We are pleased to inform you that Oulton Mill Pool is now open for fishing.

As most Members will know Oulton Mill Pool has been closed since the 2nd May 2017 following the deaths of a large number of Carp (estimated between 80 to 90 Carp + or – 5)

The most probable reason given for the deaths by the Environment Agency National Fishery Service Scientists at Brampton following submission of a small net caught Carp which was sent to them has been given as:

“The results of additional testing support our initial findings with the loses of individual fish as a result of condition of the Gills, heavy parasite loading and the environmental conditions (high PH and ongoing algal bloom) It is likely that the algal bloom and its effects on the water chemistry (greatly elevated PH, Large Fluctuations in the Dissolved Oxygen will be a primary factor to damage and loses observed”

Since then the water in the Pool became very clear and both the Environment Agency and our own tests indicated that the Dissolved Oxygen levels had fallen to a dangerous level (20 to 30%) which required urgent action on our part to correct. This was done by installing aerators in the Pool for 4 days.

At the end of the 4 Day period and following increases in the dissolved oxygen from 60% to 80% (taken at various locations around the Pool, we have decided to reopen the Pool to fishing with immediate effect.

Obviously the Club need to now evaluate what has happened and put in place measures to protect the Fish and improve the Water quality in the Pool. Our own testing has confirmed that the Pool has an elevated PH level and also more worrying an elevated ammonia level of 1.5%.

In the short term we need to try and get these levels and that of the dissolved oxygen back to normal. To prevent Algal Blooms in future years barley straw sausages will be installed earlier in the year. (January or February)

We also know that the amount of Carp in the Pool is far in excess of normal stocking levels for a water of this type and we had already planned to remove some of the smaller specimens in the Autumn of this year. Carp in the Pool have been removed in this way on a number of occasions in the past. The last time was in 2004 when 450 + were removed.

From the few Carp that have already been caught we know that some appear to be suffering from possible secondary infections such as skin infections (ulcers)

We do therefore insist that all Anglers fishing at the Pool for the foreseeable future take suitable precautions to air dry all their equipment (Nets, Mats and Slings) as a minimum and to also disinfect them if possible.

We would finally like to thank all Members for their patience and understanding during this difficult period