ANGLERS have received clarification on when they can resume fishing after initial confusion from local authorities

The Government announced angling could resume last week as part of relaxed lockdown measures.

However Northumbrian Water's reservoirs and waterside parks remained closed after the authority cited the need for safety measures to be in place before they could reopen.

But the authority has now announced plans to reopen some of its waterways on Saturday, May 23.

For trout fishing, Kielder Water bank is due to reopen while Derwent Reservoir will also reopen to method anglers. .

Coarse fishing will also resume at Whittle Dene.

All angling times are 8am to 8pm, seven days a week. Permits must be booked in advance, either on or before the day of the visit, at www.bookwhen.com/watersideparksnorth.

The news has been welcomed by both the Environment Agency and Angling Trust.

The trust recently put forward its ‘When We Fish Again’ report to the government, encouraging a phased return to the sport and highlighting the significant benefits fishing offers to both personal well-being and the economy.

Under the new government guidelines, people can fish on their own, with their household, or with one other person while adhering to social distancing rules and staying two metres apart at all times.

Outside members of your own household, people should remain two metres apart from other anglers or members of the public at all times.

Anglers must also ensure they are in possession of a valid fishing licence, adhere to fisheries bye-laws including the close season and have permission of the fishery owner.