Yes Mike, I suppose widespread would have been a better choice of words!
Surveys from Dyce to above Strathdon so far
We have surveyed around all the obstructions that we are easing on the catchment, and in a number of places in the main stem, both to see what is there and more importantly not there, above the obstructions. An example of this is the Goval Dam, where a good population of Salmon parr was found below the dam, but only one above, showing that adults have real problems leaping the dam. Excellent Brown Trout were found both above and below the dam, showing spawning happens above the dam, but it is incredibly unlikely that adults could jump the dam.
Rob, it was not a surprise that Gudgeon were present, it was the numbers found and the wide spread of speciments that was the surprise. I have never seen them in the river so this is why, to me it was surprising. I have seen stone loaches, and caught some whilst diving a pool as part of a survey. Again, found in surprisingly large numbers. However I guess that the majority of anglers would not know these species were present. No dace found to date, perhaps as we are searching spacific areas of the catchment as part of the FMP we are not searching good dace habitat.
As for the pike, i am no expert, do you have any ideas as the where they may come from? The only ones i have heard of were in the lower Don, so perhaps Lilly and Bishops lochs near Dyce? Jim kerr would know i am sure.
I cannot think of any other lochs linked to the Don that hold pike, does Corby have any? There is a wee pond near corby that is full of perch, and although i dont know if this one, or for that matter if Bishops or Lilly are linked to the river i would expect that they are.
D