WELCOME TO FISHING 

Boating on the Fenland waterways seems to gaining in popularity so why not visit the fens for some fantastic fishing. Many visitors often return to sample the different seasons and with so many rivers and drains in the area you are sure to find fish somewhere. Whilst using a boat as your base rules out some of the waters it can give you fantastic transport to get to those places others cannot reach. The wet summer and regular flows saw the best start to the season for many years last season, with bream and tench showing from the off. In the NFA National fished on the Ouse in July, 17 of the top 20 weights were caught below Modney Bridge. All season visiting anglers continued to line the banks catching well.  Best baits caster and worm. With individual weights often around 100lb, 140lb one of the best, whilst over 70lb is the best match winning weight in the summer. Carp to 34lb have been landed with bigger fish lost.  Whilst land based anglers cast to the far bank for the bigger fish, in both hope and expectation it’s an easy option on a boat to just drop a float of the side.

Another outstanding waterway for both locals and visitors last term was the Middle level. The autumnal conditions all last season saw some big bream and tench nets on this water. Early season 3 anglers caught a staggering 440lb of bream. This venue could be worth a land visit if you are in the area. Anglers found the Relief Channel a struggle all season. Find the fish and a good net of bream and hybrids can be on the cards. The trouble with this venue is its vastness and volume. The fish can be on a feeding frenzy  one day and have completely disappeared on your next visit. Not a venue for the faint hearted. The use of a boat currently allowed by the EA between Denver and Magdalen means you can get to the hot spots and moor against some huge reed beds where the fish are often feeding, what could be better. Indeed it makes me envious, but my caravan does not float!

 The River Wissey and Little Ouse provide useful alternatives, two smaller rivers enjoyed by the boating fraternity. The water is often clear in the summer but a late evening session could be worthwhile possibly with a drink in hand. The Wissey best fished from September onwards for roach, dace a few chub, pike and perch. Whilst the Little Ouse produced huge catches of roach in the winter with big match weights. Bream and tench plucked from the marginal weed the highlight of summer catches often on worm or corn. Boaters are reminded that an EA rod license and a permit from KLAA is required to fish these waters. Kings Lynn AA permits are available from Denver Post Office, Bailiffs on the bank and In advance from membership secretary Mark Harding on 01553 810126. Eventually permits will be available on line.

The Association is continuing to tackle illegal fishing with the help of the police and the Environment Agency. Accurate timely information is essential to stop this practice. Your eyes and ears on the river can be a big help. The number to ring is Free phone 0800 807060.

Mike Grief KLAA