If as a game angler you found the last two seasons difficult and failed to catch what you hoped for, have a look at the following Environment Agency statistics for 2015. The average increase in net catches compared to the decrease in rod catches stands out. Of course the weather had apart to play as most rivers were affected by a lack of water at some time. The success of the nets however is a real cause for concern. Catches like this are not sustainable over the long term.
Comparison between number of Salmon and Sea Trout caught by Nets and Rods, 2014/2015, in the North East Fisheries Area.
- Nets: Salmon.
2015 | 2014 | 5 year avg | 2014/2015 | Avg +/- |
15,863 | 10,800 | 15,783 | + 47% | 0% |
- Rods: Salmon
2,934 | 4,269 | 6,705 | -31% | -56% |
- Nets: Sea Trout
2015 | 2014 | 5 year avg | 2014/2015 | Avg +/- |
60,696 | 46,116 | 38,489 | + 32% | +58% |
- Rods: Sea Trout
2,477 | 3,524 | 4,365 | -30% | -43% |
- 61 net licences produced income of £55,318.
- 5,875 game licences produced income of £169,000.
Totals for England and Wales 2014/2015; Caught/Retained/Released.
Nets | Salmon | Sea trout | Rods | Salmon | Sea Trout |
Caught | 17,132 | 64,468 | Caught | 10,261 | 27,851 |
Retained | 16,926 | 64,448 | Retained | 2,150 | 6,384 |
Released | 206 (1%) | 20(0%) | Released | 8,111(79%) | 21,503(77%) |
The number of rod licences issued nationally in 2015 fell by 11%.
Source: Environment Agency: Salmonid and Freshwater Fisheries Statistics for England and Wales 2015.