Dorchester Fishing Club - Annual Report 2001

The Foot & Mouth outbreak that started in February is still ongoing and with over 2,000 confirmed cases in UK, it is thankful that Dorset still remains untouched by this crisis. The fishing season was put on hold until the Government gave the go ahead to reopen footpaths across Dorset on the 26^th May. Albeit with the continuing restriction of not fishing in the proximity of live stock. This compromise was reached by the Managing Committee after consulting the riparian farmers and will be reviewed during the winter. The Club has been thanked by the farmers for our diligence and the Managing Committee would also like to thank all our Members for their tolerance this season.

There were still plenty of good fish caught with several over 2lbs from the Lower Water. We were still able to enjoy the back end of the Mayfly season and again the summer evenings produced fine catches during the large falls of B.W.O’s.  Low and very clear water made fishing very difficult for the last few months of this unique season.

The stock fish were superb and the blue dye on the fishes stomach was needed to identify them from the wild fish. It will be very interesting to see where these fish were caught and if they survive the winter months.

The ranunculus growth this season has been disappointing and only the Carter Water required one tiny trim. The lack of ranunculus and low summer rain caused some of the lowest water levels for many seasons.

When the rains finally arrive, the water meadows on the Lower Water will hopefully have been restored to take full advantage of extra water. We have been lucky to secure a guest speaker for this years AGM. and he will explain the complications of recreating the ancient art of the water meadow system.

The Managing Committee

Keepers Corner

Today is the 13^th October, the sun has shone at 75 degrees for two days now.  It is the first time I can remember gravel washing in just a shirt and neoprene chest waders, sticky work.  By lunch, I had seen 3 deer, 3 herons, 3 buzzards and an egret.

This season has gone quicker than any I can remember, probably due to a slightly later than usual start.

It has seemed strange as a keeper to see so few anglers out on the banks, but even stranger is the lack of dog walkers all summer, this has certainly benefited our wild life, I have never seen so many ducks on our water during the summer months.

The weed growth can only be described as sparse.  So much so, I only spent one evening weed cutting with John Grindle on the Carter water.  However, there has been plenty of mowing, strimming and tree trimming to keep me busy.

The eggs, 20,000 in total, have been ordered for the hatchery and will be put in place sometime in December  If any member would like to come along to see how it is done, please contact me nearer the time.

Electro fishing will take place on the lower water next week, results will be available later.

 The River Cerne has been a great asset for the Club and I know a few of you have enjoyed the tranquility this perfect little chalk stream offers.

Before we know it, it will be the AGM time again and I hope to see you all there.

John E Aplin

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