Victory for anglers as plans for Severn dam changed
Controversial plans to build a huge dam on the River Severn appear to have been shelved, and anglers have been praised for their part in getting developers to seek alternatives.
Last year it emerged that a dam capable of holding 60 million cubic metres of water was being considered for construction at Shrewsbury, across which the new North West Relief Road would run. But, in a positive turn of events, a new blueprint now shows the road running over a viaduct, which doesn’t interfere with the flow of the river.
Ed Tate, joint chair of the Save Our Severn group, said:
“Anglers and clubs have been proactive since plans for the dam were revealed, sharing their experience and helping us to make developers aware of its impact on our area. They’ve helped us preserve the river not only for us, but for future generations.”
Among the lobbyists was Carl Humphreys of Prince Albert AC. He welcomes plans for a viaduct but is aware of future threats.
“This was just one battle,” he says.
“We expect developers to attempt to build a dam elsewhere. We’ll try to deflect anything they throw at us.”
Anglers continue fight to protect the fishing on the Severn
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.
Action group formed to return sturgeon to UK rivers within next decade
A THOUSAND years ago sturgeon were frequent visitors to our rivers, before overfishing and habitat destruction all but wiped them out. However, now an action group has been formed with the goal of restoring the species to UK waters.
The UK Sturgeon Alliance is a partnership between a number of environmental organisations including the Blue Marine Foundation (BLUE), Institute of Fisheries Management (IFM) and Severn Rivers Trust.
Within the next decade, the Alliance will be working to ensure UK rivers and estuaries are in a fit state to accommodate the critically-endangered species and enable it to migrate up our rivers once again.
Could the mighty sturgeon be back in UK rivers?
THE DECLINE OF STURGEON
According to Rory Moore, BLUE’S head of international Projects, the sturgeon’s decline in UK waters can be traced right back to the Saxon invasion.
He said:
“There’s archaeological evidence that suggests sturgeon strongholds were first plundered by Saxon fish traps over 1,000 years ago, when the species was prized for its meat and caviar – as it still is today. This overfishing was an early sign of what lay ahead for sturgeon and other fish that travel from saltwater to freshwater to spawn, such as shad and salmon.”
Rory also revealed how the sturgeon’s slow growth rate may have also attributed to the species’ decline.
“They are large, slow-growing fish that require 10- 20 years to reach sexual maturity,” he added.
“They reproduce only periodically, laying thousands of delicate eggs on upriver gravel beds where the water is cool and oxygen content high.
“Given these traits, it’s remarkable that these fish are still battling for survival in a world of intensive agriculture, overfishing, water insecurity and changing climate, but we have a chance to make a difference.”
A WIDER CONSERVATION
To help gain a better understanding of how they can safeguard the species, the Alliance is working alongside conservationists in France, Spain and Germany who have undertaken similar restoration programmes. Rory said:
“The last known spawning ecosystem for European sturgeon is the Garonne river and Gironde Estuary in southwest France, and it’s here that conservationists have started restoring the breeding and feeding sites for sturgeon, releasing tagged, genetically diverse fingerlings and improving water quality.”
Over the last couple of years trawlermen in southern England have been catching young tagged French sturgeon in their nets, which has prompted the Alliance to take action.
“Although it is unlikely that sturgeon have spawned in UK rivers for many years, it’s becoming clear that sturgeon originating in European rivers are again migrating to the UK to look for suitable feeding estuaries and spawning rivers,” Rory added.
IMPROVING ACCESS
While the Alliance’s work is still in the early stages, it’s already finding ways to improve access on rivers for migrating sturgeon. As the fish attempt to navigate their way through estuaries that eventually lead to rivers such as the Trent, Thames and Severn, man-made barriers like weirs and locks will prevent them from reaching the gravel beds which they need to spawn.
Unlocking the Severn, a project set up by the Severn Rivers Trust, has already helped the rare Twaite Shad navigate the river by building fish passes that bypass these obstructions, and Mike Morris of the Trust believes sturgeon could benefit from the project too. He told us:
“The project is opening access for all migratory species to their historic spawning grounds. The design of the passes should allow for sturgeon to migrate upriver alongside a host of other species. It’s a wonderful legacy of a project that is focussed on protecting the UK’s population of one species, the Twaite Shad, but will also provide benefits to other iconic species.”
(Credit - Unlocking The Severn) Fish passes like this will help sturgeon migrate up rivers
HOW YOU CAN HELP
As the Sturgeon Alliance’s efforts build momentum, anglers are being asked to report any catches of the species to the Institute of Fisheries Management. The IFM’s Steve Colclough said:
“Anglers and trawlermen have an important role to play. If you catch a sturgeon of any kind, it’s important to take quality pictures of the flank of the fish and note whether it’s tagged or not, before releasing it. Informing the IFM where sturgeon are being caught will help the Alliance identify likely spawning areas and non-native strains of sturgeon,” he said.
