New rules for salmon and trout fishing in Cornwall

All salmon caught in the catchment area must be released with the least possible injury, the Environment Agency said

New rules to protect salmon and trout in the River Camel catchment in Cornwall have come into force.

Any salmon and any sea trout larger than 50cm (20in) caught must be returned to the river with the least possible injury, the Environment Agency said.

The agency said the new by-laws, which came into force on 11 December, have been introduced in an effort to boost the numbers of salmon, brown and sea trout in the county.

It said the Atlantic Salmon population was at its lowest recorded level in England.

Indicator of river health

Tim de Winton of the Environment Agency said: "Salmon return from the Atlantic to Cornwall to spawn. Their presence is an excellent indicator of a river's health.

"Anyone interested in fishing has a part to play in keeping Cornwall safe for salmon and giving them a chance to increase their numbers."

The River Camel catchment includes all its rivers, streams, several tributaries and the River Allen.

The season for salmon fishing on the River Camel ended on 15 December and will open again on 1 April 2025.