3rd Feb - 15 fished
1st Paul Smith 3lb 2oz
2nd Pete Harford 2lb 12oz
3rd Pete Roys 2lb 8oz
17th Feb - 11 fished
1st Mike Duddy 2lb 14oz
2nd Barry K 6oz
3rd Geoff 1oz
3rd Ken Wright 1oz
Both matches much tougher than expected - both won from the same peg on bread punch.
Skimmers not showing yet.
Forthcoming matches on the 3rd, 17th and 31st March - everyone welcome.
Sunday, 17 February 2013
Saturday, 15 December 2012
Drinkies Clean Up
Many thanks to Barry, Duncan, Karl, Ian, Paul, and Nick who turned out this morning to lend a hand on our Drinkies litter pick.
Judging from the fact that we found an old Corona bottle amongst the rubbish we found we reckon that this was the first time anyone has done a thorough clean up since the late 1970s
Many hands make light work, and in less than an hour we had accumulated over 20 bin bags of litter.
The areas behind the pegs now look respectable - and hopefully we wont get the blame for what was obviously litter left by the general public rather than specifically by anglers.
If we can keep the place clean and tidy - we can keep it free.
Judging from the fact that we found an old Corona bottle amongst the rubbish we found we reckon that this was the first time anyone has done a thorough clean up since the late 1970s
Many hands make light work, and in less than an hour we had accumulated over 20 bin bags of litter.
The areas behind the pegs now look respectable - and hopefully we wont get the blame for what was obviously litter left by the general public rather than specifically by anglers.
If we can keep the place clean and tidy - we can keep it free.
Sunday, 9 December 2012
Old River Work Party
Last weekend saw the first of three work parties we have planned on the Old River during winter 2012/13
A freezing start had us worried that not many would show up - and we were only expecting half a dozen or so victims/volunteers to turn out - so we were very pleased to see 16 members show up - all keen to help us bring some old fishing pegs back into play.
A VERY big thank you to all those who gave a bit of their time on a very cold and frosty morning.
Our immediate objective was to cut back the overgrowth around 5 pegs where access and fishing have become impossible.
The old phrase many hands make light work - didn't really hold true as some of the pegs were so overgrown it was very physically demanding to cut back the overgrowth.
Yet again, John P donned his waders, and cleared out the rubbish blocking the exit stream through the swamp - resulting in a 3 inch drop in water levels over 3 hours. I think that keeping this channel clear is going to be a key feature in the management of this water - as it prevents the water from the moss backing up into the Old River, helping us maintain steady water levels, and maintain dissolved oxygen levels within the water.
Our next club work party will be Saturday morning 9am the15th Dec at Drinkwater Park. There's alot of litter in the bushes behind some of the pegs so we will be undertaking a thorough litter pick - please bring a pair of gardening gloves.
Our next Old River work party will be Sunday the 27th Jan 2014 where we hope to re-board the freshly uncovered pegs.
By lunchtime it was mission accomplished on the work party and the Pike lads were patiently sitting behind their rods. El Blanko (Ian Goodwin) finally caught a pike after hours and hours of trying. Only a tiddler - but as you can see from the smile on Blankos face - they all count.
Those of us with more sense had a pint in the pub! Especially after getting to grips with this stuff.
Thanks again to everyone who turned out.
Tuesday, 4 December 2012
Restocking Drinkwater Park & River Irwell
Using the money our members raised during the course of this years restocking fund matches, and a very generous grant from the East Salford Community Committee - we have been able to purchase 2000 Crucian Carp to restock into Drinkwater Park Lake.
We bought 1500 4-6" fish and 500 6-8" fish which were all stocked last Thursday afternoon.
Over the last 18 months - Salford Friendly with the help of the EA and the Forestry Commision have managed to stock 10,000 roach and rudd into Drinkies.
We've managed to repair the dam wall at the far end of the lake, to enable the lake to revert back to its normal depth (we reckon that its about 6 inches deeper) which on a lake with an average depth of about 3feet makes a huge difference in the fishes ability to over winter.
We have also added aprrox 40 hessian sacks filled with well rotted horse manure to give the fish fry something to eat- our efforts were richly rewarded by the sight of huge shoals of fish fry in the margins this summer.
And now the final piece in the jigsaw - the return of Crucian Carp to what was once the areas best Crucian Carp waters.
