THE presence of non-native crayfish in the Tees waters used by members of Barnard Castle Angling Club could be providing an unexpected spin-off.
Club chairman Gareth Hinchcliffe told fellow anglers at the annual meeting he had never seen so many fish weighing in at more than 1lb as he has this year.
Mr Hinchcliffe, who is also the club’s head bailiff, speculated that the reason could in part be due to the fish feeding on crayfish.
He said there appeared to be more predators about, including otters and heron, which are also eating crayfish.
Mr Hinchcliffe picked up the fly fishing trophy for a 1lb 11oz rainbow trout which he caught off Tees Cottage on the Startforth side of the river.
The junior prize went to Liam Fell with a 1lb 12oz brown trout caught on worm.
“There are plenty of fish in the river. I have never seen so many over 1lb,” said Mr Hinchcliffe.
“There appear to be fewer smaller fish and more bigger fish. I don’t think there were as many people fishing this year. There were more predators, but they seem to be eating the crayfish.”
Treasurer Maurice Eustace said the club’s membership and finances were in a similar position to a year ago.
There are 68 senior members and 25 juniors. Members agreed to keep subs the same for another year.
Anglers aged under 21 are offered free membership – but they must officially join to fish the club’s waters.
Income from day tickets, which are issued to visiting anglers, was down from £205 in 2021 to £86.50 this year and the club received no donations, however, fundraising activities contributed more than £400 to the club’s coffers.
Mr Hinchcliffe, Mr Eustace and long-serving secretary Frank Harrison were all re-elected to their offices for another year.
Mr Harrison thanked Barnard Castle Workingmen’s Club for hosting the meeting and Deanne Cruddas for providing the buffet.
