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News

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Page last updated: Monday, September 1, 2008 12:33

NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE

1/9/08 - Unfortunately, with 2 inches of rain forecast for the moor for next 36 hours, the Blackabrook working party for tomorrow (Tues 2nd) has had to be cancelled.

29/8/08 - Here is the amended schedule for habitat work on the moor. Please note that the Pizwell session which was postponed has now been rescheduled for Monday 22nd Sept.

DATE                         LOCATION                               MEETING POINT

Tues 2nd Sept               Upper Blackabrook              Lay – by on B3357 1mile west of Two Bridges

Wed 10th Sept               Lower Blackabrook             Entrance to Prince Hall Hotel, 1 mile east of Two Bridges

Thurs 18th Sept              Stannonbrook                       Postbridge car park

Mon 22nd Sept                 Pizwell on Wallabrook       Pizwell

Sat 27th Sept                    East Webburn                     Old Inn, Widecombe            

27/8/08 - Would any member wishing to fish during the Salmon season extension please register with Hon. Sec. by the 6th of September at the latest so that a permit can be issued in good time. Members must register in order to fish.

There is a habitat improvement session on the Upper Blackabrook on Tuesday morning next (2nd Sept). (See list of other sessions below) Now that the rain seems to have abated it looks like it will go ahead. If you are available then please try to attend and lend a hand. Anglers were a little thin on the ground for last year's programme. Habitat improvement work is probably the most important thing we can do ourselves towards restoring numbers of fish to the river. It is probably a good idea to check with Toby on 01566 771810 before turning up.

19/8/08 - A reminder that the fishing platform at Admiral's Walk is UNSAFE. Further damage has been done by recent spates. Please keep off the structure. A plan to repair it is in hand but may take some time to realise.

Recently, a salmon was caught on our water which showed signs of probable nematode worm infection. The visible symptom of an infected fish is a reddened, swollen and possibly bleeding vent. This is often referred to as Red Vent Syndrome (RVS). It does not appear that this is a particularly serious condition and it is perfectly OK to release such fish. However, if one is taken for the pot, it should be cooked thoroughly as the worm can infect humans. As parasites may be present undetected in any wild fish, the Food Standards Agency gives the following advice regarding the preparation of fish to be eaten raw:

"If wild salmon is to be eaten raw or almost raw it should be frozen in all parts for at least 24 hours, at a temperature of –20oC or colder. This will ensure that any non-visible parasites or undetectable larvae of nematodes are destroyed."

There is a good article with more information on RVS on the 'Fish and Fly' web site and also a PDF document here, from Fisheries Research Services (Scotland). Please report any such fish caught so that we may monitor the situation.

15/8/08 - As expected, the habitat work at Pizwell tomorrow (Saturday) is postponed. Watch this space for rescheduling.

13/8/08 - The following released yesterday by the National Press Office:

A new strategy through to 2021 to help protect the iconic salmon and sea trout from the complex environmental challenges they face was launched today (Tuesday) by the new Environment Agency Chairman Lord Chris Smith.

Officially opening the Blachford Fish Pass in Devon, Lord Smith, said: “The dramatic sight of a salmon or sea trout leaping from the water is one of nature’s greatest spectacles.

“These special fish are very valuable as they bring social, economic and environmental benefits to local communities. Their sensitivity and need for a good quality environment means we need to work together with our partners to address the complex factors affecting them.”

Work to protect these fish, which attract tourism and act as indicators of a healthy environment, has already improved stocks in some rivers and has helped increase salmon numbers in England and Wales by 40,000 in the last ten years. The new work programme, ‘Better sea trout and salmon fisheries strategy’, which the Environment Agency consulted widely on now includes goals to protect sea trout as well as salmon.

Lord Smith continued: “The Better sea trout and salmon fisheries strategy will help us focus our work over the next decade to be more efficient and effective. It’s not just about us – we need everyone with an interest in our rivers to work in partnership, to help bring more sea trout and salmon into more rivers, bringing more benefit.

“It is a privilege to open the Blachford Fish Pass to mark the launch of this strategy as the project encompasses much of what our strategy is calling for. The pass will help salmon and trout reach their spawning ground safely, and could not have happened without the hard work and partnership of the Yealm River Association, Action for Wildlife, Westcountry Rivers Trust, and the Environment Agency.”

