River Close Season

[rob@home]

I know this is going to be quite controversial but what do you think of the river close season?
I recently signed a 10 downing street petition to keep the close season although I might add although I'm in favour of it I'd like it to be moved to coincide with when the fish actual spawn & not as now before the fish spawn, what your view on the subject???

Heres the governments reply & stance on the subject 10 Downing Street Petition on close season

Rob.

[nightriderm]

To right,this is controversial,I do not agree with the phony arguments put forward by those who want the closed season.I know of no other country that sticks to such outdated legislation re sport fishing,it is not as if,like years ago,the fish are taken for the table.Having lived and fished many years in Scandinavia,I find the British attitude to this quite laughable.Downside is,it puts me off river fishing and paying an annul fee for the privilege of fishing only half the time.

[Banana Steve]

I agree with there being a close season on the rivers, not only for the recoverey of the banks, but it gives me something to look forward to on the 16th of June.

[Spahill]

The close season was better when it included still waters.
The 16th was EVEN more special then & the chores would all get done during the break.
I haven't fished a river for a couple of years now & the last 2 years I was fishing them the water was more often over the banks than between them.
If you let the goverment start moving the dates, they will set up commitees and the close season won't just move - it will extend to ensure that ALL finny species get their fair chance at a bit of nookie. Beware the men in dark suits.

[rob@home]

ha ha good answer that man
Dunno when all my D.I.Y would get gone otherwise

Rob.

[BoldBear]

I mostly agree with having a close season on rivers but I can't see what benefit it does in large areas of the Thames and other similar rivers where there are boats and canoes and non-angling people trampling along the banks and cars lorries and cycles and all sorts of other noise very close by. Although I can see that it can be beneficial on certain quieter river sections both for the fish and the other plants and wildlife.

Although I can't see it happening; I think that there should either be a closed season for both rivers and stillwaters, or leave it up to the clubs and landowners to set their own closed season when it is deemed necessary (not every section of river may benefit). I can't see why rivers have a special case (other than the spawning shallows) especially as the bankside wildlife, fish and vegetation on both the stillwaters and running waters still needs to regenerate just the same.

Wasn't the closed season introduced originally to keep the lowly coarse anglers away from the rivers and lakes so that the trout and salmon anglers could have them to themselves?

[badmanedge]

im new to river fishing mate so when do they close and re-open?

[rob@home]

Closes next march, 15th I think it is & reopens june 16th

[badmanedge]

thanks very much btw your not far from me whats the best rivers down here in dorset i like the frome but certain places u cant fish?

[rob@home]

tried the Stour up @ Blandford most of its owned by Wimbourne AC I think but its worth a look as well as the Frome I would guess over your way....

Rob.