Saturday, August 16, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Wednesday 13th August - latest river conditon!
Just recieved this report from Dylan Roberts.
More heavy rain last night the Tywi is bank high today, probably the highest its been this season and on the verge of bursting its banks. I’d hold off coming down for a couple of days but should be good spinning water Friday onwards if there is no more rain.
Dylan Roberts
Thanks Dylan!
This sort of firsthand information is invaluable to many of us who live so far away.
More heavy rain last night the Tywi is bank high today, probably the highest its been this season and on the verge of bursting its banks. I’d hold off coming down for a couple of days but should be good spinning water Friday onwards if there is no more rain.
Dylan Roberts
Thanks Dylan!
This sort of firsthand information is invaluable to many of us who live so far away.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Tim picks up 2 good sewin!
This is Tim's latest report! An enjoyable weeks fishing and judging by most of us a very productive one! Well done Tim!
'Got there Saturday and the river was high. Tried spinning on the evening but no luck. Sunday evening the river had dropped somewhat and was getting towards clear so I tried a few hours night fly down at the cattle drink. Had one pluck first pass through and that was all. River was too high and probably too coloured in reality.
Monday night the river was in better order, running clear but about 12 inches up. I fished down at the bottom end and had one at 6lb at 10.15pm and another at 4.5lb at 10.45pm. Both of these on a 2 inch silver and black tube. Had another couple on briefly while fishing the jambo but I think that the speed of the current was making the fly move so fast across the surface that the fish were misjudging their attacks and hence they were only very lightly hooked.
Tuesday it rained hard all day and the river shot up. I didn't fish. Wednesday was another day of heavy showers. I tried spinning and even had a go at worming in the evening but again no luck. The river rose another 6-12 inches while I was there. Didn't bother Thursday at all. Tried Friday night on the fly but was being a bit optimistic really as it was the last day of my trip. The river was up 12-18 inches and the colour was the wrong side of clear (it actually got worse during the night and started to cloud up). Needless to say, I didn't do any good.
Overall an enjoyable time spent in Carmarthenshire but the weather gods had not been kind to me at all. It really didn't feel like the first week of August.
Just waiting for it to stop raining now and I'll be trying again.'
Tight lines all!
'Got there Saturday and the river was high. Tried spinning on the evening but no luck. Sunday evening the river had dropped somewhat and was getting towards clear so I tried a few hours night fly down at the cattle drink. Had one pluck first pass through and that was all. River was too high and probably too coloured in reality.
Monday night the river was in better order, running clear but about 12 inches up. I fished down at the bottom end and had one at 6lb at 10.15pm and another at 4.5lb at 10.45pm. Both of these on a 2 inch silver and black tube. Had another couple on briefly while fishing the jambo but I think that the speed of the current was making the fly move so fast across the surface that the fish were misjudging their attacks and hence they were only very lightly hooked.
Tuesday it rained hard all day and the river shot up. I didn't fish. Wednesday was another day of heavy showers. I tried spinning and even had a go at worming in the evening but again no luck. The river rose another 6-12 inches while I was there. Didn't bother Thursday at all. Tried Friday night on the fly but was being a bit optimistic really as it was the last day of my trip. The river was up 12-18 inches and the colour was the wrong side of clear (it actually got worse during the night and started to cloud up). Needless to say, I didn't do any good.
Overall an enjoyable time spent in Carmarthenshire but the weather gods had not been kind to me at all. It really didn't feel like the first week of August.
Just waiting for it to stop raining now and I'll be trying again.'
Tight lines all!
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Latest news Tuesday 5th August 2008!
Cerith says:-
'River been up and down lately, until today, when she must have risen around 30 inches or more after it rained heavy all morning and afternoon. Went down after work and wormed some of the quieter back eddies and managed a small sewin around 1.5lb. As I left, the river was starting to fall, but the forecast is not so good for tomorrow. Might try again tomorrow night and Thursday before heading North'.
'River been up and down lately, until today, when she must have risen around 30 inches or more after it rained heavy all morning and afternoon. Went down after work and wormed some of the quieter back eddies and managed a small sewin around 1.5lb. As I left, the river was starting to fall, but the forecast is not so good for tomorrow. Might try again tomorrow night and Thursday before heading North'.
Saturday, August 02, 2008
Tim strikes lucky again!
Tim sent me his latest report.
'I took a flyer on Tuesday night and drove over to Llangadog hoping that the showers on Monday hadn't done too much to the river. As it was, the river was up about 2 inches at most and still running clear. It was a dark, wet and at times extremely windy night. I saw fish jump as early as 8pm up in Crewil pool tail.
