PANDEMIC

As deaths continue so does the pressure for change. The “bottom line” question however is, “is it safe to do things? The (slight) relaxation of regulations in England drew attention, immediately, to the fact that there continues to be differences in the regulations which exist in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. North Wales Police have spent a lot of time and energy turning people back, who genuinely in some cases, thought they could visit the seaside in Wales!

The lockdown continues with some minor relaxations. NRW very kindly provided me with an up to date over view, on the 19th of May: -

Welsh Government allow angling in Wales as part of your daily exercise.

You should:

• • fish within your local area
  • follow the latest social distancing guidelines and stay at home guidance
  • have a valid fishing rod licence
  • adhere to fisheries byelaws including the close season
  • have permission from the fishery owner

• You should not travel to Wales from England for the purpose of angling.

  If you have any concerns over illegal fishing please report this to us on 0300 065 3000 so it can be investigated.

  Please look for link to ‘Angling’

  Here you will find updated text around staying local

  There was a debate on the radio the other day about driving to your exercise and fishing. It got slightly warmed up, to put it mildly! I favour the simpler question “Do you have a disability badge”? If you have, as suggested by one of the fishing charities, then you may well be able to go a short distance, by vehicle, to fish. The argument being it is good for your mental health. That said, the other prevailing conditions MUST still apply.

LLYN BRENIG

I have had several enquiries about the current position in respect of fishing at Llyn Brenig. This is a multi-activity site and, as most know, is currently closed. I had a chat with the site Manager the other day and the situation is as outlined :-

I thought you might appreciate an update from us regarding our current position at Brenig. The Dwr Cymru official line is as follows:

“Due to the continuing impact of COVID-19, we have decided that our sites, reservoirs and lakes will remain temporarily closed to all members of the public (including walking, sailing, angling and any land or water-based activities). 

We have not taken this decision lightly, but as you will appreciate, safeguarding the health and safety of our customers and colleagues remains our first priority during these uncertain times.

We are monitoring and liaising with other organisations to establish a safe opening procedure that will allow us to reopen our sites when the time is right. 

Until then, we hope that you understand why we have taken this difficult decision”

But whilst we remain closed, we are working hard on our opening plans, including how to make the site safe for customers and for staff. We are looking at an on line payment system as well, which is looking promising. It would be nice to have the automatic machines card enabled, but we are having trouble progressing that at the moment.

I can also say that when we open the gates again, fishing will probably be one of the first activities to resume.

WILD TROUT TRUST

The Wild Trout Trust wishes to say a huge “Thank You” to all who supported this year’s auction, in exceptionally difficult times to raise £70,000. Quite incredible, to say the least. Without such support, knowing that auction lots might not get taken immediately, there would be insufficient finances to further the work of the WTT.
Diary dates for the WTT.

Conservation Awards. The deadline for entries to be submitted has been extended until the 31st of August 2020.

The WTT Annual Get Together. This is currently scheduled for the 12th and 13th of September. Obviously this is subject to the then prevailing regulations.

Three Fly Challenge. This unique Challenge Fundraiser is scheduled for the 3rd of October at the Meon Springs Fishery. The closing date is the 20th of September.

Richard Wright Fundraiser. Richard is a retired GP and GAIA casting instructor. He has offered, if you book a session with him, referenced to the WTT, he will donate his fee to the WTT!

To keep up to date visit www.wildtrout.org

AND FINALLY

Stay safe in these difficult times for all of us. Look on the bright side – yes there is one! You can retrieve all those practice flies from the fruit trees in your garden - by using a step ladder!