Big opportunity for anglers as fish fatten thanks to lockdown closure
OUT AND A TROUT: VISITORS ENJOY RETURN TO FLY FISHING
LOCKDOWN HAS resulted in some very well-nourished trout at the Kilnsey Park fishery in Wharfedale.
Managers of the estate’s two springfed fly fishing lakes report that after two months of being left to their own devices, the trout are much larger than their usual size.
The fishery has now re-opened to anglers, who must book a peg in advance and practise social distancing. And with angling being one of the first recreational pursuits permitted to resume, Kilnsey
Park’s owners are riding a wave of interest in this peaceful pastime.
“We are very relieved to be open again and it’s actually a lot earlier than we expected to be able to. In ordinary times, we’d have about 10 anglers a day on the site, but we’ve been fully booked and there are twice as many people coming to fish,” said Jamie Roberts, whose family have lived and farmed on the estate since 1911. “The closure has actually had a really positive impact on the environment and the fish stocks. The fish have been rested and have had the chance to grow – they are much bigger than normal after two months of feeding without the lakes being fished.
“We’ve had more wildlife in general too – swans have been visiting and there have been more birds around.”
Mr Roberts has also observed that angling is appealing to a younger demographic during lockdown.
“We’re getting new people coming, which is quite exciting. A lot of people are still on furlough and have the time to try new activities. We hope they will keep
We will make sure new anglers manage to catch a fish!
Jamie Roberts, , whose family have lived and farmed on the estate since 1911. up fishing and that we will retain them.
“Our fishery manager, Leigh Fidell, inset, is a good instructor and he will give lots of helpful advice – he makes sure the new anglers catch a fish!
“The newcomers seem younger and there are more children coming with their parents, and families fishing together.”
Kilnsey Park was originally a sheep farm for the monks of Fountains Abbey. Jamie’s greatgrandfather Sir James Roberts retreated to the estate after selling his interest in Salts Mill at Saltaire in 1920, and since the 1970s the family have developed it as a visitor attraction. As well as the two lakes, which are stocked by an on-site trout farm, there is a wildlife park, mountain bike trails and a smokehouse.