THE Environment Agency is reminding anglers the ‘close season’ for coarse fishing in rivers comes into effect tomorrow (Wednesday).

Every year the season for coarse fishing closes for three months to give the fish a chance to breed.

Coarse fishing is the most popular type of angling in England and includes the likes of barbell, chub and dace.

During the close season, the Environment Agency’s specialist enforcement teams rigorously police illegal fishing.

Judy Proctor, Head of Fisheries at the Environment Agency said: “Our job is to protect fish stocks and improve fisheries.

“One of the best things we can do is simply to leave the fish alone during the spring, allowing them the opportunity to breed so that we have healthy stocks in the future.”

Alongside the specialist teams, the Angling Trust’s voluntary bailiff service will also be reporting any suspicious activities to the Environment Agency and police.

Last year more than 380 targeted patrols were carried out and found more than 70 people illegally fishing.

Anyone who suspects illegal fishing should report it by calling the Environment Agency’s incident hotline, 0800 807060.