British River Species active in winter?

[paul112]

Hello everyone.

I got bored waiting for Christmas to happen and made myself a minnow trap from a 2L lemonade bottle. I've planted it in a very rocky part of my local river (the Eden), up here in Cumbria, but I have no idea whether there was much point, as I don't know what species are active at this time of year. I baited it with luncheon meat, because I thought I'd try it and see, but if there's any other baits that are more likely to work at this time of year, please tell.

So, what small species are active this time of year? Any at all?

I will check tomorrow to see,
Paul

 

[guppy]

Well, using scuds in a mesh bag or small worms you should be able to catch Cottus gobio, Bullhead sculpins at down to 1C.

 

[frasertheking]

i got a couple bull heads in a tank i caught in the summer there really cool to watch .


i heard minnows are active all year but move to deeper waters

 

[guppy]

Ummm, Phoxinus phoxinus will also remain somewhat active in deeper sheltered pools as long as water temps are above 2C, don't know what you would bait the trap with though.

 

[frasertheking]

i never had any luck with dry dog food or bread , maby the meaty dog food

i caught my minnows by walking up the river with a net in a sweeping motion but i would not try that this time of year .

wont it be hard getting them into there tank because of the temp dif?

 

[stotty]

should also get Stone Loach (Nemacheilus barbatus) i used to catch theses as a kid by hand they ar all over the U.K except N Scotland

 

[DanDanUK]

gudgeon they make a great live bait for big PERCH!!!

BTW did you trap anything in your minnow trap ?