Barbel: Are you brave enough to try somewhere new?

When the river season opens in around two weeks time, anglers up and down the country will take their new found optimism and high hopes back to the river bank. There will of course be a number of venues that get more attention than most based on past form and fishy tales. Take the river closest to me, the Warwickshire Avon. You can bet that the vast majority of anglers looking to land an opening day barbel will end up at of Marcliff, Salford Priors, Pershore, Fladbury or Barton on the Birmingham AA stretches with the day ticket stretches around Harvington also getting a bashing. This trend will continue throughout the whole summer until the leaves begin to turn brown with some

Summer on the Avon

swims being fished on an almost daily basis. I am sure whichever river you fish in the UK you can picture a similar situation so why do anglers persist in visiting so few venues when there's a whole river to go at? Well, there's a bit of a cycle at play here. Since the majority of anglers are fishing the same handful of venues, it stands to reason that this is where most of the fish are caught. When a barbel then has its picture posted to say, the BAA's homepage or a Facebook group, then of course more anglers flock to this venue in the hope of getting a piece of the action. In turn, the notoriety of these few venues increases and the under-fished venues get forgotten and labelled unproductive. The nettles grow, the pegs disappear and miles of river become ignored. Take a look at the BAA's list of Avon waters. Deduct the ones I have mentioned and ask yourself the last time you or indeed anyone else fished them with regularity? I remember turning up at Barton on one summer's evening to find no less than 15 cars parked up. As I drive to work, I pass a few venues that barely see anyone visit, let alone fish them.

My opinion is that aside from the upper reaches, the Avon's character and make up is not too dissimilar for much of its length. Punctuated by weirs that see an increase in flow, much of the river is medium paced and around 8ft deep. Obviously, there are areas where this is not the case but I don't think I am too wide of the mark. Now, why do barbel only live in the popular stretches? Why don't anglers target them in the less frequented venues? The reason you don't hear of any being caught at these places is because no one is fishing for them. I picked a random, under-fished venue and leaded around for a bit recently. What did I find? Clean gravel and perfect barbel habitat. If I fished there this summer would I face competition from other anglers for the best swims or would the fish be full up on others' bait? Not a chance.

Are fish after sunset the result of pressure?

Now, think about the effect of angling pressure on the more heavily fished venues. Anglers casting at regular intervals on a daily basis, each putting bait into their chosen swims before packing up and going home. Soon after, along comes another angler who sets up in the recently vacated hotspot. Out goes more bait to attract the fish. Remember, all this is going on during the summer when the river is most likely low and clear. The barbel, especially the experienced ones are holed up where they feel safe. Angler's habits have had an effect on the feeding patterns of these fish. Therefore, is it any wonder daytime fishing can be next to useless in these conditions? You will probably pick up some 'shoalies' who have much to learn and maybe strike gold with the odd better fish but there will probably be nothing consistent about your catches. I know, I have been there! Once darkness falls, the fish then begin their patrol route knowing that the BAA's night fishing ban gives them relative sanctuary to mop up all the beds of bait unhindered. They can then sidle off to their snaggy hide outs and wait for the next dollop of freebies to be deposited. The end result? You end up with certain stretches where barbel have had their habits changed due to the angling pressure. They have learned that the noise from casting means fishermen and therefore danger. The barbel know that they are able to find food very easily and as a result are rarely hungry. No need to go searching for food on this stretch and last but not least, they know they can have a free, safe meal that very night. Fishing for pressured and full up barbel is not the best scenario for consistent catches.

This has been on my mind for a year or so and I am ready to make a break for it, a leap of faith if you like. I am planning to spend my summer on the quiet, hardly fished venues where I hope barbel live unmolested. Their feeding habits are hopefully that of a wild barbel that has to forage and search for food to keep up with its big summer appetite. With a sensible baiting approach, I hope to prove that barbel can be caught up and down the river. I have to admit to being quite motivated about this and quietly optimistic. I am sure many of you that read this will be able to apply the same logic to your own river so perhaps you too could give it a go and see what turns up. Of course, I could be completely wrong on this in which case I'll be queuing up for the best peg with everyone else by August.

