 Latest Survey Results and Pictures from the EA Team on the Relief Channel
Paul Wilkanowski and team undertook some Seine netting surveys on the Relief Channel w/c 13th Oct. A welcome surprise to all concerned was the numbers if predatory fish caught including brown trout, Zander and some really specimen perch. When we receive the detailed results we will place them here. But until then take a look at these pictures. here IS THE RELIEF CHANNEL FISHERY MAKING A COME BACK ?? The Great Ouse Relief Channel in Norfolk appears to be making a comeback. This man made flood relief channel was a prolific fishery in the 1970’s when anglers would travel from around the country to both pleasure and match fish. However, the fishery declined in the early 1980’s following changes to the flow regime and has never fully recovered. In April this year the EA undertook major modifications at Denver Sluice which has resulted in reducing high flows on the Relief Channel and further work should be completed in mid November 2008. In early October the EA Fisheries team were contacted by Kings Lynn Angling Association who control the fishing. The club reported sightings of large numbers of fish around Denver Sluice. A subsequent netting survey produced an amazing haul of specimen fish. There were nine perch recorded over 3lb, the largest weighing 3lb 14oz. Five good sized zander up to 7lb 6oz and three sea trout running upstream to spawn, the largest weighing 10lb 2oz. The large perch and zander were feeding on huge shoals of roach and bream fry which are currently prolific in the Relief Channel. The reduction in high flows will improve the survival potential of many fry which would previously have been flushed out into the tidal estuary and perished. The EA Fisheries team were first aware of a possible improvement in early August when large numbers of small fish were recorded during a hydroacoustics survey undertaken between Denver and Kings Lynn. The highest densities were seen at Downham Market, Magdelene and Saddlebow Bridges. Paul Wilkanowski Envrioment Agency 22/10/08 |
Martin Chandler kept quite about the brace of double figure Pike from the seemingly fishless Cut Off at Fordham last month.
Garry Mortimer was brave enough to fish in these sub zero temperatures, with his efforts rewarded with this 10lb 11oz Zander caught just close to dark.
Specimen hunter Garry Mortimer found the action in a hetic 60 minute spell this week on the Old Bedford at Nordelph.