I fished at the bottom end and saw one or two small sewin jump. The river continued to rise while I fished (up about 5 inches by the time I left). The rise seemed to have shaken the fish, because around 1am I saw one bigger fish jump and heard an almighty splash from downstream - I really did think that a cow had fallen in - the splash was enormous. That must have been one heck of a sewin - pity I didn't connect with that one!
In the end I managed to get a 3lb 12oz fish on a Jambo - it took it like a demon and charged around the pool cartwheeling all the way. I have to say this was the best fight so far, even though I've had bigger fish - I really thought I'd hooked a double figure fish. I ran through the pool again with no luck, so had a coffee and a rest for 15 mins. During this time another big fish crashed in the pool. I tried fishing for it, but the wind became that strong that it became impossible to cast - as soon as I cast forward, the wind blew the line back at me. At this point I thought I'd call it a day - I'd been rained on all night, the temperature had dropped and I was a bit concerned about getting back over the river to the pumphouse. Would you believe it, as soon as I got back to the car, the rain stopped and the wind died away totally.
Anyway, it seems the extra water has got the fish on the move again and I'm looking forward to next week - I'm over near Manordeilo for a week starting Saturday and am hoping that the rain stops falling now, which gives me a chance of night fly. If not, I'll be packing the spinning and worming gear'.
'I took a flyer on Tuesday night and drove over to Llangadog hoping that the showers on Monday hadn't done too much to the river. As it was, the river was up about 2 inches at most and still running clear. It was a dark, wet and at times extremely windy night. I saw fish jump as early as 8pm up in Crewil pool tail.
I fished at the bottom end and saw one or two small sewin jump. The river continued to rise while I fished (up about 5 inches by the time I left). The rise seemed to have shaken the fish, because around 1am I saw one bigger fish jump and heard an almighty splash from downstream - I really did think that a cow had fallen in - the splash was enormous. That must have been one heck of a sewin - pity I didn't connect with that one!
In the end I managed to get a 3lb 12oz fish on a Jambo - it took it like a demon and charged around the pool cartwheeling all the way. I have to say this was the best fight so far, even though I've had bigger fish - I really thought I'd hooked a double figure fish. I ran through the pool again with no luck, so had a coffee and a rest for 15 mins. During this time another big fish crashed in the pool. I tried fishing for it, but the wind became that strong that it became impossible to cast - as soon as I cast forward, the wind blew the line back at me. At this point I thought I'd call it a day - I'd been rained on all night, the temperature had dropped and I was a bit concerned about getting back over the river to the pumphouse. Would you believe it, as soon as I got back to the car, the rain stopped and the wind died away totally.
Anyway, it seems the extra water has got the fish on the move again and I'm looking forward to next week - I'm over near Manordeilo for a week starting Saturday and am hoping that the rain stops falling now, which gives me a chance of night fly. If not, I'll be packing the spinning and worming gear'.
Thanks Tim and well done! With the prospect of a whole week on the river I will expect some good reports and some fish caught!
Tight lines!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Friday 25th July 2008
John has reported back on his visit!
He said that he fished the lower beat first without seeing or hearing a thing. Then road bridge and again nothing! Very disappointing!
The river appears to have gone very quiet! Maybe its because of the recent rise in water level which encouraged a lot of fish to move up stream. Hopefully new shoals of sewin will be moving into the system over the next week or two!
Tight lines!
He said that he fished the lower beat first without seeing or hearing a thing. Then road bridge and again nothing! Very disappointing!
The river appears to have gone very quiet! Maybe its because of the recent rise in water level which encouraged a lot of fish to move up stream. Hopefully new shoals of sewin will be moving into the system over the next week or two!
Tight lines!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Latest report from Tim Wilkinson - Thursday 24th July 2008
I fished down at the cattle drink last night. Saw a few smaller fish jumping and one or two bigger ones. They seemed to be moving at dusk, before it got dark. After dark I didn't see or hear anything. The wind got up about 12.30 am and fishing became difficult.
The good news is that I managed to winkle out a sholie of about 1.5lb in the run in to the cattle drink. This was early in the night at around 22.45 pm. Had one or two nips after that but nothing at all after the wind got up.
Cheers
Tim
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Wednesday 23rd July 2008!
Popped down to the river in the hope that there might be some sport!
It was a lovely warm night, half moon though with a scattering of clouds! Not too bad! Had one decent pull and a few knocks but that was all. Saw one fish of about 3 lb jump early on, well before dark, opposite the bush, jumped clean out of the water about 1.5m at least! Fished from 10.15 pm to 2.30 am in my shirt sleeves! Fantastic night to be out doors but a distinct absence of any fish in numbers! Disappointing for July!
Tight lines!
kingfisher
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Friday 18th July 2008
Well I have to say that this was a very disappointing night for all three of us, that is John, Chris and I! Conditions were pretty good! Warm, cloudy and fairly dark and the water was crystal. One thing that did hinder us though was a stiff breeze!