Many many thanks to all involved, Especially - Paul Carr, Ian Hayes, Phil Lee and East Salford Community Committee.
Over the previous 4 or 5 years - there has been hardly anyone fishing Drinkies - but this summer local anglers (and quite a few not so local) have been returning - some great carp, bream and tench have been coming out, together with some great silvers sport for those using wag and mag tactics. Most encouraging of all, is the numbers of local juniors who are now getting the same chance to learn how to fish on a local lake offering good fishing - the same chances we had when we were kids.
In 2013 - we will be looking to start a Monday evening Junior anglers coaching event - we're looking to improve fish handlng and fishing technique and set our youngster off on the right path. If you have any youngsters who want to start fishing - we'll be announcing full details in April.
Restocking The Irwell
In winter 2011, the EA stocked 500 small barbel into the Irwell in Salford - telling us that this was the start of a long term project to improve fish stocks in our river. In truth 500 fish - a drop in the ocean? a token gesture? however they assured us that this was just the start of a long term project
So imagine our delight this winter 2012 as various last minute phonecalls have seen us being invited to attend different episodes of this years re-stocking programme.
In the last couple of weeks, we have witnessed nearly 10,000 roach, dace and chub being stocking in the Irwell in and around Salford. Again only small fish 1+year age bracket - but its a tremendous boost to angling and the river in general.
Ian Hayes of the EA has promised more fish restockings in the winters of 2013,14 and 15 with similar large numbers of 1year+ age bracket fish.
When you combine this with the proposed construction of fishing pegs in the lower river as part of the forthcoming flood defence upgrades its all looking good for the future of angling in Salford.
The best news always comes last - one of the main deterrents to angling on the Irwell is the off putting effect of the large amounts of sewage debris which still washes down our river following heavy rainfall. Riverbanks are often still coated in disgusting amounts of sewage litter such as nappies, tampons and wetwipes and this still gives the impression that the River is still heavily polluted - even though its not.
So imagine our delight to be contacted by United Utilites asking us how WE think that they can improve the river, and where we think the worst areas of sewage contamination are found.
We're highlighting the 3 sewage outfalls at Ramsbottom, Bury and Bolton waste water treatment works, and also a couple of CSOs (Combined Sewage Overflows) and have site meetings arranged on the 17th Dec with the people most able to make change.
United Utilities have a 5 year rolling capital plan - where they spend money from our water rates on environmental improvements - lets see if we can get them to spend a good proportion of it on the Irwell.
The simple screening of these overflows to allow liquid but not solids into our river isn't an expensive process and will make an immediate difference to the aesthetics of our river.
We bought 1500 4-6" fish and 500 6-8" fish which were all stocked last Thursday afternoon.
Over the last 18 months - Salford Friendly with the help of the EA and the Forestry Commision have managed to stock 10,000 roach and rudd into Drinkies.
We've managed to repair the dam wall at the far end of the lake, to enable the lake to revert back to its normal depth (we reckon that its about 6 inches deeper) which on a lake with an average depth of about 3feet makes a huge difference in the fishes ability to over winter.
We have also added aprrox 40 hessian sacks filled with well rotted horse manure to give the fish fry something to eat- our efforts were richly rewarded by the sight of huge shoals of fish fry in the margins this summer.
And now the final piece in the jigsaw - the return of Crucian Carp to what was once the areas best Crucian Carp waters.
Many many thanks to all involved, Especially - Paul Carr, Ian Hayes, Phil Lee and East Salford Community Committee.
Over the previous 4 or 5 years - there has been hardly anyone fishing Drinkies - but this summer local anglers (and quite a few not so local) have been returning - some great carp, bream and tench have been coming out, together with some great silvers sport for those using wag and mag tactics. Most encouraging of all, is the numbers of local juniors who are now getting the same chance to learn how to fish on a local lake offering good fishing - the same chances we had when we were kids.
In 2013 - we will be looking to start a Monday evening Junior anglers coaching event - we're looking to improve fish handlng and fishing technique and set our youngster off on the right path. If you have any youngsters who want to start fishing - we'll be announcing full details in April.
Restocking The Irwell
In winter 2011, the EA stocked 500 small barbel into the Irwell in Salford - telling us that this was the start of a long term project to improve fish stocks in our river. In truth 500 fish - a drop in the ocean? a token gesture? however they assured us that this was just the start of a long term project
So imagine our delight this winter 2012 as various last minute phonecalls have seen us being invited to attend different episodes of this years re-stocking programme.
