with rod and line for trout or any fish other than
freshwater fish during the annual close season for freshwater
fish, use any float or bait (which term includes ground bait)
other than artificial or natural fly (which term excludes
bloodworms, jokers and other midge larvae), spinners,
minnows, worms, prawns or shrimps.
NB. “any fish other than freshwater fish” excludes salmon for the
purpose of this byelaw (see section 3).
This only applies to those waters which have a close season, ie. rivers,
streams, drains and canals. There are no statutory bait restrictions on
stillwaters. So, if you wish to fish for eels on rivers during the coarse fish
close season, you may do so providing that you use the above baits, do
not use a float and use a hook with a gape of at least 0.5 inch
(12.7mm). Hope this helps mate

It must vary from area to area with local councils imposing rules.
For example you can fish the Derwent at Matlock during the close season for grayling and trout with coarse gear and worm only !
Yet just up the road on the Dove it is fly only !

I just called the envoironment agency and it is fly only.Thanks for the help.

Like I mentioned before it all really depends on what water you are on. What Bob states (EA) is perfectly correct but in reality, unless stated in various club rules, that applies to waters under the control of the EA.

One perfect example of how rules can vary is that one very major club in the south (Hampshire) actually bans lobworms in the coarse season. There is every good reasoning behind this (salmon) but it goes to show to always check.
Well done for finding out Dan.