We all fished hard from 10.30 pm to 4.00 am! I blanked completely without any decent pulls; Chris lost a good fish early on; John had a few pulls and finished up with a lovely silver 2 lb sewin!
Worming in Crewel pool was also a complete let down! Not a fish to be seen or heard! I caught a small sewin of 1 lb and that was that!
Positive thoughts: Otters were around? Saw 2 kingfishers!
Negative thoughts: Bullocks and, dare I say a BULL!!!!!! F..k..g hell!!! The things that we fishermen put ourselves through! We must be MENTAL!
We all fished hard from 10.30 pm to 4.00 am! I blanked completely without any decent pulls; Chris lost a good fish early on; John had a few pulls and finished up with a lovely silver 2 lb sewin!
Worming in Crewel pool was also a complete let down! Not a fish to be seen or heard! I caught a small sewin of 1 lb and that was that!
Positive thoughts: Otters were around? Saw 2 kingfishers!
Negative thoughts: Bullocks and, dare I say a BULL!!!!!! F..k..g hell!!! The things that we fishermen put ourselves through! We must be MENTAL!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Monday 14th July 2008
Went down to the river last night hoping that the conditions would be favourable! Unfortunately they weren't!
The river was far too high for my liking, in fact, whilst crossing back over the river at 2.30 am the water was above my waist by a few inches! There was too much flow in most of the pools although the water seemed reasonably clear. The night was dark but breezy at times. I didn't see any fish at all. Fished with Dave from Swansea and Tim Wilkinson but no one got any pulls. I will try again nearer the weekend if the rain stays away.
Disappointing!
The river was far too high for my liking, in fact, whilst crossing back over the river at 2.30 am the water was above my waist by a few inches! There was too much flow in most of the pools although the water seemed reasonably clear. The night was dark but breezy at times. I didn't see any fish at all. Fished with Dave from Swansea and Tim Wilkinson but no one got any pulls. I will try again nearer the weekend if the rain stays away.
Disappointing!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Latest Report - Friday 11th July 2008
Report courtesy of Rodney Byles
Cerith had another fresh hen sewin yesterday evening just where he caught his other monster last year.
It took nearly 30 min's to land in the fast high water and was 29ins long. It was definitely bigger than the 10 pounder he caught earlier in the season and he reckons it could have been well over 11lb! It took 15 min's to revive and release.
He tried spinning by the tin hut first early evening but with no joy so he changed to his favourite method of angling, the worm!He's a lucky sod or should I say a bloody good wormer! I might have to take it up if I'm going to catch anything this year!!!
Thank you Rod for this post and all the others that have sent me! You make a valuable and informative contribution to my blog even if sometimes a little controversial! Thanks!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
New link to Towy Water Levels and more....!
Good news!
All visitors who want to know about up to date river levels and 5 day weather forecast can now click on the links provided!
All part of the service!
Tight lines
Kingfisher
All visitors who want to know about up to date river levels and 5 day weather forecast can now click on the links provided!
All part of the service!
Tight lines
Kingfisher
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Big sewin caught Sunday 6th July 2008!
18lb 2 oz - a fish of a life time?
This is what Rodney Byles has to say about the capture of this fish!
Andy
I have been reading bits and pieces about the 18lb sewin on the forum and decide to add my two pennerth and sent the following comment. You may wish to use it somehow on your blog.Murray’s fish is indeed a fish of a lifetime and suspect if he ever catches a similar one he will probably return it or donate to the hatchery. The various comments on the forum about its egg quality and their survival interested me and thought that I would add some food for thought. I have always believed the larger the fish the greater the number and better quality of eggs. But I have no scientific basis for that opinion.However, I am reliably informed that a hen sewin will produce an average of 600 eggs/pound of fish weight so the larger fish will produce far more than the smaller fish. In Murray’s case that fish probably had nearly 11,000 eggs. Also it has probably returned to the river three of four times before reaching that incredible size so it had probably developed survival skills that could have been passed onto its offspring. It could be said that alevins from these big multi-wintered fish could have greater survival rates than those from smaller and younger less experienced fish. Who knows!I can only pass on information I have about one big Towy sewin caught last season at Bethlehem weighing 15lb 4ozs. This hen fish was donated to the hatchery and produced over 9,000 eggs. The alevins or fry are now 2 inches long and will be put into the Towy sometime in October. If the fish has been persuaded to feed in captivity there is a possibility she could be stripped again this year prior to being released in the estuary later in the year.I was fortunate a few seasons back to catch a 14lb hen sewin at Llangadog and had I known then what I know now I would have taken a photo and either returned it or tethered it for donation to the hatchery as brood stock. So those of you anglers who are successful in catching a big hen sewin and wish to donate it to the hatchery, make sure you have a tether with you and most important of all keep handling to an absolute minimum as fish can be easily damaged and will have far less chance of survival. If you put the tether through the mouth and out through gills and secure to a tree or whatever in slack or quiet water the fish will just rest until collected for the hatchery, or so I’m told.Will be interesting to see response if any!!
