Is fishing allowed during lockdown? The Angling Trust’s latest update

Initial guidelines for the third nationwide lockdown had made fishing forbidden

An angler on the banks of the river Tay (Getty)

The Angling Trust has confirmed that fishing will be permitted during lockdown after the government performed a U-turn.

Following Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement that England would enter a third national lockdown on Monday, fishing was forbidden despite being previously allowed last year during lockdown and also in areas throughout periods spent in tier 3 and tier 4 restrictions.

The sport reacted angrily to fishing not being handed an exemption for outdoor recreation, with the Angling Trust insisting they were “disappointed” and had “presented a strong case on how fishing could continue safely during the third national lockdown”. 

But Angling Trust chief executive Jamie Cook has now confirmed the government has changed its mind, provided there is “no match fishing” or “overnight fishing” and that anglers remain in local areas.

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A statement read: “The Government have now formally responded to the representations made by the Angling Trust. We have promoted the huge benefits of fishing on individual health and wellbeing and have been able to present a case to which the Government have listened.”

"On this basis I am pleased to announce that fishing will be permitted during the third national lockdown in England."

"We have worked extremely hard to reach this position and we as anglers have a duty to abide by the strict conditions under which fishing is once again permitted.

"With infection rates and death tolls rising we must stick to the Government’s rules and ensure that angling remains part of the solution and does not cause problems.

"Please bear in mind these key points which will be reflected in the new Angling Trust guidelines which we will publish shortly.

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"This is a strictly limited resumption of LOCAL fishing and very different to how we have been allowed to operate since May.

"We are in a National Lockdown and this must be respected. The law requires a ‘reasonable excuse’ to leave your home or penalties will apply.

"The Government has recognised that fishing can be seen as exercise, which is expressly permitted under the lockdown rules, although outdoor recreation is not.

"Organised sporting gatherings are prohibited so no match fishing. The exercise is limited to once a day so no overnight fishing whatsoever.

"To remain within the law you should follow the Government’s guidance, and only fish locally within the district where you live. If you have no local fishing available then you will have to take your daily exercise in other ways.

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"We are once again able to enjoy the sport we love at a time when many others cannot and we must ensure that every angler adheres to the rules."

"I would ask all anglers who are not members to join the Angling Trust and give us your support.

“We have worked tirelessly to achieve this outcome and that is only possible thanks to the support of our new and existing members. I would ask all anglers who value their ability to go fishing to make the same commitment as your fellow anglers have and join the Angling Trust. We are stronger together!

“Stay safe and very best fishes.”

The Head of Sports Participation at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport confirmed the news: “Fishing is allowed as exercise so long as participants adhere to the rules on staying local, gathering limits, social distancing and limiting the time spent outdoors.”

While the DEFRA also confirmed the news: “Cabinet Office have now officially confirmed that angling / fishing (incl. sea fishing off private boats, water sports) can be considered exercise and are hence permitted.”