I would be really interested to see what other people's opinions are on this topic so share, like and comments would be most welcome.

Angling - Is there a future? (Part 1)

Like many, this season has been hit and miss on the angling front. In fact, as far as barbel are concerned it's been a near disaster. Only one double and fewer barbel than this time last year got me thinking. Granted, the summer's weather conditions were far from ideal with low, clear rivers the order of the day. However, with the rivers looking more ideal following our recent wet and mild conditions, the barbels' presence is still proving to be elusive. Therefore, are there other influences at work? Over the coming weeks I am going to discuss some of the main dangers to the fish population on our natural waterways and see if this season's form is a sign of things to come.

Hydro Power

Pershore's weir: a distant memory?

For those that are not aware, hydro power is a method of generating electricity using the water's flow. Of course, this is not a new idea with small water mills providing power in various guises all over the UK for many years. However, with the government applying pressure to source power from renewable sources, larger schemes are being planned and implemented on our rivers. There are number of issues that anglers and indeed any conservationist should be wary of. There is such a scheme being constructed a few miles away from me at Pershore, a small market town on the banks of the Warwickshire Avon. With this in mind I am going to highlight the key issues.

The plan has been proposed by the landowner, Mr C Hudson, and appears to have got the full backing of the Wychavon District Council. Indeed the development is now under construction. From an angling perspective there have been many concerns with regard to how the development will affect the flow and in turn how this will alter fish spawning grounds.  

Indeed, the Angling Trust's Alan Butterworth said, “I have commented on over 70 schemes on behalf of the Trust in the past year and this is by far the worse I’ve seen. The way that the EA has dealt with the proposal and acceptance of this scheme is nothing short of shocking.” 

In reply, the Environment Agency defended its stance by issuing the following statement: “In summer 2010 we issued an abstraction licence in Pershore with strict terms and conditions to protect fish, their migratory passage and the wider environment. These include ensuring a certain flow of water over the weir, especially during the fish spawning period, and a screening requirement to stop fish entering the turbine.”

The landowner's initial application to Wychavon District council is available online [here]. As part of the plan, a fisheries assessment was requested [here] and Fishtek Consulting carried out a detailed analysis together with computer aided models to predict and compare the effect of the hydro power scheme on the river's flow and its likely effect on the existing spawning grounds.

An aerial image of Pershore weir showing the location of the hydro turbines

You may recall I mentioned that the Angling Trust commented that this was poorly thought out scheme. Interestingly, Fishtek based their report on fisheries data dating back to the 1990s. This was because no surveys had been carried out since and the Environment Agency did not see fit to commission one. The table below shows the species present in various locations along the Warwickshire Avon but you will notice one notable omission: Pershore, the site of the scheme. This was because Pershore was not included in the 1990s survey. It was concluded that Evesham is a similar site and with it being only a few miles upstream then it would surely be the same. Quite a lot of assumptions here!

The 1990s survey used in the planning process

There is also another huge anomaly as far as fishing is concerned. That is the lack of a barbel population. During the 90s, barbel were beginning to show in some areas of the Avon. These days they are present in most areas of the river and are probably one of the main target species for anglers. They of course enjoy pacier, oxygenated river stretches typical of habitat found below weirs. This means assumptions have been made without considering one of the river's major species using data that is almost 20 years old. 'Poorly thought out,' perhaps the AT had a point.

Before works commenced, Pershore weir obviously contributed to increased flow of the river Avon in this area. This in turn resulted in increased oxygenated water and clean gravel areas which provide excellent spawning grounds and habitat for juvenile fish. The following diagrams show the current depths and flow speeds.

