One such fishery to receive the injection of additional fish stocks of roach, perch and bream was the Cannock Extension Canal which runs from the A5 near Norton Canes to the junction with the Wyrley Essington Canal at Pelsall.
This is a fantastic and positive move by BW to further improve the quality of fishing along the canal which is already noted by local anglers for its head of tench, pike and large carp.
Harrisons S&SC, based in Great Wyrley, who control the fishing rights of all the canal is indebted to the efforts of Carl Nicholls, Angling Coordinator for BW West Midlands, who has worked extremely hard behind the scenes over several months to bring about the stocking and thus in the process realised some of clubs dreams for the canal.
British Waterways angling coordinator, Carl Nicholls said of the stockings: “Angling is the country’s biggest participatory sport and with thousands of people visiting the West Midlands Waterways every year to fish, we want to ensure that the best possible opportunities for good fishing are available”.
Members of Harrisons S&SC fish the canal ‘FOC’ as one of the many sporting facilities their memberships provide. New members are always welcomed by the club; just visit it during opening hours to arrange a membership.
Alternately, annual adult season tickets to fish the canal are available by contacting Tony Kulik 07989 700638 or Dave Meredith 01922 413925. At just £5 per year, anglers will realize what a steal this is.
A word of caution though for anglers wishing to rush straight out today and try to capture those newly stocked fish. The Canal is a designated SSSI (Site of Scientific and Special Interest) because it is home to a total of thirty four aquatic plants, including rare species, making it the richest known waterway of its type in Staffordshire and the West Midlands, and placing it high within the national canal network series.
Because of the canals SSSI status it still carries a close season and angling is strictly not allowed between 16th Mar and 15 June each year. Failure to comply with this law could result in a fine of up to £2500 and confiscation of tackle if patrolling Environment Agency Enforcement Officers find anglers fishing during these dates.
Carl Nicholls of British Waterways pictured introducing some of the fish
(There were some nice bream too
)
, i wonder if British Waterways in other areas could follow this lead.
