The upstream count for September 2011 was 7,519 and is sixth highest in our records; the highest (11,458) was recorded in 2010. The 2011 count was 558 higher than the 15 year average (6,961) but 808 lower the 5 year average (8,327). The upstream count for 2011 up to the end of September was 23,883 which is the fifth highest total for the period January through to September; the highest (35,352) was recorded last year. The highest daily totals were recorded on 5th, 21st and 27th August, with 399, 426 and 508 being recorded respectively. The upstream count for October up to approximately 10:00 on the 3rd was 937.

The majority of the upstream counts were recorded during the period 7am to 3pm, while the fewest counts were recorded between 5pm to 5am. The timing of when upstream counts were being recorded in 2011 is similar to that observed in 2010. This is quite different to what was observed in 2006, 2007 & 2009 where the majority of upstream counts were recorded during the hours of darkness. During September 06, 07 and 09 there were far more sea trout observed than salmon, while in 2010, the totals of salmon and sea trout observed were much closer. Although the 2011 footage is yet to be reviewed, short viewings whilst visiting our facility at Riding Mill, suggest that the totals for each species are also likely to be quite close.

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 August the largest daily upstream count was recorded a day after a modest increase in river height. The increases in river height on the 6th, 12th, 20th and 22nd all lead to declines in the numbers of upstream counts being recorded. Once the river heights started to decline there was usually an increase in upstream counts. As in August there appeared to be very little association between river temperature and the upstream counts the number of counts recorded, although there was usually an improvement in counts when the river temperature drop slightly after a period of increasing.

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
We have received 110 scale samples during September 2011, 93 coming from salmon and 17 from sea trout, bringing the total for the year to 373. Just under a quarter of the September salmon samples were from fish that had spent only one winter at sea, two thirds were found to have spent two winters at sea and just under a tenth were found to have spent 3 winters at sea. So far in 2011 we have received 31 samples from 3 sea winter fish; almost double what we received throughout the whole of the last season. The high number of these fish is the 2011 sample appears to be consistent with the reports of decent numbers of large salmon being caught. It is also worth noting that many of the two sea winter fish have been of a good size.

The sea trout samples for September were again dominated by one sea winter maiden fish (fish returning to spawn for the first time). Of the repeat spawning fish, two were return to spawn for a second time and one was returning for a third.

Salmon	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	Total
Feb				1		3	6	14	2	26
Mar			11	2	4	11	3	14	26	71
Apr			35	7	2	16	4	15	8	87
May			15	2	1	3	5	3	8	37
Jun			6	3	10	22	15	9	23	88
Jul	2		2		4	21	30	27	53	139
Aug			13	12	22	43	61	102	79	332
Sep			5	19	24	63	80	144	93	428
Oct				11	9	59	101	114		294
Total	2	0	87	57	76	241	305	442	292	1502

Sea trout	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	Total
Apr								2		2
May							1			1
Jun					6	9	17	4	10	46
Jul		1	2		12	18	21	42	33	129
Aug			5	5	7	19	26	52	21	135
Sep				2	2	13	14	22	17	70
Oct				2		12	12	16		42
Total	0	1	7	9	27	71	91	138	81	425

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. Please remember we want samples from fish of all sizes not just the very small and the very large.

If you are waiting for the results of samples you have already sent in, I am hoping to send them out towards the end of this week or the beginning of next. Sorry for the delay.

If you require more scale packets please drop me an email.

Many thanks for you support

Morton

The Angler Scale Sampling Programme is supported by: