Because of the extreme air temperatures that we’ve experienced recently (which are likely to be repeated again this year), we’ve needed to close or restrict opening hours at Frensham. This has been necessary for several reasons, including;
- Trout are temperature dependent and start to feel the effects when water temperatures rise above 18 deg.
- With a rise in air/water temperature, dissolved oxygen levels drop, which naturally effects the well being of fish stock.
- Because we operate a catch & release fishery, then the potential for damaging fish caught & released increases significantly during periods of high temperature.
As alreday noted in previous news posts, we are very fortunate at Frensham because we have a spring/stream-fed free-flowing system, dark water (because of the colour of the substrate) and the site is very well shaded. Nevertheless, the impact of prolonged high air temperatures can be significant.
In response to extreme weather conditions, we will continue to monitor air/water temperatures, maintain pipes, sluices and weirs, and take whatever short term management measures are required.
For those visitors who have been unable to fish recently, or have needed to have their bookings rescheduled, we would like to thank you for your understanding and patience.
Tight lines,
Matt Carroll, Fishery Manager