The weir's current flows

Projected depths following the turbine installation

With the weirpool's hydro turbines installed the river's flow was again analysed and predicted as follows:

Projected flows below the weir after turbine installation

Obviously, one of the biggest concerns amongst anglers is the effect on flow rates. Comparing the two images you can see that the effect is not as big as one might have imagined and the tail of the weir, important for spawning, remains largely unaffected. This leads nicely onto spawning. The increased flow and oxygenated water below any weir makes it an obvious spawning site on a river for many species that take advantage of the shallower water, clean gravel and plant growth. The diagrams below show the current spawning situation below the weir and what the effect of the turbines will be.

The current spawning situation at Pershore Weir

Projected spawning areas following works

The brown areas below the weir itself do not represent good spawning sites due to their depth and an unsuitable layer of fine substrates. This remains unchanged by the proposed hyrdo power turbines. You will notice that the tail of the weir provides some of the best spawning sites due to shallower, gravelly areas. Again, the proposed changes should not alter the effectiveness of these locations.

Fishtek Consulting (2012) offered the following key recommendations:

The turbine discharge is sited as close to the toe of the weir as possible maintaining the maximum distance from the region of spawning habitat identified.

The turbine discharges into the area of deep water in the left hand corner of the weir (looking downstream), forming an effective stilling basin to dissipate velocities.

The spawning habitat is mapped annually post installation to ensure that there is no  reduction. In the unlikely scenario of a reduction occurring, mitigation in the form of gravel addition or altering the flow should be considered.

The fish pass entrance should be located 1-2 m downstream from the turbine discharge point in order to reduce the potential masking effect that the turbulent outflow may have.

Compressible bumpers should be fitted to the turbine leading edges to eliminate fish damage.

It remains to be seen if Fishtek's recommendations have been implemented in full. However according to the study, negative damage as a result of the installation of hydro power turbines is negligible. Although it is worth noting that there were assumptions made on the species inhabiting the river following the use of old data that is not reflective of today's Warwickshire Avon. Therefore, the Angling Trust do have a point when they say a thorough study was not carried out. It does beg the question as to why a new survey was not carried out in the immediate area especially when the Environment Agency are supposedly the guardians of our waterways. Despite the fisheries analysis suggesting it's not all doom and gloom, only time will tell. The Birmingham Anglers Association (BAA) who lease the fishing rights from the landowner were not notified of the scheme. Since planning was granted, they are still waiting for any communication. As for how this will alter the access to the club's fishing rights, BAA's John Williams stated, "We will not know anything until the scheme is complete. Access to the fishing will be determined by the landowner's wishes." Not great news when the landowner has already demonstrated a lack of consideration for river users by failing to take part in any meaningful consultation. Basically, a landowner can do what they like regardless of what lease agreements have been previously put in place, or at least that's what is being suggested. It is a pity, in my opinion, that the landowner, the council or the Environment Agency could not have had a discussion with interested parties such as the BAA and the Angling Trust.  The BAA have seemingly lost fishing access to one of their prime spots without consultation and only future studies will determine whether the area's fish friendly habitat and attractive spawning grounds remain unharmed. I must admit there is something fishy (pardon the pun) with the ease in which this scheme found favour. Could it be that since the scheme will provide electricity for the nearby leisure centre, run by Wychavon District Council, it assisted in gaining full support? After all, this could cut the council's electricity bills so there is a slight conflict of interest. Did government incentives for green energy ensure this scheme was always going to be given the green light? There have been alleged accusations of money changing hands given the EA's lackadaisical attitude but of course this will only ever be rumour and conjecture. However remember, hydro power could be coming to a weir near you and you'll probably be the last to know!

Pershore's locals have an online petition which you may wish to support [here].

What is your opinion on such schemes? Would you be happy with the assurances made in the fisheries assessment? Would you welcome a scheme on a river near you?

Pike - A plan comes together

The recent rainfall did nothing to improve the levels or colour of the Warwickshire Avon. If you read my previous blog you will know that I vowed to have a predator session if the river remained clear. With the traditional pike season commencing this week I set off for Charlton. However, this trip was wasted as the BAA actually have no pegs available. This is the third stretch I have visited in recent weeks that has left me cursing 'the UK's largest angling club'. They really need to get themselves sorted as it is no use advertising miles of river if a large proportion are covered in nettles. Anyway, this can be a discussion for another day!

