Sea trout and salmon anglers on the Rivers Eden and Border Esk, and their tributaries, are being reminded that new byelaws are now in place to help conserve these species.
Keith Kendall, Environment Agency Fisheries Team Leader for North Cumbria, explained: “The fishing season for sea trout has already started. Anglers are now only allowed to kill a maximum of two sea trout per day within the River Eden and Border Esk, and all their tributaries, from 1 April to 30 September. Any further sea trout caught must be returned immediately.”
The byelaw also states that all female sea trout must be returned immediately from the 10 September to 30 September.
Keith continued: “The two fish per day limit will also apply to salmon fishing from 16 June until 14 October on the River Eden, and 16 June to 31 October on the Border Esk.”
Before 16 June, National byelaw does not allow for any salmon to be killed and this byelaw remains in place.
Again all female salmon must be returned immediately to the River Eden from 10 September to 14 October, and on the Border Esk from 10 September to 31 October, including all their tributaries.
These byelaws are complimented by limitations to the English haaf net fishery in the Solway Firth and have been designed to help safeguard salmon and sea trout stocks by allowing more fish to survive and spawn . This will protect future generations and help to build a thriving sea trout and salmon fishery.
For more information about these byelaws anglers can pick up a new easy to understand ‘Changes to River Eden and Border Esk Fisheries Byelaw’ leaflet at the Environment Agency’s Penrith Office (Ghyll Mount Gillan Way, Penrith, CA11 9BP) or by calling the Environment Agency direct on 08457 506 506.
