On rivers we lose the best three months

IT’S about time the out-of-date closed season on rivers was changed. Recently most of the UK rivers were frozen, then they were flooded. It’s like that 1980s darts TV quiz show Bullseye!

You went fishing last week and the river was frozen over... today the water was over the bank, the colour of milky coffee and freezing cold... you blanked and lost.

So here’s what you could have won... Bully’s Special Prize!

Then, on March 15, the fineddown river turns a wonderful pea green colour and will remain in that condition for 90-odd days.

The only argument against this is that pre-spawning barbel will be easy to catch in their spawning areas. If this would be an issue with certain rivers or clubs, then let them restrict fishing in these areas during these times. Not rocket science, really.

Meanwhile, the presence of anglers on the bank will help prevent predation by other wildlife, as we can photograph and report the affected areas. Mark Powell-Bevan, email