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** The guidelines have been updated since this article was first published. Please read the latest guidance here. **
Anglers have been told that fishing is not allowed under the third national lockdown in England.
The Angling Trust had argued that fishing should continue on "physical health and mental wellbeing grounds" but the government has decided not to permit the sport to continue.
Fishing was one of the first sports in the country to return during the first national lockdown, with angling allowed from May last year and it was allowed to continue during the second national lockdown.
A statement from Angling Trust chief executive Jamie Cook said: "The government have taken the decision that fishing will not be permitted during this national lockdown period.
"Whilst this is disappointing news I would ask anglers, fisheries and clubs to respect these rules and the reason they have been put in place; to help save lives and support the NHS.
"Individuals should not go fishing and clubs and fisheries should close their waters to anglers. We will be publishing more detailed guidance on specific areas like bailiffing and fishery maintenance once the government regulations have been examined.
"Over past few weeks we have been in communication with the government at the highest possible level. We have presented a strong case on how fishing could continue safely during the third national lockdown.
"We have explained that fishing benefits physical health and mental wellbeing and that it is regularly the only form of activity individuals undertake.
"My team and I have consistently presented the arguments ahead of the changing government guidelines, which have allowed fishing to remain permitted continuously since the first national lockdown was lifted in May. We have been successful when other sports have not as all anglers will know.
"However, the government have taken the decision that leaving home for recreation or leisure, including all forms of recreational fishing, should be prohibited in England during this third national lockdown period.
"The Angling Trust will continue to represent our sport at the highest level and will present proposals for the resumption of angling when it is safe and sensible to do so. We will come through this period of national crisis. We will fish again, but until then, please, stay safe."