In the last couple of weeks, we have witnessed nearly 10,000 roach, dace and chub being stocking in the Irwell in and around Salford. Again only small fish 1+year age bracket - but its a tremendous boost to angling and the river in general.
Ian Hayes of the EA has promised more fish restockings in the winters of 2013,14 and 15 with similar large numbers of 1year+ age bracket fish.
When you combine this with the proposed construction of fishing pegs in the lower river as part of the forthcoming flood defence upgrades its all looking good for the future of angling in Salford.
The best news always comes last - one of the main deterrents to angling on the Irwell is the off putting effect of the large amounts of sewage debris which still washes down our river following heavy rainfall. Riverbanks are often still coated in disgusting amounts of sewage litter such as nappies, tampons and wetwipes and this still gives the impression that the River is still heavily polluted - even though its not.
So imagine our delight to be contacted by United Utilites asking us how WE think that they can improve the river, and where we think the worst areas of sewage contamination are found.
We're highlighting the 3 sewage outfalls at Ramsbottom, Bury and Bolton waste water treatment works, and also a couple of CSOs (Combined Sewage Overflows) and have site meetings arranged on the 17th Dec with the people most able to make change.
United Utilities have a 5 year rolling capital plan - where they spend money from our water rates on environmental improvements - lets see if we can get them to spend a good proportion of it on the Irwell.
The simple screening of these overflows to allow liquid but not solids into our river isn't an expensive process and will make an immediate difference to the aesthetics of our river.
Tuesday, 27 November 2012
EA Restocking The Old River
The EA have come up trumps for us yet again.
In recent times, they have provided us with invaluable fisheries management information, a netting, a fish transfer of 10,000 roach from Kingfisher to Drinkwater Park, restocking of barbel, chub, roach and dace into the Irwell, a couple of weeks ago they restocked 1000 skimmers from a fish rescue operation into the Old River, and today they came good with their promise of yet more fish to help us restore the Old River to its former glory.
Many thanks to Andy, Paul and Ian (patron Saint of fishermen in Salford).
1000 skimmers and 1000 tench - restocked this lunchtime - hopefully will grow on, thrive and reproduce.
Not only did the EA bring fish for Salford - they had another trailer full to help restock Bury Lido - a real commitment to angling in Greater Manchester and a visual return on our Licence Fee.
In recent times, they have provided us with invaluable fisheries management information, a netting, a fish transfer of 10,000 roach from Kingfisher to Drinkwater Park, restocking of barbel, chub, roach and dace into the Irwell, a couple of weeks ago they restocked 1000 skimmers from a fish rescue operation into the Old River, and today they came good with their promise of yet more fish to help us restore the Old River to its former glory.
Many thanks to Andy, Paul and Ian (patron Saint of fishermen in Salford).
1000 skimmers and 1000 tench - restocked this lunchtime - hopefully will grow on, thrive and reproduce.
Sunday, 25 November 2012
Old River Knock Up
A last minute decision to hold a match on the Old River turned out to be a good one !
12 Anglers turned up to fish in near horizontal rain and a howling gail - talk about dedicated (or daft).
We nearly had to call the match off as so many of the fishing platforms were underwater - but we managed to get everyone a peg - even though we had one angler on the opposite bank.
To kick things off, someone had a 4lb pike (which dont count in our matches), and most anglers found that they were immediately into a good number of bites despite the dreadfull weather and heavy chop.
The recently stocked skimmers didnt make an appearance - but Paul Smith had two lovely perch of a pound and a half each.
All catches were dominated by large numbers of small roach, mostly coming to bread punch or pinkie tactics. Some of the braver anglers who tried caster found a larger stamp of fish, but a much lower volume.
Congratulations to Paul Smith
1st. P Smith 5lb 5oz
2nd Conrad 4lb 10oz
3rd Pete Hartford 4lb 1oz
4th Gary O 2lb 12oz
5th Geoff 2lb 4oz
6th Karl Tucker 1lb 15oz
7th Phil Clayton 1lb
8th Josh L 1lb
Others ...... less then 1lb
Only 1 dry net!
A very enjoyable day - especially once the weather picked up around lunchtime.
We will be having another match on Sunday 16th Dec
Draw 9am
£5 all in.
Your welcome to join us.
