The river Fowey is a true Moorland river, rising near Brown Willy, the highest point in Cornwall.

It flows for 30 miles to the sea at Fowey and is little influenced by agricultural or industrial activity.

Characteristically gin clear, it provides a real challenge to the fly fisherman.

2004 catch at Wainsford 31 salmon best 17lbs 10 oz 222 sea trout best 8lbs 9 oz The fish counter at Lostwithiel, operated by the Environment Agency showed that 7483 sea trout (9051) and 2279 salmon (1777) ran the river in the twelve months to December. The salmon run in particular was pleasing to see especially bearing in mind that the run had reduced to little over 500 fish just seven years ago.

The hatchery has obviously played its part , indeed we are expecting much larger returns to “kick in” in 2006. It is not the whole story however and a large amount of habitat improvement across the Catchment coupled with restraint on the part of the rods has played its part. Up until the last few years, the summer grilse run had virtually disappeared but we now see good numbers of salmon (three times the 10yr average) arriving from July onwards. This situation will improve dramatically if the present efforts to close the Irish Drift net fishery succeed.

Circle Hooks

It is important to note that the limited bait fishing allowed at Wainsford should in future, be with “circle” hooks only. For those of you who have not seen them, these hooks have a concealed point which makes it almost impossible to gut-hook a fish. In these days of voluntary catch and release, plus of course, the legal requirement to return all gravid fish, it is up to us all to protect fish wherever possible.

The technique is to draw the line slowly and firmly following a take. This pulls the hook up to the jaw where it turns and lip hooks the fish. The hooks were developed by sea long-liners who dread the gut-hooked fish as it has to be removed from the line whilst the boat moves forward at speed.

For those of you who cannot source circle hooks, a small free supply will be available at Wainsford.

With the spread of parasite problems throughout Northern Europe, we are particularly keen to protect the river Fowey from danger. IF YOU HAVE FISHED ABROAD within one month of coming on holiday here, please advise Paul Eliot in advance. We will arrange for your waders and nets to be sterilised on arrival, free of charge.

Orri Vigfusson, Chairman of the North Atlantic Salmon Fund, returns the last rod caught salmon of the 20th Century, caught at Wainsford on 15th Dec 1999 > SEA TROUT > SALMON > The River at Wainsford > The Lakes at Wainsford

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