Ready, steady, go-fishing!
23/02/2004
Northumbrian Water’s reservoirs will open two days earlier this season. Rangers will unlock the gates at seven premier fisheries at 7.00am on Saturday 20 March. (Cow Green will open on 22 March in line with the brown trout season).
New season, new look fishing guide – out now
The free and essential ‘Go Fishing’ guide has a new-look this year and is fully stocked with useful information and top tips to catching trout. To get a guide call 0845 240 3549.
Catch the news for 2004
Thirteen thousand prime rainbow and brown trout will be stocked for opening day and 167,000 more are already ordered for stocking during the season.
Anglers claiming their free day under the magnificent seven loyalty scheme can now choose any day of the week – and free loyalty days for boat users have also been added.
After last season’s successful trial 5,000 more hard-fighting blue trout will be stocked this year.
Permits, basic tackle and refreshments can be bought over the counter from a friendly face from 7am to 3pm at the improved lodges of Derwent, Fontburn, Kielder, Grassholme and Scaling
Three hour ‘Try-it’ sessions are available in multi-bait and fly fishing with tuition from an experienced ranger and all tackle provided for just £15 at Derwent. Call 01207 255 250 to book a place.
Don Coe, fishery manager, said: “After a huge survey last year more than 80% of our anglers rated the customer service and quality of fish as good or excellent which is a real credit to the ranger team.
“I would like to thank all those customers who took part as it really helps with future planning. We are also listening to what anglers say and will take action where we can. Anglers surveyed, for example, asked for a flexible loyalty day to fit in with work and family commitments – and, as a consequence, we are delighted to offer that improvement this season.”
Still reeling in value for money!
A modest rise in permit prices - which did not go up last year - have been agreed for the 2004 season. Permits rise by £1 (£2 at Kielder) mainly due to increases in fish costs. Boat prices, however, remain the same as last year.
Don Coe added: “At £16 (£14 concession) for eight fish it is still really good value for money and competitive in the market place.”
Fly anglers at Blackton will pay £17 (£15 concession) for eight fish and the popular “Stress Buster” four-fish permit is £13.
Rowing boats at Fontburn cost £10 a day and at Kielder the boats charge is £22 (£18 in March, April and October). Half day boat hire is available from 8.30am - 3pm or 3pm - 8pm for £11.
Coarse too – of course!
Coarse fishing continues at Whittle Dene this season and after last season’s trial, coarse fishing is now firmly established at Hury where massive bags of roach were caught - many in excess of 50lbs. Match secretaries looking for venues now have up to100 fixed pegs for club outings, days away or matches available. Call Terry Swalwell at Grassholme lodge 01833 641 121 to book.
Competitions for the diary
Peter Pattinson, fishery co-ordinator and keen competition angler, said: “Kielder really came of age last season. As well as celebrating its 21st birthday, the feedback from anglers and competition organisers was excellent and we plan for that to continue in 2004.”
Boat fly fishing competitions at Kielder this season include:
England individual eliminator 30 May
Anglian Water team Open 24 June
Trout Fisherman European individual Open 1 August
WaterAid pairs Challenge 26 September
Bank fly fishing competitons:
Hardy/Greys individual Championship at Derwent 23 May
Fly Box individual Open at Blackton 19 September
Bank bait fishing competition:
Bait Box individual Open at Derwent 15 August
Coarse competition:
Coarse Fishing individual Open at Hury 9 May.
Keep in touch on the net!
Weekly fishing reports will appear on Northumbrian Water’s website at www.nwl.co.uk/fishing and be broadcast on BBC Radio Newcastle Howes Fishing and published in the local press.