Lamprey and smelt: apply for permission to catch by net or trap
When you can get permission to catch lamprey or smelt by trap or net in England. How to apply and rules to follow.
Applies to England
Permissions to catch lamprey and smelt for commercial purposes are only offered to those already authorised to fish.
Charges
Smelt or lamprey fishing using fyke nets (with or without leaders or wings), putcheons, pipe traps, criggs pots, baskets and hives
| Number of instruments covered | Charge |
|---|---|
| 1 to 10 | £60 |
| 11 to 20 | £70 |
| 21 to 50 | £80 |
| 51 to 500 | £160 |
| over 500 | £580 |
Smelt fishing using a seine net
£85 for a maximum of 1 instrument.
Apply for permission or find out more
Fish movements team
Environment Agency
Email fmapplications@environment-agency.gov.uk
Telephone 0208 474 5243
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Catch returns
You must send catch returns forms at the end of the season even if you do not catch anything.
For lamprey and smelt, you must submit catch returns within 30 days of your permission expiring.
You can use the catch return form or logbook you get when you are given permission.
If you do not send your catch returns you might not get permission to fish next season.