Tyne count seventh highest on record 

THE Environment Agency has announced that upstream count of salmon and sea trout in the River Tyne for January was 13 and is the seventh highest since records began. The highest (145) was recorded in 2003.

January's count was eight higher than the five-year average but two lower than the long term average. The upstream count so far in February is 0. 2011 Count report
 
With the start of the new salmon fishing season the Environment Agency is once again running its Angler Scale Sampling Programme.

The programme is supported by the Salmon and Trout Association, Hardy of Alnwick, Bagnall and Kirkwood and the Tyne Rivers Trust.

Last year, the EA received 468 scales samples - 369 from salmon and 99 from sea trout -and hopes anglers will continue to support the programme. As in previous years the EA is looking for scale samples from both salmon and sea trout. 

The scales should be from fish of all sizes, no matter whether they are fresh, coloured or have returned to river this year or last (that is, kelts, baggots and rawners).

Anglers should include details of when and where the fish was caught, what species is it, an approximation of weight and/or length and, if possible, a brief description of it appearance (for example, fresh, long tailed sea lice, and so on).

Anglers should include their name and address so they can be entered in the prize draw and so the EA can send then the results of the scale reading. 

By sending in a few scales from the fish they catch anglers will help the EA improve their understanding the structures of the salmon and sea trout stocks of the River Tyne. 

Anglers can check river levels before heading out by visiting www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/riverlevels

Prices held, bigger bags at Lockwood

PRICES have been held and bag limits increased at Lockwood Beck Trout Fishery which opens for the new season at 8am on Saturday, March 3.

The lake will be stocked with 1,000 rainbows from 1lb 8oz to 12lb a few days before the opening.

There are only two boats left for opening day but plenty available for the Sunday.

For further information go to www.lockwoodfishery.co.uk/

Open flyfishing match at West House 

AN open flyfishing match - open to all standards and abilities - will be held at West House Trout Lakes, Mill lane, Bishopton, on Saturday, March 3.

There is a £20 entry fee and competitors should meet at 8.30am. First prize is an Airflo Nan-Tec rod worth £200.

For more details contact David Leak on 07836 330157.

Tackling violence against water bailiffs

NORTHERN Ireland Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle O'Neill will meet PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott next month to discuss police efforts to end worsening violence against water bailiffs, especially in the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

One Loughs agency inspector whose area includes the Mourne and Finn rivers said that salmon poachers were becoming more violent than ever.

He said: "It seems to have escalated. They are more militant and quicker to resort to violence, especially at the height of the season when cars used by bailiffs were attacked with stones almost nightly."

It is said that a stretch of waterway between Sion Mills, County Tyrone, and Lifford, just across the border in Donegal, is particularly dangerous for staff on the river banks.

Loughs Agency inspectors reported that some salmon poachers had also threatened staff and fishing club bailiffs with knives.