This week, the Environment Agency has released 1750 fish into Crofton Lake in Cumbria to help coarse fish thrive at the lake and support the Carlisle and District Coarse Angling Club.
A mix of Roach, Bream, Tench and Crucian Carp – all coarse fish – have been released into the lake, to help boost populations and help them thrive.
The restocking was needed at Crofton Lake after fish losses were caused by predation as well as low oxygen levels from a long, hot, summer.
The fish were collected from Calverton Fish Farm near Nottingham, which is funded from fishing licence fees. Calverton works hard to produce the healthy fish needed for recovery and re-stocking and is the Environment Agency’s principal supply of coarse fish.
Each year the farm produces around 450,000 fish of nine species, including Barbel, Chub, Dace and Grayling, for restocking into rivers following pollution incidents, to help restore fish stocks in rivers recovering from poor environmental quality, or to help boost angling participation.
Mike Farrell, Environment Agency Fisheries Officer, said: “This fish restocking is part of a programme of restocking works ran by the Environment Agency over the winter months, to support coarse fisheries across Cumbria and Lancashire and encourage angling participation.
“Angling interest at Crofton Lake has really taken off in recent years and the fishery provides an excellent angling venue for everyone.
“All fishing licence income is used to fund work to maintain, improve and develop fisheries, fish habitats and angling.
“Don’t forget you need a valid fishing licence in order to fish and these start from just £6 for a day licence and £30 for a yearly licence – all available online at www.gov.uk/get-a-fishing-licence.”
Crofton Lake is a twelve acre coarse fishery on the outskirts of Carlisle. Originally part of the old Crofton estate, the lake is now owned by Carlisle and District Coarse Angling Club who are working hard in their ambition to create not only a first class fishery but also a regional coaching and education centre for young anglers.
Martin Chandler of Carlisle and District Coarse Angling Club, said: “We are delighted by the quality of the new fish provided by the Environment Agency.
“Fish stocks at the lake include Carp, both mirrors and commons, with some going over the twenty pounds mark, together with a large head of Bream, good sized Tench, Roach, Rudd, Perch and Gudgeon – and the odd Chub.
“Both membership and day permits are available and we would welcome new members and junior anglers to the club.”
Annual fishing licences are available from only £30 and you can get a fishing licence online at www.gov.uk/get-a-fishing-licence.
It’s important people remember to report any environmental incidents, such as fish kills, illegal poaching or pollution, to the Environment Agency’s incident hotline, open 24/7, on 0800 80 70 60.
