Is there fish in the River Alt?

By 2000, the river was well known among local anglers for its healthy population of pike, chub, bream, roach and sticklebacks. Herons, kingfishers and, in summer, egrets can often be seen in the water. In 2016, the Environment Agency released 9,000 fish into the river to replenish stocks.

Is there pike in the River Alt?

The River Alt at Formby is producing some massive pike, the best fish this week going to our local pike specialist Gordon Burton.

How clean is the River Alt?

WATER QUALITY – Class 1 rivers are of good quality. The water can be used for drinking and they are clean enough for fish like salmon and trout to live in. (Highly oxygenated). – Class 2 rivers are of fair quality.

Where does the River Alt rise?

The River Alt flows north east through Lancashire and Merseyside. It rises in Huyton township at the Hag Plantation, and flows through Croxteth Park, West Derby and Maghull.

Why is the Maghull river below sea level?

The river downstream of Maghull is rich agricultural land, but 20 square miles (52 km 2) of it is below sea level and so requires the pumping stations to prevent tidal incursions into the river. The river was once well known for its fish and large quantities of eels were trapped upstream and in its tributaries.

Where is the best place to fish on the River Alt?

The stretch next to the Trickled Trout is very good for larger chub and called the Bonzi stretch. This is run by the farmers and you can only fish up to a certain time. The River Douglas is also in good form for lots of chub up to 2lb on maggot and caster. Parbold is very popular and also the Wigan Anglers’ stretch.

How big is the catchment area of the River Alt?

The Alt’s catchment boundary reaches as far as Banks and Crossens in the north and out to Burscough and Kirkby in the east. It drains a catchment area of 40 square miles (103 km 2) and flows a distance of 17 miles (28 km) from source to the Mersey Estuary.

Where are the pumping stations for the alt River?

Much of the length of the river lies below high tide level, particularly in the lower reaches near Formby and Hightown. Consequently, the Alt is pumped from source to estuary. This is achieved by pumping stations situated at Altmouth and on the tributaries.