Boost to upper Severn barbel stocks

THE River Severn above Shrewsbury has been stocked with 250 baby barbel in what’s thought to be the first official stocking of the species on the upper river.

The River Severn above Shrewsbury has been stocked with 250 baby barbel

The 12ins-long, dye-marked fish were introduced into Rowley & Fenemere AA’s stretch of the river at Leaton, and further stockings are planned at the location under a three-year partnership between the EA and the club.

RFAA chairman, Max Taylor, said:

“These fish will help enhance future populations of the species in the upper Severn. The initial stocking may seem small, but it represents roughly half the number of barbel put in the river by Angling Times in the 1950s, which kickstarted the Severn barbel boom. To be able to replicate that work is fantastic.”

l The club is keen to track the progress of the fish, so If you catch a dye-marked barbel, call Max on 07977 048270.