- Jul 31
- 3 min read
In July 2026, volunteers from Lough Arrow Fish Preservation Association & District Anglers gave their time to complete this year’s stream rehabilitation project on the Andresna Stream.
The Andresna Stream is one of Lough Arrow’s most important spawning and nursery streams. While it has always had huge potential, sections of the river had become degraded over time and were in need of restoration.
Work focused on restoring over 500 metres of the river’s most productive spawning habitat. The project involved removing a number of significant blockages, installing woody habitat structures including tree logs, root wads and brash, all pinned with rebar to the bed and bank of the river, constructing new riffles, introducing over 70 tonnes of spawning gravel, and creating numerous new spawning areas throughout the river. The woody structures were carefully positioned to help retain spawning gravel, diversify river flow, create holding pools and provide valuable cover for trout throughout their life cycle. Spawning gravel was placed in carefully selected locations to maximise its effectiveness rather than simply distributing it throughout the stream. A large amount of fencing was also completed to protect the stream from livestock, damaged fencing was repaired, and several stiles were installed to allow future access for monitoring and maintenance.
The work has substantially increased the spawning capacity of this section of the river and will provide improved habitat for wild brown trout for many years to come.
A sincere thank you to Luke Kenny, Community Water Officer with the River Basin Management Service (formerly LAWPRO), for his continued support and for securing the funding that made this project possible. We’d also like to acknowledge that a portion of the funding came from the proceeds of our 2026 Stream Development Competition, with everyone who purchased a ticket helping to support projects such as this.
A special thank you also to Enda McGoldrick Plant Hire for providing the machinery, experienced operators and expertise required to deliver the instream restoration works. Their professionalism and assistance throughout the project were greatly appreciated.
We also wish to thank Inland Fisheries Ireland for carrying out the habitat and Appropriate Assessments, developing the restoration plan and providing guidance throughout the project.
We would also like to sincerely thank all of the landowners and riparian owners who kindly facilitated access to the river and fully supported the project. Their cooperation and willingness to work with the club were essential to the successful completion of these restoration works.
The photographs below show some of the work completed, including the installation of woody habitat structures and the placement of spawning gravel. The stream is currently at an exceptionally low summer level following the recent prolonged dry spell, so much of the newly placed gravel remains visible above the water. We look forward to returning later in the year, when winter flows arrive, to see clean water flowing through the restored spawning beds and our wild brown trout using them as intended.
Finally, a sincere thank you to every volunteer who gave up their time, energy and expertise over the course of this project. This was a major undertaking in a challenging location and simply would not have been possible without their commitment. Everyone involved can be proud of what has been achieved, and we look forward to seeing the benefits of this work on the Andresna Stream for many years to come.
