Anne & Paul Kick Sampling in the Wear

Hi ladies

Sunday I was with cliff Johnston undertaking the first 2010 fly survey on the river wear.

Cliff is leading a group of anglers taking samples across the wear every month and recording the fly life and environmental consequences. Healthy fly life provides a vital component of the aquatic food chain, ensuring the survival and health of insect species is therefore paramount.

Who better to launch the survey then paul procter vice president of the wild trout trust. Paul was keen to start the kick sampling, and it was good to see that he’s fit enough to disco dance on the wear.

Cliff and Paul

Unfortunately, in recent years many UK water bodies have seen declines in their local fly life. The possible causes for the decline are many and varied, including climate change, pollution, water abstraction, and predation. Some of them work together or sequentially to compound their effects.

Cliff who is leading the group on the river wear

The most common findings were

1^st Heptagenia (stone clinger) best known fly the March Brown

2nd   Baetidae (olives) best known fly any of the Olives

We conducted a 3 minute kick sampling which was split according to the water. 90 seconds smooth water that was fast moving. 90 seconds riffle water, moving water with undulating surface. 60 seconds stone washing.

We will be holding a entomology and casting tuitoin day on the Wear May, June date to confirmed with Cliff. This event will be free. please contact annefishing@yahoo.co.uk