Birmingham Anglers Association

Have fished the Teme, my favourite river fairly regularly,, over the last four years. Have noticed a definite decline in Barbel numbers caught.. Have fished the river three times this season, and caught three Barbel ranging from 1lb 8oz to 7lb. There are still a good number of decent chub, over 3 lb to be had though. Seen one Otter in those three visits, at Doddenham, he surfaced at the end of my rod, crash dived when he saw me, then swam to mid river, lay on his back looking at me then away down river. Feel privileged to have, shared this moment, with this truly wild creature. In all my visits to the river, I have found no evidence of fish carcasses, on the bank. I don't think the otters take as many fish, as people may think. I think the Temes decline is more complicated, with water quality, abstraction, habitat destruction, and predation all factors to consider. Don't think the prolonged floods back in February, did it any favours either. I have mentioned this before, but the Teme always had a lot of streamer weed, in it, but it now seems to have vanished, leaving quite a barren river. Would love to know how, the water quality now, compares to forty years ago. The Teme will always look a beautiful river, but below the surface, things aren't how they should be. Hope this thread stimulates, some sensible discussion. T C.