Thousands of fish have been added to waterways across the West to top up stocks.
The Environment Agency said it had used money raised from rod fishing licenses to add barbel, dace, rudd, roach, bream, tench and crucians back to lakes, rivers and ponds.
Spokesperson Jim Flory said: “Anglers are better known for catching fish but it wouldn’t be possible to put fresh fish back into the places they are needed without the income from their rod licences.
“Giving back fish is good for the environment and everyone and everything reliant on it.”
The agency said some of the original fish in the rivers had succumbed to disease, pollution and high temperatures which caused reduced water flow in the summer.
The fish are introduced during winter when water is cooler, and ahead of the spring spawning season, the agency added.