The strategy sets out a number of key aims the Environment Agency wants to see achieved by 2021, which includes:

§ improving the quality and increase the availability of good quality habitats,
§ promoting and realising better land management practices,
§ working with partners to remove or reduce impacts of barriers affecting fish migration,
§ reducing the exploitation of at-risk stocks,
§ making the most effective use of resources by working to the strength of our partners,
§ establishing sea trout and salmon as widely recognised environmental icons.
Paul Knight, Director of the Salmon and Trout Association, said: "The Salmon and Trout Association very much welcomes the Environment Agency's new strategy, especially the inclusion of sea trout. We have been consulted at all stages during the evolution of the strategy, which is an excellent example of the Environment Agency involving partners in a major project.

“It is fitting that another partnership, the Blachford Fish Pass on the River Yealm, should be chosen for Lord Smith to launch the strategy. Opening up new spawning and juvenile areas to migratory fish is an essential part of managing and conserving fish stocks. The Environment Agency has joined forces with local fisheries and environmental interests to make this happen, helping improve the river's salmon and trout populations.”

The work at Blachford, carried out by the Environment Agency’s workforce, involved removing the existing 7m long stone upper weir and replacing it with a ‘pool and traverse’ fish pass for fish to swim up. At least 15km of spawning grounds has been opened up by the new fish pass and as many as 50 sea trout and salmon were seen to ascend in the first day it was used.

The ‘Better sea trout and salmon fisheries strategy’ is available for download from the Environment Agency publications catalogue.

 

12/8/08 - We have again secured a salmon season extension for a duration of two weeks. All methods permissible will apply as during the rest of the season but the extension will be entirely catch and release with single barbless hooks. Those members intending to fish must register with Hon Sec in order for permission to be issued. Any catches should be reported to Hon Sec by telephone or email as soon as possible after the event to allow inclusion in the season's statistics.

Due to unusually high water levels the habitat management work on the Lower Cherrybrook has had to be postponed. Unfortunately the Pizwell session on Saturday is looking doubtful as well. Those wishing to help should contact Toby on the number below for up to date information.

6/8/08 - The first of the habitat management sessions is tomorrow. Please lend a hand if you have the time. This is important work to help improve spawning habitat higher in the catchment. The timetable for this year's work is below. Meeting at 9.30am on all days. Please bring wet weather gear and wellies / sturdy footwear. For further info and to book a place on the river walk and redd counting days please call Toby Russell at the Westcountry Rivers Trust on 01566 771810. Those wishing to participate may register with Toby to be informed of any last minute changes due to weather etc.

29/7/08 - Just a reminder that our fly fishing taster day is going ahead on Saturday the 9th of August. One of the qualified casting instructors we had lined up has had to pull out due to business commitments so if there is another instructor out there who would be willing to donate a little time on the day and possibly drum up some future clients I would be grateful if they were to contact me. Also we could do with the loan of some kind of tentage to provide some cover from the sun and/or rain at the event. Something with walk-in headroom would be ideal, perhaps a frame tent or even one of those folding canvass gazebos. Please let me know if you can help.

19/7/08 - Mark Evans of Gwent Angling Society http://www.gwentanglingsociety.co.uk/ has contacted me suggesting a fly swap between our members. This would take place during the winter months. For those of you who are not familiar with fly swaps, Mark explains:

"It basically works like so. A swap master is selected to over see the swap. Two swap minors are selected, one in daa, and one in gas, to collate each clubs contribution and post to the other swap minor. The swap master selects a species, or style. I would suggest maybe salmon or sewin(sea trout). Depending on the size of fly swap(say 10 people), each member of the fly swap ties 10 of his/her favourite salmon or sewin fly, providing the details of how to tie the fly and how to fish with it."

Would any member interested in participating please get in touch with me to register their interest. If you know of any other member who is a keen fly tier but might not be in the habit of visiting this web site, please pass on this request.

17/7/08 - One of our members has mislaid a gye net on the river, possibly at Kilbury. If you have found such a net, please let me know and I will reunite it with its owner.

