Pupils at Haltwhistle Community Campus enjoyed a visit to Langley Dam Fishery last Friday, where they were introduced to a rod and line, with many of them successfully hooking rainbow trout.
Haltwhistle and District Angling Association has a long-established link with the campus.
The Langley Dam visit was made possible after the association secured grant funding from the Angling Trust to raise awareness of fishing among young people.
No fewer than 40 Year 7 pupils took part in Friday’s trip, which was attended by TV fisherman James Stokoe, winner of the BBC 2 show Earth’s Wildest Waters, in 2015.
It followed a visit by Year 6 pupils a fortnight earlier.
The association’s David Stobbart said: “It was a wonderful day and the youngsters were very enthusiastic about their opportunity to go fishing.
“As we boarded the bus, the weather was terrible, but it quickly faired up and we had a great time. A lot of the pupils caught rainbow trout.
“At this time of year it’s a bit early to be going out onto the Tyne, but we hope to do that a bit later on. After all, it’s the best salmon fishing river in the country.”
David said fellow angling association member Carole Sanderson has dedicated much time in recent years to promote fishing to the younger generation.
Last year, Haltwhistle youngsters received 200 eggs from Kielder Salmon Centre, which they carefully placed into a temperature-controlled tank before eventually releasing the fish into the Tyne.
The Haltwhistle and District Angling Association will continue its work with the campus, and has expressed hopes of getting involved with other schools in Tynedale.
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