FISHERIES COMMITTEE REPORT

Looking back over the past twelve months, I believe has been an eventful year with plenty going on around the fisheries to keep us all occupied !

The closure of many fisheries around the country, due to foot and mouth at the beginning of the season, included our own fisheries at Marford Farm, The River Great Ouse and the River Flit. On June 16th we had no idea when these fisheries would re‑open. Happily, they did, although it was six weeks into the season before most venues were given the green light.

Flooding to some of our fisheries, especially at Frogmore, had been a problem during the latter part of the close season but fortunately did not create problems during the summer months.

Re‑stocking at Frogmore and Riverside had taken place during the winter months last year based on surveys carried out the previous season and we were confident that sport would be better. Although this was the case at the beginning of the season with many reporting good catches, things did begin to tail off during the autumn and we were concerned that there was perhaps something not quite right.

Fishery surveys carried out during the last few months have now proved an excellent biomass of fish in Riverside and Frogmore and all now in excellent condition. We established that there is obviously a large supply of natural food in both venues, which could account for the little interest in the fish to feed on angler’s baits!

Crayfish at Riverside Road were a mammoth problem at the start of the season following the illusion by many of us that we had overcome the problem during the previous season. Many thousands were removed throughout the summer months and we continued to empty the traps during the winter. This exercise will have to continue on a daily basis if necessary during this coming close season and beyond to ensure that we do not face the same problem as last year.

At Smallford, fishing was disrupted on the west bank where rods had been limited to 4 metres owing to the close proximity of the overhead power cables. Pegs 1 to 4 had been closed completely for angling. This decision was made by the General committee, in accordance with the NFA's guidelines regarding fishing close to power cables. The good news is that the power cables have now been buried and all restrictions lifted. Generally, fishing has been quite good with many Carp reported up to 37lb. Tench and Bream have been caught to 11 lb. Good fishing has also been had on waggler/pole tactics with Skimmers, Perch and Roach to 2lb.

On the River Lea at Marford Farm sport has been reasonable throughout the year. Barbel to 8lb 8oz, Perch to 2lb and Chub to 4lb have regularly come to our attention. The fence erected by the farmer on the short stretch we know has created problems but hopefully this will be resolved during the close season when work along this stretch of the river gets underway.

At Leasey Bridge some fine catches of quality Roach, Chub and Barbel were reported from the river and backwater. Heavy weed growth in the backwater during the summer made fishing difficult. We hope to have this under control this year.

On the River Flit access was made easier after the banks were cleared by the Environment agency. We have had reports of good catches of Dace and also Carp to 5lb reported with the odd small Chub and Roach.

Felmersham and Radwell on the Great Ouse have been disappointing with only a few decent catches reported. Quite a few Barbel to 10lb were taken from Felmersham but a lack of Chub and Roach is evident. Radwell has produced Barbel to 14lb with the odd decent sized Chub.

The Turnford Consortium is now re‑establishing as a fine venue for specimen, general and match fishing. A new stocking policy has resulted in the match pool receiving a few thousand small carp to complement its existing stock. Railway pit has received a stocking of quality fast growing Carp in the 4‑6lb class.

Paynes Lane is now controlled by a management committee of representatives from member clubs instead of Lychnobite AC who had controlled the consortium for many years. We hope that with the assistance of the Lea Valley Parks and renewed interest within the consortium that this fishery will now flourish.

We acquired a stretch of the River Ivel at Sandy during the season. Unfortunately it has not lived up to our expectations, yet those that know the stretch well will confirm that there are some good fish present but you have to work hard to find them!. Since Christmas there have been reports of members catching Chub to 6lb and smaller fish seem to be showing.

Finally, on behalf of all the Bailiffs and fishery officers we thank you for your continued support and look forward to a good year ahead.

Barry Killinger