The Westcountry Rivers Trust has provided a timetable for habitat improvement work this year. It can be downloaded here: Dart REDDS dates. Each year, the work involves conservation volunteers and anglers alike, although last year it must be said that anglers were a little thin on the ground. That having been said, this is not just limited to members. Anyone interested in conservation work is welcome to join in. Please try to find time to help with this work, which is vital to the future of our river.

With their copy of the newsletter, members will have received a copy of the flyer advertising the beginners / junior day on the 9th August. Please try to display this in a prominent place if you can. The event is free of charge and it may help to add the word FREE in felt-tip to the flyer.

10/7/08 - Lots of water over the last few days, especially yesterday. Andy Myall has sent in these pictures taken at Dartbridge last evening.

28/6/08 - Another reminder for the need for vigilance was given when two suspected poachers were seen leaving the river near Austin's Bridge. The member who observed them wisely did not approach them but called both the Police and the EA and representatives of both attended. The individuals concerned were tracked to Buckfastleigh, where the trail went cold. Members seeing any suspicious goings on should call the EA hotline on 0800 807060 and/or 999.

20/6/08 - The Brown Trout stocking has now been completed for this season. Some of them are seen being released below. More pictures of the operation are available via the Photo Gallery page

19/6/08 - The Association will be holding a fly casting 'taster day' on the Dart near Staverton on Saturday 9th August. There is no charge and the fun starts at 11am. Qualified instructors will be on hand to teach the basics. Juniors are particularly welcome (accompanied by an adult). We are indebted to Mike Burrows and to Riverford Organic Farm for supplying the venue. Please contact Hon. Sec. Phil Prowse on 01626 872434 for details.

9/6/08 - We are indebted to Allan & Carol Tudor and members of Totnes Sub-aqua Club who provided assistance with the removal of the tree from Halliwells yesterday. Eight members of the TSAC volunteered to help. Our thanks to them and especially the five who were able to turn out at short notice on the day. Thanks also to those of our own members who were involved, including regulars Steve Burt, John Harris, Andy Myall, Phil Prowse, and of course Robin Thorn who does such sterling work organising our bank maintenance.

Steve Burt was kind enough to send the following photos of the work in progress.

7/6/08 - Please note that the work party for Halliwells (see below) is ON for tomorrow.

6/6/08 - I have just had a look up at Halliwells and it did not appear that the strop has been fixed to the tree (see below). Please check here before turning up on Sunday.

5/6/08 - There is a large tree in the river at Halliwells. We are going to attempt to remove it on Sunday morning (8th), starting at 0830 and will need as many people as possible to get the job done. By Sunday, a chain strop should have been attached to the trunk, making it easier to drag the tree to the bank where it can be de-limbed and removed. Please come and help if you can.

30/5/08 - Recently there have been two sightings (on the same day) of an individual swimming in Totnes Weir pool in a wet-suit and carrying a spear-gun. On at least the first occasion, at lunchtime on the day in question, he was accompanied by two other men with pushchairs and two small children. Would all members please be alert to such goings-on and if anything suspicious is seen please call the EA hotline 0800 807060 (put it in your mobile phone now) and/or the police on 999.

26/3/08 - The Maps page now has a link which should download a folder of Google Earth placemarks showing various relevant sites on the river Dart. These should help members and visiting anglers to orientate themselves with our fishing, find parking spots etc. Please note that the placemarks are provisional at the moment and reports of mistakes and suggestions for corrections and additions would be gratefully received. There is also a link on the page to where you can download Google Earth for free if you do not already have it.

15/3/08 - A little more information on the DFA AGM. After the meeting there will be an auction of fishing. There will be 17 lots donated by riparian owners in the Dart catchment as well as a casting lesson with fishing at Kennick. Also after the meeting there will be a hot buffet supper, price £12 per head. (Please send cheques to Nick Holding, payable to Dart Fisheries Association)

The Fishing Regulations page should now be fully up to date. Apologies for the delay.

14/3/08 - A date for your diary. The Dart Fisheries Association AGM is on Saturday 12th April at 1830. There is a new venue this year i.e. The Seven Stars Hotel in Totnes. All members are invited to attend to learn more about the work of the DFA and the new Dart Partnership, involving the DFA, EA and Westcountry Rivers Trust.

Good luck, everyone, for the new Trout season, which of course starts tomorrow.

