PATROLS are being stepped up again in the North-East to catch anglers fishing illegally during a three month period designed to protect breeding fish.

Fishing for coarse fish in rivers is off limits between Sunday March 15 and Monday June 15.

Anyone caught fishing illegally can expect to be prosecuted and face a fine, the Environment Agency said.

Coarse fish include barbel, chub, common bream, common carp, crucian carp, dace, perch, pike, roach, rudd, silver bream, smelt, grayling and tench.

Fisheries enforcement leader Kevin Summerson said: ”The close season on our rivers is important to maintain healthy stocks, as it allows fish time to breed and spawn.

“We will be carrying out regular patrols of rivers during this period to ensure anglers aren’t fishing illegally.”

Coarse fishing will still be allowed on many lakes, reservoirs, ponds and canals, depending on landowner agreement, although a valid rod licence is still required. Environment Agency officers will also be checking these sites to ensure anglers have a valid licence.

Mr Summerson added: “All the money from rod licence sales goes straight back into maintaining fisheries so those people who fish without a rod licence are having a direct effect on our work.

“If you’re caught fishing without a valid licence, you could be fined up to £2,500 and fishing during the close season attracts a fine of up to £50,000.

“We’ll continue to work with angling groups and the police to target areas where illegal activity is high.”