If you catch a sturgeon, email the details directly to Steve at srcifm@gmail.com
The Uk Sturgeon Alliance plan to bring the species back to UK river systems
A ROD-BENDING HISTORY
In the 18th and 19th Centuries, sturgeon were often from the rivers Severn, Wye, Usk, Thames, Medway, Towy, Teme, Tay, Forth, Tweed, Trent, Dee and Annan. A 320lb sturgeon is reported to have overturned two coracles and broke three nets during its capture on the River Towy in June 1896, but the largest officially recorded fish ever caught on rod and line from a UK river was a 414lb sturgeon, banked in 1903 from the River Severn.
This sturgeon was captured by salmon fisherman Evan E Davies from the River Severn in the early 20th century (Credit - Dave Griffiths)
THE UK STURGEON ALLIANCE’S GOALS:
Ensure that UK rivers and estuaries are in a fit state to accommodate critically endangered European sturgeon.
Restore suitable sturgeon spawning and feeding habitats.
Improve connectivity of estuary and river habitats to enable fish migration.
Prevent non-native sturgeon originating from the pet trade from escaping into the wild.
Increase public awareness of UK sturgeon, and explore ways under International Union for Conservation of Nature protocols to restore sturgeon numbers in the UK.
River Severn barbel record smashed!
AN ANGLER from Birmingham has etched his name into the history books after slipping his net under a new River Severn barbel record weighing 18lb on the nose.
Dean O’brien with the new Severn record barbel of 18lb exactly
Dean O’brien was fishing a day session on a stretch of the lower river when at 6pm his luncheon meat offering was picked up by the powerful fish, signalling the start of a nervy battle.
It’s thought to be the third time in two months that the huge specimen, which has been given the name Red Spot due to a distinctive red colouration above its anal fin, has graced the bank.
“As soon as I picked up the rod the fish just hugged the bottom and powered off – I couldn’t stop it from charging towards an overhanging tree and snagging me up,” Dean told us.
“My mate Spencer Thomas caught her a couple of weeks ago at 17lb 4oz and mentioned that it felt like a heavy weight that just stayed deep like a 25lb carp, so there was no doubt in my mind what fish I’d hooked.”
By manoeuvring himself next to the tree, Dean managed to guide his quarry out from the underwater obstruction and recommence the battle in open water, before netting his prize 15 minutes later. By this point, three other anglers including Spencer and a member of the Barbel Society arrived to witness the weighing on Dean’s 60lb-rated Reuben Heaton scales. He said:
“When the needle read 18lb none of us could believe it. The fish had obviously been feeding up ahead of winter.
“It was only weighed once as I wanted to get this precious fish back into the water as quickly as possible, but we were all in agreement with the weight.”
Over the last three months the two previous captures of Red Spot have received scrutiny on social media over the proposed weight of 17lb 4oz, although Dean believes his catch will put all the doubters to rest.
“Having it weighed wrong once could be a coincidence, but it’s now been weighed three times over 17lb,” he added.
Current official River Severn record
16lb 11oz, Kevin Gittins, October 2014
Biggest confirmed Severn barbel in 2020
17lb 4oz, Andrew Hadfield, September
17lb 4oz, Spencer Thomas, October
18lb, Dean O’brien, November
SAVE OUR SEVERN! - Anglers unite as plans for mega-dam are revealed
ANGLERS are being urged to join an action group and challenge a proposal to build a dam on the River Severn amid fears it will cause catastrophic flooding. Save Our Severn (SOS) has been set up by a team of Shropshire farmers and residents to counter Severn River Partnership’s plan, which would see a £40 million water barrier built on the river within one mile of Shrewsbury town centre.
The Severn River Partnership’s plan, would see a £40 million water barrier built on the river within one mile of Shrewsbury town centre.
The partnership, which is a consortium including the Environment Agency, Shropshire Council and Severn Trent Water, believes a dam would protect 2,500 homes south of Shrewsbury from flooding and pave the way for a massive development of up to 47,000 newbuilds.
Following an independent investigation carried out by SOS, however, the action group is arguing that the dam would be too small and could overflow within just 2.5 days of a full flood – submerging at least 10,000 acres of farmland and riverbank.
The news is a cause for concern for a number of angling associations, including Shrewsbury Anglers Club, which owns six popular stretches of the Severn in the area. Its secretary, Chris Wood, told us:
“Last winter’s floods were devastating and if we have similar cases, this dam could spell disaster. Aside from it creating a barrier to migratory species like salmon and eels, it’s likely we’ll see immense flooding.