5/3/08 - First fish of the season caught. See 'Catch Reports'

3/3/08 - Many thanks to those who turned up to work on removal of the tree in TWP on Sunday morning. There was a good turnout and the Island is now clear for the start of the Sea Trout season.

1/3/08 - ...and you thought we had problems with a seal in the weir pool... http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7268805.stm

25/2/08 - Members (and others) might be interested in the following post regarding Orri Vigfusson's letters to the Norwegian government re their record on Salmon Conservation. http://www.flyfishingforum.com/flytalk4/showthread.php?t=26577

Some of you may have seen that there is a tree stuck on the island in Totnes Weir Pool (see photo). It needs to be shifted before the start of the season so a work party is arranged for this Sunday 2nd March. This will involve an early start at 7am due to the tide. Again, many hands are needed. Please attend if possible. Waders essential.

Tree in Totnes Weir Pool

22/2/08 Bank Maintenance this weekend: Please meet at Halliwells, 9am onwards.

23/1/08 (2) - Robin Thorn, who, for those of you who don't know, organises bank maintenance, has confirmed that he needs as many bods as possible this Sunday. Rather than the usual RV at Kilbury he suggests meeting at Stretchford. The work is taking place at the head of Quarry Pool (left bank), so alternatively helpers could make their way there.

23/1/08 - Members should by now have received their copy of the January newsletter. Highlights are as follows:

The only change in the fishing regulations for the coming season is that an extra day ticket per month will be available to Trout and Sea Trout members, potentially doubling their Salmon fishing on the river. This ticket will be for Salmon only, strictly on a catch and release basis. Conditions placed on the existing ticket will remain the same. (ie not catch and release only, but subject to our regulations and to national bylaws.)

In order to meet the 90% C&R target requested by the Environment Agency the committee urges that catch and release is exercised on an increasing basis. Obviously, a 90% target means that only one in every ten Salmon may be retained.

The committee seeks the views of members on increasing the number of anglers in a Salmon category. This is still very much in the early stages of discussion but if implemented would probably not include an increase in members authorised to fish Totnes weir pool and would likely necessitate more C&R.

Would anglers fishing the Colston (Wilson's) water please note that the field directly in front of Colston House is no longer included in our fishing. This effectively divides the water in two. Members can still cross this area to access the other half of the fishing but must keep close to the river bank and be mindful of any members of the Colston household who may be around. Access to the lower half is also possible on foot through John Thorn's campsite.

There is still much work to be done with regard to bank maintenance. We seem to have more fallen trees than usual and plenty of manpower (or womanpower) is needed to clear them. Pease attend if you can. The RV is at Kilbury lay-by at 9am on Sundays for the next few weeks unless otherwise stated.

7/1/08 - As this is the first posting of the year, we would like to wish all members and friends a happy and successful New Year.

At the first meeting of the 2008 Committee, Chris Glover was elected Chairman and Robin Thorn Deputy Chairman. Some changes to the fishing regulations were made and these will be circulated to members soon.

The following received from the internet Sea Trout Fishing Forum:

You may of seen in the Trout and Salmon a article about the Tees Barrage, and the fact that migratory fish can't get passed this obstacle.

This has gone on for 12 years and is set to go on for a minimum of another 3 years while more tests are carried out.

The A.C.A are running a petition on their web site, it only takes 1 minute to put your name to this petition, I would be grateful for any members or friends of members who would take a minute out of your time to view the petition and consider putting your name to it.

Even if you don't fish the Tees - the effects of such schemes are far reaching.

ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS- go to http://www.a-c-a.org/barrage-petition.html website and click on the link for Tees Barrage and put your name down.

Thank you Hoppy

If you feel this is an important issue, no doubt you will wish to add your name to the petition.

20/12/07 - Rob Dart and the Dart Angling Association would like to thank all those who most kindly and generously donated prizes to the DDA  raffle, held at the annual dinner, which again was a great success. I list below donators and prizes.

The raffle made a grand total of £1070  on the night plus pre sales tickets towards much needed funds.

I would also like to offer my sincere apologies to anyone I have forgotten..

Please support the businesses represented above with your custom.

