FISHING REPORT: 8 DECEMBER 2022
Twenty twenty two will be remembered for the long dry spell of hot weather. River conditions were difficult at best throughout late spring and summer into early autumn. Despite adverse conditions upstream migration counts were encouraging, close to 29,000 counts for the year were recorded at the Riding Mill counter which is in the 5 year average spread.
The great majority of counts were recorded in June, July and August, this summer count amounted to 23,040, which is in excess of 80% of the total annual count.
In low flow and prolonged high temperatures much of the migration took place overnight, the bulk of the fish were sea trout. The count in September was 3361, October 1595 and November approximately 150. We are advised that sea trout account for approximately 65% of the total count for the season.
Obviously there are seasonal variations, no two seasons are alike, identical conditions are not repeated. However there is confidence that migrating activity is becoming concentrated into the summer months.
Angling suffered largely due to the adverse weather conditions. In high river temperatures local angling effort is much reduced, the chance of success is much lower, there are growing concerns regarding fish welfare in such conditions, indeed the EA recommend a cessation of fishing during adverse river conditions.
The North Tyne benefitted from frequent releases from Kielder reservoir, this major tributary enjoyed better conditions than elsewhere in the catchment. The South Tyne was desperately short of meaningful fresh water until September. Overall the best of the fishing was largely compressed into the last six weeks of the season. The season ended with a higher number of large salmon reported, occasional images of fish weighing towards 30lb were seen along with many more 20lb + fish, mostly in seasonal colours, with a very small number of silver fish in the lower teens.
The spawning season appeared to have a staggered start, fortunately water levels have been consistently high in the main sites, reports have been received of good spawning activity ABOVE recent fish easements rewarding the efforts of Tyne Rivers Trust , partners and volunteers.
