Things seem pretty quiet on the sea trout front after a brief flurry of activity in the second half of May. Though a few have been caught, the general feeling is that the main run of ‘springers’ is over and has been somewhat disappointing. Quite a lot of disease has been witnessed and we have not got off as lightly as we had hoped. It remains concerning and we are not much the wiser.
Here are some smolts that were caught on the fish pass camera at TWP. It is unclear at the moment whether they are sea trout or salmon smolts. The v-shaped tail may not necessarily indicate salmon at this stage of development.
The fish near the camera look huge but you can see from the fish in the background and especially in the bottom photograph that they are indeed smolt-sized. The red strip is 600mm wide. Although good for species identification purposes, it is very difficult to assess the size of fish from a side view like this and it is hoped that in time an overhead camera may be fitted to make the task easier.
As many will know, the lifting of the recent emergency salmon bylaw was conditional on our adopting a code of conduct for salmon fishing, agreed with the Environment Agency.
For easy reference, a copy of the document now has its own page, also accessible from the ‘pages’ menu.
The new fish counter at Totnes weir is now up and running. Over two hundred fish have used the fish pass since the counter started working in April. The pictures below show a few of the sea trout that passed through the counter.
We hope to bring you video of this in the near future and a more accurate idea of numbers and size of fish.
05/5
Pleased to report the first confirmed fish from Totnes weir pool. Earlier this week Philip Prowse and Alan Tudor caught three sea trout between them and lost a couple of others. The fish ranged from 2.5 lbs – 4 lbs. Congratulations to both : perseverance furthers !
Some diseased fish have been spotted up river. It’s too soon to jump to conclusions, but nevertheless further sightings should be reported to the Hon Sec. The river is settled and perfect for viewing with polaroids: encouragingly, one of our members watched a large shoal of smolts ( sea trout ?) descending yesterday.
29/4
Andrew Pieterse caught the first confirmed sea trout of the season earlier this week. This fresh fish of about 2.5 lbs came from the church commissioners and was caught on a tube fly. Other fish have been spotted and hopes will be high for the lower river as we enter May. Considerable effort has been reported by members fishing TWP, and the general consensus is that fish have been running straight through on plentiful water. Warmer weather is expected, and with it a more settled river.
13/04
Nearly a month into the sea trout season and , as yet, no fish have been reported caught. Encouragingly, a few have been spotted up river and at least one has been lost at night.
Some dedicated members have fished TWP, and though changes are already apparent, it is probably too soon to draw conclusions . The work continues, and last week improvements were made to the old fish pass. Although one or two things still need to be completed (walkway across and fish counters), it does seem that the work is entering it’s final phase.
The map has been updated to show re-aquisition of the Hood Barton water. Please note two rod limit.
28/03
Some very good news. . . . . . .David White has kindly invited the association to fish his water this season. The fishing starts at Eales’ folly, continues all the way to Riverford (Hood) bridge, and includes the orchard field immediately beyond. The fishing is true right bank only.
No reports of fish seen or caught as yet : one or two hardy souls have fished the weir pool for sea trout .
N.B Reports of a huge fish from the Hampshire Avon. It measured 47.5″ and has been estimated at a minimum of 40 lbs !
28/03
With the start of the season now underway, we remind all members that Guest Tickets are limited to 5 per season/member, and are bookable in advance by notifying the Secretary : ticket prices remain at £5. The regulation 5 days that Trout members are entitled to can be paid either in advance or at the end of the season when catch returns are due .
Members are also reminded that Guest Tickets are not intended for the same guest throughout the same season and are referred to Fishing Regulation No 6 which covers this and Totnes Weirpool . Discretion on this matter is appreciated.