Survey says happy dace here again

A RECENT survey by the Environment Agency to assess the numbers of dace in the River Tyne turned out to be a great success with very encouraging results. Helped by coarse anglers from the Tyne Anglers Alliance and other fishing clubs, the survey concentrated on a dozen locations between Kielder and Watersmeet.

The survey showed good numbers of young dace in the middle reaches, compared to the 2017 survey when almost all dace caught were older fish. This bodes very well indeed for the future stocks on the river, and hopefully lots of these dace will be feeding today when the prestigious Steve Roberts Memorial match takes place.

Can all anglers please note that the Match Lake at Whittledene is now closed for the foreseeable future, due to low water level and steel and dangerous access. Levels are expected to drop even further as Northumbria Water continue work on the reservoirs. Fishing is still available on the Northern and Great Southern.

Shaun Walker took the honours in last Sunday’s Open at Eden Grange with a nice 68lb 12oz net. Callum Parker followed with 51lb 8oz ahead of Babsy Walker with 46lb.

The good nets of roach are still being recorded at the Derwent Reservoir, with catches close to 30lb being recorded this week. Tickets for the Derwent Championships on the 18th of this month are selling very well.

Sunderland FAC have announced that membership is now open for new members for both the top and bottom lakes. Senior fees are £25.00, Junior and Concessionary fees are £15.