18/12/07 - Just a reminder that bank maintenance proper starts on Sunday 6th January. It appears that there is more work than ever to be done, with quite a few trees down so we need plenty of volunteers again.

Usually we meet on each Sunday morning for the first few weeks of the year. The work can be more or less physical, depending on the individual. In any case it is a good way of working off some of that Christmas pudding, good fun and, particularly for newer members, a good way of getting to know the river and an perhaps an opportunity to discuss tactics with other members.

All those wishing to help please rendezvous at Kilbury at 9am.

17/12/07 -

The staff here at web site central would like to offer all members and friends the season's greetings and wish them tight lines for 2008!

The fishing return statistics for the 2007 season are as follows:

SALMON:

13 members report catching salmon.

Total catch - 43. Of these, 22 were caught on the Church Commissioners Water, 8 in Totnes Weir Pool. 35 or 81.4% of these fish were reported released.

(Salmon totals history: 2006 - 39, 2005 - 41, 2004 - 83, 2003 - 29, 2002 - 21, 2001 - 40, 2000 - 53)

Best fish- N.Gipson est 20lbs.

First fish- K.Holloway 20/5/07 est 8lbs.

Average weight- 8.1lbs.

Highest total- N.Gipson 8.

Number caught (average weight) per month- May=4 (12lb), June=2 (8lb), July=13 (10.5lb), Aug=9 (7.5lb), Sept=12 (4.7lb), Oct=3 (6lb).

It should be noted that the catch and return percentage has fallen short of the 90% target agreed with the EA. The October season extension returned a disappointing figure due to low water conditions.

SEA TROUT:

39 members report catching Sea Trout

Total catch - 229. Of these, 149 were caught at Totnes Weir Pool and 36 on the Church Commissioners Water. 68 fish or 30% reported released. 14 fish were over 6lb, 6 of which were over 10lb

(Sea trout totals history: 2006 - 260, 2005 - 302, 2004 - 440, 2003 - 399 2002 - 616, 2000 - 451)

Best fish- E Richards est 17lbs+, R Thorn est 13lbs+.

First fish- A Myall 28/3/07, 2lb

Average weight- 2lb 7oz

Highest total- D Pakes 34

Number caught (average weight) per month- March=1 (2lb), April=44 (2.5lb), May=116 (3.5lb), June=28 (2.5lb), July=10 (1.75lb), Aug=23 (2lb), Sept=7 (1lb)

Congratulations to Ed Richards whose fish of 38" (at least 17lbs) was, for a short while, a record for the river. Subsequently a monster fish was caught by member J Richmond on a neighbouring beat. Measuring 42", it must have rivaled the British record. Ed's fish however remains a record for Association waters.

BROWN TROUT:

Total catch- 71.

Several members have commented on the relative scarcity of Brown Trout this season

30/11/07 - Robin Thorn who, for those of you who do not already know, organises our bank maintenance work parties sends the following:

We shall be carrying out some maintenance works tomorrow morning (1st Dec) starting at around 9.30 am until say 12.30' ish starting off at Kilbury. The plan is to reinstate the steps which have rotten away at Admiral's Walk , and also some bank clearing. The same exercise will need to be carried out at Dart Bridge. It would be great to see as many of you as possible. Please bring along appropriate tools+ clothing.

2/11/07 - Volunteers will soon be required for redd counting on Dartmoor to aid the conservation effort. As soon as details are available they will be posted here.

1/11/07 - Catch returns for the season were due on the 31st October. If for some reason you have not sent in yours to the Hon. Sec. yet, then please do so right away. Remember, your membership could be at stake.

'Dartangler' a new 9.98 Cheetah Catamaran, jointly owned by David Pakes, Rob Dart, Paul Bright and Luke Chester-Master, was successfully launched last week.

Dartangler

David writes: " Should any Members of the Association feel like a change from the river and fancy a day out on the high seas then contact either myself or Rob for an invite. Trip will be entirely free of charge as you fish for the boat but may take fish home if you so want. We provide all terminal tackle for the boat, but it is helpful, but not essential if all of the crew have their own rod /reel". Please form an orderly queue!