What's your view on this?
Kingfisher
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Latest report from the 'crack' team!
Cerith and Rod are fishing all week and they are kindly reporting back to me conditions and catches so watch this space!
Monday night 30th June
Conditions were good, warm and dry but despite this neither of them caught any fish on the fly! Tim Wilkinson, a new member, appears to be having a lucky streak by catching a small sewin of about 1.5 lb. Cerith caught a couple of sewin up to 2lb on a worm at dawn in Crewel Pool!
Monday night 30th June
Conditions were good, warm and dry but despite this neither of them caught any fish on the fly! Tim Wilkinson, a new member, appears to be having a lucky streak by catching a small sewin of about 1.5 lb. Cerith caught a couple of sewin up to 2lb on a worm at dawn in Crewel Pool!
Come on lads! This one was caught last night! What are you playing at? It weighed 15lb - 12oz!!!!!! Fish of a life time!
Tuesday night 1st July
Rod fished all night until 4.0 am with no success! Cerith didn't fish but went down to Crewel early Wednesday morning and caught 2 sewin, 1 of 2.5lb and 1 of 3lb.
Wednesday night 2nd July
Rod blanked again despite fishing hard till 4.00 am! Tim Wilkinson, despite being a new member and not knowing the LAL water at all caught a lovely 6 lb 14 oz sewin on a mouse! Well done Tim! I am glad that you are showing Rod how it's done! A picture would be welcome!
Thursday night 3rd July
Well, I could see that Rod and Cerith were struggling, to say the least, so John and I decided to go down and show them how its done! Only one fish was caught and neither Rod, Cerith or John caught it! Yes, Andy came to the rescue again! As a result of a kind invitation from Rod to fish down the pool that he was about to fish but didn't know quite where to wade or what length of line he needed! I agreed to show him! Halfway down the pool I caught a 4 lb sewin that fought like one twice the size! Thanks Rod!
Friday night 4th July
No fish were caught!
IMPORTANT NOTICE
A new marker has been installed just below Crewel Pool.
I have been asked by LAL to remind all anglers that fishing is FLY ONLY below Crewel when the marker is showing. Failure to comply with this rule may result in membership being rescinded!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Recent catches!
Having been away on holiday last week I haven't really had time to update the blog properly so here is some recent news on catches!
On 19th June Cerith tells me that he caught a silver 10 lb sewin on the worm together with a few smaller fish! Having just popped down to the river after work as the river was looking hopeful after a small rise it certainly paid off for him. No doubt he will be trying to beat the monster fish that he caught last year! Well done Cerith!
Also, new member Tim Wilkinson caught his first sewin of 4 lb on 24th June! You do realise the implications of this don't you Tim? Yes you are now hooked for life but take it from me it's not all plain sailing, in fact it can be very depressing at times especially when the fish are few and far between! Anyway, well done Tim!
So there seems to be a few fish about but I think the real test will be this week when Rodney Byles and Cerith are battling it out all week with John and myself joining in the fray later in the week! Some of us have to work for a living!
Tight lines everyone!
On 19th June Cerith tells me that he caught a silver 10 lb sewin on the worm together with a few smaller fish! Having just popped down to the river after work as the river was looking hopeful after a small rise it certainly paid off for him. No doubt he will be trying to beat the monster fish that he caught last year! Well done Cerith!
Also, new member Tim Wilkinson caught his first sewin of 4 lb on 24th June! You do realise the implications of this don't you Tim? Yes you are now hooked for life but take it from me it's not all plain sailing, in fact it can be very depressing at times especially when the fish are few and far between! Anyway, well done Tim!
So there seems to be a few fish about but I think the real test will be this week when Rodney Byles and Cerith are battling it out all week with John and myself joining in the fray later in the week! Some of us have to work for a living!
Tight lines everyone!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Saturday 28th June - my first fish of the season!
Well, despite adverse weather conditions last night I managed to open my account for the 2008 season in reasonable style I think! I didn't weigh it but it must have been at least 4 lb and a good silver colour.
As soon as I arrived at the pumping station I could tell that it was quite breezy and in fact a couple of degrees below temperatures at home. In fact it was cold enough to warrant a fleece even for the walk down to the river. One good thing though it was cloudy and overcast! Having returned from Sorento in Italy on Friday where the temperatures were early 30's every day I found myself feeling decidedly chilly!