“The dam will also need to release water to stem the floods which, depending on the volume, could remove large areas of gravel downstream and change the river’s topography. Local residents need to seriously consider whether they think this is the right course of action.”
Now, the action group is raising as much awareness as possible to highlight the damage a dam could potentially cause. SOS’s joint chair, Ed Tate, said:
“Flooding is a serious issue on the Severn and we want to see a good solution to the problem, but building a dam isn’t it. We’ll create a petition to try and thwart the plans, but making people aware of what’s happening is our primary goal right now.”
Save Our Severn
FOR MORE INFORMATION
join the SOS action group, visit www.saveoursevern.com
Zander record-holder's brother catches his own river monster
A FIVE-year wait for a new personal-best zander came to an end for David Benfield when he banked a fine 16lb 11oz specimen from the lower reaches of the River Severn.
The Worcestershire all-rounder, who is the brother of British record zander captor James, was targeting a near-bank slack when his roach deadbait was picked up a couple of hours after dark.
The 35-year-old said:
“The zed gave a good account of itself, with several good lunges before I guided her towards the net. It feels great to finally catch a fish of this size, especially after all the stick my brother has given me over the years for being the record-holder!”
David Benfield and his 16lb 11oz River Severn zander
Potential Severn record barbel won't be claimed
One of the biggest barbel ever caught on the River Severn has been taken from a stretch of the lower river.
The impressive 17lb 4oz fish fell to Andrew Hadfield, who’d travelled from his home in Cornwall to fish the Midlands waterway.
The 44-year-old told us he’d not long cast out a double Sonubaits pellet hookbait when it was taken by the huge specimen.
He added:
“It was the best fight I’d ever experienced from a barbel. As I shuffled her into the net I thought it was going to snap!
“A guy in the next peg assisted with the weighing and confirmed that it was a new Severn record, but I’m not fussed about putting in a claim – I fish for pleasure and I’m happy knowing I’ve caught a new personal best.”
Andrew Hadfield with a record breaking 17lb 4oz Severn barbel
140lb of barbel...on the float!
Robert Mitchell, from Bridgnorth, has fished the River Severn all his life but recently enjoyed his greatest-ever session, landing over 140lb of barbel…on the float!
Rob Mitchell’s catch included 36 barbel on the float
He told Angling Times:
“Armed with nine pints of hemp, 10 tins of meat and my float gear, I ended up catching 36 barbel between 3lb and 6lb. The action was simply amazing as the fish were stacked up in my swim.”
The fish were stacked up and weighed between 3-6lb
Chub also showed
Anyone witnessing Robert’s incredible haul could be forgiven for thinking that the Severn has fished it’s head off this season, but the truth is that many anglers on the river have struggled for action.
Robert believes that this is largely down to people not adapting their approach to suit the conditions that have prevailed for the majority of the past three months.
He said:
“It’s been very hit-and-miss this season, and I’ve found that using a moving bait has been the key to catching.
“I’ve talked to lots of anglers up and down the river this year and most seem to have been struggling, but they’ve been sat behind static feeder rods. If they switched to using a float rod or rolling meat through the swim I reckon they’d have found a lot more fish.”
Hemp, meat and float tackle is all you need to catch on the Severn
Small baits the key to rare Severn giant! - Roger Carswell
“I’ve seen many anglers persisting with big baits to catch chub and barbel on the River Severn
this season, but ditching them in favour of far smaller offerings has definitely helped me catch more fish.“I made the change around a fortnight ago and enjoyed a fabulous day’s sport that produced 14 barbel and seven chub.
“Knowing that other anglers had been struggling on bigger baits I left mine at home for that session and opted for 6mm banded pellets mounted on to size 12 hooks, which I fished alongside an open-ended feeder loaded with dampened pellets coated with groundbait.
6mm banded pellets with small hooks were key to getting regular bites
“The barbel ranged between 2lb and 6lb while the chub were 12oz to 5lb – not monsters but it was a superb result considering the Severn was well down on its usual levels.
“After that successful trip I hit the bank again a few days later to have a go in a much shallower swim and see if my smaller hookbaits made a difference there.
“The river could only have been 2ft deep, but there was plenty of cover along the opposite bank, so I was mildly confident of catching.
“A strong gusting wind made casting into the far-bank gulleys a bit tricky but I still managed to hit the mark.
“After about three hours I only had three small chub and a barbel to show for my efforts, so I decided to move downstream. My first cast in the new peg turned up another small chub but about 20 minutes later another bite saw me connected to something much bigger, although I knew this wasn’t a barbel.
“I had to walk downstream with my rod and net to play the fish in the fast, shallow water which was when I saw it was a huge chub!
