New plans unveiled to extend BewlWater’s Indigenous Brown Trout population

2009 promises to be a landmark year in Bewl's 32-year history with the announcement by Bewl's new owner Simon Hume-Kendall of a 10-point improvement strategy which will represent over half a million pounds of investment into the fishery.

New plans include stocking Bewl from home-reared indigenous brown trout.

“Contact has been made with the Environment Agency to discuss a proposal to establish a hatchery on the banks of the water or very nearby to hatch eggs from Bewl’s native brown trout population. This new proposal would allow us to gradually increase Bewl’s head of rarely seen indigenous wild brown trout. Fish would be reared in conjunction with guidelines from the Environment Agency’s National Trout and Grayling Rearing Strategy to ensure genetic diversity and brood stock would all come from Bewl’s feeder streams. Over its 30-year history, Bewl has seen many brown trout of over 10lbs being caught with one fish reaching almost 20lbs which is almost unheard of in a river or lake environment and means that these fish are using Bewl as a sea trout or salmon would the sea, returning to its native stream to spawn. We expect this project to generate significant scientific interest,” said Simon Hume-Kendall.

Beautiful Bewl Water in Kent is already a popular destination for flyfishing enthusiasts and the new plans also include updating the current facilities at the water ensuring Bewl remains a leading fishery well into the future.

Bewl, which has one of the largest flyfishing clubs in England, is already famed for its quality home-reared rainbow trout around 40000 of which are trickle stocked into the lake throughout the season. In 2009 stocks of trout will be boosted and over 800 hard-fighting muscular blue trout averaging over 2.25lbs have already been introduced and, judging by the enthusiasm with which they have been received, more will be added in the near future.

Other plans include the replacement of Bewl's 50 boat fleet with the popular Coulam 15 flyfishing boats by March 2010 (the boat building programme starts in May 09 - same as the Grafham boats) and redevelopment of the fishing lodge as well as improvements to the fishing jetties and beaches.

Bewl is stocked with superb quality home-reared trout which often weigh over 2 lbs at the time of introduction. The fishery record for Rainbow Trout is 18lbs 10ozs and for Brown Trout it is 14lbs 10ozs, which is more typical of the size of fish found in the great lakes in Canada.

One-day beginners courses are held throughout the season and private tuition, junior days and corporate events can also be arranged.

For further information about fishing at Bewl visit www.bewl.co.uk <http://www.bewl.co.uk/> email fish@bewl.co.uk <mailto:fish@bewl.co.uk%20> or call the Fishing Lodge on 01892 890352

Notes to Editors:

Bewl Water is one of England’s finest and most attractive trout fisheries with boat fishing on much of Bewl’s 770 acres from the fleet of 54 well-maintained boats, and bank fishing accessible on more than half of the lake’s 17-mile shoreline. The beautiful Wealden surroundings and the intricate shape of Bewl Water appeal both to those who like the intimacy of secluded and sheltered bays, and to those who appreciate the huge expanses and panoramic views only experienced on the larger still water fisheries.

Information and advice is available from staff at the fishing lodge and newcomers will receive all the assistance they need. The Lodge stocks a wide range of flies and fishing tackle, waterproof clothing and wellies, and is open 7 days per week from 0830hrs to 1800hrs during the season which starts on 21st March. A range of day fishing permits are available with prices from £13 to £20 while a full day’s motor boat hire is available from £20. Season tickets start at £500.

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