Since the season started, its been obvious to most of us, that the Touvre trout have not all spawned. On most rivers it would not be a problem, but on this river the price the trout pay for this late loving is death.We suspect that the majority of the bigger brown trout get taken in this period before they have had a chance to reproduce. On the river right now you have the spin fishermen, and the toc fisherman in huge numbers, all taking fish for the table.
One man I spoke to today took three large female fish yesterday, all in spawn. Another today had a nice fish of 40cm again shedding eggs. On opening day the Heron saw four fish all over 50cm killed, two with eggs inside. All said they would return "in spawn" fish if other anglers did the same. It's this sheep like attitude, we have to overcome if the river is to have any chance.
The Heron and I have just spent two days on the river, walking and watching. The dead fish tally is dreadful and makes us both feel sick, the river is painfully low, and dirty, and things don't look good for the fly fishing in May, but the number of big browns being caught tells us the river is a survivor, and still holding on, but for just how long!!
Very sad to hear, but not at all surprising. What is the response of the AAPPMA responsible for the Touvre's management? Has anyone considered undertaking a public awareness campaign concerning the river's degradation? I'm guessing the setting up of a no-kill section would run into too much local resistance?
ReplyDeleteSimply incredible that fishermen would keep spawning females...
Such a tragedy that the trout in the Touvre are treated in this way. Having fished it myself a couple of times, I can recognise it's potential to be a premier fly fishing destination is correctly managed. If I read some comments made correctly, is it illegal to take trout before they have spawned? The 'policers' therefore need to be brought to task on this, both on increasing the size limit and the taking of females with spawn. If it is s common pattern each year, surely there is justification to put the opening later (but also extending the season in Autumn instead? I agree that stocking with fish raised form stripped native fish would be a good option. As regards getting locals to agree to some of these changes, perhaps if the financial benefit to tourism of having a premier trout fishery on their doorstep could be explained, maybe that would help?
ReplyDeleteHawthorne