Wiltshire game fishing ban after fears for fish stocks

A game fishing ban has begun in parts of the West after fears for fish stocks, driven by rising water temperatures. All clubs within the Wiltshire Fisheries Association (WFA) chose to close fishing waters as of 8 July, after the River Avon at Durnford, near Salisbury, was recorded at 21.4°C. The WFA said the measure aims to reduce the risk of game fish—including salmon, trout and grayling—dying. WFA chairman Peter Curtis warned that once water temperatures exceed 19°C, fish become “in trouble,” with extreme heat potentially leading to death. The restrictions cover south Wiltshire areas around Salisbury and waters on the rivers Wylye, Nadder and Ebble. Anglers are asked not to target salmonoids in coarse and mixed fisheries.