4/10/07 - The work programme on spawning areas of the upper catchment is now finished for the year. Many thanks to those who lent a hand. The work was done under the auspices of the Westcountry Rivers Trust and involved conservation volunteers as well as anglers. Unfortunately, on the last work party, the anglers were somewhat outnumbered by other volunteers and the question "Where are all the fishermen then? was asked. The work continues next year in August, so please could members keep an eye open for this and try to give a little time and effort to help when the time comes.

Environment Agency bailiff Mike Barber with volunteers raking gravel on the East Webburn

Speaking of work, there is more than usual to do on bank maintenance this winter. There are several trees down in the river and various steps and walkways need repair. For this reason it is planned to start work next month, rather than in the more usual January. Most of the work will be carried on Sunday mornings but there will also be some activity mid-week. The work can be more or less physical, depending on the individual. For newer members and those on the waiting list this is a good way of getting to know the river and an perhaps an opportunity to discuss tactics with other members.

It is hoped that all members will try to find some time to devote to this important work, which of course benefits us all. Times and dates of work parties will be published here. In the meantime, if you are interested in joining in, please could you supply your contact details by email . They will be passed on to Robin Thorn, who is organising the work.

11/9/07 - New photographs from Andy Mayall in the Galleries section

20/8/07 - A walking/wading stick has been found beside the river. Please contact me if you have lost one and believe this could be yours.

18/8/07 - There is a new newsletter from the Hon Sec here. In it you will find details of the Salmon season extension agreed between the DFA and the EA. Please note that anglers wishing to take advantage of this must register with the Hon Sec.

The dates for work on the redds mentioned in the newsletter are as follows:

RIVER DART PROGRAMME OF MANUAL WORKS FOR 2007

Time for meeting will be 9.30am each day and work should finish by lunch time. Please try to help ensure the future of our fish stocks by lending a hand when you can.

20/7/07 - LOST. Two made-up rods were left at the Stretchford lay by at around 5 pm yesterday (Thurs 19th). They disappeared between then and about 7 pm. If anyone rescued them or has any information regarding them please could you let me know and I will put you in touch with the owner.

The owner of the landing net below contacted me and has now been reunited with it.

9/7/07 - FOUND in the river today, a landing net. If it's yours, let me know.

19/6/07 - I have received the following from Hoppy, who runs 'The Sea Trout Fishing Forum' , which, for those of you unfamilliar with it, is well worth a look.

"The Carmarthenshire Fishermens Federation is starting a buy-out fund for the Tywi nets.

I whole heartidly support this venture, which will be a great investment for the future of fishing on the Tywi and its tributaries. It can only be of benefit to fish - on what is consistenly the best Sea Trout River in Wales.

At present there are auctions running on my forum, with some brilliant lots to be won!!!!! PLEASE PLEASE consider bidding on these items - it is for a great cause and there is the added bonus of getting a brilliant lot if you win!

Or if you would just like to donate then the address for the fund can be found on the forum.

Gethyn's forum at http://seatrout.proboards21.com is also running events to raise money for this great cause.

Please consider contributing to this cause, especially if you fish the Tywi - a success would benefit the area, and in the future would have significant effect on other nets in the country!

Hoppy"

 

4/6/07 - At a meeting last month with the Environment Agency, Association chairman David Pakes put forward a proposal on the committee's behalf to extend the salmon season on the Dart by one month. The time of main salmon run has apparently shifted to the extent that it now occurs largely after the end of our fishing season, possibly due to our changing climate. The extension, it is proposed, would be for rod and line anglers using barbless/debarbed hooks only and be strictly catch and release. It would bring the Dart more into line with neighbouring rivers, which have seasons extending to the end of November or even into December. An exception to this is the Teign, where a similar application is under way.

Not only would the extension enable Dart anglers to enjoy fishing for salmon when there should be more fish in the river but it would provide valuable management information as to the extent of the run. To this latter end, under these proposals anglers wishing to fish during the extension would be expected to register with the Association Secretary and provide a full account of their fishing effort. For the full text of the proposal, click here. You will need the free Adobe Reader software to open the file.

29/5/07 - A photograph gallery has just been added. Initially we have some shots of the Dart in spate supplied by Nigel Ash and some of work in progress on the Woolston Stream Project, showing the sunlight streaming in after the felling of some selected bank side trees.

