Ye Gods did it rain yesterday.  It finally stopped at about 4pm after a final flourish that left Horton looking like Bombay in the monsoon but without the heat and flies.  As a consequence we now have a good salmon water on this bright and sunny morning and the prospect of good fishing throughout the fishery for the next couple of days.

I have finally managed to open the wooden box holding my antique Watson microscope (my neighbour managed to lose the bunch of keys that holds the one that fits the lock) so I can have a closer look at what is clouding the water in the Tarn.  More on this later, my limited biological science knowledge permitting.

A final scan through the papers I picked up on Tuesday led me to the minutes of the 14 June meeting of the Lancashire Fisheries Consultative Association where I found a number of interesting items including more info on Preston Council's bonkers plan for a Ribble Barrage.  It seems that the EA have expressed the opinion that this idiocy has a "minuscule" chance of success.  Environmental consultants are opposed to the scheme and there is a groundswell of local opposition which is finally having an impact on the Council.

What's this got to do with us up here at Horton you may say.  Well just think about the possible impact this structure could have on salmon and sea trout migration and it's apparent that we should each add our personal weight to the campaign.

I see also that the EA have issued a brochure entitled "Angling in 2015" which aims to increase participation in angling by 12 to 16 year olds and the over 50's.  The latter age group is not exactly an issue for us, but could we be doing more to encourage youngsters to take up fly fishing?

Finally on the political and national scene, DEFRA has commissioned Glasgow Caledonian University to study the economic contribution that fresh water angling makes to the UK economy.  The results should be interesting and, hopefully add somewhat to our armoury of arguments to use against the anti's.  A Parliamentary angling group has been formed under the chairmanship of Martin Salter with Baroness Lin Golding as secretary.  A potentially useful body to lobby on future fisheries legislation.

Let's go and have a look at those salmon.

Ian