A BOOST FOR WENSUM BARBEL AND ROACH

A new plan to enhance and monitor the stocks of barbel and roach in the Wensum has been agreed through the Wensum Fisheries Action Plan group. This group consists of representatives from the Environment Agency, Natural England, Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Wensum Valley Trust, Norfolk Anglers Conservation Association, Norfolk Fly fishers Club and Anglian Water Taverham Mills fishery and local tackle dealers.

It is felt that whilst both fish species should benefit in the longer term from habitat enhancement to be carried out as part of the projected River Wensum Restoration Strategy, in the interim period they are threatened by problems including increased predation, poor spawning success/fry survival, and habitat degradation.

Riverside road coaching event was held on Wednesday October 8th 2009

NACA was supported by the Environment Agency to deliver one of its many coaching and educational days

Several youngsters and their parents turned up to take advantage of the free angling coaching sessions

The coaching day on the River Wensum was held on the riverbank just above the millennium footbridge NACA and Norwich Pike Angling Club along with the Environment Agency attended this quickly planned event to take advantage of the the half-term holiday. Five juniors and six adults were shown whip, pole and stick float fishing by NACA coaches Dennis & Judy, who were supported by Graham Gamble  (Environment Agency), Tom Boulton, Tony Gibbons (NDAA) and Paul Cordy (Cordy’s Tackle Den).

Stalham Beaver Scouts annual fishing day

A day out for Stalham Beaver Scouts was again led for the third year running by NACA coaching events manager Dennis Willis. On a windswept day both morning and afternoon coaching sessions were delivered to the juniors at Holly Farm Lakes in South Walsham. The wind was helpful though in keeping off the promised rain showers and a successful day was enjoyed by all. Thirteen Scouts participated along with brothers, sisters and parents and all caught fish.

The juniors received a talk at their Tuesday meeting prior to the coaching day about water safety and the tackle to be provided for use on the day.

Coaching and help was provided by Judy Ford (level 1 coach), Graham Gamble and Tom Howard of the Environment Agency as well as Beaver Scout leader Mick Dixon and his son Christopher. Friends of Dennis (Thanks Alan & Andy) also gave their support.

Carp to nearly five pounds as well as roach, tench, bream, crucian carp and goldfish were landed during the day.

The Angling Trust have set up an online questionnaire/survey which is intended to provide a national picture of the impact otters are having on fish stocks in rivers and stillwaters. Clearly within Norfolk and Suffolk we have plenty of experience, what we need is for all affected land and fishery owners and clubs and anglers to report their own problems and experiences independently so that a full picture is seen by the Angling Trust and its officers who will be handling this issue, going forward.

If you have any experiences to report, please do so, whether they are in `Norfolk and Suffolk or farther afield.

It is confidential and the results will only be used to collate national and county-wide information and will not be attributed to any particular fishery. They need to hear from as many people as possible, including those who have no otters on their waters, and those who have otters, but have suffered no discernible impact on fish stocks.

To access the online survey please follow the link below or click on the Angling Trust logo above. Thank you.

http://www.anglingtrust.net/survey/survey.asp?survey=20010003&preview=C85F28