Trout numbers boosted as fisheries restocked

A mixture of rainbow and blue trout will be put in Yorkshire Water’s sites in the Washburn Valley at Swinsty and Fewston near Harrogate. In total, 10,000lb of trout will be added to the two sites over the coming months.

Colin Winterburn, the warden for Yorkshire Water’s Washburn Valley area, said anglers and fishing enthusiasts could look forward “to a great season ahead” once the restocking programme is complete.

So far, the largest recorded trout catch came in 2006 when a 14lb rainbow specimen was landed – but it is hoped the record may be broken.

Bird enthusiasts also have something to look forward to this spring, with the expected return of a number of migratory bird species to the Washburn Valley this month.

Fish-eating ospreys may be seen taking advantage of the valley’s plentiful supply of food, while willow warblers and chiff chaffs should be visible in the woodlands which surround the reservoirs as they set up their seasonal homes for the summer.

Mr Winterburn added: “Despite the confusion in this year’s weather, the Washburn Valley is already buzzing with animal activity, with lots of species flitting around as they begin their preparations for the start of the breeding season in April.”

More information on Yorkshire Water’s Washburn Valley fisheries is available by calling 01943 880658 or visiting www.yorkshirewater.com/recreation