Coarse fishing season
Rivers in England and Wales open to coarse fishing on 16 June each year.
2026 season closes: Sunday, 14 March 2027
Get a reminder 7 days before Coarse fishing season
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Upcoming dates
| Event | Date | Countdown | Region / notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 season closes | Sunday, 14 March 2027 | In 8 months | England & Wales |
| 2027 season opens | Wednesday, 16 June 2027 | In 11 months | England & Wales |
| 2027 season closes | Tuesday, 14 March 2028 | In 1 year 8 months | England & Wales |
| 2028 season opens | Friday, 16 June 2028 | In 1 year 11 months | England & Wales |
The coarse fishing season on rivers in England and Wales runs from 16 June to 14 March the following year. This legal close season protects fish during spawning. Still waters such as lakes and reservoirs are generally open all year, though individual fisheries set their own rules. Scotland has no statutory close season for coarse fish. Always ensure your Environment Agency rod licence is valid before fishing.
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Verified 8 May 2026
Questions
When does the coarse fishing season start in 2026?
The river coarse fishing season in England and Wales opens on 16 June 2026.
When does coarse fishing season end?
Rivers close on 14 March. The next season opens again on 16 June.
Can I fish lakes all year round?
Still waters are generally open year-round, but check individual fishery rules as they vary.
Do the rules apply in Scotland?
No. Scotland has no statutory close season for coarse fish.
Do I need a licence?
Yes. An Environment Agency rod licence is required to fish in England and Wales.