I saw 3 other fishermen in total, one on the Llandeilo AA water opposite and two guys walked past me to the very bottom of our beat. I don't know how any of them got on.
Fish wise I saw one fish of about 5 lb move just by the bush opposite where we sit and that was all. My excitement came in my usual spot, around the corner in the tail of the pool at about 11.30 pm on a 2" black and silver tube. The fish must have followed me for a while and only decided to take as I was about to start retrieving. It fought well and I landed it in the shallow water below. As I write this piece she is cut up into 6 steaks and is well and truly frozen! Can't wait until tea tomorrow! Poached sewin, new potatoes and broad beans - all caught or grown by me!
As soon as I arrived at the pumping station I could tell that it was quite breezy and in fact a couple of degrees below temperatures at home. In fact it was cold enough to warrant a fleece even for the walk down to the river. One good thing though it was cloudy and overcast! Having returned from Sorento in Italy on Friday where the temperatures were early 30's every day I found myself feeling decidedly chilly!
I saw 3 other fishermen in total, one on the Llandeilo AA water opposite and two guys walked past me to the very bottom of our beat. I don't know how any of them got on.
Fish wise I saw one fish of about 5 lb move just by the bush opposite where we sit and that was all. My excitement came in my usual spot, around the corner in the tail of the pool at about 11.30 pm on a 2" black and silver tube. The fish must have followed me for a while and only decided to take as I was about to start retrieving. It fought well and I landed it in the shallow water below. As I write this piece she is cut up into 6 steaks and is well and truly frozen! Can't wait until tea tomorrow! Poached sewin, new potatoes and broad beans - all caught or grown by me!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Latest report from the Towy!
There are reports of a few fish making themselves known; some hooked; some lost!
Lance has told Rodney Byles that there are some decent fish lurking at the Road Bridge! Lance has found them difficult to catch but has seen some good fish moving at night! He has also lost a big fish very recently there! His catch to date is a 4lb sewin from the Car Park Pool!
With water levels very low we need rain urgently! I am off to Sorento for the next week so I wont be on the river for a week or so! I have yet to open my account!
Tight lines.
Lance has told Rodney Byles that there are some decent fish lurking at the Road Bridge! Lance has found them difficult to catch but has seen some good fish moving at night! He has also lost a big fish very recently there! His catch to date is a 4lb sewin from the Car Park Pool!
With water levels very low we need rain urgently! I am off to Sorento for the next week so I wont be on the river for a week or so! I have yet to open my account!
Tight lines.
Sunday, June 01, 2008
John open's his account for the 2008 Season in style!
My brother-in-law John caught his biggest ever sewin on a fly on Saturday night! The first of the season for any of us John's fish weighed in at 6 1/2 lb! Well done John!
Chris and John planning their nights fishing!
What a cracker?
Chris and John planning their nights fishing!
What a cracker?
Monday, May 19, 2008
Anglers get lucky on Golden Grove!
A few fish were caught on Golden Grove last night. This is just one of them and a beautiful specimen too. Hopefully we will start to see fish like this up at LAL water in the not too distant future.
Tight lines!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Rodny Byles goes to Sweden in search of some sport with sea trout!
Rod has sent me this report from his recent trip to Sweden. At last I have some pictures of sea trout on my blog!
'I have been going to Sweden for well over 30 years on business and always wanted to fish there but never seemed to have the time. So during my last and recent visit I decided I would definitely make time for fishing the fly for Baltic sea trout. I opted to fish one of Sweden’s best sea trout rivers, the Dalaven at Alvkarleby, around 100 miles north of Stockholm and a few miles from the Baltic coast. There is a good train connection from Stockholm’s Arlanda Airport to Alvkarleby costing about SEK300 return (about £25).
I stayed at the local and comfortable Alvkarleby hotel – they also have much cheaper self catering options – and bought my fishing ticket costing SEK160/day, about £13.60. Fishing when I was there in mid April was from 5am to 9pm. I was in for a big surprise. The river was very wide, about 150 yards in places, very fast flowing between 400 and 500m3/sec and water temperature quite cold at around 4ºC. The nearby hydroelectric power station regulates the flow and the river was up and down like a fiddler’s elbow.
I stayed at the local and comfortable Alvkarleby hotel – they also have much cheaper self catering options – and bought my fishing ticket costing SEK160/day, about £13.60. Fishing when I was there in mid April was from 5am to 9pm. I was in for a big surprise. The river was very wide, about 150 yards in places, very fast flowing between 400 and 500m3/sec and water temperature quite cold at around 4ºC. The nearby hydroelectric power station regulates the flow and the river was up and down like a fiddler’s elbow.
