“An Excellent day for the Wensum”

Norfolk Anglers Conservation (NACA) and the Wensum fisheries action plan group (WFAPG) are extremely pleased to announce that the long-awaited stocking of barbel into the river Wensum has taken place. On Dec 15^th 2009 a total of 850 fish were stocked into the four major barbel fisheries on the river: Costessey Point received 250 young barbel and the remainder were split equally between fisheries at Lyng, Lenwade and Taverham Mills, this is the first introduction of barbel into the river for nine years and is the culmination of many years hard work and negotiations by members of both organisations.

This two tier project which has required careful negotiation is the result of an agreement reached by NACA, the Wensum Fisheries Action Plan committee the Environment Agency and Natural England.

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.

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.

Following the extremely successful Pike Handling & awareness teach in's held at Bawburgh Lakes last year

NACA are again holding the teach in days on 12th and 19th of September 2009 at Square Meadow Lakes, Lyng Norfolk which are part of NACA's fisheries.

There will be two teach ins per day at 11am and 1pm.

This year the event will be open to all NACA members who wish to attend and will be part of NACA's continued commitment of education and awarness and will form part of NACA's fishery membership in the future

Mark Barrett former PAC secretary and expert pike angler will be on hand to demonstrate various points regarding the safe handling of pike, the correct tackle required and also various fishery requirements and rules regarding fishing for pike on NACA waters

The course is compulsory for Bawburgh Lakes members therefore all new Bawburgh members or Bawburgh members who did not attend the course last year and who wish to fish for pike at Bawburgh Lakes fishery must attend either day and have their permits validated, all such members will be contacted indivdually to  inform them of the teach in days.