Standlake Fishery Report 2020 Season

Hello all.

I hope you have had an enjoyable Christmas. It has been a testing year for all of us and this was certainly the case for the fishery. Malcolm’s passing meant that there were things that had to be addressed quickly so that the season could go ahead. Several members stepped in and we were able to set things in place so the season could open on 29th March.

Three working parties had been held even though the weather seemed determined to prevent them going ahead. The water level was at the highest level I have seen since I have been a member. This meant that access to the far bank was denied because of flooding of the path. Storm Dennis decided to help us too on one of our dates. If anyone is able to predict dates for good weather please let me know and you can advise me on the dates for this year’s working parties. I do not seem to have the knack. A huge thank you to all that turned out to help. We managed and the fish were delivered in time for opening day and then came along COVID 19 and LOCK DOWN.

Finally we were given the green light to begin the season and with it we welcomed a number of new members. This allowed us to stock again before the summer doldrums hit us. During this period we also held 3 days where we endeavoured to clear weed from the swims. Many thanks to those that turned out to help. An advisor from the Environment Agency met with some members of the GPC, Trevor and myself to see if he could suggest ways to curb the weed growth. Unfortunately there is no magic cure and it has been decided that for the coming season we will try a combination of biological and mechanical control in the form of floating straw and clearing using rake and drags. Shortly after his visit we lost a number of fish because of the hot weather and low oxygen levels. A third stocking took place mid  October and allowed members to fish through until Christmas. This time of year can be a bit hit and miss but several members happened on the right conditions making their visit worthwhile. We also held 2 Saturday work parties one at the end of October and again at the end of November.