Char in England and Wales

[robert382]

does anyone know if the lake Char are found anywhere south of the border, and can they be introduced to other lakes in UK , if suitable water acidity is found. I have never myself seen one of these fish, nor as far as I know has it featured on Countryfile or Springwatch., but from photos they seem to be very colourful.

[Lancashire Lad]

The Arctic Char - Salvelinus alpinus, can be found in Buttermere, Coniston Water, Crummock Water, Ennerdale Water, Haweswater, Loweswater, Thirlmere, Wastwater, and Windermere.

There is concern regarding their long term survival in these locations due to increasing environmental pressures.

It would be an offence to introduce the fish into any location where it is not currently found. (Refer to Environment Agency Fisheries Bylaws).

Regards
Mike.

[ron1863]

There are Char ion the Lake District. I remember Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall doing a programme there, trying to catch one, without success

[robert382]

Originally Posted by Lancashire Lad

The Arctic Char - Salvelinus alpinus, can be found in Buttermere, Coniston Water, Crummock Water, Ennerdale Water, Haweswater, Loweswater, Thirlmere, Wastwater, and Windermere.

There is concern regarding their long term survival in these locations due to increasing environmental pressures.

It would be an offence to introduce the fish into any location where it is not currently found. (Refer to Environment Agency Fisheries Bylaws).

Regards
Mike.

thanks Mike, I will see what I can find out about them when I visit these areas in the autumn. If as you say they are legally protected fish, I would assume they cannot be legally caught, which is absolutely right

[The Woodman]

Hi Robert
Charr can legally be caught in the Cumbrian lakes Lancs Lad names but please refer to the Regional EA byelaws for close seasons and methods (especially bait byelaw 18) before having a go.

The lake Ron remembers Hugh F-W blanking on was Coniston. Trevor, the Coniston coal man saved the day by bring Hugh some Charr from his freezer for the Charfest!

Also, re introduction, refer to s.30 of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975. Best advice - don't do it!

Just to tempt you, I've attached a pic of a cock Ennerdale Charr taken for broodstock and subsequent conservation re-stocking.

[aeshna5]

A beautiful looking fish there, Woodman! Let's hope the conservation measures are successful.

[ChrisJB]

Originally Posted by The Woodman

Hi Robert

Just to tempt you, I've attached a pic of a cock Ennerdale Charr taken for broodstock and subsequent conservation re-stocking.

What a corker. I'd love to catch one of those.

Regards, Chris

[robert382]

Hi Chris . this is just such a wonderful pic of the cock Char in all his breeding finery, certainly competing with the cock Seatrout in the colour scheme. I hope that many thousands of char fry will hatch in due course