Angling Notes: Ancient white sturgeon caught in Canada

AN ancient fish caught in British Columbia’s Fraser River in Canada recently is being described as an extremely rare catch, according to CTV News.

A group guided by staff at the Fraser River Lodge managed to reel in a 3.5-metre-long (11.5 feet), white sturgeon in an area near Agassiz.

The fish measured 56 inches in circumference and weighed 800 lbs. Its age is not known, but it could be more than 100 years old, given its size. The monster sturgeon had never been tagged before, so this may have been the first time it was caught.

“Catches like this are extremely rare and always exciting to be a part of,” a representative of the lodge said.

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It took more than an hour to land, in part because the three that took turns had to manoeuvre around bridge pillars and an island, all while the boat struck parts of sunken trees.

When finally brought in, it was measured, scanned, tagged and released. Guides from the lodge monitored the sturgeon, making sure it was ready for release.

According to Fisheries and Oceans Canada, white sturgeon are the largest freshwater fish in Canada, and have existed relatively unchanged for millions of years.

The bottom-feeding fish is in a critical state of decline in some parts of British Colombia and among the wildlife protected under the Species at Risk Act.

The Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation Society said white sturgeon can live over 150 years and grow up to six metres in length.

Two men receive prison sentences and fines for illegal salmon fishing
Mr Michael Malone of Monastery Avenue, Taghmon, Co Wexford, received a sentence of five months' imprisonment, a €2,000 fine and €1,245 in court costs, following a recent prosecution by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) at Kilkenny District Court.

Also in Kilkenny District Court on the same day, Mr James Malone, of Cuis na Bearu, Graiguenamanagh, Co Kilkenny received a sentence of three months’ imprisonment, a €1,500 fine and €1,245 in court costs.

Fisheries staff outlined to the court how the two men had been observed illegal netting on the River Barrow, attempting to capture salmon.

As a statutory consequence for use of a boat contrary to Section 285 (A)(1) of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959, the boat was seized and is now automatically forfeited.

The breaches occurred on July 21st 2020 on the River Barrow at Bauck, Co. Carlow/Kilconnelly, Co Kilkenny.

Judge O’Shea proceeded to convict the defendants on all charges under Section 96, 97, 65 and 285A of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959. The case has been appealed to the Circuit Court.

Serious fish kill reported at Barnagrow Lake in Co Cavan
A serious fish kill at Barnagrow Lake, near Shercock, Co Cavan and within the Annalee River and Upper Erne catchment, is being investigated by fisheries staff following a call from a member of the public.

It is estimated in excess of 5,000 fish perished including bream, roach, perch and pike. Samples have been taken for further analysis.

Initial investigations indicate that a severe algal bloom, combined with high water temperatures and low oxygen levels, are the likely causes of the incident.

Dr Milton Matthews of the North-Western River Basin District, said: “Unfortunately, this is a very significant fish kill affecting several year classes of coarse fish and is the largest reported fish kill nationally to date in 2021.”

Fish-Live-Learn with Glenda Powell on the Blackwater
A Fish-Live-Learn meeting with Glenda Powell will take place on Saturday, August 21st at the Blackwater Salmon Fishery (found on Google maps). To book a reservation, contact glenda@glendapowellguiding.com.

The day will consist of some fishing on the Blackwater for trout and salmon (salmon licence can be purchased on the day). Powell will check each individuals’ fishing tackle and some casting instruction will take place in group sessions with single and double-handed rods.

A BBQ at lunch time will also be provided.

Subscribers to Fish-Live-Learn will cover the cost of the meeting. If you are not a subscriber or wish to bring a friend, please follow link above.

41st Lough Melvin Open Trout Boat Competition
The 41st Lough Melvin Open Trout Five-Day Boat Competition is scheduled to take place from August 25th-29th, 2021, with fishing from 11am until 6pm. Entries are limited to 50 boats on heat days on a first-come basis and no entries will be accepted by phone.

For further details regarding entry forms, etc. phone Terry McGovern, 078 5119 5320.

If you have an angling story to share, please send it to me at angling@irishtimes.com.