22/5/07 - More on those pesky seals. One member reports that whilst fishing on the bottom end of the Ridge at 1.30 am on a recent night he was nearly knocked over by one of them. The seal was seemingly intent on leaving the weir pool via Duffers' Alley and in a hurry as the tide fell. The angler describes the incident as "rather alarming"

17/5/07 - I'm told that two seals have been active in Totnes weir pool recently. Apparently one of them was seen tucking into fresh salmon!

8/5/07 - Congratulations To Ed Richards on his Dart record sea trout. See Catch Reports for the details.

Don't forget that the Dart Fisheries Association's AGM is this Friday 11th May at 1830. The venue has changed and this year it will be held at Staverton Court House. (Village Hall)

Anyone who might be inspired by Ed's big fish and is not yet a member may like to note that our waiting list is unusually short at the moment, which gives an excellent opportunity to get a foot on the ladder to full membership. Details can be found on the membership page.

26/4/07 - Any goods purchased through the Sportfish web site, when accessed by clicking the banner at the top of this page will earn a small commission for the Association (subject to a monthly threshold). The same is true of other Sportfish (and Amazon) banners to be found on this web site. Please use them if you are ordering from either of those companies.

16/4/07 - New section 'Catch Reports' introduced. See menu on left.

26/3/07 - The Woolston Stream Project took a step forward this morning as our felling contractor arrived on site after delays due to weather and pressure of urgent work due to storm damage. This scheme is being joint funded by the Environment Agency, The Wild Trout Trust and our Association. The stream is potentially an important area for spawning and the aim is to improve this habitat to increase its productivity. The main part of the work is to let some light in as the canopy is very overgrown. There will also be work done to de-silt the gravels in the stream bed.

Woolston Stream Project - The first tree is felled

23/3/07 - It seems that almost as soon as I posted the item about Vosseler reels Carl had closed his website. As far as I can see, all of his stock is now being released gradually on eBay. Just search for Vosseler in the fly-fishing section. It is possible that there are 'sell now' items available by e-mailing him.

Don't forget to renew your EA licence before the old one runs out at the end of the month. You can do this on-line here or you may prefer to support your local Post Office.

20/3/07 - I just visited the Vosseler Reels website and found that these excellent reels are being sold off at a good discount so if you are looking for a reel at the moment, it's worth a look. I have an S2, which I use for bonefish and I love it. Very smooth and very resistant to salt water so far. The DC4 model looks good for sea trout and I shall be ordering a couple. (Anyone want to buy a pair of Battenkill LA III's?) For specs, click the price-list link on the Vosseler web-site. Not sure how accurate the prices are, but you can contact them by email. I'm told they're "going like hot cakes".

16/3/07 - There are reports of a tree in the water at Totnes weir pool. A work party will attempt to clear the obstruction tomorrow, Sat. 17th March, in a departure from our more usual Sunday gatherings. The tree needs to be dragged out of the water before being cut up. This is likely to take some manpower. If any member is available for an hour or so tomorrow, starting at 0900, their help would be greatly appreciated.

As the trout/sea trout season began yesterday, let me wish everyone a successful one.

Sea trout totals history: 2000 - 451, 2002 - 616, 2003 - 399, 2004 - 440, 2005 - 302, 2006 - 260

6/3/07 - Our membership waiting list is at a fairly low level at the moment. If you are thinking of joining or know someone who is, now would be a good time. Bank clearing did not take place again on Sunday, again due to the height of the river and generally atrocious weather. There is still work that needs to be done so please watch this space for news of further work parties and please help if you can.

5/3/07 - The Wild Trout Trust Auction 2007 begins tomorrow. According to the Trust: "Apart from a wide variety of fishing in the UK, Eire, the US and Chile, you will find fishing tackle, flies and fly boxes, shooting, DVDs, trees, roses, Harry Potter, Ferrari and Red Arrows collectibles, literature and art. Guide prices range from £5 to £4,500 so there's something for everyone." Apparently several lots have been received since the printed catalogue, which some of you will have had sent to you, was published. A .pdf catalogue can be found at www.wildtrout.org in the their News Section. Lots will be released in batches starting tomorrow, 6th March at 1930 until 15th March and appear on the charity pages of eBay

23/2/07 - Please note that there will be no bank clearing party out this weekend, mainly due to the height of the river.

