It was good to see so many of you at the weekend to celebrate Walbran Day, the first weekend of the new trout season. Despite cold weather and a rising river, it didn’t dampen our spirits and we managed to drink coffee, eat bacon and sausage sandwiches, catch up with members old and new and visit the hatchery.
Last year the hatchery was extremely challenging to manage, there was a pollution incident, a broken pipe, the fencing around the ponds was becoming less predator proof and the netting across the top of the ponds was no longer fit for purpose.
During the off-season, Michael (Chairman and Hatchery Manager) and Robert (River-keeper) have been working hard to upgrade the facility. New fencing and netting protecting our fish stocks, new pipe increasing the flow of water into the hatchery and new storage containers, a coat of paint and a general tidy up. The result of their labour was there for all to see at the weekend. Special thanks to the Committee, Will Pomroy, Malcolm and others for their support.
On the river bank, new steps have been installed at Hatchery Flatts, Armitage Stream, Goose Island and Mickley Glide greatly improving access to the river.
On Saturday, Keith Collins was available to answer a number of fly tying questions, and Richard Townsend arrived with a crate full of fly tying materials (a lot of excitement from the fly tiers present – thanks Richard).
A few hardy souls made it into the river, others took the opportunity to check-out a few new locations to fish this year and those wishing to celebrate our history called in at ‘The Bruce’, where Walbran spent many a night!
Our Walbran Auction winner (a TAC Fly Box and 45 traditional Club flies) was Andrew Greenwood with a final bid of £301. Thank you for all your support and especially to our winner.
This was our first Walbran Day experience and the feedback has been positive. A chance to meet fellow members at the start of the new season, an opportunity to re-engage with the club after the winter and some early season fishing. I think we will do it again next year.
Our next big social event will be our summer sizzler at Tanfield Lake, Saturday 11th July (more details to follow, put it in the diary).
Tight Lines!