THE reservoir fishing season starts on Thursday (March 10).
All reservoirs will be open for fishing on that day and Clypse, Kerrowdhoo, Ballure reservoirs and Eairy Dam have been stocked with fish in advance of the open day.
However, pH levels in Sulby, Baldwin and Cringle are relatively low and because of this these reservoirs have not yet been stocked.
To avoid stress to the fish and possible death it is very important to ensure the pH levels in the recipient water are similar to pH levels in the water the fish are being reared in.
At present the difference in pH level is too great to be confident of stocking success.
However extra numbers of fish have been introduced to the stocked reservoirs to compensate for the non-stocked sites and all reservoirs will offer the angler the challenge of fishing for the 'elusive over-wintered fish'.
Six of the Island's reservoirs are stocked on a regular basis throughout the season with a total of 25,000 rainbow trout reared on behalf of the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture by Troutlodge at Cornaa Fish Hatchery.
These fish are a minimum of 2lbs and can reach up to 15lbs and more. The record rainbow trout caught from a reservoir currently stands at just over 20lbs, captured from Clypse reservoir in January 2009.
DEFA is reminding anglers they can buy their licence in advance of the open day either via online services on the government website or from DEFA at St John's and Post Offices across the Island.
New this year is the combined season licence, available online only, which allows anglers to fish both rivers and reservoirs at a saving of £17 on the cost of two separate licences.
Separate season licences are still available for both reservoirs and other waters.
The department is reminding all anglers of their responsibility to be fully aware of all the rules and regulations relating to freshwater fishing and to be in possession of a valid licence before they go fishing.
A recent prosecution has raised awareness of the penalties associated with freshwater fishing offences which can result in not only a hefty fine but confiscation of fishing tackle and an automatic disqualification from fishing for 12 months.