12 Anglers turned up to fish in near horizontal rain and a howling gail - talk about dedicated (or daft).
We nearly had to call the match off as so many of the fishing platforms were underwater - but we managed to get everyone a peg - even though we had one angler on the opposite bank.
To kick things off, someone had a 4lb pike (which dont count in our matches), and most anglers found that they were immediately into a good number of bites despite the dreadfull weather and heavy chop.
The recently stocked skimmers didnt make an appearance - but Paul Smith had two lovely perch of a pound and a half each.
All catches were dominated by large numbers of small roach, mostly coming to bread punch or pinkie tactics. Some of the braver anglers who tried caster found a larger stamp of fish, but a much lower volume.
Congratulations to Paul Smith
1st. P Smith 5lb 5oz
2nd Conrad 4lb 10oz
3rd Pete Hartford 4lb 1oz
4th Gary O 2lb 12oz
5th Geoff 2lb 4oz
6th Karl Tucker 1lb 15oz
7th Phil Clayton 1lb
8th Josh L 1lb
Others ...... less then 1lb
Only 1 dry net!
A very enjoyable day - especially once the weather picked up around lunchtime.
We will be having another match on Sunday 16th Dec
Draw 9am
£5 all in.
Your welcome to join us.
Sunday, 4 November 2012
Restocking Of The Old River
At long last its started.
The Old River suffered a terrible series of pollution incidents during the summer of 2008 wiping out 10,000s of fish - and for a long time everyone thought that the place had suffered a complete wipe out.
At the back end of 2010 we were approached by a few members of the Old Boathouse Angling Club who used to control the fishing rights - to see if we were interested in taking over the fishing rights on what was once a superb tench and bream fishery.
Were we interested ? too right we were.
A couple of knock up fishing matches were organised to see what if any thing was left in there - and we were very happy to discover that a number of roach, perch and pike had survived the pollution and were breeding. Our match catches were dominated by large numbers of 2 season roach with the odd perch thrown in. Last winter we held a very successful Pike match - when over a dozen fish to 16lb were landed. Not bad for a lake with supposedly no fish in it.
A match last summer showed us that the roach were packing on weight with the fish we were once catching half an ounce each now doubling and more in size - and the masses of fry in the margins were a very encouraging sight.
After lengthy negotiations with Salford Council we were finally granted the lease this spring - and the lads (and lasses) from Salford Friendly have held a series of matches over the summer of 2012 to raise funds for restocking.
We managed to raise just over £1,000 which was a fantastic effort - compromised of £5 match peg fees and some very generous donations from members who were unable to attend but wished to contribute to the cause.
Sadly £1000 doesnt buy you very much from a fish farm these days - but it demonstrated to the council that we had members who were committed to a community cause who were able to contribute both time and cash improving a neglected lake in a public park. We completed a grant application for community funding from Salford Council - and amazingly in these financially troubled times were were awarded nearly 50% of the money which we asked for. What a great result!
So at our last club meeting we decided to spend the £3500 we have available for the restocking of the Old River on skimmer bream - to complement the existing roach and perch population and to try and create a decent "silvers" fishery. These fish are now on order to be delivered in December.
The EA also have been very hands on in helping us in our attempts to return this fishery to its former glories - and they gave already given us enough timber to restore most of the pegs - and the local area officer Andy Eaves has promised us 4,500 fish from the EAs hatchery at Calverton - which we hope will arrive over winter 2012/13.
So when i received a phone call from Andy at 9am this Sunday morning telling me that the EA had some fish for us I was naturally delighted - expecting them to be the first consignment of the Calverton fish. It turned out they werent, but were fish rescued from a lake suffering from a blue green algae induced oxygen crash somewhere in Cheshire - in other words - extra fish on top of the 7,500 we were anticipating this winter.
So after a quick post on our facebook page this morning we met an EA netting team at 11am this morning - and just over a thousand skimmers to 3/4 lb were released into the Old River.
This was the first restocking since the pollution incident in 2008, and the start of what we hope will be a series of restockings this coming winter. Great news.
We had a great work party a couple of months ago, where we cut back vegetation from some of the more overgrown pegs and rebuilt some of the pegs with rotten timbers. Were holding another work party on the 2nd Dec - 9am start - followed by a pike fish in. I cant see there being more than an hour or twos work for anyone who turns up - then the rest of the day to fish from your newly restored peg.
Heres some photos of todays restocking.
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