We have shut all lakes the last 3 weeks due to hot weather and water levels providing a stressful environment for the fish stocks. Big thanks to everyone for their understanding on these closures.
Water and oxygen levels at Barford are good. Colton and Railway water levels are getting there. Water is short everywhere and in demand.
We have unfortunately though had some losses in the Match Lake at Barford. We contacted CEFAS early on and had sent fish away to be tested. The results just in have confirmed we have had a KHV outbreak on the Match Lake. We have currently had no loses in the Pleasure and Top lakes and believe it is contained in the Match Lake.
CEFAS has designated the Match lake as no fishing for at least the next 2 weeks, mortalities have now ceased and we have lost an estimated 250lb of the smaller newly stocked fish.
As it appears to be contained, CEFAS have said we are able to fish the other lakes on site, with dip tanks in place. Although, in the interest of the future fishing, for the time being we would like to be cautious and remain closed this next 7 days at Barford (Match Lake will remain shut for at least 2 weeks). We want to ensure no stress on the fish until things have settled.
Once we have water added into Colton and Railway we will be able to re-open there.
Our sincere apologies and we appreciate your understanding, we will get open as soon as possible.
With all of the above in mind and the decision has not been taken lightly but we will be cancelling the Four day festival due to be fished on 12th August. We feel we possibly would be risking too much too soon. We don’t wish to put the fish at Barford under any additional stress and we cannot be confident we will get Railway topped up to an acceptable level. Apologies to those booked on, we will be in contact personally in due course.
Kind regards
The team at Barford Lakes
