With my having missed 30 odd years fishing, I am still not really up to speed with what has happened to close seasons. So a couple of questions if I may.

1) Why was the close season scrapped for so many still waters. And, why not also for rivers?

2) Canals are still waters?

3) What about the Manchester Ship Canal. Is that a still water? ( yes I know their web site says "no fishing at any time of year" on the MSC ).

4) Are there any concessions for pike or has the close season for pike on still waters also been scrapped?

I think I might have to search out a tench water or two.


Cheers

Hi Jay This first answer is from the EA site---The coarse fish closed season in England is covered by National Bye law 6 and covers all rivers, streams and other waterways. In 1995 the closed season was removed from some enclosed, still waters following the increase in artificially stocked lakes but it still applies to some Sites of Special Scientific Interest and all of the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads.
Pressure from commercial fisheries ( Money ) brought about the change

I think you will find all N/W canals are open to fishing apart from some Club controlled stretches.and some clubs still keep the closed season on some of there lakes
I have fished the ship canal from stages at salford quays in the closed season
There is no closed season for pike on still waters
Hope this helps mate

hi chaps,
can i add to that barrie that bay malton now control lymm dam and have lifted the closed season on there, they have also opened the water to day ticket fishing for non club members, the pike go to 30lb in there with some large cats too and its only a £5 er a day dawn to dusk.

cheers

kev.

ps jay yes canals are still waters,by virtue of the fact they dont flow into estuarries/sea,or have tides.and are classed as inland waterways.
cheers.

Hi Kev as long as the lake is open for fishing i don't believe that there will be any restrictions on wether you fish for pike.
Larry