River Tyne 17 July 2016
Kielder release
Tyne salmon counts
Salmon and sea trout continue to enter the Tyne system in large number, up to the 14th July the total count was in excess of 13,100. Over 5,200 counts were recorded in early July; amazingly over 40% of the average annual run has already travelled over the counter. These fish are spread throughout the Tynes.
The Environment Agency has confirmed the total for June was 7,113, arecord count for the month since 1996 (when the counter was commissioned). The early July activity was high, possibly in excess of 2,500 up to the 5th.
River reports
The river levels have fluctuated, reflecting the rainfall pattern, salmon and sea trout responded, both species are well represented throughout the system. Those fortunate anglers who were on the river at the right time were well rewarded.
Virtually every beat fished on the South Tyne caught fish, salmon and seatrout have made their way up to Alston and beyond. Some good brown trout to 1.5 lbs also figured in catches. Many fish were very fresh and in excellent condition.
The North Tyne produced some splendid catches with clean fish reported well upriver of Bellingham. Cris Ramos accounting for 6 salmon to 20lb in one days fishing at Chester Lower Beat, a first class day by any standard. Cris landed another 4 salmon to record 10 salmon on his short visit to Chesters. Russell Brumby caught his best salmon to date; it weighed 14lb and was caught in the Waters Meet, on the same beat Graham Howse landed 2 salmon to 13lb. An early start for John Williams was very rewarding; John Williams caught 2 salmon to 16lb in the Junction Pool.
Hexham and Corbridge beats produced some very good catches; one rod fishing an evening at Corbridge caught 7 seatrout.
These catches are only a very small portion of recent catches, many more fish are coming to the net, and long may it continue.
Some fresh fish are carrying fresh water lice; it is probable that such fish briefly rested in the lower river where water temperatures and flows in late May and early June created ideal conditions for the lice.