WHY BIG ROACH ARE ON THE RISE

TREVOR HARROP AVON ROACH PROJECT

“IT IS amazing to see some of our rivers showing signs of recovery, which is probably due to something as straightforward as a few very successful spawning and recruitment years.

“A run of low flow, weedy summers and calm winters has meant a friendlier and safer habitat for young fish, plus an abundance of natural food.

“Barring any serious winter flooding, things could get even better. The amazing summer we have had this year will without doubt trigger the most amazing level of fry survival and recruitment in our rivers for a generation, just as the summer of 1976 did.

“It is very likely that this is all now being revealed by increased numbers of anglers returning to fish our recovering rivers”

DR PAUL GARNER ANGLING TIMES EXPERT

“THERE are probably a couple of reasons for the surge in big roach catches. The warmer climate must play a part, because it leads to good growing conditions, with plenty of natural food.

“The spike in roach over 2lb is a consequence of the cormorant problems we’ve had over the past decade. The numbers of small roach in venues across the country have been knocked right back by predation, and those fish that have survived face less competition for food.”