“Chub of that size are incredibly rare for the Severn so I took my time playing her. They’re usually pretty hollow at this time of year but this clonker registered 7lb 4oz on the scales!
“It was an absolute beast that would have been more at home chewing on whole signal crayfish rather than my tiny 6mm Krill pellet, but the smaller bait clearly worked!
“I guess at the end of the day you can get away with crude tackle when night fishing but I’ve found daylight hours demand a more subtle approach where hookbaits are concerned.”
Roger Carswell’s rare 7lb 4oz River Severn chub
600lb of fish rescued from racecourse
BIG roach, perch, bream and even salmon were among the 600lb of fish rescued from receding floodwater on Worcester Racecourse by the Environment Agency.
This remarkable two-day haul shows not only the superb quality of fish in the Severn, but also the lasting impact of some of the worst flooding on record, after storms Ciara and Dennis caused the river to spill into the racecourse, next to which it flows.
John Cheyne, National Regions Manager at the Angling Trust, who was on scene to lend a hand with the netting, said:
“The roach in particular were of a lovely stamp, with stacks of fish between 5oz-8oz and a number that would be pushing 2lb.”
Seine nets were used by the EA, and these captured pretty much every species you’d expect to find in the middle Severn, as well as a few surprises.
“It was good to see a few juvenile salmon, known as parr, turn up alongside the coarse fish – even a rather
lost-looking crucian carp,” John added.“The only fish conspicuous by their absence were barbel, but they are happy to get their heads down and stay in the main river as they are such strong swimmers.”
After being netted, the fish were moved to an aeration tank to provide them with oxygenated water, before being released back into the river.
“So many were caught that a big holding tank had to be emptied twice to ensure that they were not overcrowded,” John revealed.
Chris Bainger, Fisheries Technical Specialist with the EA, added:
“It was especially pleasing to return so many fish to the river before the spawning period.
“Undoubtedly, without the rescue operation many fish would have died, but there’s a good chance some of those we rescued will now go on to spawn this year and produce more fish. Saving the juvenile salmon was a particular highlight, as stocks of these are at a critical level in the Severn.”
It’s likely that there will be other stranded fish about, so if you find any, call the EA hotline on 0800 80 70 60.
Only bite results in 16lb 5oz zander!
Martin Jauncey couldn’t complain when on a recent session on the River Severn his only bite came from an awesome 16lb 5oz zander.
He told Angling Times:
“Zeds typically love roach deadbaits and I did fish half of one on one rod, but I also legered a lamprey section into the middle of the river on an another.
Lamprey bleed for a long time in the water, so I just thought it’d give me an edge, but they offer something different to what the zander normally see on this river.
Half-way through the session, I realised my plan had worked as I received a single knock on the lamprey rod, which I picked up fast.
I waited for another knock before striking, as I know that zander can drop the bait quickly.
I wanted to make sure it had the bait fully in its mouth.
The fish didn’t run a lot so I knew it wasn’t a pike – It was just like dragging-in a heavy weight as it stayed very deep.
I don’t normally panic in my fishing but it was a rush to get it in the net when It first surfaced!
I’ve caught a number of 15lb-plus zander in the past and my personal best is 20lb 2oz, but for me it never gets old seeing a fish of that size slip into your net.”
Britain's longest river has anglers in Severn heaven!
ANGLERS fishing the River Severn for chub are currently being treated to some of the largest specimens ever seen on the river.
Topping this week’s reports are a pair of 7lb-plus fish, with the highlight being a 7lb 4oz monster.
Roger Carswell was the fortunate captor of the larger specimen, which he described as one of the biggest Severn chub he had heard of, in his nigh on sixty years of fishing.
The Shrewsbury based rod told Angling Times:
“Recent conditions on the River Severn have been exceptionally good for January and it's been a dilemma whether to target chub or barbel.
“Following a couple of decent chub and a 5lb barbel, the swim went quiet, and I was considering a move – then the tip bent purposely around again.
“After a bum-twitching fight, I was soon looking down at the flanks of one of the biggest chub I’ve ever seen in my landing net.
“Severn chub do seem to be getting bigger in recent years, this may be due to the reduced barbel population – I’ve had quite a few six pounders over the last couple of seasons.”
Roger’s fish fell to a piece of bread flake mounted on a size 6 hook tied to 6lb hook-link, with a 2oz cage feeder delivering liquidised bread loose-feed.
The second biggest chub from the Severn this week fell to Phil O’Callaghan, who caught a chunky 7lb 2oz fish from the upper river.
Bread was also the winning bait for Phil, who followed up his new personal best with another fish of 4lb 11oz – both on link legered flake.