This past year has continued with little rain of any note. The River Whitewater level remains visibly low. Even now the witness marks of normal river levels are approximately a foot above actual water level which equates to an almighty dynamic volume that is not present in our river. The aquifers also are probably in need of gross water replenishment. Some of the long term weather forecasts are starting to predict severe winter conditions similar the that of the winter of sixty three and lets hope we see a return decent water levels soon.
We did seem to get reasonable to good hatches of aquatic flies throughout the year. If the granom hatch occurred it was very brief and I seemed to miss it. During September we appeared to have numerous crane flies in our vicinity, however I've yet to see a fish engulf these ungainly Wright brothers prototype's as a hearty meal on the Whitewater.
During August and September we baited crayfish traps between the farmbridge upstream to the weir hoping to catch some of the little critters. It was with shear amazement our traps were removed each time without the signal crayfish as invited guests. Should also thank Jason for providing a good contact to purchase small quantities of crayfish traps from.
Our mink trap raft docked by the farmbridge faired better. To begin with mink were nosing around the raft and probably with an instinct of survival disembarked after a brief on deck survey. Eventually a male mink succumbed to our mink raft which was caught and dispatched. A week later the farmer saw a female mink with its young gorging on signal crayfish and managed to shoot the lot. Natural British wildlife balance resurrected momentarily. We shall continue using the mink raft and crayfish traps next year.
Looking ahead we shall continue with our river habitat improvement work with our working parties. Our exact plans of work are dependent on weather patterns in the coming months. If we are fortunate to have a flooded river that brings its own wind and water wreckage of fallen trees which become a priority to remove from the river and or coppice. We would also like to continue with our ongoing planned felling of alders between the farmbridge and the roadbridge. We often get the skilled and enthusiastic help from the farmer for some of this work.
For some time we have been meaning to reinstall our signs. We have club signs, keep out and EA signs to position at entry points to inform those who need to be informed. Inspired by West Country rivers that Graham and I fished recently we will also construct a fairly covert step on the farm side of the side stream by the Hatchgate bridge to ease access without inviting the uninvited.
For our working parties we would appreciate your help by coming along on one or more days. Those that have attended have greatly assisted and have enjoyed themselves with most coming back for more. So please put the working party dates in your diaries now. We look forward to seeing you for the working parties.
Saturday 7th January 2006
Saturday 4th February 2006
Saturday 4th March 2006
Starting at 9.00am, or turn up when you can on the day. We usually go onto late pm early evening. For the January work party meet at the roadbridge parking area, for the February and March working parties meet at the Hatchgate bridge park area. (subject to swapping pending recent weather and intended work, so please go to both to find us.) Suggest you bring plenty of food and drink to keep you going, either strong boots, wellington boots or waders are advisable. (mainly to enable crossing the side stream when we work up from the Hatchgate bridge)