An inglorious blank - and stuff that shouldn't be there

[johnesmithson]

Ever the optimist, I thought it would be worth giving the West Dart a go today now that the daytime temperatures have fallen. Six hours of painful scrambling from Dunnabridge to Prince Hall and back up the Cherry Brook resulted in the grand total of zero fish. A few half-hearted rises to the various flies that I chucked, but it almost felt like the river was devoid of fish. Sparse hatch of midge and gnats but nothing moving on the surface. I guess the fact that there hasn't been a decent flood all summer might have something to do with it, and although the water feels cool, the levels on the various gauges are rock bottom. Highlight of the day was a kingfisher which rather obligingly crossed the river twice in front of me. Lowlights were four cormorants on different pools, loads of Himalayan Balsam, and a new-ish wire fence strung across the Cherry Brook which looks like it will be very effective in deterring potential spawners due to its lattice construction. Anyone got a number for the EA? They should have a look at it or I can send them the photo. 

[terry]

Thanks for posting Johnny albeit a bit of a dismal report on one of my favourite places. Brave of you it give it a go though.
I haven’t seen a cormorant up there in a while ( thankfully) but maybe they are either desperate or they know more than we do.
We do need a really good flush through all right but the forecast doesn’t look promising.

[halfstoned]

Sounds like a tough session Johnny, I had a few fish from my little Dartmoor stream after a small rise in water this week. The level didn't last though and its back to its bones again now. I really wanted to fish the East or West Dart this season but it looks like I'm going to run out of time again. I've given up on the rain dancing now.

[johnesmithson]

Thanks for that chaps, I haven't given up hope yet and intend to get my money's worth from the season ticket before the end of September!

[Pete Tyjas]

That sounds like you covered some ground and sorry to hear the fish were few and far between.

I haven't been fishing hard but have found it all to be a little unpredictable when I have been out. At times, there has been some good hatches and rising trout as a result of it and on others, nothing.

It is interesting you mention kingfishers. I don't think I have seen so many as this year. I am no expert as to reason but wondered if the low water had made easier hunting and therefore feeding of youngsters but don't really know.

[johnesmithson]

Here is the fencing I mentioned. I think the middle section is supposed to swing up when the water flow changes. I should have checked that it did, but it's not hard to imagine that it will fail if it gets bunged up with stuff coming down in a flood.

[terry]

Johnny I take it that is not too far up the cherry from the west dart. I assume this is to prevent cattle from straying down to the west dart but I can’t quite fathom why as they are mostly in the adjoining field. I did report a dead cow in the middle of the river (just down to where I believe this fencing is) to the Duchy last year.
I’m never really sure as to what purpose these barriers are erected. There has been a similar barrier on the upper west dart above two bridges for years and all it seems to do is collect debris from floods. It would be good to know exactly why they are there. Must be a good reason as Dartmoor farmers are usually careful with their expenditure.

[johnesmithson]

Thanks Terry, yes that's the place. I will make some enquiries and report back. Thinking about trying the EA, Duchy and West Country Rivers Trust....

[BarleBlanker]

Aug 28, 2022 17:16:35 GMT johnesmithson said:

Here is the fencing I mentioned. I think the middle section is supposed to swing up when the water flow changes. I should have checked that it did, but it's not hard to imagine that it will fail if it gets bunged up with stuff coming down in a flood.

That doesn't look good!
I think in high flows with plenty of grass caught in the mesh it will probably swing but a lot of migration in these small tribs can happen very last minute at fairly low flows. There is also the issue (particularly with sea trout which are repeat spawners) of fish getting through in high water, spawning and then getting stuck above the fence when the level drops. This leaves them very vulnerable to predation.

If there is a few inches clear under the bottom strand it should be OK, if there isn't then a pair of wire cutters and the bottom six inches going missing...


Andy

[terry]

Andy I completely agree with you but why was it put there in the first place.
Terry

[terry]

Two fruitless trips on the west dart so far.
The good news is the odd fencing strung across the cherry brook has been removed.
The bad news, and a word of warning, the wooden bridge over the cherry just up from the confluence of the west dart seems to be very much in a state of disrepair and looks decidedly dangerous. I think I might contact Prince William and remind him of his new responsibilities. After all the partying though.
Terry

[johnesmithson]

Good to hear that fencing has gone Terry, maybe swept away by one of the floods? Good tip about that bridge thank you, I will take care next time I'm down there. Hoping you've made contact with some Moor brownies since your last report. Water levels and weather look a bit more promising now.