Improved Anglers Access Benefits River Fishers

The Service recently received correspondence from a dedicated angler who focuses on fishing rivers and streams in the North West. Adrian Webb made over 120 outings during the 2009-10 season, fishing rivers such as the Dasher, Wilmot, Minnow, Meander, and Mersey.

Adrian loves fishing the rivers and said that “There is nothing better in life than being in the middle of a river casting a spinner to a hungry trout”.

Adrian’s results are extraordinary with over 1000 brown and rainbow trout captured during the season showing the enormous potential of the State’s river fisheries. Adrian exclusively uses light lure casting gear and his favourite Mepps spinners. He practices catch and release and returns over 90% of the fish he catches.

It is the experiences of anglers like Adrian that has motivated the Service to implement Anglers Access on some of the State’s best rivers to promote and improve facilities for anglers.

Adrian saved his highest praise for the River Leven where the Service has recently completed the latest Anglers Access project.

“What a great river this is”, said Adrian. “I love fishing this river as it always produces quality fish. In one trip this season I managed to have 65 hook ups and landed 45 browns, the biggest fish taken went 720 g. I had my best catch rate in the Leven as well this season. With the new Inland Fisheries Service access areas to the river was one of the main reasons my catch rate improved as well. The section of the river that now has access to it was where I had the 65 hook-ups.”

The Service is currently working on the Meander River which is also praised by Adrian for its potential.  With the continued support of generous private landowners, the Service hopes to improve access to more areas of these beautiful river fisheries for future generations of anglers.

As Adrian said, “Bring on next season”.