The story of a small trout fishery

This article relates the experience of creating and developing a fishery in southern England. The fishery was made from a small stream which dries up from time to time, and marks the boundary between a Sussex farm and a large coniferous forest. The preparation of the site and creation of the impoundment are described, and early experiences outlined. The fishery was expanded in later years, as a result of its popularity, and records of its use by anglers are illustrated. The performance of the fishery is measured in terms of "good fish" (more than 675 g) taken, and their number has increased from 81 in 1984 to 226 in 1991. The aquatic plants, invertebrates, and birds of the fishery are discussed, as are the natural predators of the fish

The story of a small trout fishery

Shorter working hours and rising life expectancy provide more peoplewith more leisure time to indulge in pastimes such as angling. There isalso a tendency for followers of "coarse" fishing, which is usually asedentary activity, to indulge in "game" fishing which entails moreactivity. Thus the demand for "fly-only" trout fishing is increasing andquite a lot of new fisheries are being created to meet that demand. As"still waters", to use the anglers' expression, usually hold water whichwould otherwise run directly away to sea, this development fits quitewell with the current demand for conservation of water. It also providesnew areas and new problems for freshwater biologists, and for theadvisory services which are required