Members' Page
Trout fishing
starts 1st March 2025
ends 30th November 2025
Fishery Management
Following the Club’s recent visit to our fish supplier and in accordance with best practice supported by the Environment Agency, the Committee have decided it will be necessary to suspend catch and release when and if the lake becomes too warm.
This is because there is significant evidence that fish may not survive being caught in these conditions.
We will advise members when and if this becomes necessary.
In the meantime it is important that we protect our fish as much as possible to help them survive the warmer temperatures. Please see the information below outlining correct release procedures and the importance of same.
There are several things we can do to help, so please carry out the following.
1. Always fish barbless or debarbed hooks when fishing catch and release.
2. If possible always leave the fish in the water removing the hook, with a quick release tool ,either before or after netting.
3. If this is not possible minimise the time the fish is out of the water and return it to the water in the net if it cannot be unhooked quickly to help it recover.
4. If the fish has been netted, adopt the recommendations attached to help it swim off strongly before release.
5. Do not just put it back in the lake and hope
Why Catch and Release Matters
Catch and release is a crucial component of sustainable fishing. Trout, particularly large ones, take years to grow, and if mishandled, they may not survive long after release. Oxygen deprivation, internal injuries, and exhaustion are all risks that can turn a simple fishing trip into an unintended fatality for the fish. A good angler doesn’t just focus on the fight; they prioritize a fish’s well-being long after it’s slipped from their hands.
Minimizing Air Exposure: The Key to Survival
The moment a trout leaves the water, the clock starts ticking.
Fish extract oxygen through their gills, and when exposed to the air, suffocation begins almost immediately.
A general rule is to keep the fish out of the water no longer than you can hold your breath.
That means if you’re fumbling around for a camera or struggling to unhook the fish, it’s already been out too long. The best practice is to keep the fish submerged in a net until everything is ready – then lift it briefly for a quick picture and return it immediately to the water.
The Right Way to Hold a Trout
Handling a trout correctly is critical for its survival.
Squeezing the fish too hard can cause internal injuries, even if there’s no visible damage.
The best way to hold a trout is by cradling it with one hand under the belly and the other gently securing the tail.
Avoid putting pressure on its midsection, where vital organs are located.
Keeping the fish horizontal is also essential – tilting it too much in either direction can make it difficult for the fish to regain balance once released.
Releasing a Trout the Proper Way
A proper release doesn’t mean simply tossing the fish back into the water and hoping for the best.
If a trout has put up a long fight, it may be exhausted and unable to swim properly.
The best technique is to hold the fish gently in the water, facing it into the current if you’re in a river, or cradling it in still water until it starts to move on its own.
Never force a fish to swim off before it’s ready – if it drifts sideways or appears sluggish, continue to support it until it regains enough strength to take off naturally.
There is more information here on the Wild Trout Trust website
https://www.wildtrout.org/content/catch-and-release
The links on this page are for members of Nottingham Fly Fishers Club only and require a password to open them.
