NEWSREEL: Spring 2017: Issue 34

Chairman: Paul Ashworth: Secretary: Charles Inniss,

Beeches Sheepwash BeaworthyDevon EX21 5NW

Tel: 01409231237

e-mail:

SUBSCRIPTIONS: for 2017 are now dueplease. If you have not already paid, please forward your cheque for £20 to the Secretary at the above address, making cheques payable to The River Torridge Fishery Association.

STOCK CONSERVATION: It was extremely disappointing to be informed by our fishery officer, Paul Carter, at the AGM that a few anglers were not observing the current bye-law restrictions and bag limits. Here is a reminder.

  • Prior to 16th June all salmon must be released.
  • After 1st April, “fly only”.
  • In August and September, all salmon over 70cms must be released.
  • 1st/14th October: all salmon must be released and only single/barbless hooks. Permits must be obtained from the Secretary.
  • Bag limits: Salmon (after 16th June) 2 per week, 7 per season.

Sea trout: 2 per day, 5 per week, 20 for the season

The majority of anglers are releasing all their fish. Your committee would like an even higher percentage of fish released. The decline in rod catches and the very poor juvenile survey results both confirm that stocks are still well below their conservation target level. It is imperative that the many initiatives currently ongoing to improve stock levels are supported by anglers. The Committee suggests that the 70cm rule should be observed from 16th June: so please return all large fish.

In order to release a fish safely, use barbless hooks, always land a fish with a net, rather than beaching and try to avoid touching the fish.

GREAT NEWS!! IFCA Bye-law: the Devon and Severn IFCA Committee(Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority) have finally approved the proposed bye-law banning all drift netting in estuaries under their control. The Taw/Torridge estuary was the one estuary where drift netters were still operating, fishing for bass and mullet.This will finally bring to an end salmon and sea trout being caught as a by-catch and having to be released either dead or so seriously injured the chances of survival were minimal.

Three year juvenile survey programme: A year ago your committee agreed to fund a three year programme of juvenile surveys. The results of the initial survey (a semi-quantitative survey by the West Country Rivers Trust) of 35 sites last summer were extremely disappointing. Salmon fry were present in only 10 of the 35 sites. The survey highlighted the importance of the Okement and to a lesser extent the Lew as the only areas where reasonable fry numbers existed. This year a full quantitative survey will be completed by the EA and in 2018 the WCRT will carry out the third survey. The three surveys should give us a better picture of the health of the river and where to target habitat improvements.

The 2016 Season: Salmon and sea trout catches are similar or slightly worse than recent years. Approximately 75 salmon and 225 sea trout with 80% released. The EA (with your committee’s support) would like a catch/release level of 90% or more.

Prospects for 2017: March has been a very wet month with the river fishable on only a few days. So far two salmon have been caught (10lb and 8lb), both on the Lower Torridge. The river is now settling (early April) so for the next few weeks conditions should be good both for salmon and trout.

The Fishermen’s eyes and ears: Our fishery officer, Paul Carter, is now responsible for all the rivers in North Devon and more than ever he is dependent on the eyes and ears of fishermen. If you have any concerns (poaching or pollution) please call him direct on 07768007363, or the EA Emergence Hotline 0800807060 or the Association Secretary 01409231237.

The Salmon Hatchery: The rearing programme this winter has been very successful. The broodstock of 5 hens and 5 cocks were all returned safely to the river. Over 30,000 eggs hatched and by early April all the swim-up fry were stocked out into the headwaters. Eight dedicated members make up the hatchery team and although the workload is shared it is still a huge commitment. There is a great sense of relief when the last fry are released into the river. Samples of the fungal growth on the broodstock (Saprolegnia) have been sent to Cardiff University to aid its research programme.

The Annual General Meeting: held at The Half Moon Inn on 31st March was a great success with over 50 members attending.

  • The Chairman welcomed everybody and wished the new owners of The Half Moon Inn, Andrew Orchard and Alan Mackintosh, every success.
  • Treasurer’s Report: As a result of part-funding the juvenile survey (£3,500), the account for the year shows a deficit of £2,600. The balance at the end of the financial year (31st March) was £6,784.
  • The Pearl Mussel Project: Izzy Moser from The Devon Wildlife Trust updated the AGM on the progress of the project. The first juveniles since 1960 have been successfully reared at Blakewell Fishery. Work has continued to improve water quality in areas with known pearl mussel colonies. Riverbank fencing, coppicing, forestry track improvements and tree planting to help reduce erosion.
  • Juvenile Survey: Philip Turnbull of the West Country Rivers Trust gave an excellent presentation of the fry index survey and answered several questions. The results were extremely disappointing but mirrored results nationally. The exceptionally mild winter of 2015/2016 with water temperatures often above 10C was a major contributory factor. Please contact the Secretary if you would like a copy of the Survey Report.

We all enjoyed an excellent buffet and social get together after the meeting.

BUY YOUR FISHING LICENCE, PAY YOUR ASSOCIATION SUBSCRIPTION AND ABOVE ALL ENJOY YOUR FISHING. HAVE A GREAT SEASON.