I decided on another stretch upstream on the opposite bank. Conditions were far from ideal with a band of high pressure resulting in bright and sunny weather. I am no pike expert but I know that this kind of weather coupled with a clear river does not fill one with optimism. I started off casting a soft bodied lure. I opted for a natural coloured bait resembling a perch. I covered the area but no takes nor follows saw me switch to a float fished deadbait. I gave this half hour or so but again nothing resulted so it was time to up sticks and try another spot. As an aside, I have not had too much luck with soft lures on the Avon. Avon fish tend to prefer spinners and I would be interested to hear what others have to say.

The new peg looked more attractive with some far bank trees providing shade. I felt much more optimistic given the bright conditions. I set up a ledger outfit utilising a paternoster rig with a joey mackerel as bait. This was cast towards the far bank and set up with an alarm and drop off indicator. I again cast out a dead roach closer to the bank using my float outfit. About ten minutes later, the alarm bleeped and an aggressive run was met with a strike and the reassuring resistance of a fish on. The fish came to the nearside of the river quite easily. Then, the fun and games started. It was an incredible battle with the fish leaving the water's surface several times. It also managed to cross my other line, biting through it in the process (A reminder of how important a trace is when predator fishing). The fish made another surge, this time for some sunken roots but after one more tail walk the pike was safely netted. The hooks were easily removed, a reward for a prompt strike. The fish was not huge, indeed nowhere near my PB, but it was a beautifully marked specimen.

A super looking pike

The tail and fin patterns were wonderfully coloured while it was covered in vivid yellow spots. I estimated the fish at around 7-8lb and after a quick photo it was released. Its colours looked even better in the clear margins and I was able to watch it glide downstream towards the bankside vegetation.

I went on to try a few more spots without any further runs but to start the traditional pike season with a fish in unfavourable conditions was a pleasing start and justification enough for opting for the predator session.

Same old story!

You may recall my recent post (here) on trying to persuade the Birmingham Anglers Association (BAA) to change their 'one hour after sunset' rule. Firstly, many thanks to Mr Williams of the BAA who has taken the time to read and respond to my report. His reply is as follows:

Mr Lee Poultney,

As promised I tabled your letter at the Management Committee meeting which was held on Monday 29 October. I have been asked to pass on the thanks of the Officers to you for taking an interest in this matter.

Firstly I have to point out that your letter contains a number of assertions and presumptions which do not reflect the reality of the situation. I should perhaps point out that the introduction of night fishing on Association waters is a relatively recent initiative and was introduced only on an experimental basis at limited venues and is by no means certain to be extended or even retained. The current system for issuing night permits is as flexible as it can be, whilst retaining the required control elements of the procedure. It is not necessary to visit the office in order to obtain night permits, indeed most members call the office to order their permits which are then posted on to them. We realise that this is not practical if a member makes a late decision to fish at night but it does work for most members. We cannot tailor every Association rule to cater for individual member’s requirements, we have to balance this against what is practical and in the best interests of the Association overall. We cannot have a situation whereby we lose control of knowing who is fishing where at night. You suggest that the vast majority of anglers fishing BAA waters do so in order to catch Barbel – what evidence do you have for this? You also assert that the BAA match calendar has declined over the past decade – do you mean the contests which BAA run, or the number of contests run by associated clubs?

In your proposed changes you suggest we use ‘dawn’ as a starting time – when is dawn? We have to have a rule which can be enforced and which is clear and not open to interpretation, hence the fact that our current fishing times are determined by known parameters, i.e. Sunrise and Sunset.

Under your proposed changes, there would be a potentially unlimited number of anglers on river banks, unsupervised, in all weather conditions until well after dark throughout the season. This we consider to be a potential hazardous situation and one which could put many members at risk. Furthermore, many of the fisheries which we only rent have ‘no night fishing’ clauses in their leases so in these circumstances we could not sanction any change. Having considered your proposals in detail, the Management Committee are unanimous in their opinion that to make changes along the lines you propose would not be in the best interests of the Association or the overwhelming majority of its members.

