News

Measure your trout quickly and easily against your rod using our stick-on rod measure, and calculate its weight based on length and condition using our handy waterproof length to weight calculation table.

Only £3.50 per set including postage. Click here to order.

This is the fastest and most effective way to record the size and weight of trout, ensuring that the trout is kept in the water and released quickly with minimum handling.  You can also photograph the trout against the measure to record that special fish.

Invasive non-native species, such as Himalayan balsam, Japanese knotweed and mink are an increasing threat to our environment. To learn more about non-native species (invasive and not), the threat they pose and how to prevent the spread, click here

The link takes you to some very good short presentations in the form of ‘e-learning’ on the non-native species website. You need to register, which is straightforward, before accessing a series of very interesting short courses on non-native species.

For more information about biosecurity, and what anglers in particular need to do, click here

The WTT will again be running a series of River Habitat Workshops in association with the Environment Agency and Affinity Water. They will take place on the River Colne and its tributaries in Hertfordshire this spring - dates and locations to be advised.

River Habitat Workshops are one day practical working sessions for groups of up to 20 people. The aim is to improve habitat on a short stretch of river whilst teaching volunteers the basic techniques of habitat management and habitat improvement. River fly monitoring and wider issues such as abstraction are also covered whilst enjoying a well-earned sandwich on the river bank. Click here for information on the workshops held last year.These are enjoyable, hardworking sessions so you need to be reasonably active and be prepared to get stuck into practical work. No prior experience or equipment is required, and they are free and open to all.

If you would like to participate in a River Habitat Workshop in Hertfordshire this spring, contact Nancy Young at the Environment Agency nancy.young@environment-agency.gov.uk

Peter Lapsley, one of fly-fishing’s most formidable writers, columnists and fly-tyers, bequeathed his entire fly-tying kit to the Wild Trout Trust requesting that it be auctioned, the proceeds to go to the Trust whom he supported right up to the day he died.

It was sold via sealed bid auction, with bids opened on 8 February 2015. The winning bidder wishes to remain anonymous, and the sale of the kit raised £680.

The funds raised will buy starter fishing kits for use by groups at Latimer Park on the River Chess in Buckinghamshire. Peter used to fish the River Chess with his Uncle, and during his lifetime was responsible for introducing many young people to the art of fly fishing and fly tying.  

Butts Brewery, near Hungerford, produce a fabulous beer called Barbus. The brewery has very kindly donated 5p for every bottle sold to WTT's work.Last year, a donation of £430 bought Conservation Officer, Mike Blackmore, a pair of Kevlar chainsaw waders. Well, the brewery has just sent another cheque for £432 and this time, we'll buy Gareth Pedley, our most northerly Conservation Officer, based in Penrith, a brand new chainsaw.Please support WTT and our wild trout by drinking Butts Barbus beer - you will not regret it, even the next morning.

This five-day workshop emphasises understanding geomorphic process as a sound basis for planning and designing river restoration projects and programs. The course is in English, but draws heavily on river restoration and management experiences in France and elsewhere in the EU, complemented by experiences in North America and elsewhere.Instruction includes lectures, field exercises, problem sets and workshops on approaches to planning and implementing process-based restoration. 

This course will be a great chance to combine a love for river science with wonderful food, wine, and international connections. It will be held the week immediately prior to the IS.Rivers Conference. 

More details on this website: institutbeaumont.wordpress.com

The Angling Trust has launched launched a new ‘Fishery Improvement Fund’. The funding comes from the Environment Agency from some of the proceeds of rod licence sales.

The £65,000 Fund will make awards of up to £5,000 to eligible organisations for buying equipment, to make habitat improvements or for projects that get people fishing and support the aims of the National Angling Strategy ‘Fishing for Life’.

Deadlines are tight so ideally clubs should already have a project lined up.Applications must be posted or emailed to reach the Angling Trust by Tuesday 17th February 2015, and successful organisations must be able to spend the award by no later than the end of March.

Importantly, applications to the Fund from commercial fisheries are welcome and clubs and organisations do not need to be members or Angling Trust affiliated to apply.

Click here for more information and links to essential application and guidance documents

For more details please contact Rick Warner, Angling Trust Fishery Improvement Fund Administrator on 07850 774857 or via email at rick.warner@anglingtrust.net