For lovers of rivers and admirers of salmon, this piece by Katie Jarvis featuring the local knowledge and experiences of Severn Piscator and Matt Hart by is well worth your time. greatbritishlife.co.uk/magazines/cots…

Gloucestershire. I love it. First night out with the elver net. With the current state of play, all elvers caught this evening will be returned. Am I confident of seeing a few? Absolutely not….thats why I’ve shared my location. But on nights like this…it’s truly magical.

Volume up for this one. I’ve been faffing about on and in the #RiverSevern all my life. I had a gentle reminder of who the Boss is tonight. At least I’ve had my weekly bath!

Out on the glorious River Severn in pursuit of the elusive elver. With the current state of play (I won’t bore you with the detail) all elvers returned. A scene that hasn’t changed since my great, great grandfather was doing the same thing all those years ago. It’s a way of life.

A wonderful photograph kindly shared by Severn Piscator that immaculately captures the roots of elver fishing here on the #RiverSevern. Judging by the sartorial elegance on display, I reckon the photograph was taken in the 1940’s or very early 1950’s.

The distant scene. Flood tide at Minsterworth. Wonderful to see May fish aka Shad cutting lines all over the surface, making their way upstream to spawn. Also, many elvers completing the first leg of their epic journey. I wish them well.

Finally finished the lave net for my 8 year old. Ash rockstaff (handle), hazel rimes (arms) and severn-side applewood yoke. No power tools involved (I must be mad). New (small) footprints out on the sand in pursuit of shrimp within the next few weeks!

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Glorious evening out in the Severn Estuary with the lave netting succession plan. Lots of juvenile mullet caught and released. He’s keen to go out before breakfast tomorrow to catch “a big one.” Suppose I’d better tag along!

Nothing beats a quiet five minutes to yourself. With the lowest river levels in living memory, here I am taking five and sitting on the Church Rock in the middle of the River Severn at the bottom of my garden. Don’t try to replicate this. The waters can be treacherous.

Yesterday was a special day. No tide to speak of but a young lad was keen to catch “the big one”. Out before breakfast and he spotted the loom of this “monster mullet” and caught it. Mullet safely returned and mission accomplished.

I’ve been getting plenty of river time of late, mostly spent in the company of Matt Hart. The Severn estuary is still a place full of wonder, what a playground to have. Great to see a few salmon as well. Please scroll on down to see a few photos of how the lave net is used.1/2

A few people have asked what we do with the fish. We’re now a total catch and release fishery, preserving the knowledge of the heritage fishery, once a huge part of Severnside communities, while minimising any impact to salmon stocks. A good balance. Vid by Matt Hart….and away

“The first class fisherman (lave netter) must have the speed of a rugger three quarter and the eye of a county cricketer….” Brian Waters, Severn Tide (1947). There is a fish in the first pic…bonus points if you can spot it…not a salmon, but a shad…safely returned.

Working between the tides to undertake some vital riparian maintenance. My wonderful neighbour Mike - a true Severn man, working with my lad. Separated by over 80 years but very much on the same page. Wonderful.

Making memories out in the Severn Estuary with the youngest lave netter. He was spotting looms (marks of fish swimming), stalking them and caught some mullet (very tricky to spot and catch). When his time comes, netting his first salmon will be a cakewalk.