Regards,

John Williams
General Secretary
Birmingham Anglers Association Ltd.

In the letter, Mr Williams poses a number of questions/points as follows (The yellow bits are my response):

The current system for issuing night permits is as flexible as it can be, whilst retaining the required control elements of the procedure. Could an online system not be incorporated?

It is not necessary to visit the office in order to obtain night permits, indeed most members call the office to order their permits which are then posted on to them. We realise that this is not practical if a member makes a late decision to fish at night but it does work for most members. Not every angler wants to sit there all night, but paying for an hour or so does not represent value.

We cannot have a situation whereby we lose control of knowing who is fishing where at night. Do the BAA know who is fishing and where in daylight hours so why is it different once the sun sets?

You suggest that the vast majority of anglers fishing BAA waters do so in order to catch Barbel – what evidence do you have for this? I applied this assumption to the BAA's river venues and I'd say I'm not too far away with this remark.

You also assert that the BAA match calendar has declined over the past decade – do you mean the contests which BAA run, or the number of contests run by associated clubs? A look at the weekly venues unavailable due to matches is tiny compared to 15 years ago. There is a definite decline.

In your proposed changes you suggest we use ‘dawn’ as a starting time – when is dawn? Dawn was used as an example. All I wanted was the opportunity to discuss this matter further and such fine details are ‘nitpicking’ in my opinion.

We have to have a rule which can be enforced and which is clear and not open to interpretation, hence the fact that our current fishing times are determined by known parameters, i.e. Sunrise and Sunset. That is fine, but a set cut off time as I suggested would serve the same purpose.

Under your proposed changes, there would be a potentially unlimited number of anglers on river banks, unsupervised, in all weather conditions until well after dark throughout the season. How do the BAA supervise unlimited numbers of anglers during daylight hours and during a range of weather conditions?

This we consider to be a potential hazardous situation and one which could put many members at risk. Anglers are at risk every time they visit the bank, are the BAA assuming responsibility for anglers’ welfare? If so, does that mean the BAA are at risk of being sued should a member fall in and drown?

Furthermore, many of the fisheries which we only rent have ‘no night fishing’ clauses in their leases so in these circumstances we could not sanction any change. In this case, they would be exempt.

I do believe that the BAA are missing a trick here especially when they have clearly advertised that they are trying to attract 'specimen anglers'. I also wonder what the background of the committee is and if it’s representative of its members. I had hoped there would have been more of a discussion rather than a 'straight no' to my suggestions, since that's all they were, suggestions. I'd have hoped we could have discussed them in more detail and tried to thrash something out to suit all parties. I did send my responses back to Mr Williams but I fear that without a significant backing from other like-minded members then any calls for change will fall on deaf ears. All the best, Lee Poultney

Whose line is it anyway?

With the clocks going back and the nights drawing in, miserable weather and a six month old baby suffering with a cold, which in turn is making me feel less than 100%, I have to admit I'm struggling to get out and fish at the moment. Fortunately, it's half term meaning I get the week off so I'm hoping to dodge the showers and get out at some stage although a half term break usually sees the wife adding a little pressure so a bit of compromising and negotiating will be the order of the day.

Anyway, I thought I'd add an article I wrote during the close season this year which was subsequently added to the Barbel Fishing World website. I would like to be able to write more articles but a busy job, coupled with new commitments at home means time is of a premium so perhaps shorter blogs are the way forward.

Will the BAA join the 21st Century?

Firstly, I'd like the say that the Birmingham Anglers Association represents the best value in the country with miles of rivers and canals as wells as a range of pools all for the sum of £35. However, despite boasting 70,000 members during the 1970s and 1980s their current membership is just a fraction of that. Unfortunately, the club is still run in a similar fashion and by the same people it was 20 years ago and as such it is failing some of its members through a lack of flexibility in keeping with modern angling practises.