Sport looking up all across region
LAST week I reported the fine sport on the River Till but this week the Tyne, Wear, Border Esk and even the River Rede are featuring in catches.
River game anglers welcomed the rainfall of last week and it certainly got fish running and perked up the sport on offer.
Fish are now well spread in the River Tyne system and good catches are being made. Wear anglers have also been among the fish and seatrout have arrived on the Border Esk.
The further heavy rainfall on Tuesday saw rivers climbing and giving salmon and sea-trout perfect conditions in which to run upstream. This second lift should really get sport going throughout the region.
Among the reported catches was the first of the season at Eltringham, a 13lb salmon caught by David Bilbrough. Mike Collier landed three salmon in a day with fish of 12lb, 10lb and 9lb all on fly and off the South Tyne. I also heard of two flycaught salmon on the River Rede.
Fishing the North Tyne at Redeswood, Jonny Cocker caught a salmon of 11lb and five sea trout to 4lb, all on a Claret Irish Shrimp Fly pattern. Stuart McFarlane caught a brace of 2lb sea trout.
Tyneside Anglers members have also had some fine sport, especially with sea trout, and among the catches, was Joe Pitt with two 4lb 8oz sea trout. Terry Clark had five sea trout to 4lb 8oz. John Wall took a fine 8lb sea trout on a Mepps and another of 3lb on fly.
John Tetlow landed a 4lb sea trout George Pearson caught a 3lb 8oz sea trout while Harvey Marchbank had one of the same weight. Len Metcalfe caught a 3lb 8oz sea trout and William Robinson caught a 7lb salmon on a Bann Shrimp Fly.
Once river levels fall and clear, the night sea trouting should get going on a serious level. Salmon anglers should see more fish on their beats. The Tyne’s run in June was approaching 7,000 which is good to see.
Runs of migratory fish have made it as high up the River Wear as Eastgate and Westgate.
The Final of the WaterAid Fly Fishing Boat Competition takes place on Kielder Water on Sunday, July 9. Prospects look good for an interesting final given favourable conditions.
Chatton Trout Fishery hosted a Cancer Research UK and Barnardo’s Fundraiser on Saturday. Winner on the day was Anthony Meadows with Peter Davison runner-up and Junior angler Harrison Douds third. The women’s first prize went to Ali Brown. A total of £1,400 was raised for the two charities.
Chatton hosts an Open Day on Saturday, July 15 from 10am to 4pm. This is organised by members of the Game Angling Association, the IFFF and AAPGI. It is open to all novice and experienced anglers. Casting demos with single and doublehanded fly rods.