london lakes - stream development project
A fifteen kilometre stream between Lake
Big Jim and Lake Samuel is being constructed on London Lakes. The
first ten kilometresis are called the Oxford Pools and the final five kilometres are named
the Benjamin Pools.
So far, the stream features approximately fifty excavated pools of varying shapes. The size of the pools varies from ten metres in diameter to larger areas of five acres or more and there are many narrow gutters and trenches that interlock pools to provide perfect brown trout habitat.
Designed to mimic the original Highland meadow streams of the area prior to flooding by Hydro Electric Commission projects, the stream is slow moving with deep pools. Two-thirds of each pool has been excavated to up to
two and one-half metres in depth. The remaining third is less than
one metre in depth and provide a reed growing area. The first priority has been to ensure prime fish habitat,
providing sufficient cover to allow small fish to escape larger fish, and large
fish to escape cormorants.
The stream has a natural water flow from springs and run off during
the winter and spring months and can be supplemented by water from Lake Big
Jim as required. Recently raised weirs have ensured that the pools overflow and
flood surrounding tussock country to provide excellent conditions for foraging
trout and ideal sight fishing conditions for the angler. The project includes excavating and gravelling spawning stream and alternative streams. The spawning stream and pools have been connected to the Lake Big Jim valve
to provide water flow as required.
oxford pools
The Oxford Pools will eventually be ten kilometres long. Stage One of this stream opened to Lodge guests on September 1, 2002. Seeded with Highland Dun mayflies in 2001, a small hatch occurred in November / December, 2002.
Tthe Oxford Pools already are providing exciting fishing. This signature stream can only be fished in the company of a registered London Lakes' angling guide. Wading is prohibited; all fish must be released; angling is from the bank only; the stream will not be fished on consecutive days.
The Pools run through a quiet, isolated grassy valley with a water-table only a few feet below the surface. This little stream is not unlike "Flat Creek" outside Jackson Hole in Wyoming, USA.
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