No fishing on the South Pond during lockdown, water levels are high and gin clear

Fishing was difficult before lockdown

Water levels are high. The lower height swims are flooded despite regular clearing of the outflows from the South Pond. When Covid rules are relaxed a project to address this will be put in place so that conditions will be improved for next winter. The water is also gin clear, typical of the chalk stream (River Hamble) which is flowing through the pond, but it has been making fishing very unproductive.

 

No fishing at South Pond during current lockdown

".. with 60,000 new infections announced today, the Government have taken the decision that leaving home for recreation or leisure, including all forms of recreational fishing, should be prohibited in England during this third national lockdown period.” Angling Trust 5.1.2021"

The South Pond is therefore closed to fishing from midnight on 5th January 2021 until lockdown rules are relaxed.

 

Wildlife ignoring the no fishing rules

A pair of cormorants has been observed devouring silver fish. There are pros and cons to their presence. They are probably eating some good sized fish but they are also eating a lot of smaller silver fish. Eating the smaller fish helps to reduce the population, allowing more food for the others and hence helps to prevent a stunted fish population. The kingfisher has also been seen flitting over the water.

 

Memberships being processed by post

Memberships are being processed by post to ensure that Covid distancing rules are observed. Renewals and new memberships are being processed but joining during the new lockdown may not be worthwhile.

 

February and March activities

With the current lockdown all activities, including matches and individual pleasure fishing, are cancelled until further notice. Check our web site www.bwpfc.org.uk for the latest information. Hopefully, now that vaccination is being rolled out, things will begin to return to normal, but probably not until March at the earliest.

 

Joining the Club

If you are interested in joining the club please contact our membership secretary Cathy Naylor on 07934-895513 for an application form. Alternatively, applications can be made by downloading a membership form from the website and sending, with an SAE, to our membership secretary (details on the form and on the web site). Membership renewals and applications are only being processed by post. The membership year runs from mid-June. Membership renewals and applications for the 2020-21 season are open.

Membership is open to anyone who lives in Bishops Waltham, plus a number of Associate membership places (for those living outside the Parish). Priority is given to Parish membership (especially juniors), but anyone living outside of the Parish wishing to join should contact Cathy for an Associate Membership place.

 

Club web site

For more information about the club and its activities, the club's web site can be found at: www.bwpfc.org.uk

Steve Edge and Barry Jerome