A new batch of bye-laws came into force in the North East region this week aimed at simplifying the rules facing anglers and offering a more consistent level of protection to fish stocks.

The bye-laws cover the close season for sea trout, restrictions on fishing for salmon or sea trout at night, fishing near certain man-made obstructions, and the use of certain baits in the coarse fish close season.

The close season for sea trout is now November 1 to April 2 (inclusive). Before this the close season on the rivers south of the Tees was eight days shorter than for the Tees and all rivers to the north.

Now at night anglers may only take salmon and sea trout by using fly on certain sizes of hook.

Before the new bye-law the rules varied across the region and at different times of year.

The new bye-law will help protect salmon stocks and avoid confusion for anglers.

A number of man-made obstructions have been identified where fish become more vulnerable to both legitimate angling and illegal exploitation.

In order to protect stocks "no-go zones" have been created around these barriers.

Before March 15 this rule applied to almost all man-made and natural obstructions. Now only those where fish are truly vulnerable have been listed. A list of obstructions can be obtained from local Environment Agency offices.

One of the biggest changes relates to the baits anglers can use in the coarse fish close season (March 15 to June 15 inclusive).

Previous bye-laws, which applied to the Tees, Wear and Tyne, allowed anglers to use baits such as maggot, bread or meat to catch trout in the coarse fish close season.

The problem was that these baits take large numbers of coarse fish at a time when they are spawning.

Now only baits which are more specifically aimed at trout or salmon, such as fly, minnow, worm, shrimp or artificial lures, can legally be used.

This makes the rules on these rivers more consistent and provides the protection coarse fish in rivers need during their spawning period.

Updated: 12:07 Friday, June 01, 2001