Counts

The upstream count for June 2011 was 3076, and is fourth highest in our records. The highest daily counts during June were recorded on the 14th and 20th with 462 and 278 being recorded respectively. The highest June count, 4,047 was recorded during 2008. The 2011 count was just over 400 counts higher the 5 year average (2668) and over 1,100 higher than the 15 year average (1927). Although, the count for June 2011 was not the highest in our records, it is worth considering that the previous highest May count (2005) was followed by quite a modest count for June. The upstream count for July up to the 10:00 on the 6th was 550.

The majority of upstream counts were recorded between 23:00 and 08:00 while the least were recorded between 16:00 and 21:00.

Further details of the daily upstream counts for 2011 and historic monthly counts can be found by following the link below:

Environment Agency - River Tyne fish counts

During June, the two largest daily upstream count totals were recorded immediately after two modest rises in river flow. However the spate on June 23rd resulted in almost no upstream counts being recorded that day, counts only recovering the once flows had reduced by half the following day. Unlike the cooler winter and early spring months, daily totals of upstream counts show very little response to changes in the water temperatures, although, the larger daily counts generally occurred when river temperatures were increasing rather than falling. The lowest daily average temperature, 12.98°C was recorded on the 24th whilst the highest, 18.11°C was recorded just four days later on the 28th.

If you are not already aware, we have a system on the internet that will allow you to check river levels before you head out. Please follow the link below:

Environment Agency - River and sea levels


Angler Scale Sampling Programme 2011

During June, 25 scale samples were received, 18 from salmon and 7 from sea trout. The majority of the samples came from fish caught upstream of Riding Mill. Of the salmon scale samples, 11 showed no plus growth at the edge of scale (generally be referred to as springers), 6 showed growth beyond the final winter at sea and one showed it was returning to spawn for a second occasion; previously returning to spawn as a grilse in 2010. Six of the sea trout samples came from fish returning to the river for the first time and while the remaining sea trout sample came from a fish that was returning to river to spawn for the fourth time; previously returning during the summers or autumns of 2008, 09 and 10. Up to the end of the June, 62 salmon and 7 sea trout scales samples have been received.

The Angler Scale Sampling Programme is part of the impact assessment into the construction of the Second Tyne Tunnel. Support of the Angler Scale Sampling Programme and Angler Logbook Scheme will ensure that these monthly updates will continue.

Many thanks for you support and please accept my apologies for the lateness of June's update, I will ensure it comes out closer to the 1st next month


Morton
The Angler Scale Sampling Programme is supported by:




Morton Heddell-Cowie
Tyne Tunnel Monitoring Officer


Environment Agency
Tyneside House
Newcastle Business Park
Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 7AR

Part of the Environment Agency's Yorkshire and North East Region

Here is a fine Tyne sea trout (8lb+) taken last week on the main river below Hexham.



Not by me - I hasten to add. But the quality of sea trout currently running the river Tyne and river Wear is extremely high!

I just heard from the Aberdeenshire Dee that they are having a poor year for sea trout so far (but salmon fantastic).

Colin