By the time it starts in June they will need to have bought a new rod licence.

The closed season lasts from March 15 to June 15 inclusive each year. Its purpose is to protect fish during the breeding season.

It applies to all rivers, streams and drains in England and Wales, but does not apply to most still waters and canals.

Anyone planning to do some recreational fishing over the Easter holidays will need check if the water they wish to fish is affected during this time.

Environment Agency water bailiffs will be out on rivers and streams making sure people are observing the close season.

They will also be checking lakes and ponds to make sure people who are fishing have a valid rod licence.

It is also illegal to fish for game fish, other than with artificial fly or lure, during the coarse fish close season.

Anglers will need to purchase a 2008/09 licence before fishing as 2007/08 licences expired on March 31.

From June 16 anglers will be able to fish for coarse fish again in rivers and other waters where the close season applies, but they still need to have a valid rod licence and the permission of the landowner.

New licences can be bought from Post Offices, over the phone (0870 1662662) or online at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/rodlicence any time, day or night.