My new 10ft Sage, equipped with fast sinking line and heavy tube, was also the wrong tool and much too short for the task in hand. All the other “sensible” local fly anglers, were deep wading and using 15ft double-handers with 750 grain fast sinking lines and casting well over 50 yards or more. Interestingly all were using large arbour Loop reels. Still I gave it my best shot with my little wand and stuck to the margins and managed a “first” by catching and releasing two bream on a 2inch tube!!!
There were some nice sea trout caught on the sunk fly (see photos) up to 3.6kilos (8lb in old money). But most anglers were either spinning or using the preferred method of a paternoster system of a fly tied on a longish cast linked to a heavy weight trotted down along the bottom in the fast flow. Salmon also run up in the summer and biggest caught a couple of years back weighed just under 28 kilos, that’s around 60lbs!!!
The Alvkarleby fishery bailiff and local Swedish and Finnish anglers were all exceptionally friendly and helpful, making for a very enjoyable but “blank” visit. I even made friends with a very tame Red Squirrel (see photo) and the miles of walking I did in the fresh air was also a great tonic for my recently repaired “ticker”. However, I was very disappointed with the amount of nylon line left discarded on the riverbank just waiting to get tangled up in birds’ legs. I picked up hundreds, yes hundreds of yards of the stuff and put it in the numerous waste bins along the river.
As I left the river I looked over the main bridge with my polaroids and watched for about 10-15 minutes in the bright warm sunshine a constant stream of sea trout nose to tail and 3-4-5 abreast slowly making there way upstream. There were hundreds of them and never seen so many in one place before. An amazing sight.
For those interested have a look at the link'.
http://www.alvkarlebysportfiske.nu/
Monday, May 12, 2008
Gravel extraction - the story continues!
Rodney Byles has kindly sent me a piece that he has written which describes his findings and views on this very important matter!
It's not very often that I find it necessary to publish other peoples articles on this blog but this report is so detailed and informative that I felt it in everyone's interest to do so! Clearly Rodney not only shares my views but that of many others too, about the environment in which we live and the place that we all value so dearly - the River Towy!
The research that he has done, including endless telephone calls and emails has uncovered a great deal of valuable facts that we all need to know. Much of the views that he expresses in the piece are I am sure shared by most if not all of us! I am sure that you will find it most interesting and that hopefully it will stimulate further debate on this very important subject! Clearly the story continues!
'I believe Cerith may have already had a chat with the farmer about some Llangadog Angling Association Ltd members’ concerns the gravel/shale extraction is having on the water course and the creation of the bypass channel shown in the Google satellite image, which I believe was taken sometime last season in lowish water. I do not know if this is now an accurate picture of the area as I have not been down there yet this season. Also I do not know what response Cerith got.
As many members will know who fish this section the farmer has been taking out shale for several years and this area, has at times, resembled a bomb site with heaps and craters everywhere. Last season the bank of the main river was finally breached and over topped during a flood allowing the fast flowing water to carve out a smooth bypass channel and preventing anglers’ access to the bend of the main river.
The action of the farmer was recently brought to the attention of Environment Agency Wales. However, the EAW’s Flood Risk Management section does not consider the alleged activity presents a fluvial flood risk to people or property; therefore, no action will be taken by flood risk management. The local EAW bailiff also made a site visit and concluded that no enforcement action is warranted from a fisheries perspective. The EAW has advised LAAL of its conclusions.
I spoke with our bailiff after this and his first visit to the area since gravel extraction started. He told me that he believed the channel had been caused by “natural erosion” as he saw no evidence of gravel extraction. I would probably have reached the same conclusion had I not known the history of its creation. However, he did say that without any evidence of actually catching the farmer in the act of gravel extraction or photographs of his action, there was nothing he could do. But he was adamant that if he had the evidence he would definitely prosecute the landowner for illegally extracting gravel.
Our bailiff was surprised, that as the gravel extraction had been going on for some years, it had not been reported to him before, especially as some LAAL members who have fished at this location since unauthorised gravel extraction started, are also EAW employees. I couldn't’t answer that.
I believe the EAW appears to have abdicated its apparent responsibility. The farmer has apparently extracted gravel in contravention of the Water Resources Act 1991 and the Land Drainage Byelaws and understand he has not applied to the EAW for consent. I have requested to know what action the EAW will be taking to ensure compliance and prevent further gravel extraction and to repair the damage done to the bank by the apparent illegal extraction of gravel. I also believe the farmer has not applied to the Council for planning permission. Maybe Defra should be informed as this may come under their jurisdiction.
The farmer has put LAAL in a very awkward situation as LAAL rent this water from the farmer and would not wish to take any action that may jeopardise future fishing.
But it cannot be right that farmers/landowners can extract gravel willy-nilly and change the course of a river without any recourse from the relevant authorities. I can just imagine the fuss and uproar from anglers if this was on Llandeilo AA water.
