I keep hearing through various sources that there will be a major shortage of rainbows for stocking come the end of the year. Suppliers had some heavy fish deaths in the winter which is now having an impact. Anyone else heard of this...

There has been a shortage of the right size of fish all season, nothing to do with fish deaths, its down to the harsh winter 2009 - 2010 which restricted the growth rates on the farms which in turn had a knock on effect with fish of 2lb+ in particular at times not so easy to get.

However the situation is easing growth rates are catching up & getting the size of fish you want is more or less where you would expect it to be at this time of year.

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www.flyfishthornton.co.uk
www.flyfishforemark.co.uk
Member Fishery: Stillwater Game Fisheries Association www.troutfisheries.co.uk

Our supplier has informed us most fish farms in the UK are struggling with fish in the 2lb-3lb class, they also stated it could last well into the new year before fish sizes return to normal, As far as i know there will be a report in the Daily Record and The Sun fishing sections over the next few weeks.


Gary

Is that why nearly every supplier in the UK say they are struggling and that it could be well into the new year before they even start to get back to normal.

There was a few fish deaths from the hard winter and some fish farms are closing down also.Other things have also effected fish supply in Scotland.There is no doubting it will not be an easy ride in the coming months and into next year also for any stillwaters.Should we get another harsh winter,it will put it back again.

On top of this water temps and weed growth have not helped some waters either.

Anybody wanting to go into fish farming nows the time.Stillwater growth will out weigh demand and supply.

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Kevin

monical,

Most years fish farms over produce, however with the increase in fish feed cost many farms decided it was too high a financial risk to over produce, with the rough winter, recession, for many it was a wise decision.

Early on in the year most farms could produce the right size of fish that customers wanted however by mid April it was obvious farms were struggling fish that should have been 2lb+ were struggling to make 1lb8oz as the cold winter held back growth rates with fisheries having to take smaller trout.

The situation is easing & there are a few more fish available on the open market, still nowhere near the amount normally at this time of year, if the fisheries have their orders in place they should be reasonably OK for the autumn / winter period with trout sizes more or less where they should be.

Not sure on the situation in Scotland Im sure Kevin can put you right there

__________________
www.flyfishthornton.co.uk
www.flyfishforemark.co.uk
Member Fishery: Stillwater Game Fisheries Association www.troutfisheries.co.uk