8/2/07 - Bank clearing will be carrying on this Sunday at Fogden's, 9am onwards. Waders may be of some use to those participating. Last week we saw several kelts showing in the river. Good news as far as spawning is concerned!

5/2/07 - The platform at Admiral's Walk is now unsafe, due to its supports being fractured. A solution to this problem is being sought but in the meantime members are advised not to venture onto the walkway. Anyone deciding to ignore this advice does so entirely at their own risk.

There have been reports of salmon being caught by at least one member during the first couple of days of the season. Apparently these were not fresh fish but well-mended kelts.

31/1/07 - Tomorrow sees the opening of the salmon season. Last year saw a slight reduction in fish caught, from 43 in '05 to 39 in '06. 35 or 90% of these were released, a good effort and in line with the target agreed with the EA when regaining the right to take salmon in September. Let's hope that we see some improvement in numbers of fish entering the river this year. With the absence of a fish counter, fishing effort is a valuable way of monitoring fish numbers. Every day on the river, even when blank, helps to tell the story so dust off those rods and 'go fish'! Please report any catches here or to Hon Sec, so that we have an up to date idea of how the season is progressing. Tight lines.

Salmon totals history: 2006 - 39, 2005 - 41, 2004 - 83, 2003 - 29, 2002 - 21, 2001 - 40, 2000 - 53

26/1/07 - From today you will find banner links to Amazon appearing in various places on this site. Any goods purchased after following these links will earn a small commission for the Association so if you are contemplating buying anything from Amazon (not just books and DVDs) please try to enter their web site via ours, by clicking on one of the aforementioned links. Unsurprisingly, you will find one on the 'links' page for instance.

25/1/07 - This week (Sunday 28th) we will be bank clearing in the vicinity of Higher Style pool (Not on the map but I'm told it's a little way upstream from Lower Style pool). Apparently there are three trees down so as many volunteers as possible please! Meet at Stretchford, 9am as usual.

16/1/07 - The January newsletter from Hon Sec is here, with details of updated Fishing Regulations and other topics.

On Sunday the bank clearing party tackled, amongst other items of rogue vegetation, two large trees that had come down in the gales. One was blocking the path just below the Nursery Pool rail bridge on the right bank and the other , a little further down on the same bank, had its upper branches in the river. The river level prevented us from completely clearing the latter but "We'll be back" - Next Sunday in fact. Same meeting place, Caddaford lay by, same time, 9am or as soon thereafter as you can make it! We will probably be working on the opposite (right) bank again. If so one could access the site from the Colston road/Fogden's side.

Clearing the path ©

Ed gets to grips with fallen tree ©

The Prize Draw at December's annual dinner, again expertly organised by Rob Dart, raised over £1000 for Association funds, with one of our EA bailiffs, Mike Barber winning the star prize of a super sea trout rod, donated by Nigel Thomas of Carbotec. Our grateful thanks go to Nigel and the following (in no particular order) for their generous donations of prizes: Dr. Peter Edwards, Keith Sykes, Brian Leeman, Simon McLucas, John Sanderson, The Seatrout Inn, Dr. Richard Greig, Snowbee UK, Exeter Angling Centre, Dartmouth Smokehouse, Christopher McCabe, Hatchlands Trout Farm.

8/1/07- Thanks to those who were bank clearing on Sunday, despite the inclement weather. The RV point for next week is the same as last time (see below).

3/1/07 - Bank clearing time is here and there is much work to be done, so we need plenty of volunteers. Usually we meet on each Sunday morning for the first few weeks of the year and the work can be more or less physical, depending on the individual. In any case it is a good way of working off some of that Christmas pudding, good fun and, particularly for newer members, a good way of getting to know the river and an perhaps an opportunity to discuss tactics with other members.

3/1/07 - Welcome to the new Dart Angling Association web site! First of all let me apologise for the site being a little rough around the edges at the moment as it only came on line yesterday. Teething problems are inevitable and some only become apparent when the site is up and running on the server. Also you will find one or two empty pages, which will be populated as the copy arrives.

I should be most grateful for any suggestions regarding content and any contributions, catch reports and particularly photos would be welcome. Similarly, if you spot any mistakes, broken links or omissions, then please contact me.