If the EAW does not act to protect our environment it will just create apathy.'
Rodney Byles
Llangadog Angling Limited Member for over 20 years
It's not very often that I find it necessary to publish other peoples articles on this blog but this report is so detailed and informative that I felt it in everyone's interest to do so! Clearly Rodney not only shares my views but that of many others too, about the environment in which we live and the place that we all value so dearly - the River Towy!
The research that he has done, including endless telephone calls and emails has uncovered a great deal of valuable facts that we all need to know. Much of the views that he expresses in the piece are I am sure shared by most if not all of us! I am sure that you will find it most interesting and that hopefully it will stimulate further debate on this very important subject! Clearly the story continues!
'I believe Cerith may have already had a chat with the farmer about some Llangadog Angling Association Ltd members’ concerns the gravel/shale extraction is having on the water course and the creation of the bypass channel shown in the Google satellite image, which I believe was taken sometime last season in lowish water. I do not know if this is now an accurate picture of the area as I have not been down there yet this season. Also I do not know what response Cerith got.
As many members will know who fish this section the farmer has been taking out shale for several years and this area, has at times, resembled a bomb site with heaps and craters everywhere. Last season the bank of the main river was finally breached and over topped during a flood allowing the fast flowing water to carve out a smooth bypass channel and preventing anglers’ access to the bend of the main river.
The action of the farmer was recently brought to the attention of Environment Agency Wales. However, the EAW’s Flood Risk Management section does not consider the alleged activity presents a fluvial flood risk to people or property; therefore, no action will be taken by flood risk management. The local EAW bailiff also made a site visit and concluded that no enforcement action is warranted from a fisheries perspective. The EAW has advised LAAL of its conclusions.
I spoke with our bailiff after this and his first visit to the area since gravel extraction started. He told me that he believed the channel had been caused by “natural erosion” as he saw no evidence of gravel extraction. I would probably have reached the same conclusion had I not known the history of its creation. However, he did say that without any evidence of actually catching the farmer in the act of gravel extraction or photographs of his action, there was nothing he could do. But he was adamant that if he had the evidence he would definitely prosecute the landowner for illegally extracting gravel.
Our bailiff was surprised, that as the gravel extraction had been going on for some years, it had not been reported to him before, especially as some LAAL members who have fished at this location since unauthorised gravel extraction started, are also EAW employees. I couldn't’t answer that.
I believe the EAW appears to have abdicated its apparent responsibility. The farmer has apparently extracted gravel in contravention of the Water Resources Act 1991 and the Land Drainage Byelaws and understand he has not applied to the EAW for consent. I have requested to know what action the EAW will be taking to ensure compliance and prevent further gravel extraction and to repair the damage done to the bank by the apparent illegal extraction of gravel. I also believe the farmer has not applied to the Council for planning permission. Maybe Defra should be informed as this may come under their jurisdiction.
The farmer has put LAAL in a very awkward situation as LAAL rent this water from the farmer and would not wish to take any action that may jeopardise future fishing.
But it cannot be right that farmers/landowners can extract gravel willy-nilly and change the course of a river without any recourse from the relevant authorities. I can just imagine the fuss and uproar from anglers if this was on Llandeilo AA water.
If the EAW does not act to protect our environment it will just create apathy.'
Rodney Byles
Llangadog Angling Limited Member for over 20 years
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Latest NEWS from the Towy at Llangadog
Just returned Saturday from a 3 day spell on the river!
The water level is low but there is still a reasonable flow through the pools. Green slime is a bit of a nuisance when worming but not an issue with the fly! There is the odd fish around.
My brother-in-law John has seen a few fish in Crewel. One of these I saw too and it was a silver sewin of about 5lb. I also saw a smaller fish by the tin hut at the bottom end of Crewel and another under the railway bridge. Other than that we fished right down the bottom on Thursday night and the Churns and Cattle Drink on Friday night but saw nothing.
A good flood would now would be perfect but I'm afraid the forecast for this next week doesn't look very favourable!
Tight lines!
The water level is low but there is still a reasonable flow through the pools. Green slime is a bit of a nuisance when worming but not an issue with the fly! There is the odd fish around.
My brother-in-law John has seen a few fish in Crewel. One of these I saw too and it was a silver sewin of about 5lb. I also saw a smaller fish by the tin hut at the bottom end of Crewel and another under the railway bridge. Other than that we fished right down the bottom on Thursday night and the Churns and Cattle Drink on Friday night but saw nothing.
A good flood would now would be perfect but I'm afraid the forecast for this next week doesn't look very favourable!
Tight lines!
Friday, May 02, 2008
Think I might start fishing my 'home' river!
This 8 lb springer was caught the other day at Holt on the River Severn just a few miles from where I live!
