The Torridge Fishery Association will again be asking for an extension to the Salmon fishing season until the 14th October. During the extension fishing will be with barbless hooks only and will be strictly catch and release.

High water levels have seen excellent fishing conditions. Charles Inniss and Paddy Gillies both had Salmon of around the 9lb mark on the 3rd. PG also caught a 8lb Sea Trout and a 7lb Salmon the next day. A 5lb grilse and a 2lb Sea Trout were taken at Junction.

Another salmon season starts on 1st March with the brown trout season opening a fortnight later. After the recent wintry weather let’s hope for an early spring. After the recent flood resulting from snow melt and the severe storm which swept across southern England the river should be very fishable by the end of the month. The Torridge was renowned for its run of large early salmon and is one of the few rivers in England and Wales that still boasts a small number of these early fish. Last season Jonathan Ramsey caught the first of the year on 5th March. Spinning is allowed in March, but from 1st April “fly only” is the rule. For an update of river conditions and prospects the association secretary can be contacted on 01409 231 237 or at charles.inniss@btinternet.com.

All is well at our hatchery. 58,000 eggs were laid down and having survived the snow and ice unscathed will be hatching in the next month.

We are all hopeful that the recent improvements in our beautiful river continue in 2009.

Once again an extension to the season has been secured. Fishing will now continue until 14th October 2008. The conditions attached to the extension are that all fish caught are released, barbed hooks are used at all times and every angler must be in possession of a special permit. Permits are available from Charles Inniss who can be contacted on 01409 231 237 (best time 8a.m. to 9a.m.) or at The Beeches, Sheepwash, EX21 5NW.

The first large summer flood for some time suggests excellent prospects for the week beginning 14th July

In Order to gather data on the number of late-running salmon, the EA has agreed to allow anglers to fish on the Torridge for salmon (not sea trout or brown trout) during the first fortnight of October. All fish must be released and fishing must only be with a single barbless or debarbed hook. The scheme is being administered by the River Torridge Fishery Association. As well as a valid national rod licence, anglers must be in possession of a permit giving permission to fish during this fortnight. Anglers fishing without a permit will be deemed to be fishing illegally out of season. Permits can be obtained from the Secretary of the Association, Charles Inniss (See ‘home page’ for contact details) or from The Half Moon Inn (see ‘places to stay’). Together with the permit to fish, anglers will be issued with a catch return form that must be completed and returned to the Secretary by 31st October. Anglers failing to complete the catch return form by that date will not be issued with a permit in 2008. There will be no permit fee, but anglers issued with permits who are not members of the Association will be encouraged to join (Associate membership £15) or at least make a financial contribution towards the cost of administering the scheme. For any further information please contact the Secretary.