The Half Moon Inn is producing fish now that I have left! 7 salmon to date! For more information and latest news on the Torridge click on the link below.
http://www.halfmoonsheepwash.co.uk/
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Gravel extraction is damaging our fishery!
It is clear for anyone to see. This is a low water picture! It may be too late to reverse this damage but lets hope not!
One thing is for certain we must do something!
Please pledge your support!
POST YOUR COMMENTS NOW!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
The 'best months' to fish - these are MY statistics for what they are worth!
These quantities are based on my catch record published earlier on this blog. If you look at the catch record you will see that there are quite a few years missing!
Whilst I have caught more fish in July over these years the total weight of sewin is heavier in August!
So the message is - stay in doors till July, catch your specimen sewin in August? Take up badminton or coarse fishing for the rest of the year!!!
NOT SCIENTIFIC!
Guess what?
I am a grandad - Sofia Marie - 8Lb - 5oz born Wednesday 23rd April 2008 - a good size springer - apparently she fought well too!
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
A disappointing trip to the River Torridge - Spring 2008
Rod and I arrived at the Half Moon Inn at Sheepwash on the evening of Friday 4th April with lots of anticipation, hoping that the fishing conditions would be conducive to catching a spring salmon or two! The water was about 300mm too high by all accounts but that didn't bother us as we were there for 4 days so maybe we had hit the river just right?
As far as the water was concerned then I think we had arrived at a good time! The water was falling and clearing - just what we wanted! The problem was that there were no salmon to be seen anywhere! We both fished hard, Rod for 3 days and me for 4 days but neither of us saw a salmon let alone caught one!
As far as the water was concerned then I think we had arrived at a good time! The water was falling and clearing - just what we wanted! The problem was that there were no salmon to be seen anywhere! We both fished hard, Rod for 3 days and me for 4 days but neither of us saw a salmon let alone caught one!
The expert at work on Sunken Tree Pool at Beam
Saturday was quite warm but Sunday morning we sat eating our breakfast watching the snow falling outside. Early mornings and nights were cold from then on but the days themselves were very pleasant and fairly warm. Its a lovely place to fish and we had a good laugh in the bar at night with Bob and his wife. Charles, the previous owner, still organises the fishing and has hardly changed over the years that I have known him. We were lucky to be put on one of the best beats on the river every day - Beam!
Rod trying his luck in the Weir Pool at Beam
Time for a break!
This is Yew Tree Pool at BeamWe tried sinking lines, sink tips, floating lines the lot! Big flies, small flies and every colour you can think of but to no avail. We didn't even see any sea trout!
Now it's my turn in the Weir Pool
The Torridge, looking down stream from the Bridge and Boulders Pool
By the time I left on Tuesday afternoon the water was at about optimum height and very nearly clear! One good thing is that the Hotel is more like what it used to be when Charles and Benji had it. A nice place to stay and a very pleasant holiday! Rod is off to Sweden next week and hopes to get a few days fishing in - might get some pictures of 'fish' for the blog? Tight lines Rod! Watch this space.
There were 3 of us fishing on this occassion!
The water level was almost perfect but the weather had turned cold
For latest news on the Torridge click on the link below
Thursday, April 03, 2008
And some of yours!
I went into the hazel wood
Because a fire was in my head,
I cut & peeled a hazel wand
And hooked a berry on a thread.
And when white moths were on the wing
And moth-like stars came fluttering out
I threw the berry in the stream
And caught a little silver trout.
Anon.
Unknown contributor
Because a fire was in my head,
I cut & peeled a hazel wand
And hooked a berry on a thread.
And when white moths were on the wing
And moth-like stars came fluttering out
I threw the berry in the stream
And caught a little silver trout.
Anon.
Unknown contributor
Friday, March 28, 2008
My favourite sea trout fishing quotations!
Thought I would share these quotes with you while we are all getting ready for the new season. They are my favourites and can be found along with many more in the sea trout 'bible', Hugh Falkus - Sea Trout Fishing.
'Rivers and the inhabitants of the watery elements are made for wise men to contemplate and for fools to pass by without consideration'
Izaak Walton, The Complete Angler (1653)
'A moon that wades through a sea of clouds need not disturb the angler very much, but one which converts night into day is not loved by the keen fisher who desires some sport with sea trout. In these circumstances he must exercise the greatest care, study his every movement, approach the water quietly and always keep himself concealed from the trout, use the finest tackle and throw the lightest of lines; in short, he must stalk his fish, and in the end his reward, if any, will not be great. It will, however, be highly creditable. A single capture is a triumph; more than that constitutes a glorious night's sport'.
R. C. Bridgett, Sea Tout Fishing (1929)
Do you know any good ones?
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